Dr. Reggie R. Revilla

26/04/2025

Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology 2025 Mid Year Convention

19/03/2025

Q: Can diabetic retinopathy make me go blind?

A: If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. High blood sugar levels damage retinal blood vessels, causing them to leak or become blocked, impairing vision. Early detection through regular eye exams and effective diabetes management are key to preventing severe vision loss.



A PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE PHILIPPINE ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY: Beware of unproven eye medicine, eye drops, and eye devices that are being peddled as a cure-all or prevention of different eye conditions. Consult your ophthalmologist for the proper care of your eyes.

Source: health.com

19/03/2025

Q: Do people with diabetes really need an eye exam every year?

A: Yes. Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition where high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Early stages might not present noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, it can cause vision loss or blindness. Annual eye exams allow for early detection and timely treatment, significantly reducing the risk of severe complications.



A PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE PHILIPPINE ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY: Beware of unproven eye medicine, eye drops, and eye devices that are being peddled as a cure-all or prevention of different eye conditions. Consult your ophthalmologist for the proper care of your eyes.

Source: mayoclinic.org

01/09/2024

EARLY VISION SCREENING FOR CHILDREN’S EYE HEALTH

Good vision is essential for proper physical development and educational progress in growing children. This is why experts strongly recommend timely screening for the early detection and treatment of eye and vision problems in children. Early detection provides the best opportunity for effective treatment.

Vision screening can detect common eye conditions such as reduced vision in one or both eyes from amblyopia (lazy eye), uncorrected refractive errors, misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), or other eye defects.

Consult your ophthalmologist for more information on vision screening for children.



A PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE PHILIPPINE ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY: Beware of unproven eye medicine, eye drops, and eye devices that are being peddled as a cure-all or prevention of the different eye conditions. Consult your ophthalmologist for the proper care of your eyes.

Source: https://www.aao.org/education/clinical-statement/vision-screening-infants-children-2022

15/07/2024

VISUAL DISABILITY: WHO IS QUALIFIED FOR A PWD CARD?

✅ POOR VISION (VISION OF 20/70 OR WORSE IN THE BETTER SEEING EYE)
If your vision does not improve better than 20/70 with eye glasses, then you are qualified for a PWD card.

✅ TUNNEL VISION (FIELD OF VISION LESS THAN 20 DEGREES
WIDE IN THE BETTER SEEING EYE)
If your vision is constricted and poor in the periphery, then you are qualified for a PWD card.

✅ NO CURE (VISION DOES NOT IMPROVE WITH EYE GLASSES, MEDICATIONS, OR SURGERY)
If there is no other option to improve your vision, then you are qualified for a PWD card.

EYE GLASSES, EYE MISALIGNMENT OR COLOR-BLINDNESS DOES NOT
AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY YOU FOR A PWD CARD.

CONSULT YOUR EYE DOCTOR TO KNOW MORE ABOUT YOUR EYE CONDITION.

This is a public service reminder from the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology.

26/05/2024

👇

SMOKING AND VA**NG CAN DAMAGE YOUR EYES

Smoking can damage important parts of your eyes such as the retina, lens and macula, which are necessary for maintaining clear eyesight and vision. This damage can make your vision cloudy, reduce your field of vision, or even cause blindness. Smoking increases your risk for cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, optic nerve problems, uveitis, and Graves’ disease.

On the other hand, a 2023 study published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA Ophthalmology showed that adolescents and young adults who smoked and vaped (dual users) were more likely to report vision problems including dryness, redness, pain, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and headaches. Eye symptoms were significantly worse among young people who reported using both ci******es and vapes than for those who said they used only one of the products, according to researchers.

Consult your ophthalmologist for more information.

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A PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE PHILIPPINE ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY: Beware of unproven eye medicine, eye drops, and eye devices that are being peddled as a cure-all or prevention of the different eye conditions. Consult your ophthalmologist for the proper care of your eyes.

