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When it comes to Autism, neural conditions exhibit a wide spectrum of abilities as per the individual. While some people with autism are capable of leading independent lives, many others depend on their families owing to severe symptoms like difficulty in focusing, unpredictable reactions to sensations, and friction in switching from one activity to another. Consequently, neurodiverse individuals, such as people with Autism and Down Syndrome, are often marginalised, and not given enough opportunity to actively participate in society. Given the fact that at least 20% of people are considered neurodivergent, it is critical to recognize that not every individual can perform tasks the same way. Though medical advancements aid their healthcare and rehabilitation, there remains a wide scope of improvement in enhancing their everyday functional capacity. That is where transformative furniture design becomes instrumental in providing the holistic development of autistic people. With a handful of designers introducing furniture that recognizes neurodiversity, there is hope in expanding on the creative potential of individuals with Autism. Midday.com spoke to designers Devesh Shah, head of business development, Amardeep Design, and Misbah Kapadia, founder and curator of Design Konstruct on revolutionising the design towards an inclusive approach for people living with Autism. Evolving design philosophy for an inclusive approach towards neurodivergent people When it comes to designing for neurodivergent people, it is important to consider the fact that many of them have high energy levels. They tend to think innovatively and many a time, out of the box. Misbah lays down the basic fundamentals for inclusivity in design. These include minimum physical effort, low error tolerance, simplicity, flexibility, and equitable utility. Building on that, it becomes a key element to provide autistic people with facilities like quiet rooms to help them focus better, clear lines of sight and viewpoints, strategic use of colour, signage, and lighting, low traffic areas to alleviate anxiety, and even special spaces for breaks, etc. Taking a revolutionary step towards enabling people with Autism, Devesh Shah is crafting a new furniture archetype that showcases artwork made by children with Autism and Down Syndrome. The furniture design includes paintings made by autistic children that are printed onto fabrics and used to upholster each unique piece. The artwork remains at the center of the design process which aims to reimagine the furniture of tomorrow. In a collaborative effort with Sketch, an apparel brand that features artwork made by children with Autism and Down Syndrome, Devesh found a common mission in making India more inclusive, with the aim to empower, educate and provoke conversations about inclusion and accessibility. Designing furniture to bring out the creative potential of individuals with Autism Devesh believes in changing the narrative by leveraging his skills in contemporary design for neurodiverse people. “We believe that through intentional design and communication, we can make inclusion, a part of everyday conversation and influence people to be more empathetic and inclusive in their day-to-day life.” Misbah suggests practical design steps to implement the design philosophy for autistic people. Furniture replete with simple design, neutral colors, and materials like wood, work best for individuals with autism. It is best to avoid reflective surfaces and glossy materials to avoid an unstable reaction. Bright colours, complicated structures as well as sharp edges are features that need to be avoided in general. Contoured positioning chairs and sitters coupled with sensory chairs that provide the right sensory stimulation as well as in-built positioning for healthy posture are suitable for people with autism. It is key to have robust materials, and tamper-proof elements and ensure that the furniture is portable, lightweight, and convenient to use. Think hug chairs, adjustable bean bag formats, and recliner-style rockers with ottomans. It is critical to remember that one size does not fit all and unique/individual requirements need to be considered before actually designing or selecting furniture for such people. Sensory furniture to assist autistic people in their day-to-day lives Sensory chairs are very useful for adults and children living with autism. They provide multiple kinds of sensory stimulation and movements that help them focus better while calming down the mind and body. This could be in the form of rocking and spinning movements and compression. Stability balls, standing desks, rocking chairs and inflatable cushions are useful too. Misbah informs that providing supportive features like foot fidgets or even handheld toys works well for people with special needs. Vibrating cushions, sensory mats and chew toys for children are other sensory accessories that work well How a sensory chair aids in building focus for neurodivergent people Sensory chairs promote movement akin to a fidget-friendly option and help improve focus in individuals with special needs. It enables them to be alert and focused while providing the extra movement they are seeking while they are seated in the chair. It helps to avoid unsafe movements that could not only be distracting but also hazardous. These chairs not only reduce stress and anxiety but also provide deep pressure therapy and improve muscular strength, motor skills and balance. