302 NOVEMBER 19 - Gryffe Advertizer

Next deadline - Friday 15th November
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
Dry Eyes
by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most
common conditions worldwide, and
certainly one which we deal with on a daily
basis. Typically both eyes are affected, often bloodshot, sometimes
a bit sticky on waking up. There can also be intermittent blurring
of vision which clears just after blinking. Other symptoms include
gritty, itchy, burning, filmy, and even watery eyes. The severity
of symptoms is hugely variable but usually mild. The two basic
categories are when not enough tears are produced, or when tears
evaporate too quickly (much more common).
Causes of dry eyes can be increasing age, dehydration, hormonal
changes, certain medications, previous eye surgery or underlying
eye or health conditions. Environmental factors such as airconditioning
and using computers can also cause dry eyes. One
study showed that for every 7 hours of computer use, the average
user will have lost out on 4,000 blinks due to a reduced blink rate!
There are various treatments available for the mild dry eye sufferer;
simple lubricants 2-4 times a day and eyelid hygiene is all that is
usually required. There are watery drops which don’t affect vision
but only provide short-term relief. Gels will relieve symptoms for
longer with only a slight initial blurring of vision for 1-2 minutes.
For maximum relief, ointments are best, usually lasting for hours
but with noticeable blurring of vision for several minutes – typically
these are used just before bed.
For the more severe sufferer, drops will be needed more often,
and in certain cases antibiotics or anti-inflammatories may also be
necessary. Extra treatments are also available if required, such as
punctal plugging where tiny plugs are inserted into the tear ducts
to restrict the drainage of the tears. For more information, please
call 01505 614700.
38
First Ever Community Fitness Week
Community Fitness Week
is a brand new initiative
coming to Inverclyde
as part of a national
campaign to raise the
awareness of fitness
in community venues
across the UK.
Community
fitness
instructors from all
regions of the UK are
signing up to the week,
with the campaign
for this year named
#fitnessforfood.
Fitness
instructors will run their regular classes with every class participant,
new or regular, being asked to bring a non-perishable item of food
to their class, which the instructor will deliver to their local food
bank.
The #fitnessforfood drive is set to make a huge positive impact on
local communities with 1,000 instructors expected to sign up.
Local dance fitness instructor Jennifer Lang is an ambassador
for the Community Fitness Network, the driving force behind the
campaign. Jennifer says “I am excited to be part of this initiative
raising the profile of community fitness as well gathering valuable
donations for the Inverclyde Food Bank, which everyone knows is
a vital resource for so many families. For me, being a dance fitness
instructor is not just about fitness.
It’s about bringing people
together, allowing them to grow their social circles, and enabling
them to experience the mental health benefits of exercise as well
as the physical benefits.”
Jennifer runs two classes in Kilmacolm Guide Hut and details can
be found in the regular meets section.
If any other local instructors are interested in getting involved in
the campaign please go to www.communityfitnessweek.co.uk to
sign up.