Sources:
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/smokers
https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/health-effects-tobacco-use/how-smoking-can-contribute-vision-loss-and-blindness
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/996029

25/05/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/A2saZC9PNDm7okfm/?mibextid=V0ec5v&startTimeMs=125000

29/04/2024

MANAGE DIGITAL EYE STRAIN THIS DRY SEASON

✅ Look away from your screen every 20 minutes and look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
✅ Use artificial tears to lubricate your eyes when they feel dry.
✅ Sit about 25 inches or at arm’s length from your screen and adjust its height so you’re looking slightly downward at it.
✅ Adjust the brightness and contrast of your screen and dim the lighting near your screen.
✅ If you wear contacts, wear eyeglasses instead.

Consult your ophthalmologist for more information on how to prevent and manage digital eye strain.



A PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE PHILIPPINE ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY: Beware of unproven eye medicine, eye drops, and eye devices that are being peddled as a cure-all or prevention of the different eye conditions. Consult your ophthalmologist for the proper care of your eyes.

29/04/2024

FOODS FOR EYE HEALTH THIS DRY SEASON

A low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can boost your eye health this dry season. These include:

✅ leafy green vegetables
✅ grapes, strawberries, oranges, grapefruit, blueberries, kiwis
✅ broccoli, tomatoes, peas, corn,
✅ lean beef pork, dairy products, carrots, chick peas, black-eyed peas,
✅ crab, oysters
✅ beans, spinach, mushrooms
✅ cashews, almonds
✅ salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, sardines
✅ brown rice, popcorn, oatmeal, bulgur, barley, buckwheat, couscous

Consult your ophthalmologist for more information on eye-healthy nutrition.



A PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE PHILIPPINE ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY: Beware of unproven eye medicine, eye drops, and eye devices that are being peddled as a cure-all or prevention of the different eye conditions. Consult your ophthalmologist for the proper care of your eyes.

27/04/2024

PREVENT DRY EYES DURING THE DRY SEASON

Ask your ophthalmologist about lubricating eyedrops; also called artificial tears, these eyedrops are designed to lubricate dry eyes and help maintain moisture on the outer surface of your eyes. Try not to use a hair dryer, if possible. Protect your eyes from drying wind by wearing wraparound glasses outside.

Talk to your ophthalmologist about adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet for dry eye relief. They are found naturally in oily fish (such as salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, and anchovies), and in flaxseeds. Omega-3 fatty acids can be added as a dietary supplement (pill or tablet). Keep in mind that such supplements have no approved therapeutic claims.

Consult your ophthalmologist for more information.



A PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE PHILIPPINE ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY: Beware of unproven eye medicine, eye drops, and eye devices that are being peddled as a cure-all or prevention of the different eye conditions. Consult your ophthalmologist for the proper care of your eyes.

27/04/2024

PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM THE SUN

Too much exposure to UV light from the sun raises your risk of eye diseases and other problems. Here are some steps you can take to protect your eyes from the sun:

✅ Select sunglasses that are anti-glare (polarized), provide 100% UV or UV400 protection, or block both UV-A and UV-B rays.
✅ Choose sunglasses that that fit well and that block light from coming in around the lenses; wraparound sunglasses provide more protection.
✅ Wear a broad-brimmed hat along with your sunglasses.
✅ Avoid going out midday to early afternoon, when sunlight is strongest.
✅ Never look directly at the sun.

Consult your ophthalmologist for more information.



A PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE PHILIPPINE ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY: Beware of unproven eye medicine, eye drops, and eye devices that are being peddled as a cure-all or prevention of the different eye conditions. Consult your ophthalmologist for the proper care of your eyes.

27/04/2024

COMMON EYE PROBLEMS DURING THE DRY SEASON

The dry season is characterized by high temperatures and high humidity, which can lead to certain eye problems. Sore eyes is a highly contagious eye infection common during the dry season. A very dry climate can cause dry eyes, the symptoms of which include stinging and burning, blurred vision, scratchy or gritty feeling in your eye, eye redness and irritation, and tearing.

Certain plant pollens, seeds, and mold types are more common during the dry season, which can cause eye allergies. Common eye allergy symptoms include red, swollen or itchy eyes; burning or tearing of the eyes; and sensitivity to light.

Consult your ophthalmologist for more information on common eye problems during the dry season.



A PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE PHILIPPINE ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY: Beware of unproven eye medicine, eye drops, and eye devices that are being peddled as a cure-all or prevention of the different eye conditions. Consult your ophthalmologist for the proper care of your eyes.