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and some even have in-built light and sound says Misbah. Designing durable furniture to withstand abuse due to hyperactivity issues Furniture used by people with hyperactivity issues is often subject to heavy abuse and even damage. It is essential to choose tough materials that are sturdy and durable. For example, the foam that goes into the chairs needs to be especially resilient, legs and other fittings need to be anti-tamper etc. Ensure that there are no glass fittings or delicate work on the outer fabric. Thick cotton or even velvet works well for the furnishing material as long as it is comfortable and breathable. That being said, the furniture should provide a sense of security and stability to the individual. Colour tones to induce relaxation for autistic people Misbah reveals that bright colours like red and yellow are a no-go as they can be overstimulating. Mellow colours like blue, soft pink, green and blue have a calming effect and work well for relaxing the mind. Pastel greens have a restorative power and so does teal. Pastels like baby pink and violet induce a sense of security and safety. It works well to reassure the minds of people with autism and other similar conditions. Soft corals and oranges also invoke warmth and comfort. Avoiding extreme contrasts is recommended and a designer must ensure that they deploy the same colour for the room and ceiling with slight differences in tones. Large prints, stripes and other patterns are a big no-no as they can induce visual confusion and chaos. Adaptive table tops, desks or lap trays to increase functionality Adaptive desks that are suitable to use in a workplace, classroom, at home and even on a special chair are available for people with autism. Ergonomic design, proper height, and back and foot support are some of the design intricacies. Misbah impresses upon the fact that such furniture needs to be able to provide safety and stability. Wheelchair-accessible desks, tilting table tops, height-adjustable mobile desks, and standing desks are other options that are available to people with special needs. Lap trays with side pockets to hold essentials, made from sturdy material like plastic are again useful whether for working, travelling or even watching a movie at home. Bedroom furniture design tips for people living with autism Try to strike a balance between functionality, catering to sensory needs, promoting independence and providing safety while thinking of bedroom furniture design. An ergonomically designed bed with memory foam or a hybrid mattress is a good option. Plan for ample storage in the form of boxes with rounded edges with clear labels indicating the items they hold; it is also a great idea to minimize clutter. Misbah suggests that designers can also plan a sensory deprivation area whether it is a pyramid of soft pillows, soft toys or fidget-friendly toys which helps the individual regulate his/her thoughts and relaxes their mind. For children, she suggests including a small rocking chair or ball chair or t-stool along with a desk to read and/or study. Other furniture design for the holistic development of autistic people Height-adjustable support chairs, versatile desks that fit into wheelchairs, wheelchair trays as well as lap trays are available to suit the special needs of individuals with autism. For the dining area, use sturdy, non-tippable chairs with ample back and foot support. One can also move their sofa or armchair and use non-slip blocks to elevate the height. In the case of small children, one can opt for low-rise tables and chairs to prevent falls. Sensory swings, tunnels and trampolines for children are perfect if you want to create a sensory gym at home. Grab bars, anti-skid tiles, non-slip mats, pull and push taps and ergonomically planned sinks and bathroom fittings are some elements for designing a bathroom for autistic individuals. Misbah recommends the use of soothing colours and avoiding visual clutter in the form of bright lights, accessories or wallpaper to alleviate visual chaos. Also Read: Understanding the mental health needs of neurodiverse adolescents
02 April,2023 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Ainie RizviChildren born to mothers with diabetes, that is known to complicate pregnancy, are likely to have an increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), claims a new study. Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socialises with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. The study, by researchers including Anny H. Xiang from the Kaiser Permanente -- a US-based health care company -- showed that the risk is associated with Type-1 (T1D), Type-2 (T2D) and gestational diabetes. The results showed that risk of ASD was higher in children exposed in utero to maternal preexisting T1D, T2D and gestational diabetes diagnosed by 26 weeks compared with no maternal diabetes exposure. The severity of maternal diabetes and the timing of exposure (early vs late in pregnancy) may be associated with the risk of autism in children of mothers with diabetes, Xiang said. The study, published in the journal JAMA, included data from 4,19,425 children who were born at 28 to 44 weeks from 1995-2012. They looked at how exposure to all three types of maternal diabetes was associated with diagnosis of ASD, which includes autistic disorders, Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder among the children. Also Read: Expert answers common questions related to Autism This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 April,2023 10:51 PM IST | London | IANSThe month of April brings attention to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, and in some countries, the entire month is devoted to raising awareness around this