“Chronic eye problems”

On the occasion of World Eyesight Day, a meeting was held last week at the Università Statale in Milan aimed at informing the public and raising its awareness about eye diseases and underscoring the importance of prevention from early childhood.

The debate was moderated by well-known journalist Sergio Angeletti with special guest Maria Teresa Ruta, journalist and television presenter, who has taken an interest in health problems for many years.

Speaking at the appointment were Giampaolo Landi di Chiavenna, Councilor for Health at Milan City Council, who emphasized the importance of prevention for all age groups, and especially for the very young, and of raising the awareness of families in order to prevent many of the eye diseases that could develop over the years.

Reiterating the importance of the “prevention” issue, Professor Ratiglia, Director of the Ophthalmology Clinic at Milan University, stated that he was totally in favor of eye exams for newborns and for children of about 3 years old, an age group that is infrequently taken into consideration, as a means of preventing disorders in the future.

Professor De Molfetta, consultant at the Vitreoretinal Surgical Center at San Gerardo Hospital, clearly and comprehensively illustrated the possible causes and probable cures for senile macular degeneration, one of today’s most widespread eye diseases in people over the age of 65. Most at risk from contracting this disease are people with hypermetropia, with light-colored eyes, Caucasians, smokers, or anyone who has been exposed to sunlight for too long. Continual and regular eye exams are important for preventing this disease or for keeping it under control.

At the end of the morning, the microphone was passed to Mr. Roche, the Rotary Club 2040 Governor elected for the 2011-2012 two-year period, and Professor Spinelli in his capacity as president of Vision+ Onlus, who confirmed their associations’ commitment to supporting eyesight protection at the side of Milan City Council.