白內障手術係透過微創方式移除混濁的水晶體，再植入人工晶體，整個過程大約只需10至30分鐘，但白內障手術後護理則需要長達1至2個月。

除了遵循醫生囑咐用藥、回診、保持眼部衛生等，患者具體該如何保養以便加快白內障手術後的康復時間？白內障手術有哪些後遺症？本文將一一講解白內障手術後該如何保養以及解答患者常見疑慮。

白內障手術後要休息多久？

現代的白內障手術屬於微創手術，一般只有0.2公分的傷口。因此，白內障手術後究竟要休息多久主要取決於個人的視力恢復情況。

一般而言，白內障術後的第2天大多數的患者已經可以看清楚眼前事物。只要認真保養，白內障手術後1週至1個月內就可以完全恢復視力。 

不過，我們通常會建議白內障術後的患者儘早正常使用雙眼，以加快白內障手術後的康復時間。在白內障手術後的數小時內，如果已經看得清楚，患者便可以進行一些日常活動，如看電視、使用電腦、吃飯和淋浴等。

儘管如此，白內障手術後仍需認真保養，按照醫生的建議使用藥物、清潔眼睛，避免激烈運動和搬運重物等。當眼睛感到疲勞時，應該適當休息。

白內障手術後注意事項

白內障手術雖然被認為是一種小手術，但若在白內障術後疏忽保養，可能引發眼內感染，甚至導致失明的風險。因此，正確的白內障術後保養至關重要。

1. 根據醫生指示進行眼部清潔、避免揉眼。
2. 術後1個月內避免碰撞、搬重物或進行激烈運動，以免影響傷口癒合或人工晶體移位。
3. 術後2週內避免弓腰洗頭；淋浴時避免污水濺入眼內。
4. 睡覺前戴好眼罩。
5. 外出時戴太陽眼鏡，預防光線照射眼睛。
6. 如果長時間眼睛不適，例如劇痛、嚴重紅腫、視力減退等情況請立即診治。

白內障手術後遺症

白內障手術是一種安全有效的治療方法，但仍可能出現一些潛在的後遺症，不過無需過於擔心，白內障手術後遺症多數都是輕微或極少見的，只要在白內障術後認真護理或及時治療便可恢復視力。

以下是一些可能的白內障手術後遺症： 

• 看見閃光或陰影：白內障術後的幾個小時或幾天內感覺有些閃光或陰影是相當常見的情況，不過這些症狀都會在短時間內消失，無需太過擔心。手術後，您有更高的機會將其從眼後部拉開，這個問題稱為視網膜脫離。這是緊急情況，可能會導致視力下降。如果您有以下情況，請立即去看眼科醫生：如果您有以下情況，請立即去看眼科醫生：感覺像簾子落在了你的眼睛上、視線中有新的浮點、經常看到閃光。

• 眼壓高：在某些情況下，手術後可能會導致眼壓升高，這種現象一般24小時後就會消失。如果眼壓持續升高，那麼就可能是晶體皮質殘留、炎症反應、黏彈劑殘留等問題，需要立即尋求醫生進行檢查。

• 光敏感：手術後，患者可能會對強光更為敏感，因此外出時要記得戴太陽眼鏡。隨著時間的推移，眼睛會自然適應，光敏感的症狀會減輕。

• 後囊膜混濁：白內障手術後視力變得模糊？有些患者可能因為表皮細胞增生在晶體周圍的後囊膜內導致視力模糊。這種情況可以透過雷射治療來矯正，從而改善眼矇的症狀。

• 視網膜剝離：如果患者在白內障手術後的某一個時間點突然看到漂浮物或閃光，導致看不清楚眼前事物，很大可能是視網膜剝離的症狀，請立即諮詢眼科醫生以做進一步治療。

• 飛蚊症：有些患者在白內障手術後發現眼有黑點，這是因為白內障手術前視力太過模糊，才沒有發現飛蚊症的存在。飛蚊症眼睛老化的現象之一，如果黑點沒有突然增多，便可不必理會。
• 黃斑水腫︰有時在手術後，視網膜中的血管洩漏。當液體積聚在您的眼睛中時，它會模糊您的視力。首先醫生會選擇用眼藥水治療，可能需要數週或數月的時間才能恢復。在更嚴重的情況下，患者可能需要在眼後注射類固醇激素或進行手術。
• 眼部感染︰手術期間進入您眼中的細菌可能導致感染。您可能對光敏感，或者有疼痛，發紅和視力問題。白內障手術後的感染很少見，通常可以用抗生素治療。在某些嚴重情況下，醫生可能去除了眼中心的玻璃狀透明凝膠，以阻止感染擴散。

患者應在白內障術後適當保養及按時覆診，如果在白內障手術後有不尋常的視力變化應立即尋求眼科醫生協助處理。

白內障手術常見問題

Peeping at others while they bathe can cause styes or chalazia? How long do the symptoms last? Can they heal with self-applied ointment, or should one see an ophthalmologist for treatment? Many likely share these questions, especially the burning desire to know: once afflicted, how long will a stye or chalazion take to resolve? Before addressing these concerns, we must first understand the underlying mechanism.

Causes of Styes/Stye Formation

Stye, commonly known as a "pimple on the eyelid," is medically termed a "hordeolum." Styes typically develop near the meibomian glands and can cause eyelid redness and swelling. The primary cause of styes is excessive oil secretion from the meibomian glands, leading to gland blockage. This is often compounded by poor eye hygiene practices that allow bacterial infection to occur.

Additionally, if a patient frequently develops styes or chalazia, it may be due to eyelash follicles being blocked by mites. These tiny organisms can live at the base of eyelashes, and when they multiply excessively, they may cause inflammation and pus accumulation, ultimately forming styes or chalazia. So it's actually not caused by peeping on others while they bathe.

To prevent styes, daily eye care and hygiene are crucial, especially for those who frequently wear makeup. Thoroughly remove all makeup and avoid sharing cosmetics or makeup tools with others whenever possible. If styes recur frequently and persist for extended periods, consult an ophthalmologist to ensure proper management of the condition.

Characteristics and Symptoms of Styes/Styes

Styes/chalazia develop in different locations, corresponding to distinct names: "external hordeolum" and "internal hordeolum." External hordeolum forms in the superficial sebaceous glands near the eyelashes, while internal hordeolum develops within the deeper meibomian glands. Because the abscess forms on the inner side of the eyelid, the inflammation tends to persist longer.

In the early stages, symptoms may only include a slight sensation of something in the eye, which is not painful to the touch. Such symptoms typically resolve on their own with adequate rest and appropriate warm compresses. However, if the stye or chalazion becomes infected with bacteria, the following symptoms may appear:

Eye-picking syndrome

I. Mild Symptoms of Stye/Stye Infection

• Slight redness and swelling of the eyelids
• Mild itching and dandruff
• Foreign body sensation
• A scratching sensation when blinking

II. Severe Symptoms of Stye/Stye Infection

• The eyelids are noticeably swollen and enlarged, even affecting vision.
• Pain and slight warmth in the eyelids
• The sensation of a foreign object is very pronounced.
• Temporary astigmatism

If swelling or pain persists, consult an ophthalmologist immediately for treatment of a stye or chalazion.

How to treat a stye/eye boil?

Some patients attempting to treat styes or chalazia may try to puncture the affected area with a needle and then squeeze out the pus. However, this practice can lead to bacterial infection, causing the wound to become inflamed again or recur, or result in cellulitis, and may even trigger intracranial infection. Therefore, doctors do not encourage patients with styes or chalazia to use this method.If you discover you have a stye or chalazion, consult an ophthalmologist. Typically, when treating styes or chalazions, doctors will provide appropriate treatment recommendations based on the severity of the patient's condition.

I. Mild Stye/Stye Needle

For mild cases of styes or chalazia, maintaining good eye hygiene is key. At the onset, you may try warm compresses using a warm towel or a "hot egg" method to help the stye or chalazion resolve on its own.styes/pimples to subside naturally. To do this, boil an egg, wrap it in a gauze cloth without peeling it, and gently massage the eye area. Apply 4-5 times daily for 15 minutes each session. This melts and expels the blocked oil, reducing follicle obstruction. With this method, the stye/pimple will clear up in no time.