developmental disorder. As Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that affects social interaction, communication and imaginative play skills. Children with autism often have delays and difficulties with spoken language, use of gestures and understanding other people’s feelings or their own emotions. The symptoms tend to emerge by 12 to 18 months of age, and most symptoms manifest between 2 and 3 years of age. They often show repetitive behaviours, restricted interests and may have trouble processing different sensory inputs like sound, touch, etc. The intellectual abilities range from gifted to severely challenge and the severity of symptoms and support needed varies from person to person. Each case of autism is unique and no two individuals experience it in the same way. As per CDC, one percent of the world population has ASD. It is about 4 times more common in boys than in girls. There is no cure for ASD, but there are treatments and therapies that help individuals on the spectrum manage and even overcome some of the challenges linked to ASD. Parents often make the mistake of choosing to wait for a while, hoping that the child will grow out of the unusual behaviour. Parents should be concerned and seek evaluation if their child is not responding to name by 12 months, is not pointing at objects to show interest by 14 months, is not speaking any words by 16 months or making two-word meaningful phrases by 24 months; if the child avoids eye contact, prefers to be alone, does not play “pretend” games, repeats words or phrases over and over again, flaps hands, rocks whole body, or spins in circles, gets upset by minor changes in routine, has fixed, narrow interests, has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel, shows loss of speech or social skills at any age. It is very important for parents to learn more about autism and seek support and guidance regarding management. Since the parent spends the maximum time with the child it is important to learn and implement activities at home for better outcomes. They need to be consistent, set a routine, establish schedules, reward good behaviours, anticipate triggers for undesirable behaviours and create a positive environment. Early intervention is most important, needs to be multidisciplinary and coordinated by a Developmental Pediatrician. Intervention includes behavioural models, occupational therapy (to help with activities like dressing, eating and bathing and to improve fine motor, social, and problem-solving skills), sensory integration therapy (to help respond appropriately to sensory information like sights, sounds, touch and smells) and speech therapy (to help improve the child’s communication skills). Pharmacotherapy (medications) may help with difficult behaviours in some children. Joining a support group helps learning to cope with challenges. Last but not the least; parents are the most important advocates of their child. A positive and loving home environment with involvement and understanding from siblings and extended family helps integrate the child with normal family activities and outings. And most important, parents need to take breaks and take care of their own selves in their journey of dealing with their special child. Also Read: Understanding the mental health needs of neurodiverse adolescents
01 April,2023 10:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThis World Autism Day we spoke to Dr Priyanka Parikh, Consultant Developmental Pediatrician at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre about some of the most common questions every parent has about autism. Here are excerpts from the interview What is autism and at what age does it commonly manifest in a child? Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that affects social interaction, communication and imaginative play skills. Children with autism often have delays and difficulties with spoken language, use of gestures and understanding other people’s feelings or their own emotions. They often show repetitive behaviours, restricted interests and may have trouble processing different sensory inputs like sound, touch, etc. The intellectual abilities range from gifted to severely challenge and the severity of symptoms and support needed varies from person to person. The symptoms tend to emerge by 12 to 18 months of age, and most symptoms manifest between 2 and 3 years of age. What ‘unusual signs’ should parents look out for in their children before they visit a doctor? Parents should be concerned and seek evaluation if their child is not responding to name by 12 monthsis not pointing at objects to show interest by 14 monthsis not speaking any words by 16 months or two-word meaningful phrases by 24 monthsavoids eye contactprefers to be alonedoes not play “pretend” gamesrepeat words or phrases over and over againflaps hands, rocks whole body, or spins in circlesgets upset by minor changes in routinehas fixed, narrow interestshas unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feelshows loss of speech or social skills at any age How should a parent deal with autistic kids? It is very important for parents to learn more about autism and seek support and guidance regarding management and start therapy right away. Since the parent spends the maximum time with the child, it is important to learn and implement activities at home for better outcomes. Parents need to be consistent, set a routine, establish schedules, reward good behaviours, anticipate triggers for undesirable behaviours and create a positive environment. Joining a support group helps with learning to cope with challenges. Last but not the least; parents are the most important