The Gift of Sight: How Eyes and Brain Work Together

Sight begins in the eyes. But it doesn’t end there. The brain is needed to process and interpret data from the eyes. It’s not a simple process. One part of the brain conjures up an image based on the data it receives from the eyes. Other parts of the brain interpret it. The gift of sight involves much more than just the eyes. Gary Rodney, a behavioural optometrist and an expert in the field of myopia control guides us through a complex process that is often taken for granted: seeing.

The Brain’s Role in Vision

It all begins when a person decides to look at something. A part of the brain stem known as the “pons” tells the eyes to move towards the object, setting the surprisingly complex process that is vision into motion.

The brain is clearly divided into lobes, and the first part of the brain to process visual information is the occipital lobe which is situated at the back of the brain. The occipital lobe’s role in vision is proven and not just a matter of conjecture. When people suffer damage to this part of the brain as a result of illness or injury, they may experience visual disturbances, or even lose their sight completely.

There’s a difference between having an image and understanding it, and the occipital lobe can’t help with the latter. Instead, visual information requires further processing, and different parts of the brain do the work.

Visuospatial cognition takes place in the parietal lobe. This part of the brain is the seat of depth perception and helps with the coordination of movement based on data such as direction and distance. Reaching for, and successfully grasping an object, for example, requires several pieces of information. Recognising the object is a good start, but if it is to be handled, its location in relation to the body is a vital piece of information.

But recognition doesn’t take place in the parietal lobe. For that, the temporal lobe must contribute its share to the process of vision. It’s the seat of memory and it’s able to turn an image into something that’s recognisable based on prior experience.

Until quite recently, experts believed that the frontal lobe wasn’t involved in processing visual information, but it’s now believed to have a rather important role. The theory is supported by information from MRI scans that showed frontal lobe activity during the performance of certain visual tasks.

It’s believed that this part of the brain “focuses” on specific objects. To illustrate this, imagine a room full of various objects. A person is looking for his or her car keys, but plenty of other things are in view. The frontal lobe might be the part of the brain that helps with spotting those car keys among the clutter of other objects in view.

Super-Quick Communication Through a Neural Network

In order to transfer information from the eyes to the different parts of the brain that use and interpret visual information, a super-fast information highway is needed. The retina of the eye has special light-sensitive cells called rod and cone cells. When light strikes one of them, it sends a nerve impulse through the optic nerve to the occipital lobe which processes the information to make up part of an image.

But the image is without any meaning until the occipital lobe is able to match it with a memory. If there’s no match, this part of the brain will store it as a new memory, or it will still retain the memory, if only temporarily, categorising it into understandable information that can be used like “Oh that’s where the car keys are!”

It’s remarkable how quickly this all happens. Some researchers have equated the “speed of sight” as being equivalent to that of a good Ethernet connection, but that’s rather conservative as estimates go. It can be even faster. It’s theorised that the brain prioritises information and works a little more slowly when it deems information less than vitally important, saving its top speed for urgent data – like that obtained from rapidly approaching objects.

Behavioural Optometry: When Eye Tests are About More Than Just Eyes

With so much more than eyes involved in vision, it should come as no surprise that some optometrists do much more than just test the physical ability of the eyes to see clearly. “There’s a lot more to vision than just seeing,” says Gary. “That’s why behavioural optometrists test for visual skills as well as visual acuity. When visual skills need to be developed, it’s more than just a matter of prescribing glasses, but proven therapies can often help with vision problems that go beyond mere eyesight.”

For more information on vision therapy and how it works, or to book an appointment, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Myopia Then and Now

The rising prevalence of myopia is all that’s needed to show that it’s not just a refractive error that glasses will fix. It’s a lifestyle problem with genetic roots, and it’s linked to much more serious eye conditions including glaucoma, retinal detachment, and an increased risk of blindness. 

With myopia on the rise in the West, digital screens are bearing the brunt of the blame, but, says Gary, the rise in myopia was already noticed in Asia long before screens became part of daily life. “Broadly speaking, near work and lack of time spent outdoors in natural daylight seem to be the lifestyle changes that are affecting children’s eyesight,” says Gary. “Nowadays, near work quite often means screen time. However, long hours of study without a computer may have a similar effect.” 

But there’s more to myopia than too much study and not enough outdoor play. “Genetics still play a role,” says Gary. “However, the expression of genes is determined, to some extent, by environmental factors, so it would be unwise to overlook their influence. The adverse effects of near work and the absence of the beneficial effects of time spent outdoors will have an impact, and a genetic predisposition to myopia would add to the potentially negative effects of both.”