However, if you find the stye/pimple on your eye too painful, it is recommended to seek medical assistance first. The doctor will prescribe steroids or antibiotics based on the condition of the stye to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

II. Severe Stye/Eye Abscess

If a stye or chalazion persists with inflammation and shows no improvement after medication, the doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce the swelling. However, this medication can cause whitening of the surrounding skin, making it less ideal for individuals with darker skin tones. In such cases, the doctor may suggest a minor surgical procedure to remove the stye or chalazion.This procedure is quite simple and leaves only a very small incision, resulting in no visible scar. If styes/chalazia frequently recur in the same area post-surgery, the doctor may send the tissue to a laboratory to rule out malignancy. However, lumps on the eyelid are usually benign and harmless.

How long does it take for a stye to heal?

As for how long it takes for a stye/hordeolum to improve, it depends on the severity of the patient's condition.Generally speaking, mild cases of styes/pink eye require patience and will improve within a few days as the swelling gradually subsides. Severe cases demand even more patience, with styes taking nearly two weeks to show improvement. If treated with patience, styes/pink eye often improve within days, and the duration of the condition can be shortened.

Whether you have a mild or severe case, the most important thing when dealing with a stye or chalazion is to seek medical attention promptly and be patient enough to wait a few days to see if it improves. Self-treatment of a stye or chalazion is absolutely not recommended, as this can cause further complications, leading to the stye or chalazion taking even longer to improve and heal. In such cases, recovery may take well over a month.

Are styes/pink eye contagious?

Generally speaking, styes or chalazia themselves are not contagious. However, if left untreated, they can lead to bacterial growth or demodex mite infestation. In such cases, they may spread to the other eye or to others through direct contact. Sharing towels, pillows, or cosmetics with an infected person increases the risk of transmission.

How long does it take for a stye/pink eye to heal, and how often does it recur?

Anyone who's had a stye or chalazion knows that feeling—not only is it extremely uncomfortable, but it can also directly affect your appearance. While it's not an emergency, it's definitely a major annoyance for some people, as styes and chalazions tend to recur frequently. To prevent recurrence, the key lies in maintaining good hygiene, adopting a healthy diet, and taking preventive measures.

• Practice good hygiene: Keep your hands clean, especially before touching your eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands and refrain from using unclean towels to wipe your eyes.
• Healthy Sleep and Diet: Reduce late nights to allow your eyes sufficient rest, which helps regulate meibomian gland oil secretion effectively. Limit consumption of fried or spicy foods to lower the risk of inflammation in the body.

Preventive recurrence treatments are particularly effective for patients who frequently experience styes or chalazia, as these therapies eliminate parasites, reduce inflammation, and combat microorganisms. Take IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) as an example: IPL possesses photobiomodulation capabilities, effectively stimulating cellular mitochondria to promote cellular health. Treatments incorporating tetracycline or macrolide antibiotics aid in reducing inflammation and eliminating bacteria.

If not properly treated, styes or chalazia may persist for months and recur frequently, or lead to other more serious eye problems. Therefore, if you develop a stye or chalazion, the best course of action is to seek treatment from an ophthalmologist.

Why see an ophthalmologist?

Although styes are common, a doctor can accurately determine the type of stye you have, assess whether surgery is truly necessary, and select the most suitable incision location and technique. Postoperative follow-up is equally important. The doctor will provide detailed postoperative care instructions, schedule regular follow-up appointments to evaluate your recovery, and offer personalized advice to prevent recurrence. Only through this comprehensive treatment and follow-up can you truly resolve your stye issue completely.

#Sty Treatment #Sty #Sty Lancing #Sty #Sty Ointment

Macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease that typically causes blurred central vision, distorted images, and dark spots in the central visual field. The primary cause of macular degeneration is the gradual aging of the eye over time, hence it is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration.

然而，也有些年輕人可能會受到其他因素的影響而罹患黃斑病變。那麼，以目前的醫術來説，是否有可行方案治療黃斑病變呢？部分黃斑病變又會否自己好嗎？湯文傑眼科醫生為你講解黃斑病變成因及治療方法︰激光光凝凝固、光動力療法、抗血管內皮生長因子玻璃體注射、低視能眼鏡、雙焦點附加人工晶體等。

黃斑病變成因有哪些？

老年黃斑病變成因有很多種，其中最主要與年齡有關，是造成50歲以上中老年人中央視力減退主要原因。然而，也有一些年輕人也可能會罹患黃斑病變，這可能是由於先天性遺傳或後天不良習慣所致。其他黃斑病變原因包括：

• Smoking: Studies show that smokers have a 3 to 4 times higher risk of developing macular degeneration compared to the general population.
• Poor dietary habits: Long-term consumption of high-fat, high-sugar foods leads to obesity and the "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol), compromising the health of eye blood vessels and increasing the risk of macular degeneration.
• Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight: UVA rays in sunlight accelerate the aging of photoreceptor cells, leading to macular degeneration.
• Cellular Growth Factor Effects: Certain genetic abnormalities in the human body are associated with macular degeneration, such as complement factor B and complement factor H. These genetic abnormalities have been proven to be highly correlated with the progression of macular degeneration.

Additionally, while it's rumored that blue light from electronic devices may contribute to the younger onset of age-related macular degeneration, there currently isn't sufficient research data to substantiate this claim. However, using electronic devices in dimly lit environments may cause the macula to absorb more blue light, potentially triggering various eye conditions.

Will macular degeneration improve?

Some patients ask, "Will surgery for macular degeneration help?" or "Will macular edema resolve on its own?"

It is important to understand that macular degeneration cannot resolve on its own. Treatment options are available to slow the progression of the disease and alleviate its symptoms. To prevent further vision loss, it is recommended to seek prompt medical attention from an ophthalmologist for the treatment of macular degeneration.

What surgical treatment options are available for age-related macular degeneration?

Laser surgery and injections are available treatments for macular degeneration. The cost of these procedures depends on the specific treatment plan. Since macular degeneration symptoms may affect only one eye initially or develop in both eyes sequentially, the cost of treatment—whether laser or injection—will vary accordingly.

Currently, intravitreal injections are the most common treatment for age-related macular degeneration. For patients with more severe cases, doctors may recommend surgical intervention to treat macular degeneration.

Additionally, most treatment plans for age-related macular degeneration focus on the more severe wet form. For dry age-related macular degeneration, doctors typically recommend patients increase their intake of eye-healthy foods or supplements, quit smoking and other unhealthy habits, and undergo regular check-ups.

Laser photocoagulation

激光光凝凝固除了治療老年黃斑病變，也可治療白內障等其他眼疾。其原理是利用激光的熱能去消除眼睛異常增生的血管，從而減少血管滲血，阻止視力衰退。不過，光凝固治療黃斑病變方案可能會破壞健康的組織，若血管位置相當靠近黃斑部中心，建議另尋治療方案。

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy combines medication and laser treatment for age-related macular degeneration. An ophthalmologist first injects a photosensitizing solution into the patient's arm. This solution circulates through the bloodstream and attaches to abnormally proliferating blood vessels. A cold laser is then used to activate the photosensitizing solution, which eliminates the proliferating blood vessels in the eye, thereby treating age-related macular degeneration.Unlike laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy does not damage surrounding ocular tissues and can also help improve vision issues. For inquiries regarding the cost of photodynamic eye therapy, please feel free to consult our team at any time.

Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injection

Intraocular injections are the most common treatment for macular degeneration. An ophthalmologist administers a local anesthetic to the surface of the eye before injecting anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medication. This blocks the growth of abnormal blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of bleeding from new blood vessels. The injection therapy not only controls the progression of macular degeneration but also improves impaired vision. It is particularly effective for treating wet macular degeneration.

Another method for treating wet macular degeneration involves intravitreal steroid injections. Long-acting steroids effectively reduce damage to the retinal barrier caused by abnormal blood vessels within the eye and improve macular edema. However, it is important to note that steroids may cause other eye problems such as increased intraocular pressure and cataracts.

New Technology for Treating Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration

When laser treatment or injections fail to cure macular degeneration, ophthalmologists typically recommend supplementary methods to help patients improve their vision. These include implanting a bifocal intraocular lens or wearing low-vision glasses. Although such approaches may be more expensive than surgical treatments for macular degeneration, they offer a relatively direct and rapid solution.

Low Vision Glasses

Smart low-vision glasses instantly project images of the surrounding environment onto the healthiest areas of the retina for individuals with low vision, adjusting based on the patient's perception. These glasses enhance the patient's perception of real-world scenes by supplementing and correcting visual details. During setup, ophthalmologists can intuitively calibrate the glasses to help patients achieve optimal vision.