advocates for their child. Types of therapies that can help parents change child’s behaviours Early intervention is most important, needs to be multidisciplinary and coordinated by a Developmental Paediatrician. Intervention includes developmental based or behavioural models. Occupational therapy helps children with activities of daily living like dressing, eating and bathing and to improve fine motor, social, and problem-solving skills. Sensory integration therapy helps the child respond appropriately to sensory information like sights, sounds, touch and smells. Speech therapy helps to improve the child’s communication skills. Pharmacotherapy (medications) may be offered to help with difficult behaviours in some children. How can parents help their child with autism or ASD live well? In addition to the above-mentioned points, it is very important to identify the strengths in the child and use them to work on their challenges. In Dr Temple Grandin’s words “There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what a child can do instead of what he cannot do”. A positive and loving home environment with involvement and understanding from siblings and extended family helps integrate the child with normal family activities and outings. And most important, parents need to take breaks and take care of their own selves in their journey of dealing with their special child Are there any statistics on the number of children that suffer from this disorder in India? If yes, is it a rising trend? Are the numbers of children diagnosed with this ailment increasing? According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics, recent estimates of prevalence of autism in the US is approximately 1 in 68 children and has increased up to 30% from 1in 88 reported in 2008. Also as per CDC, one percent of the world population has ASD. Also read: Understanding the mental health needs of neurodiverse adolescents Dr Priyanka Parikh (M.D. (Ped), MRCPCH(London), DNB, DCH, FCPS) is a Consultant Developmental Pediatrician at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre. She is passionate to help children with disabilities achieve their maximum potential and be included in society
01 April,2023 10:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFamilies of children with autism face high physical, mental and emotional burdens, are sometimes ridiculed and even accused of child abuse, says a new study. For the study, published in the International Journal of Autism & Related Disabilities, researchers surveyed 25 caregivers of 16 children ages 2 to 20 with autism spectrum disorder to evaluate how their care affected their family dynamics, physical and mental health, and social functioning. The researchers also asked about the caregivers' worries, daily activities, family relationships, and insurance. "While the understanding of how autism spectrum disorders impact individuals has grown, the awareness of the burden on families who care for these individuals is less established," said the study's researcher Xue Ming from the Rutgers University, US. "Caring for loved ones with autism spectrum disorder is emotionally and physically taxing," Ming said. The study found that emotional burnout was more likely in families with a child with low-functioning autism spectrum disorder and simultaneous conditions. Social isolation was greater in families who reported significant emotional burnout. Families with more than one caregiver experienced less emotional burnout and social isolation, the research added. According to the researchers, families with a higher socioeconomic status tended to spend more money on medical treatments outside of their health insurance policy. Families with an aggressive and irritable child tended to experience more social isolation and emotional burnout. Simultaneous medical and behavioural disorders were common in these children, they added. Nine of the 16 families in the study reported being ridiculed or accused of child abuse, which they said limited them from attending social events, visiting public places such as churches, supermarkets and restaurants, and using mass transportation. "This suggests that communities need to improve their inclusiveness for families with children with an autism spectrum disorder," Ming said. "The study shows there is a need to raise public awareness of the burdens faced by these families and to alert medical providers to provide them with more support," Ming added. Also Read: Expert tips on taking care of your child with autism
01 April,2023 10:32 PM IST | New York | IANSDental or oral health is an important component of overall health, and current technology has elevated dental care to a whole new level. In India, 80-90 per cent of adults suffer dental cavities, which are often accompanied by misaligned teeth and other issues. Inadequate oral hygiene, which can lead to dental cavities and gum disease, has been related to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is therefore of primary importance. Dr Sunita Kapoor, Director, and Consultant Pathologist at City X-ray & Scan Clinic tells us the significance of regular dental visits and how dental X-rays can help dentists discover potential decay or problems that are not visible to the naked eye. What are dental X-rays? Dr Sunita: Internal images of your teeth and jaws can be seen in dental X-rays. They give a dentist a clear image of your hard tissues, i.e., teeth and bones, and the soft tissues that surround your teeth and jawbones. Typically, dentists use X-rays to evaluate structures like your nerves, jawbone, teeth roots, sinuses, etc. that they can't see during a regular checkup. What can