Good Health Choices New Zealand – August 2019

Good Health

handbook

USEFUL CONTACTS

Blind Foundation

blindfoundation.org.nz

Diabetes New Zealand

diabetes.org.nz

Glaucoma New Zealand

glaucoma.org.nz

Health Navigator NZ

healthnavigator.org.nz

Macular Degeneration

New Zealand

mdnz.org.nz

New Zealand Association

of Optometrists

nzao.co.nz

The Royal Australian and

New Zealand College of

Ophthalmologists

ranzco.edu

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book was compiled using

information from Optometry

Australia. Additional information

sourced from Vision Australia, The

National Eye Health Awareness

Campaign and The Royal Australian

and New Zealand College of

Ophthalmologists.

GENERAL NOTE

This is intended as a general

introduction to the topic and in no

way should be seen as substitute

for your own doctor’s or health

professional’s advice. All care is

taken to ensure that the information

contained here is free from error

and/or omissions, however, no

responsibility can be accepted by any

person involved in the preparation

of the material for loss occasioned to

any person acting or refraining from

action as a result of the published

information. Before commencing any

health treatment, you should always

consult your doctor.

WINTER BLUEs

Last winter my eyes started to feel uncomfortable and

dry. They felt dry when I went to bed and were still dry when I woke

up in the morning. I wasn’t concerned initially but two weeks in and

the problem was getting worse. When I saw my optometrist she

explained that in the cooler weather, dry air outdoors coupled with

dry air from indoor heating is a major source of eye discomfort. We

had recently installed reverse cycle air-conditioning so she suggested

putting bowls of water around the rooms where we spent most of our

time. She also advised me to switch from contact lenses to glasses for

a few days and has prescribed a different type of contact lenses that

are more comfortable for dry eyes.

Blue light damage due to increased device usage is

on the rise and is a prominent issue in today’s society.

Mānuka Health Vision Shield is a powerful combination

of antioxidants and essential eye nutrients to protect

our eyes from overexposure to blue light. Vision Shield

contains FloraGLO lutein, which is sourced from

marigold flowers in Switzerland, boasting superior

absorption and bioavailability. This is combined with

OPTISHARP zeaxanthin and high-DHA concentrated

omega-3, an essential omega-3 fatty acid for the eyes

and brain. Another key ingredient, New Zealand propolis, helps to

protect against free radical damage in the body. Available at Life and

Unichem pharmacies. Always read the label and use as directed.

If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Have you tried?

case

study

Watch the sun!

Protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the
sun. A lifetime of UV exposure can lead to cataracts, macular
degeneration, eyelid cancer and pterygium – a fleshy growth
on the cornea. Even short bursts of high-intensity unprotected
UV exposure can lead to pain, irritation and sensitivity to light.
And it’s not only in summer that UV exposure is hazardous.
Protect your eyes year-round.

TEXT

DEBBIE DUNCAN

PHOTOGRAPHY

GETTY IMAGES AND SUPPLIED