Bifocal Intraocular Lens

SML (Scharioth Macular Lens) is an implantable lens that helps patients "magnify" their visual field. Featuring a specially designed central optical zone, it provides a high additional hyperopic power of +10.0D, improving near vision without compromising distance vision.

Will some macular degeneration improve after surgery?

Unfortunately, macular degeneration cannot be completely cured. Whether undergoing macular degeneration surgery or other treatment options, they can only slightly improve vision and prevent further deterioration.The key lies in prevention. Daily care for eye health is essential: minimize direct exposure to bright light, supplement with nutrients like lutein, and strive to slow the aging process of the eye. Only then can the risk of developing macular degeneration be reduced.

Diet and Care After Macular Degeneration Surgery

Diet and care after macular degeneration surgery are critical steps that directly impact the success rate of the procedure. Following surgery or injections, certain precautions must be observed. For instance, it is essential to strictly adhere to the doctor's instructions regarding the timing of eye drops or oral medication. In daily life, avoid rubbing your eyes, reduce eye strain, and steer clear of environments with high smoke or dust levels, such as construction sites or areas with heavy smoking.

Regarding diet, it is recommended to ensure nutritional balance and increase intake of foods rich in vitamins C, E, A, and zinc, such as dark leafy greens, fruits, and nuts. Doctors typically advise patients to focus on supplementing vitamin C post-surgery, as it aids in accelerating recovery and preventing infections; lutein is recommended as part of long-term health maintenance following macular degeneration surgery.Additionally, patients may consider adopting dietary approaches for macular degeneration recommended by ophthalmologists or nutritionists to maintain healthy vision.

湯文傑眼科醫生提醒若患者是因三高或其他健康問題而罹患老年黃斑病變，則需要改變飲食和生活作息，健康的身體才能控制黃斑病變再度惡化，降低復發風險。

近視是時下小朋友最爲普遍的眼睛問題之一。據衛生署資料顯示，香港約有18% 的6歲兒童有近視問題；而12歲兒童近視率更高達62%，比率遠高於其他歐亞地區。除了不良用眼習慣外，如果父母本身有高度近視，那麽小朋友患上近視眼的幾率也會大幅增加。因此，早期預防及控制兒童近視加深極爲重要。

電子產品乃兒童近視的主因

隨著電子產品普及，近視兒童的年齡層也有逐漸上升的趨勢。不少家長把電子產品當作「兒童奶嘴」，小朋友在眼睛尚未完全發育的階段，就養成依賴電子產品的習慣，影響眼睛正常發育。

在患有近視的兒童中，其中有高達8成的兒童近視成因是用眼習慣不良所致。長時間觀看電子屏幕，會使瞳孔不斷適應光源變化，令調節瞳孔的睫狀肌時刻維持緊張狀態，導致眼睛過度疲勞，增強小朋友近視風險。若要預防或控制兒童近視程度，家長必須嚴格管控孩子使用電子產品的時間，同時鼓勵他們參與戶外活動，減少依賴「電子奶嘴」。

兒童近視也有分真假？

但其實近視也有「真近視」跟「假性近視」，前者是因爲眼睛結構已發生變化，所以無法自然恢復；後者則是眼睛暫時性疲勞的表現，只要適當放鬆眼睛肌肉，就能得到改善。由於兩類近視恢復的方式都不同，所以重點應先了解小朋友的近視屬哪一類。

假性近視常發生在12歲以下的小朋友身上，因爲小朋友的睫狀肌相當有力，加上他們長時間近距離使用電子產品，容易出現睫狀肌無法自然放鬆情況，因而導致假性近視。不過只要讓眼睛充分休息，假性近視的兒童就能恢復正常視力。

若是懷疑家中小朋友有視力問題，建議即刻尋求眼科醫生進行檢查，通常假性兒童近視可以恢復的，大多數是通過點藥去放鬆眼睛，從而檢測眼睛的真實屈光狀態，去判斷真/假近視。

雖然兒童假性近視可以恢復，但這也是近視的一大徵兆，若小朋友不及時更正用眼習慣的話亦有可能變成真近視。

如何發現小朋友患上近視？

小朋友不會意識到自己有視力問題，因此，家長應格外留神，通過觀察去判斷小朋友是否出現近視或其他視力問題。若出現以下近視徵兆，家長應帶小朋友去咨詢眼科醫生：

• 經常眨眼或揉眼睛
• 經常拉扯眼角或瞇眼去看遠處事物
• 經常傾斜頭部去看事物
• 看事物時眼睛和東西貼很近

疏於控制兒童近視有甚麼後果？

部分家長或認爲，若小朋友的近視不深便可不必理會。然而，實際上，如果兒童近視不做任何控制的話，近視度數會隨著年齡逐漸增加，甚至在短時間内急速飆升。若年幼時已有近視問題，那麽很容易會令近視度數超過500度。

但你以為就只有令近視加深那麼簡單嗎？不！當近視度數越深，日後罹患白內障、青光眼、黃斑病變等眼疾的機會也會幾何級上升，嚴重甚至可能導致失明。

• 白內障：高度近視者的水晶體容易退化和混濁，進而導致白內障的風險增加。
• 青光眼：高度近視者的眼壓較高，罹患青光眼的風險為正常人的4倍。
• 黃斑病變：在近視達800度且近視10年的病患中，約有5~10%患者合併黃斑部病變。
• 飛蚊症：高度近視者的玻璃體容易退化，進而產生纖維絲狀的懸浮物。
• 視網膜剝離：高度近視者的視網膜容易退化或萎縮，罹患視網膜剝離的風險是普通人的20倍以上。

因此，家長應積極關注兒童近視度數及採取控制和預防措施，避免兒童將來成爲高度近視者。

有哪些方法可控制兒童近視？

一般來說，小朋友最理想的近視加深速度應維持在每年不超過50度。若兒童近視每年增加超過100度，則屬於不尋常情況，未來亦有可能發展成高度近視，甚至會增加患上併發症的風險，所以醫學界近年來致力於研究出多種控制及改善兒童近視方法，以減緩兒童近視加深的速度。

Low-concentration atropine eye drops

低濃度阿托品眼藥水可抑制鞏膜過度生長，減慢眼球拉長，進而控制兒童近視加深，1年内就能減慢67%的加深。

然而，有些小朋友使用低濃度阿托品眼藥水後會出現畏光的副作用，或看近距離事物時不清的情況，因此，使用低濃度阿托品眼藥水前宜謹慎考慮。

角膜塑形隱形眼鏡 (OK鏡)

角膜塑形隱形眼鏡(OK鏡)是一種在夜間佩戴的隱形眼鏡，適用於近視不超過600度的近視兒童。其原理是通過高度透氧的硬性鏡片去幫助角膜塑形，讓使用者在日間時無需配戴眼鏡也可以看得清楚。研究證實，長期配戴OK鏡可以控制兒童近視度數加深，一般可以將兒童近視速度延緩至50%～80%。

不過，角膜塑形隱形眼鏡只是暫時性的矯正視力，若是停止配戴，兒童近視度數加深程度將恢復回原來的狀態。

另外，OK鏡片控制兒童近視的價格通常在HK$5,000～HK$10,000左右，加上每9個月左右就需要更換一次鏡片，因此這類兒童近視控制鏡片價格對部分家庭而言，或許會有些負擔。

離焦鏡片 (DIMS)

離焦鏡片有兩種度數，分別是中央位置是普通近視鏡片，及周邊鏡片，利用了近視離焦光學元素，把周邊的影像聚焦在視網膜前方，進而減慢眼球拉長，控制兒童近視速度。研究證實，配戴離焦鏡片的兒童在2年内近視速度明顯減慢52%。

可惜的是，離焦鏡片只適用於近視不超過650度，散光不超過400度的近視兒童，超過該度數的兒童只能另尋其他控制方案。再者，這類兒童近視控制鏡片的價格也不低，現時市售的兒童用的控制近視離焦鏡片價格大多HK$4,000起，價格直接令想用鏡片控制兒童近視的家長有所卻步。

更早期控制兒童近視的方法——兒童AI近視控制計劃

一如上述所講，部分控制兒童近視的眼藥水或會產生副作用，而現時市售的兒童用的控制近視離焦鏡片價格又偏高，加上所謂「預防勝於治療」，令家長開始意識到要控制兒童近視及近視加深的機率，並非在發現他們有近視後，才開始著手計劃，而是應在更早期就著手控制小朋友出現近視的風險。