they show? Dr Sunita: Dental X-rays can reveal cysts and other types of tumours, small areas of decay in between teeth, and the position of teeth, which can help decide whether braces, dentures, or tooth implants are necessary. Besides, dental X-rays can also show decay beneath fillings and bone loss in the jaw due to periodontal diseases. What are the different types of dental X-rays? Dr Sunita: There are two main types of dental X-rays-intraoral and extraoral. In intraoral, the film or sensor is inside your mouth and in extraoral, the film or sensor is outside your mouth. Intraoral X-rays include Bitewing X-rays, Periapical X-rays, and Occlusal X-rays. Extraoral X-rays include Panoramic X-rays, Cephalometric X-rays, and Cone Beam CT scans (CBCT). Bitewing, periapical, and panoramic radiographs are the most frequent ones. While Periapical X-rays are useful for focusing on just one or two teeth, Bitewing X-rays are done to locate early signs of decay between back teeth or bicuspids (teeth in front of the molars). Using a panoramic X-ray, the entire mouth is visible in one picture. It's taken from outside of your mouth and can help identify issues like cysts, jaw disorders, or bone irregularities. Are dental X-rays safe? Dr Sunita: These X-rays are safe if used judiciously. While low radiation levels are there, there are no harmful effects associated with them. In fact, that amount of radiation is comparable to the amount of radiation you get or absorb from things like TV, smartphones, and computers. Most dentists usually avoid taking X-rays during pregnancy unless it is absolutely necessary. How often you should get dental X-rays? Dr Sunita: Most people with healthy teeth and gums should have dental X-rays only after the advice of a dentist. However, you may need more frequent X-rays if you have gum disease, recurring decay, or other time-sensitive oral health issues. X-rays are an integral component of an effective dental care plan. It is a diagnostic procedure that helps detect potential dental care problems at an early stage before they cause major health implications. Based on your dental and oral health, you can ask your dentist how frequently you should have a dental X-ray. Also Read: Seven tips for best oral hygiene: Dos and don’ts you must follow This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 April,2023 09:44 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSOver the years, there has been a rise in the frequency of heart disease among young adults. This can be attributed to people's changing lifestyles and exposure to too much stress. It is crucial to take note of every item that supports a healthy heart in order to promote one. Shilajit, a naturally occurring substance found in the Himalayan mountain ranges, has been used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of illnesses. It is renowned for its exceptional healing properties, which include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic. One of the most significant benefits of Shilajit is its positive impact on heart health. Heart conditions are common and can have serious health repercussions. Taking precautionary measures through the use of Ayurvedic ingredients can be one of the most effective ways to ensure a healthy heart. Here are some of the ways by Dr Kriti Soni, Head of R&D, Kapiva on how Shilajit aids in the process: Improves Heart Health Studies suggest that Shilajit is one of the core ayurvedic ingredients in improving the health of the heart. It does so by providing strength and energy to the heart to maintain proper blood flow in all parts of the body. Ayurvedic doctors suggest Shilajit as an essential supplement to treat heart diseases as it has health-enduring properties. Since Shilajit contains fulvic acid, iron, and antioxidants like glutathione, the level of glutathione in the body is increased, which creates a line of defence against heart disease. Lowers Blood Pressure High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Normal blood pressure is imperative for a healthy life, and Shilajit has been found to lower blood pressure in many cases. The Ayurvedic ingredient can be used as a medium to keep blood pressure under control. This piece of Himalayan rock has worked miracles for mankind, restoring bodily cells that have been impoverished and deprived for a long time so they can operate normally once again. Shilajit blood pressure medication is also beneficial for people with heart and blood pressure issues. Shilajit provides the trace minerals that the body requires for healthy blood pressure regulation and regular bodily functions. Each of these factors makes taking the blood pressure medicine Shilajit particularly useful. Lowers Cholesterol A small study done in 2003 suggested significant improvements in cholesterol levels when around thirty people who were aged 16 to 30 years were given Shilajit. The participants were divided into two groups; the first group took 2 grams of shilajit every day for about 45 days. The cholesterol levels and triglycerides were found to be low in the Shilajit group as compared to those who did not consume Shilajit. Lowers blood fat Another critical compound in Shilajit is a prominent quantity of humic acid, which can significantly lower blood fats. If the concentration of fats in the body is low, there will be no fat deposits in the blood vessels, which eliminates the blockage of heart vessels. This reduces the risk of hemorrhage and stroke, which are leading causes of death in many patients. Shilajit is a natural ingredient with many health benefits for the body, especially the heart, as stated in all the aforementioned points. It is a crucial