How Eye Doctors Slow Myopia Progression

Progressive myopia first manifests itself in children. The younger they are when it begins, the faster it progresses. Later on, usually at around the age of 20 to 25, the progression of myopia slows down. However we now know there are certain categories of the population that continue to get worse even as adults. The eyeball continues to elongate and stretch and damage the retina. The thinking behind myopia control is logical. “If the progression of short sightedness can be slowed or stopped in children, the adult will have better vision,” says Gary. “As a result, children are the primary focus of myopia control interventions.” 

Various treatments have been tested in clinical trials, and needless to say, there were some failures. “At one time, it was believed that providing corrective eyewear that helped myopic kids to see properly was part of the problem. Thankfully, a trial in which children were prescribed eyewear that wasn’t strong enough proved that forcing kids to struggle with their eyesight wasn’t going to solve any problems. We now know that the worse thing you can do to contribute to someone’s eyes getting worse is to under correct the prescription or to prescribe single focus distance glasses or contact lenses.”

At his practice in Mosman, Gary Rodney uses orthokeratology as a way to combat myopia in children. “Kids wear special contact lenses that reshape the cornea at night while they sleep. In most instances, myopia control is that easy,” says Gary, who also promotes the idea of more outdoor playtime. “There are various theories as to why playing outdoors in natural light slows the development and progression of myopia. Whatever the precise mechanism, it’s known that outdoor play makes a significant difference and is therefore to be recommended.”

“The ultimate goal for any optometrist would be the prevention of blindness. He or she will probably never know how many of today’s children are saved from blindness through myopia control interventions, but it’s a calling that can change lives and therefore one that Eyes in Design is passionate about.”

HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Gary Rodney – Covid and Myopia: What you need to know!

For more information on myopia and Smart Vision’s approach to myopia management, or to book an appointment, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Training the Eyes for Sports: As Important as Regular Workouts

The logic is simple. Athletes train their bodies, hoping to reach the peak of their performance, but many of them fail to recognise the importance of training their eyes which are, after all, part of the body and at least as important to their performance as their limbs. 

The ability to see moving objects properly, locate them accurately in space, tracking them as they move, and focusing from one object to the next quickly and clearly are important in sports. Over and above that, being able to see things out of the corner of the eye, the ability to judge speed and distance, and the way in which the eyes direct our bodies, or hand-eye coordination, all contribute to sportspeople’s performance. 

These visual skills may seem like second nature – but so are other elements of sport, like the ability to run. And, as with running ability, training brings improvement. However, it’s an aspect of sports training of which few are aware. One will, for example, hear people saying that they have poor hand-eye coordination with the implied conclusion that there’s nothing to be done about it. According to Gary Rodney, that’s a false assumption. The right training can make a big difference.

Because Everybody’s Different

As with other training programs, there’s no single recipe for success. Gary says that sports vision therapy all begins with individual assessments. The basics come first. While glasses or contacts aren’t a must for everyone, some athletes might need them, so a simple eye test acts as a starting point. 

After that, a behavioural optometrist delves deeper, testing the visual skills that even people with 20/20 vision need in order to perform well in their chosen sports. Specialised equipment is used to test a range of visual skills that aren’t covered by a regular eye examination. The results enable the behavioural optometrist to identify the areas needing work, making it possible to develop an individualised therapeutic training program.

“There’s much more to behavioural optometry than just prescribing glasses,” says Gary, “and it’s not just athletes that can benefit. Some people think they’re just ‘clumsy’ when the real problem lies in their visual skills. Physical performance and visual ability are closely linked, and glasses or contact lenses aren’t always the solution.”

So, for those hoping to do better at sports, and those who aren’t into sport but have noticed issues with hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and so on, vision therapy could be a game-changer in more ways than one. 

HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Gary Rodney – Covid and Myopia: What you need to know!

For more information on vision therapy, or to book an appointment, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Jobs Requiring Near Work and Screen Time

It’s long been believed that jobs requiring very detailed, fine work or close-up work can adversely affect the eyes. However, it’s more a case of eye-strain than vision loss. Nevertheless, eye strain and its consequences are uncomfortable enough to have a very negative impact on one’s work and daily life, so it should certainly be classed as an occupational hazard.