兒童AI近視控制計劃是近年來香港重點研發的專項，預測準確率高達8成以上。目的是爲了能夠提前預測小朋友未來3年近視發展，並提前定制個體化的治療方案，控制兒童近視加深或恢復視力。

兒童AI近視控制計劃的主要流程如下：

1. 填寫小朋友生活習慣問卷
2. 進行各類眼睛檢查
3. 輸入檢查數據，通過人工智能與大數據分析小朋友未來3年近視狀況
4. 家長及眼科醫生可透過報告及圖表瞭解小朋友的近視發展是否屬於高風險
5. 眼科醫生將根據評估結果為小朋友定制個人化治療，延緩兒童近視加深，降低高度近視風險。

現時由眼科醫生湯文傑醫生負責的「兒童AI近視控制計劃」已於 129,242 青少年人群中進行驗證，預測準確率高達80%以上，為青少年近視預警提供幫助。

Parents can accurately predict their children's future myopia progression through the "Children's Myopia Control AI Platform." This AI platform uses big data intelligent analysis to generate predictive results, enabling parents to monitor changes in their children's refractive errors at different ages based on the prediction report (which parents can consider a "refractive development profile").Ophthalmologists will also use the prediction report to provide parents with a detailed analysis of their child's current myopia status, comparing it to normal refractive development for the same age group, and develop a personalized myopia treatment plan.

改善或控制兒童近視的日常方法

想預防或控制近視問題，除了尋求眼科醫生的幫助，家長也可以從日常生活中去幫助近視兒童恢復或改善視力。

建立正確的用眼習慣

盡量規定小朋友做功課或閲讀時要維持正確坐姿，避免趴著或躺著，也應避免他們在昏暗的環境閲讀或玩手機，並控制近視兒童每日使用電子產品的時間，及養成用眼每30分鐘，休息5~10分鐘的好習慣。

攝取護眼食物

家長平日亦可以給小朋友多攝取含有維生素A、C、E、葉黃素、花青素等之類的護眼食物，有助於近視兒童恢復或改善視力。

戶外活動

建議家長每日帶小朋友到戶外活動，例如到遊樂場玩耍、公園散步，減少他們使用電子產品的時間，而且戶外的陽光也能夠刺激視網膜多巴胺的分泌量，有效控制兒童近視加深。

兒童近視的發展速度極快，稍不注意度數就可能迅速飆升。因此，除了在日常生活中要監督小朋友養成良好用眼習慣，建議家長定期帶小朋友進行眼睛檢查。一旦發現異常，就能及時採取適當的控制措施和治療方案，以確保兒童視力的健康。

Presbyopia is a vision problem that develops with age, affecting nearly everyone, typically around the age of 40.Many individuals with presbyopia avoid wearing reading glasses out of fear of being perceived as old, which can significantly impact daily life. However, an increasing variety of presbyopia correction methods are now available on the market, making reading glasses no longer the only option. For instance, Presbymax laser surgery for presbyopia, highly recommended by ophthalmologist Dr. Tang Wenjie, not only eliminates the awkwardness of wearing reading glasses but also restores vision to its youthful clarity.

What is presbyopia?

The most common symptom of presbyopia is difficulty reading, where text on phones or books becomes significantly harder to see, requiring constant adjustments in distance to find clearer focus. Prolonged close-up activities often lead to eye fatigue, dryness, or discomfort; when performing close work in dim environments, more light is needed to help the eyes focus.

The primary cause of presbyopia is the degeneration of the lens and ciliary muscles within the eye. This degeneration causes the lens to become rigid and lose elasticity, thereby impairing the eye's refractive ability and ultimately affecting vision.

Although presbyopia typically occurs around age 40, people increasingly rely on electronic devices due to technological advancements. Prolonged screen time causes excessive strain on the ciliary muscles, accelerating the onset of presbyopia. Therefore, protecting eye health is crucial for modern individuals.It is recommended to reduce screen time, allowing the eyes sufficient rest to slow the progression of presbyopia.

2 Ways to Self-Test for Presbyopia

Method One: Symptom Check

Below are some common symptoms associated with presbyopia. If you experience three or more of these, you may have presbyopia.

• When looking at your phone, you need to hold it farther away to see clearly.
• When looking at objects, I find myself wanting to take off my glasses—yet without them, I see more clearly.
• Feeling that your home or office is dimmer than before
• Often misread numbers or text
• I often feel eye strain.
• Stiffness and soreness in the shoulders and neck
• Frequently frowns, experiences dizziness

Method Two: Banknote Test

1. Take out a bill and place it where you can see it most clearly.
2. Then focus on the fine print on the banknote.
3. Look away from the banknote and focus on an object about 2 to 3 meters away for approximately 5 seconds.
4. Then look back at that line of small print and see how many seconds it takes to make out the text.

Focusing within 1 second is considered normal; Taking longer than 1 second indicates a risk of developing presbyopia; Taking over 3 seconds confirms the presence of presbyopia.

If you suspect you have presbyopia, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible to obtain professional advice and assistance. Based on your visual needs, the ophthalmologist will advise whether you require reading glasses or suggest Presbymax laser surgery to improve presbyopia. Early identification and management of presbyopia can help enhance vision and improve quality of life.

What is the difference between presbyopia and hyperopia?

Presbyopia and hyperopia both cause blurred vision when looking at close objects, but their underlying causes differ. Additionally, if you notice any vision issues, it's advisable to get an eye exam.

• Presbyopia is a degenerative condition of the eye.

Presbyopia is an age-related vision issue. As we grow older, the eye's lens and ciliary muscles gradually deteriorate, weakening the eye's focusing ability. This makes it difficult to see clearly when viewing close objects or in dimly lit environments.If presbyopia significantly impacts daily life, Presbymax presbyopia correction surgery may be considered. This is because Presbymax not only treats presbyopia but also helps improve issues like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, restoring the eyes to a more youthful state.

• Hyperopia is congenital.

Hyperopia is a vision problem related to the structure of the eyeball. It primarily results from a shorter eyeball or weak ciliary muscles. If the eyeball is shorter but the ciliary muscles are strong, visual blurring is generally not an issue; however, when the ciliary muscles become weak, extra effort is required to focus on nearby objects.Hyperopia is congenital, meaning most children exhibit some degree of farsightedness. However, there is no need for excessive concern, as the condition typically improves as the eye develops normally.

Ignoring presbyopia can lead to serious health problems!

Many patients dismiss presbyopia as a minor inconvenience, believing they can simply squint to see clearly and refusing to wear reading glasses.However, this behavior can lead to overworking the ciliary muscles, increasing the burden on the eyes and causing discomfort such as eye strain and soreness. In severe cases, the discomfort may even spread to the shoulder and neck areas, resulting in symptoms like shoulder and neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

Presbyopia is not an urgent condition, but its severity increases steadily with age. If diagnosed with 100 diopters of presbyopia at age 40, it will progress to 300 diopters by age 60, with the degree of presbyopia typically increasing by about 10 diopters annually.An abnormal decrease in presbyopia severity may signal a significant warning sign of cataracts. Patients should promptly seek a detailed examination and appropriate correction from an ophthalmologist. Timely identification and management of presbyopia are crucial for safeguarding eye health.

What are the methods for correcting presbyopia?

Medical science continues to advance, and the methods for correcting presbyopia are increasingly diverse. These include wearing single-vision glasses, multifocal glasses, contact lenses, or undergoing surgical procedures such as intraocular lens implantation or Presbymax laser surgery.

• Single-vision glasses: Typically, single-vision glasses are only worn when viewing objects at close range. These glasses provide clear vision only at a specific distance. However, if a person experiences both nearsightedness and presbyopia, they would need to frequently switch between two pairs of glasses with different prescriptions for different situations. In such cases, multifocal glasses may be a suitable option.
• Multifocal glasses: These glasses feature lenses with multiple focal points, allowing you to see clearly at distant, intermediate, and close-up distances with a single pair, eliminating the need for frequent lens changes.
• Multifocal contact lenses: For those who dislike the bulkiness of glasses or already wear contact lenses regularly, multifocal contact lenses or vision correction surgery are viable options.
• Surgical Treatment: Surgical options may include monovision surgery, multifocal intraocular lens implantation, and Presbymax laser vision correction surgery. Presbymax laser vision correction surgery represents a relatively newer alternative. This procedure uses laser technology to reshape the cornea, thereby improving presbyopic vision and reducing or eliminating dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Traditional Refractive Surgery vs. Presbymax Presbyopia Correction: Which Should You Choose?

