Eye protection message comes through clearly at CADENZA 18-District Programme

28 March 2009

Eye protection was the theme of the third event of Tips on eye carethe CADENZA 18-District Programme held today (28 March) in Whampoa Garden, highlighting the importance of good eye care for the elderly and soon-to-be-old.

Participants in the event supported by Kowloon City District Council were able to learn more about the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract and diabetes-related eye diseases from three expert speakers: Director of the Eye Institute of Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of The University of Hong Kong, Prof David S H Wong, CADENZA Fellow and Assistant Professor of School of Optometry at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Dr Do Chi-wai, and experienced ophthalmological nurse and nursing teacher Shirley Lam. 

Prof Wong and Dr Do both observed that people were often unaware they had eye problems, as many eye diseases showed no obvious symptoms in the early stages, like AMD. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in western countries which has been increasingly common in Hong Kong. It is preventable and early treatment can delay the disease process. Dr Do also corrected some common misconceptions about eye protection, such as "aged people are bound to have poor vision" and "cataract should be dense before surgery". The professionals then recommended that everyone should have regular eye examinations at least every two years. They also emphasised a thorough eye examination should include tests for refraction, teaming ability, stereoscopic vision, colour vision and intraocular pressure, as well as external and internal eye examinations. 

Shirley Lam also gave the audience the tips on eye care and selection of food. She advised people to eat more dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, Chinese kale, spinach and purple, red or yellow fruits, which are rich in anti-oxididants, to help keep eyes healthy. She also emphasised the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Smokers should quit smoking, and people expose to prolonged periods of sunlight should wear anti-UV sunglasses. Meanwhile artistes Shek Sau, Jason Chan, G.E.M., Theresa Fu and Soler helped promote the eye protection message through a series of interactive demonstrations during the programme, and encouraged people to pay more attention to eye diseases among their family members.

Highlights of the programme will be broadcast on RTHK Radio 5's "Brilliant Life" at 4:00 pm on Friday 10 April.

The CADENZA 18-District Programme is a citywide public education initiative jointly organised by CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors and RTHK Radio 5. It aims to promote positive ageing and to equip the soon-to-be-old with knowledge that can help them continue to live an active and positive life. A monthly programme of public interactive events and activities is being organised in each of Hong Kong's 18 districts in turn, from January 2009 to June 2010. Details of the programme are available at: www.rthk.org.hk/special/cadenza.

"CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors" is a five-year project launched by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of HK$380 million in 2006.  The project is aimed at nurturing academic leadership in social gerontology and changing the mindset and attitude of the general public through a range of training and public education programmes. Cross-sectional collaboration between organisations and the implementation of innovative elderly services and programmes are also encouraged in order to bring about a new mode of elderly care services to prepare for a rapidly ageing society.  Details of CADENZA are available at www.cadenza.hk.