medication for the treatment of heart diseases due to its beneficial effects on arrhythmia, cardiac injury, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and heart health. Also Read: Lifestyle changes to improve heart health in people under 40 This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 April,2023 09:42 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSIn a warning to those who sleep with their devices next to them, researchers have found two women who were affected by transient smartphone "blindness" - a condition where they went blind in one eye after gazing at smartphones in the dark. The first patient - a 22-year-old woman in England - had a habit of gazing at her smartphone before falling asleep. Representational picture "She would lie on her left side and look at the screen primarily with her right eye. Her left eye was often covered by the pillow," www.npr.org reported on Thursday. The other patient in her 40s had similar problems when she woke up before sunrise and checked the news on her smartphone before sitting up. It had been going on for about a year, ever since she had injured her cornea. Around the same time, she bought a smartphone, the report added. "They were looking at their smartphones and they just happened to have one eye covered because they were lying in bed," Omar Mahroo, ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and an author reported in a paper published in The New England Journal of Medicine. "In both cases, nothing bad was going on," Mahroo said, adding that it is just that one retina was adapted to light and the other to dark. "The retina is pretty amazing because it can adapt to lots of different light levels, probably better than any camera," he noted. Retinas constantly adjust when someone leaves a room and enters a slightly dimmer room or goes inside after being outdoors. But these two women experienced a rare scenario in which that change would actually be noticeable. To get to the root of the problem, the researchers asked the two patients to view the smartphone with just the left eye and then just the right eye on separate occasions. Also Read: 1 in 8 Indians at risk of developing irreversible blindness: Clinical expert They realised that the eye going temporarily "blind" was always the one that was being used to look at the bright screen. To confirm this further, Mahroo went in a dark room and with one eye covered, looked at a smartphone for 20 minutes before turning off the screen. "It did actually feel quite strange," he said. "It would be very alarming if you didn't know what was going on." After flashes of dim light, the retina that had been exposed to the screen took longer to adjust to new light settings. According to Mahroo, several other patients have said they experienced concerning vision loss because of smartphone use. "We don't know of any ill effects" as of now but it can be jarring, the authors noted. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 April,2023 01:41 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSEvery eighth person in India is at risk of developing glaucoma that causes irreversible blindness, a health expert said here on Wednesday. The optic nerve plays a critical role in transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, and glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that can damage this nerve. "Glaucoma is a significant cause of irreversible blindness in India, and everyone is susceptible to the disease," Reena Choudhry, a doctor at ICARE Eye Hospital said in a statement. "Glaucoma usually causes silent vision loss, with some types being linked to mild eye pain, headaches, and rainbow-coloured circles around lights," Choudhry, COO and Medical Director, HoD, Glaucoma Department at ICARE said. "Recent statistics by National Health Portal reveal that nearly 40 million individuals, or every eighth person, in India have glaucoma or are at risk of developing it. Among individuals aged 40 and above, approximately 11.2 million suffer from glaucoma, with 1.1 million being visually impaired, including children. "In Asia, glaucoma is projected to affect an additional 27.8 million individuals by 2040, with India and China bearing the brunt of the burden," she said. While glaucoma can occur at any age, it mainly affects people beyond the age of 40 years. People who are high in short-sightedness, diabetics, have a history of eye trauma, a family history of glaucoma, or have been taking corticosteroid medicines for a long time are at a higher risk of developing the condition. "Early diagnosis of glaucoma can prevent its progression, and routine eye check-ups and mass screenings can facilitate its early detection and prevention. Late-stage diagnosis of the disease is treated with medication and surgery aimed at preventing further damage to vision and the visual field," Choudhry said. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam every five to 10 years if you are under 40 years old, every two to four years if you are 40 to 54 years old, every one to three years if you are 55 to 64 years old, and every one to two years if you are older than 65 years. By following this guideline, one can increase the chances of early diagnosis and prevention of glaucoma, Choudhry said. Also Read: Here’s why you need to take care of your eyes now more than ever This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 April,2023 11:23 AM IST | Noida | IANSReduced eyesight is caused by multiple factors, including diseases like diabetes, eye trauma, cataracts or glaucoma. Over 3 crore individuals suffer from blindness globally, with India being home to nearly one-third the total figure. While 80 percent vision impairment can be prevented by early detection and timely intervention, lack of access and awareness has been a major deterrent in individuals seeking eye care. Over 5 crore people in India have moderate to severe vision impairment which has impacted their personal and professional lives, says Ramesh Pillai, Chief Optometrist and Head of Training, Titan Company Ltd, Eyewear Business. "The onslaught of COVID-19 has also led to an increase in screen-time for people across ages and this has been a major factor in declining eye health. Eye care and eye health have become more of a necessity," he adds. He suggests five simple and effective ways to ensure good eye health: Right Glasses Wearing branded Sunglasses which offer 100 percent UV protection while outdoors can help protect your eyes from the harmful impact of UV rays and Cataract formation. Wearing the right spectacles for screen usage like anti-reflection lenses with Blue Coating is extremely important. The Blue coating helps in blocking the harmful blue violet and allows the essential blue turquoise to help the circadian rhythm and thereby maintain the sleep-wake cycle. Right Diet Eating leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli contain Lutein and zeaxanthin help prevent cataracts. Lutein also stimulates the growth of pigments that help block out harmful UV rays. Food rich in Vitamins C and E and zinc, reduce the risk of developing a condition called Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). Antioxidants protect against sun damage. Good sources of antioxidants include egg yolk, yellow peppers, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries. Onions, shallots, garlic, capers contain sulphur, cysteine, and lecithin, which help against cataract formation. Keep Eyes Moist Dry eyes are a major irritant, especially as the pollution gets worse day by day. Resting the eyes often and blinking moistens the eyes, reducing dryness and irritation. One can also use drops to help keep your eyes moist in case of excess dryness. Screen Protection With an increase in screen-time becoming an inevitable reality, taking good care of your eyes is paramount. Use the 20-20-20 rule, by taking a 20 second screen break every 20 minutes to look at objects 20 feet away from you. Increase font size when reading on-screen, so that devices don't need to be too close to your eyes, and you don't have to squint. A clean screen boosts visibility, wipe your screen over at least once a day. Get tested Getting your eyes tested by a qualified Optometrist or an Eye Doctor once every year is very important. Regular eye examinations help find any symptoms associated with eye strains and provide solutions for the same. Titan Eyeplus on the occasion of World Sight Day has introduced an initiative -- online screen testing. Take out 60 seconds and take a simple online eye screening test that will give you an indication whether you suffer from eyesight problems. Basis screening results, the brand requests all to visit an ophthalmologist or optician. Also Read: Here's how you can protect your eyes from UV rays this summer This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 April,2023 11:22 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSIf you believe that applying sunscreen will protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun this summer, think again. Your eyes, too, require attention. UV rays are not only harmful to the skin, but they can also harm the eyes. "UV exposure has been linked to the development of macular degeneration, cataracts, and other vision-loss problems," says Dr Danish Iqbal, senior consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals. If you have an existing eye condition, such as macular degeneration or cataracts, he recommends that you protect your eyes from the sun as much as possible during the summer. Dr. Danish shares some simple tips that will protect your eyes in summer. Wear sunglasses: Use 100 per cent Ultraviolet (UV) protection sunglasses. The harsh UV rays can damage your eye lens, cornea and even retina. So whenever you head out, make sure you put on your shades. Splash clean water in the eyes: Your eyes are stressed throughout the day due to severe heat and exposure to the sun. Rinse your eye by splashing cold water on them periodically and drinking a lot of water. This will keep your eyes from becoming dry or puffy. Do eye exercises: Eye exercises help us to reduce tiredness and improve the eye muscles. Exercising your eyes daily also improves your eyesight and reduces the risk of contracting diseases and infections. Use cucumber slices: If you are suffering from red eyes in summer, apply slices of cucumber on your eyelids for 10 minutes before you sleep. Cucumber also helps remove tan from under the eyes and absorbs extra moisture. Nourish it with eye drops: It's always better to use some kind of eye drops to minimise pain or manage other eye problems. However, you should also consult a qualified ophthalmologist before choosing your eye drops. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables: In the summer season, increase the intake of green leafy vegetables as they are rich in both lutein and zeaxanthin and are also a good source of eye-friendly vitamin C. Well-known leafy greens include spinach, kale, collards etc. Sleep well: Your eyes heal themselves as you sleep. Insufficient sleep can lead to dry, itchy, or bloodshot eyes. Lack of proper sleep at night leads to fewer tears in the eye and it may open the door to eye infections. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
01 April,2023 11:19 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