Monocular Vision Surgery	Multifocal Intraocular Lens	Presbymax Presbyopia Correction
❌ Blurred mid-range images
❌Lacks depth perception	❌ Glare issues
❌ Not suitable for night driving
❌It takes time to adjust.	✅ Clear vision at far, intermediate, and near distances
✅ No glare issues
✅ No recovery period required; resume normal activities within 24 hours post-procedure.

Presbymax presbyopia correction surgery primarily involves laser reshaping of the corneal surface to create a multifocal cornea. The main procedure corrects the dominant eye's myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism to near zero diopters. The other eye retains or creates approximately 150 to 250 degrees of myopia, specifically for near vision and improving presbyopia.Additionally, Presbymax incorporates mild spherical aberration to enhance binocular depth of field, extend focal range, and modify chromatic aberration. This creates a "fusion zone" between both eyes, enabling patients to achieve clear vision at far, intermediate, and near distances while preserving original color sensitivity and depth perception.

Dr. Tang stated that Presbymax is currently one of the globally recognized and well-established methods for presbyopia correction. Patients who undergo Presbymax presbyopia correction surgery report extremely high satisfaction, and the procedure is relatively affordable. The surgery itself is very brief, taking approximately 10 minutes to complete. Patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours, with vision fully restored within a few weeks and no discomfort whatsoever. This is precisely why Presbymax stands as the optimal choice for presbyopia correction.

世界衛生組織的研究數據顯示，全球約有三千九百萬位眼盲患者，其中佔51%成因是白內障，是全球失明的原因之首。白內障最常見是老年性白內障，一般於大約五十歲以上，就會發現自己有白內障症狀，而糖尿病患者和深度近視較容易及較早會出現白內障症狀。如果白內障變得成熟，就會為患者帶來一系列的併發症，例如：青光眼、葡萄膜炎等，甚至失明，後果嚴重。故患者會開刀做白內障手術，用人工晶體治療白內障，透過治療讓眼睛回復清晰視野。

What is a cataract?

白內障是由於眼內用以聚焦的透明晶體因年老或病變而變得混濁，晶狀體的功用如相機的鏡頭，幫助眼睛準確地對焦，使影像能聚焦在視網膜上形成清晰的影像。晶狀體是由蛋白質構成，具有調節光線的功能。當晶狀體變得混濁，透明度隨之下降，光線無法穿過，從而視力下降，形成白內障。

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

白內障的症狀比起其他眼科疾病，如乾眼症，相對較易辨認，一般最易察覺的症狀包括閱讀能力降低，這主要為視力模糊造成，而且會有畏光問題，患者夜間也容易出現眩光，或是對色彩及對比分辨力衰退等症狀。白內障的症狀又可細分為初期白內障症狀，及後期白內障症狀：

Early Symptoms of Cataracts

• photophobia
• Monocular diplopia
• Myopia has suddenly surged exponentially.
• Reduced Presbyopia

Late-stage cataract symptoms

• Blurred vision
• See glare appearing on objects
• 影像顏色變得昏暗

Why do people develop cataracts?

Aging

The primary cause of cataracts is aging and the natural deterioration of the eye, also known as "age-related cataracts," resulting from the aging and degeneration of the lens.Medically, based on the location of lens opacity, this type of cataract is further classified into three major categories: posterior subcapsular opacity, nuclear opacity, and cortical opacity.

Other diseases causing

又稱為「繼發型白內障」，成因是由於其他眼疾進行手術、使用類固醇藥物，或其他健康問題，如青光眼、糖尿病、眼內發炎、高度近視而引起。

caused by trauma

外傷也是白內障的其中一個成因。當眼睛曾受到強烈碰撞、穿刺傷害，或曾受到高熱、化學藥品灼傷等，令水晶體纖維排列錯位，有機會發生病變，如混濁、硬化等。但有部分患者並不是即時形成白內障，而是日後也逐漸出現。

Surgery is the only solution for cataracts.

Currently, surgical intervention remains the sole treatment for cataracts. The cataract surgery procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and implanting an intraocular lens to treat cataracts and improve vision.Typically performed under local anesthesia, the procedure takes place in an operating room under a microscope. Using phacoemulsification technology, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens and implants an intraocular lens (IOL) suitable for the patient. As a minimally invasive procedure, the surgical incision is small and may not require sutures, resulting in a shorter recovery time.Cataract surgery is highly safe, with complications being uncommon.

However, since each person's condition and needs differ, and intraocular lenses cannot be replaced as easily as eyeglasses, it is essential to consult with your doctor before undergoing cataract surgery to select the intraocular lens that best suits your specific needs.

Before undergoing cataract surgery, patients must decide which intraocular lens (IOL) to choose for cataract treatment. Patients should consider their overall eye health—such as whether they have dry eye syndrome, corneal astigmatism, or macular health—along with their visual needs and lifestyle, to determine which IOL will provide the best outcome. Only then should they proceed with cataract surgery.

Currently, there are three main types of intraocular lenses available for cataract surgery:

• 單焦點人工晶體 — 這是白內障患者常用的人工晶體，而且也適用於所有患者。但這款人工晶體只有單一焦距，若植入看遠功能的單焦距人工晶體改善遠視，當進行近距離活動如閱讀或打麻雀時，就可能要佩戴老花眼鏡。
• 全方位廣視人工晶體 — 將眼睛焦點拉長，解決以往多焦距人工晶體只能看到遠及近距離事物的缺點，填補中距離的視力。
• 三焦點人工晶體 — 這款人工晶體適用於白內障及老花患者，是一款擁有遠、中、近全程視力的多功能型人工晶體，開刀手術後，白內障患者對眼鏡的依賴性會較低。然而白內障患者開刀後可能出現光暈、眩光等視覺干擾，所以患者可能需要多點時間去適應。

Many patients who undergo cataract surgery to treat cataracts question the lifespan of intraocular lenses (IOLs). In fact, modern IOLs are made from biocompatible materials such as acrylic or silicone. This means they do not cause allergic reactions in the human body.For over a century, no cases have been reported where IOL degradation affected vision. Therefore, concerns about IOL lifespan are unfounded. Intraocular lenses outlast any human lifetime, and instances requiring replacement due to material changes are extremely rare.

When should cataract surgery be considered?

由於當白內障變得成熟、惡化，有機會為患者帶來一系列的併發症，例如引發青光眼、葡萄膜炎，可導致不可逆轉的失明，而且晚期白內障手術難度較大，視力恢復也更慢。所以應及早治療，接受白內障開刀手術。而且，現時醫學進行下，患者不需要待出現白內障併發症的症狀後才進行手術。而是當視力逐漸惡化，視力不足以應付日常工作或生活需求時，便可考慮進行白內障手術治療。患者經由護士檢查發現視力下降，再經過醫生檢查及進行商討後，就可以決定何時接受手術，治療白內障。

If cataract surgery is delayed until the late stages, the lens may swell or even dissolve, leading to a series of complications such as glaucoma and uveitis. These conditions can cause irreversible blindness. Furthermore, late-stage cataract surgery is more challenging, and vision recovery is slower.

Postoperative Care for Cataract Surgery

患者接受白內障手術後一星期內，可用眼鏡、太陽眼鏡或護眼罩保護眼睛。切勿用手擦眼睛，以免引致傷口發炎。眼睛周邊也可用消毒棉花或乾淨紙巾輕抹，避免出現感染。常規白內障手術後可以正常活動，無需臥床。但外傷以及合併青光眼等複雜病例可能需要限制活動。

Regarding diet, there is no need to restrict food intake after surgery, but patients should reduce consumption of irritating foods. For those with allergies, high-protein foods should also be avoided.

For one month after surgery, avoid swimming, strenuous exercise, and lifting or carrying objects weighing more than thirty pounds. When bending your head downward during daily activities, take care to avoid bumping it.

你有試過每當稍微工作一會，就覺得眼睛乾澀、痛楚，忍不住眨眼，即使閉眼休息也無法緩解嗎？這或許是乾眼症的症狀！想改善乾眼症，以為只要滴眼藥水、滴人工淚液，或者減少電視、電腦螢幕，便能從病情的根本原因改善乾眼症嗎？如果你以為乾眼症不用多久就會自己好了，那就大錯特錯了！可能這些方法，只會令乾眼症症狀越來越嚴重。

什麼是乾眼症？

乾眼症是一種常見的眼疾，每10個香港人3個有乾眼症。當眼睛無法產生足夠的淚液，或當淚液無法正常工作時就會出現，這種情況會讓眼睛感到乾澀、痛楚。出現乾眼症的原因，主要是因為隨著年齡的增長，淚水分泌量減少所致，臨床數據顯示，到65歲時，淚水內油脂層的分泌量比18歲時減少超過60%，淚水因而加快蒸發，所以乾眼症患者本身多半是年齡較大的族群中。

How does the composition of tears affect eye health?

在了解如何改善乾眼症症狀之前，我們該知道淚液本來在眼睛保護上的功用。除了保持角膜的滑潤和提供光學性能，淚液同時可以為角膜提供氧份，更具有將進入眼內的雜質和異物沖走的作用，而當中的抗體和酵素可以抵抗外來細菌，保護角膜的健康。

The tear film on the surface of the eye consists of three layers, each playing a specific role. If any one layer malfunctions, the tear film cannot adequately lubricate the eye, leading to dry eye syndrome.

I. Oil Layer

最外層是油脂層，由眼瞼毛下的分泌腺產生滑潤劑，它不僅可以防止水液成份過快蒸發，還增加表面張力維持淚液層的穩定性，同時提供眼瞬的滑潤度。

II. Aquifer

水液層是中間層，是淚液的主要成份，由淚腺產生。它是提供養份給角膜上皮細胞的重要成份，同時含有抗感染物質，能保護眼睛免受細菌感染。

III. Mucin Layer

最內層是黏液素層，由結膜細胞分泌，它的主要功能是與角膜和結膜上皮接觸，提供滑潤作用並確保水液層充分滋潤角膜。

這三層淚液的組成和功能必須保持充足，並且需要通過眨眼的動作來均勻分佈在眼睛上，才能使雙眼保持舒適。如果其中一層分泌不足或分佈不均，眼睛就會出現乾澀的感覺，有時甚至有異物感眼痛，刺熱或短暫昏矓的情況，甚至可能造成乾眼症。

What are the subjective symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

你是否也曾感到眼晴乾澀、疼痛、具異物感、怕光、視力模糊？或是覺得雙眼的淚水分泌比常人少？可是，有這些症狀就代表有乾眼症嗎？

In fact, experiencing symptoms of dry eyes is not a disease, but rather eye discomfort caused by external factors. As for dry eye syndrome, most patients will experience the following subjective symptoms, including:

• Dry eyes
• Foreign body sensation
• burning sensation
• Pins and needles sensation
• 眼痛
• photophobia
• envy
• 容易疲倦
• Blurred vision
• Fluctuations in vision

The reason for these symptoms lies in the poor stability of the tear film in individuals with dry eye syndrome, making them prone to the various symptoms mentioned above. This occurs because the discomfort from dry eye stimulates the lacrimal glands, causing them to secrete excessive reflex tears. Simultaneously, patients become highly sensitive to wind and light, frequently experiencing temporary blurred vision.

How can you objectively determine if you have dry eye syndrome?

To accurately diagnose whether you have dry eye syndrome, the most important factor is, of course, a combination of symptoms and examination results. However, if you simply suspect you might have it and want to understand your risk, you can use the internationally recognized Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) to perform a self-assessment for dry eye syndrome.

I. Eye Sensations Over the Past Week

	at any time	Most of the time	About half the time	Occasionally	None
Dry	4	3	2	1	0
photophobia	4	3	2	1	0
Redness with blood vessels	4	3	2	1	0
疼痛	4	3	2	1	0
Foreign body sensation	4	3	2	1	0
Thick secretions	4	3	2	1	0
Blurred vision	4	3	2	1	0
Poor eyesight	4	3	2	1	0

II. Over the past week, eye discomfort has impacted the following activities:

	at any time	Most of the time	About half the time	Occasionally	None	Not applicable
Reading	4	3	2	1	0	NA
Using a mobile phone/computer	4	3	2	1	0	NA
Night driving	4	3	2	1	0	NA
Watching TV	4	3	2	1	0	NA

III. Over the past week, my eyes have felt uncomfortable under the following circumstances:

	at any time	Most of the time	About half the time	Occasionally	None	Not applicable
When the wind blows (eyes are sensitive to wind)	4	3	2	1	0	NA
Dry environment	4	3	2	1	0	NA
air-conditioned room	4	3	2	1	0	NA

Dry Eye Disease Scoring Method

OSDI = (Total score × 25) / Total number of questions

OSDI Score	Symptoms
0–12	No, it's normal.
13–22	Mild dry eye syndrome
23–32	Moderate dry eye syndrome
33–100	Severe Dry Eye Syndrome

If you complete this self-assessment and find your score is around 13 or higher, you may need to seek a more accurate examination. To confirm a diagnosis of dry eye syndrome, an ophthalmologist will typically evaluate you using an ocular surface analysis (OSA) device or perform a tear production test (Schirmer's test).

I. Ocular Surface Analysis (OSA)

The Ocular Surface Analysis (OSA) instrument is an advanced diagnostic method capable of precisely evaluating various aspects of ocular health, including the structural function of the tarsal plate, analysis of the tear film lipid layer thickness, tear break-up time, tear meniscus height, automated blink recording, and quantification of glandular disruption.

II. Tear Secretion Test (Schirmer's Test)

淚液分泌檢查(Schirmer’s test)是一種測量淚液分泌量的常見方法，將特殊濾紙放在下眼瞼約5分鐘，根據濾紙的濡濕程度可以得知淚液的基礎分泌量，正常值應該在10毫米以上。淚膜破裂時間是指患者眨眼後淚水膜完全破裂的時間，正常值應在10秒以上。

According to the above criteria, if a patient only experiences ocular symptoms but no changes in tear secretion are observed during an eye examination, it is diagnosed as dry eye syndrome.If it is merely simple dryness that resolves after applying eye drops, it does not constitute dry eye syndrome. This may simply be a case of eye strain, such as temporary discomfort, dryness, gritty sensation, light sensitivity, tearing, or blurred vision occurring after prolonged reading or computer use.

造成乾眼症的原因是什麼？

Dry eye syndrome has multiple causes, primarily related to the state of the tear film and the function of the lacrimal glands. These include insufficient tear secretion or poor tear quality. Therefore, dry eye syndrome can be classified into two categories:

• Aqueous Deficiency Dry Eye Syndrome
• Evaporative Dry Eye Syndrome

很多人誤以為乾眼就是缺水，避免眼乾就能改善乾眼症，但其實眼睛外層的脂質層可預防淚膜蒸發，脂質層由瞼板腺分泌清澈的油脂，鎖住保護眼球表面形成的淚膜，使淚液不容易蒸發，保持眼睛的滑澤。當患者分泌的油脂是濃稠甚至凝固狀，易導致淚液蒸發快，進而使眼睛感到乾澀，也是乾眼症的原因。故此，乾眼症的原因不一定是缺水，也可能是缺油，也就是說，乾眼症的原因可細分成水層分泌不足、油脂層分泌不健全、淚液膜分佈不均勻，以及黏液素層分泌不當四大類型。

I. Insufficient Secretion of the Aqueous Layer

水層分泌不足是最常見的乾眼症的原因。這可能是由於年紀老化導致淚腺功能降低，女性更年期後也容易出現乾眼現象，這可能與體內荷爾蒙分泌變化有關。此外，一些自體免疫疾病(類風濕性關節炎、全身性紅斑狼瘡)，血液疾病(淋巴腫、白血病)、外傷、感染、自律神經失調、長期使用某些眼藥水或藥物等也會造成淚液分泌不足。長期配戴隱形眼鏡也會影響淚液的分泌，因為隱形眼鏡減少了角膜的敏感度，使淚液分泌減少，也會出現乾眼症。

II. Inadequate Sebum Secretion

Inadequate oil layer secretion is another common cause of dry eye syndrome. This typically results from eyelid disorders that impair the function of the meibomian glands in the eyelids, thereby affecting the outer lipid layer of the tear film. Consequently, tears cannot effectively remain on the surface of the eye, leading to dry eye syndrome.

III. Uneven Distribution of the Tear Film

淚液過度蒸發和淚液膜分佈不均勻也是乾眼症的原因之一。眼瞼疾病可能導致眼瞼閉合不良，使淚液過度蒸發。此外，長時間專心開車、盯著電視、使用電腦等活動會使用眼次數減少，進而影響淚液的分佈。長時間在冷氣房工作或處於強風燥熱的環境也可能影響淚液膜的穩定性，因而造成乾眼症。

IV. Improper Mucin Layer Secretion

黏液素層是淚液膜的最內層，它由結膜細胞分泌，具有滑潤作用，保持淚水在眼表面的均勻分佈。如果缺乏維他命A、患有慢性結膜炎或類天皰瘡等疾病，都可能導致黏液素層分泌不足，進而影響淚液的穩定性。此外，當眼睛暴露於化學藥品或有害物質時，可能導致結膜細胞受損，進而影響黏液素層的正常分泌功能。

Who are the "high-risk groups for dry eye syndrome"?

Dry eye syndrome has numerous contributing factors, including age, living environment, autoimmune diseases, and daily habits.

I. Individuals aged 50 and above

年紀增長是其中一個主要出現乾眼症的原因，因為淚腺功能老化及荷爾蒙分泌失調會導致淚液分泌不足，50至55歲之間更是患上乾眼症的高危時期中。

II. Long-term wear of contact lenses

當長時間使用隱形眼鏡，可能會干擾淚液的正常分泌和分佈，就容易產生乾眼症的現象，尤其是軟式隱形眼鏡，配戴眼這類含水的軟式隱形眼鏡就像將一塊很會吸水的海綿放在有水的地方，它會把附近的水全吸走。

III. Long-Term Use of Electronic Devices

Prolonged use of electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets reduces blink frequency, potentially leading to insufficient tear production and an increased risk of developing dry eye syndrome.

4. Extended Driving

The air conditioning and ventilation systems inside vehicles can dry out the air, accelerating tear evaporation and leading to dry, uncomfortable eyes. Simultaneously, prolonged focus on the road ahead to monitor traffic conditions causes the eyes to remain concentrated for extended periods, reducing blink frequency and further increasing the risk of dry eye syndrome.

V. Unhealthy Eating Habits

Omega-3脂肪酸對於維持健康的淚液分泌和減少眼睛發炎非常重要。當飲食中缺乏Omega-3脂肪酸，如少攝取魚類（三文魚、鱒魚、沙丁魚）、亞麻籽、奇亞籽和核桃，都會增加患上乾眼症的風險。

VI. Individuals with chronic conditions or a history of eye injury

研究發現糖尿病、青光眼、甲狀腺疾病和高血壓等疾病的患者，比起其他人更容易引發乾眼症，因為這類慢性疾病可能會影響淚液的分泌或淚液的成份，進而導致眼睛乾燥和不適。此外，如果眼睛曾經受到傷害，如外傷或手術，可能會導致淚腺功能減退或損傷，因為眼睛受傷後的修復過程會影響淚液的分泌和眼睛表面的保護層，從而增加患上乾眼症的風險。

What methods can improve dry eye syndrome?

Many patients want to know how long it takes for dry eye syndrome to improve and what methods can provide immediate relief from symptoms. However, the improvement of dry eye syndrome depends on the individual patient's symptoms and the severity of their condition. Currently, the medical community primarily employs methods such as artificial tears, autologous serum, thermal pulsed therapy, and pulsed light therapy to help patients alleviate dry eye symptoms.

I. Artificial Tears

症狀較輕的患者，可以透過補充傳統人工淚液作治療手段改善乾眼症，包括藥水型、凝膠型和藥膏型三種，藉此改善乾眼症。使用人工淚液可以減輕乾眼症狀，避免角膜傷害，並維持眼球表面的光滑。然而，有時候人工淚液的效果可能不會立即顯著有改善，乾眼症患者多數要更久時間才會好轉。但用這個方法改善乾眼症要多久才會有好轉的療效，則視乎個人情況，有些患者可能只需要數天，但也有更多乾眼症患者要更久才會好轉，可能需時數週，甚至更長的時間。

II. Autologous Serum

近年來發現自體血清含有更近於淚液的成份，因此開始用在不同的眼表疾病上，包括改善較嚴重的乾眼症病患。當使用人工淚液無法緩解症狀時，眼科醫生會建議搭配使用自體血清眼藥水。但自體血清眼藥水的製作複雜，需要抽取患者的血液，然後進行離心處理，分離出血清，最後製成合適濃度的眼藥水並分裝冷凍。這些血清中含有生長因子，具有抗發炎和促進癒合的效果。一次抽取的血液通常可以製作6至10支眼藥水，因為不含防腐劑，所以使用時必須小心，避免眼藥水受到污染，而且也比多數治療時間久才會好轉，但也能令乾眼症的症狀有改善，讓患者重新獲得舒適的生活。

III. Thermal Pulsation Therapy

For more severe cases of dry eye syndrome, Lipidflow therapy may be administered. This procedure involves using a device to apply continuous heat at 40°C for 12 minutes while delivering rhythmic pulsations to massage the meibomian glands. This softens and unblocks obstructed glands, alleviating dry eye symptoms and preventing further atrophy caused by gland blockage, thereby improving overall eye health.

IV. Pulsed Light Therapy

脈衝光治療（Intense Pulsed Light，簡稱IPL）適合所有程度的乾眼症患者，能打通塞的瞼板，幫助油脂分泌回復正常，減少淚水蒸發。治療的次數通常需要3至4次，乾眼症就會逐漸改善。

Are over-the-counter dry eye care methods effective?

To alleviate eye strain and dry eye syndrome, many people turn to supplements like lutein. However, while lutein can help filter blue light and prevent retinal degeneration, it does little to improve dry eye symptoms.

Additionally, many people mistakenly believe that dry eyes can be "cured" simply by using eye drops. However, eye drops only provide temporary relief from symptoms. Overuse of eye drops can actually interfere with the eye's natural tear production process, potentially leading to the development of dry eye syndrome.

How can dry eye syndrome be prevented or improved?

Instead of randomly trying the methods mentioned above, it's better to protect your eye health and avoid dry eye issues by adopting proper eye care habits and steering clear of bad ones.

I. Proper Eye Care Habits

經常使用電子產品、工作或讀書時，應該定期休息眼睛。其中一個被廣泛推薦的方法是20/20/20護眼法則，即每隔20分鐘，讓眼睛休息20秒，同時將視線轉移到距離你約20英吋（約6公尺）的遠處。這有助於減少長時間近距離使用眼睛所帶來的壓力，有助於保持眼睛健康。

II. Maintain a Good Environment

When working or resting indoors, special attention should be paid to the humidity in the air to avoid the adverse effects of an overly dry environment on the eyes. Additionally, we should avoid direct exposure to the airflow from fans or air conditioners. Adjust the angle of fans or air conditioners to prevent direct airflow toward the eye area, or move away from the direct contact with the airflow whenever possible.

III. Supplementing Antioxidant Nutrients

Antioxidant nutrients are essential for eye health, as the eyes rely on light to form images. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids—such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds—can reduce inflammation and stabilize the tear film. Meanwhile, incorporating foods high in vitamins A and C—like carrots, oranges, and kiwis—helps combat free radical damage and protect ocular tissues.

IV. Supplement with Anti-Inflammatory Phytochemicals

乾眼症往往與眼部的炎症相關，抗發炎物質能夠幫助降低眼部的炎症反應，減輕不適感，同時促進眼睛組織的修復，從而改善乾眼症的情況。很多植化素都具有抗發炎作用，如槲黃素、薑黃、花青素、丁香酚等，都有助改善乾眼症。

#乾眼症多久會好 #乾眼症會好嗎 #乾眼症治療 #乾眼症如何改善

Floaters can be quite bothersome. People with floaters see "dark spots" drifting in their vision—painless and impossible to rub away. When you stare directly at them, they vanish instantly.The shapes of floaters vary—they can appear as black dots, lines, circles, ovals, tadpole-like shapes, and more. They are particularly noticeable when looking at bright, clear backgrounds. Floaters are a degenerative eye condition. For mild cases, individuals generally only need to learn to live with the dark spots or floating objects in their vision.and daily life remains unaffected, treatment for floaters is generally unnecessary. However, if the dark spots or floaters become too large or numerous, if floaters suddenly worsen or are accompanied by flashes of light, or if vision is impaired, it is crucial to seek improvement methods. Consult an ophthalmologist specializing in floaters for advice and consider surgical or laser treatment for floaters. Otherwise, delaying treatment may lead to severe consequences, potentially resulting in blindness!

What is floaters?

From a medical perspective, floaters are a symptom of vitreous degeneration. The vitreous is a transparent gel-like substance located behind the lens and in front of the retina. Under normal conditions, it fills the entire vitreous cavity, helping to maintain the eye's shape.However, with aging and conditions like myopia, the vitreous liquefies and shrinks, forming cloudy fibers. These fibers float within the vitreous cavity. When light rays refract off these fibers, patients perceive dark spots in their vision—the precursor to floaters.

From a medical perspective, floaters are a symptom of vitreous degeneration. The vitreous is a transparent gel-like substance located behind the lens and in front of the retina. Under normal conditions, it fills the entire vitreous cavity, helping to maintain the eye's shape.However, with aging and conditions like myopia, the vitreous liquefies and shrinks, forming cloudy fibers. These fibers float within the vitreous cavity. When light rays refract off these fibers, patients perceive dark spots in their vision—the precursor to floaters.

Who is most likely to develop floaters?

Floaters typically become more common with age, making older adults more prone to experiencing dark spots in their vision. Beyond age, other factors that may increase the risk of developing floaters include: myopia, a history of eye surgery, eye trauma, or eye inflammation. Clinical medical research indicates that high-risk groups for floaters include:

• Middle-aged and elderly people
• Individuals with high myopia
• Patients with hypertension/diabetes
• Undergone eye surgery
• Head injury due to impact, such as: car accidents, diving athletes
• Other eye problems, such as: eye inflammation

However, most cases of floaters are benign. They can occur due to age-related vitreous degeneration or excessive eye strain. As long as the number of dark spots in your vision doesn't increase and their position remains stable, there's generally no need for excessive concern.

Conversely, if you suddenly experience a large number of dark spots in your vision that are already affecting your field of vision or accompanied by flashes of light, it could indicate vitreous detachment. This condition may cause traction on the retina, leading to retinal tears or even detachment. Such situations require immediate examination to seek treatment options or undergo floater treatment.

Causes of Floaters

The causes of floaters can be broadly categorized into three types: physiological, degenerative, and pathological.

• physiological

Approximately 80% of floaters are physiological in nature. Physiological floaters typically occur in individuals under 40 or those who experience prolonged eye strain. Most people notice dark spots in their vision, which are impurities within the vitreous humor. These generally do not affect vision and do not require immediate treatment; they often disappear on their own over time.

• Degenerative

As we age, the vitreous humor in the eye gradually degenerates, much like other organs in the body. During this process, the vitreous contracts and forms tiny fibers that float within it. When light enters the eye and refracts off these impurities, it creates the dark spots we see.

• pathological

Pathological floaters are caused by eye diseases or systemic vascular conditions. Eye diseases refer to retinal tears or holes that occur due to external traction or degenerative processes, leading to vitreous hemorrhage or even retinal detachment. This can result in vision impairment and, in the most severe cases, permanent blindness.Additionally, systemic vascular diseases such as retinal hemorrhage, diabetes, hypertension, or macular degeneration may also present pathological floaters if not addressed promptly and treated effectively. Patients should seek early intervention or treatment options to manage floaters.

Complications of Floaters — Retinal Detachment/Hole

Although floaters are not a serious condition, retinal detachment caused by floaters is an ophthalmic emergency. One in four patients with floaters may experience vision loss due to retinal detachment or tears. Remember, if you experience any of the following signs of retinal detachment caused by floaters, including:

• A large number of dark spots appear in the eyes within a short period of time.
• Abnormal Flash
• Shadow
• Obstructed view

This indicates a potential retinal tear, requiring immediate medical attention and treatment. Otherwise, patients with floaters may suffer permanent vision damage or even blindness.

How to treat floaters?

If your condition is benign floaters, immediate treatment is not necessary. When you notice dark spots in your vision, try moving your eyes to shift the fluid within them, allowing the fibers to drift out of your line of sight. Of course, some individuals find the constant presence of floating dark spots intolerable, as they frequently distract attention and significantly impact mood. In such cases, floater treatment may be considered.

With current technology, the primary methods for treating and improving floaters are laser therapy and vitrectomy surgery.

I. Laser Treatment for Floaters

This treatment method for floaters is suitable for larger, concentrated vitreous fibers. It uses laser energy to break these fibers into smaller fragments, thereby improving and eliminating floater symptoms.Laser treatment is performed under local anesthesia, and patients experience no pain during the procedure. The entire treatment takes only 15 to 20 minutes. However, laser therapy is not suitable for everyone seeking to improve floaters. If the fibers are too scattered or located too close to the macula or lens, the procedure should not be performed to avoid complications such as cataracts or macular damage.

II. Vitrectomy Surgery for Floaters

Vitrectomy surgery involves removing the vitreous gel inside the eye through a small incision and replacing it with a solution to maintain the eye's shape. The procedure typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes. However, vitrectomy does not necessarily eliminate all floaters. If the surgery itself causes bleeding or retinal tears, new floaters may form. Therefore, most physicians do not recommend this surgery for treating floaters.

Methods for Improving and Managing Floaters

Once floaters develop, they are nearly impossible to reverse. Even after laser or surgical treatment, recurrence is possible. What we can do is learn to live with them peacefully. Alternatively, the following methods may help improve floaters and slightly alleviate symptoms.

I. Daily Care for Benign Floaters

• Avoid excessive eye strain

Avoid overexerting your eyes during daily activities, especially if you are a heavy user of electronic devices. Take a 5- to 10-minute break every hour to rest your eyes. Use this time to blink frequently and look into the distance to relax your eyes.

• Healthy Lifestyle Habits

In daily life, it is recommended to reduce the time spent on your phone, especially avoiding late-night phone use. Ensuring adequate sleep and engaging in regular exercise can also help improve floaters.

• Regular follow-up appointments

Never assume that having benign floaters means you can relax. Floater sufferers must undergo regular check-ups to avoid missing other potential conditions and missing the optimal treatment window.

• Eye-Protecting Dietary Habits

In daily life, one should increase intake of various vitamins and antioxidant-rich foods through diet. Examples include berries, green or yellow vegetables, carrots, soybeans, milk, and deep-sea fish oil—all of which are dietary approaches that may help improve floaters.

II. Postoperative Care and Maintenance for Malignant Floaters

• Topical medication treatment

After surgery, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions for medication. Remember to thoroughly wash your hands with soap before each application to prevent cross-infection.

• Improve daily routines

Avoid rapid eye movements and excessive eye strain for one week after surgery. During this period, minimize reading books, using mobile phones, computers, or watching television. Additionally, refrain from strenuous exercise, mountain climbing, scuba diving, or air travel for one month post-surgery, as these activities may stimulate the eyes and slow down the healing process.

• Use an eye mask

During the eye recovery period, it is recommended to wear an eye shield at all times to prevent collisions and avoid unintentional rubbing of the eyes while sleeping at night. Ensure the eye shield is clean when in use, and it is advised to wash and disinfect it daily to prevent wound infection caused by bacteria.

• Daily diet

In addition to avoiding irritating foods, it is also important to avoid legumes, as these foods can cause nitric oxide in the blood to migrate to the eyes. This leads to gas buildup in the inert gases within the eye, increasing intraocular pressure.

• Home Safety

Keep your home clean and tidy to minimize dust and avoid secondhand smoke. During recovery, avoid rearranging furniture or placing items in hallways to prevent collisions or falls in unfamiliar surroundings that could injure your eyes.

• Scheduled follow-up appointments

In addition to following your doctor's instructions for regular post-operative follow-up appointments, if you experience any eye discomfort—such as persistent eye pain, sudden blurred vision, nausea, or an increase in the number or size of floaters—be sure to consult your ophthalmologist immediately to prevent the condition from worsening.

How to prevent floaters?

Although we cannot completely prevent the occurrence of floaters, we can slow down the aging of the eyeball and reduce the likelihood of developing floaters through daily eye care.

I. Develop Good Eye Care Habits

• Avoid excessive use of electronic devices (take a 5-10 minute break after every hour of screen time).
• Work under conditions of sufficient lighting and stable, flicker-free light sources.
• Avoid staying up late to reduce strain on your eyes.

II. Consuming Eye-Protective Nutrients

• Carotenoids (dark green, deep yellow, and red fruits and vegetables)
• Anthocyanins (Plum fruits)
• Vitamins (Vitamins A, B complex, C, and E)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

III. Properly manage systemic vascular diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)

• Maintain a balanced diet and reduce intake of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar.
• Regular exercise (jogging, cycling)
• Get regular full-body checkups

Although most cases of floaters do not require treatment, they should not be completely ignored. Regular check-ups are essential, and if symptoms worsen, seek medical attention immediately to avoid missing the optimal window for treatment.

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