“Eye strain is a real problem for people who do a lot of near work and computer-based work. There are studies that suggest that prolonged screen time could cause permanent damage to eyes. However, the generally accepted view is that digital eye strain is like other forms of eye strain: it can cause symptoms like blurry vision or even double vision, but once the strain is relieved, the symptoms go away,” says Jaqueline. “At Eyes in Design, eye exercises, computer glasses that reduce the effects of blue light, or both are suggested. It’s also worth looking at workplace ergonomics and simple ways in which workers can reduce the risk of straining their eyes.”

Jobs in Which Foreign Objects or Chemicals can Injure Eyes

For those who work in an environment where there’s flying debris, no matter how small, eye protection is a must. “Foreign bodies in the eye can lead to corneal abrasions, even when they are quite small,” says Jacqueline. “Chemicals can be even more dangerous. The bottom line is that workplace health and safety protocols should indicate which jobs require eye protection, and when they do, compliance is key.”

“You may want to visit an optometrist and find out about industrial safety glasses. They don’t replace protective eyewear, but they don’t break as easily on impact, and some designs allow for the addition of side-shields that allow the glasses to be used as protective eyewear for certain tasks.”

Outdoor Jobs

Working outdoors in the sunshine might sound like a pleasant prospect, but it has a few downsides, and the sun itself is one of them. The harmful effects of UV light can cause or contribute to a range of eye problems ranging from corneal sunburn to cataracts and macular degeneration. “If you work outdoors, you should wear polarised sunglasses or choose glasses with photosensitive lenses that darken in sunlight,” says Jaqueline. “There is a very real risk of permanent damage to the eyes from excessive sun exposure, and they need protection.”

Shift Work or Sleep Deprivation

The mental and physical demands of a job that makes inroads into a person’s sleep patterns are many, and their eye health will suffer too. Dry eyes are common in those who don’t sleep enough, but that’s probably the least of their concerns. “Insufficient sleep has been linked to glaucoma which can cause total vision loss,” says Jacqueline. “Dry eyes may sound more uncomfortable than vision-threatening, but dry eyes are also more susceptible to infections. It’s important for your overall health to get enough sleep, and if you’re not able to sleep properly, you need to look for solutions to rectify that.”

Risk is Part of Life, but Risk Mitigation Should be Too

Risk is an ever-present part of life and risk avoidance isn’t always possible. However, risk mitigation is almost always possible, and safeguarding one’s vision should be given priority. “If you’re concerned about the way in which your work affects your vision, visit a behavioural optometrist who will not only look at how well you can see, but also the visual demands of your job,” Jacqueline concludes.

HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Jacqueline Gattegno – Changes in Eyesight Due to a Rise in Stress Levels

For more information on eye injuries and impairments, and how they can be treated, or to make an appointment for a regular eye check, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Not Getting the Message

She says most vision problems, and not only the most obvious and serious ones such as glaucoma, myopia (shortsightedness), macular degeneration and cataract, can affect people psychologically, mentally, and physically. Some of the less publicised eye issues such as eye misalignment, too much or too little convergence of the eyes, and focus difficulties, affect how people view the world and their place in it, as well as how they react to their immediate environment, what happens in it, and the people who live in it. 

“This is not surprising, as the eyes as the primary sense receive about 80% of the information people need to function in their world, and the importance of that information is evident in that the largest part of the brain is consigned to the processing of that information into usable and understandable images,” Gattegno says.

When there is a glitch in the visual system in which the brain processes information about sight received from the eyes into understandable and relevant images that information may be skewed by visual problems. This can result in the processed images returned by the brain being compromised, misleading, and difficult to understand. 

It can also affect visual perception and the skills attached to it, such as the development of motor skills, the ability to track moving objects, and, most of all, the ability to understand what is being seen, and its relevance. Not having these skills can lead to a poor self-image and result in poor function, performance and behaviour. It also doubles the risk of depression and anxiety. 

Getting on the Path to Eye Health

Regular professional eye check-ups, both in the standard form which determines only the acuity of the sight, and in terms of vision checks which look into the perceptual, behavioural and functional parts of vision, play a vital part in ensuring good eye health, both for adults and their children. It’s very important, and possible vision saving, to respond to any signs that suggest there might be visual problems by not waiting for the annual check-up to come round, and consulting an eye specialist immediately.

Gattegno says there are other ways to support eye health, without too much effort. These involve adopting new attitudes and side-lining certain habits, like spending too much time staring at a screen, sitting inside most of the time, and smoking. Increased time spent outdoors under natural light, and fitting in some exercise, are all positive steps to take.

Protection and Diet 

She says protecting the eyes is another vital issue. Ways and reasons to do so include wearing UV blocking sunglasses as a shield against cataract, damage to the retina and the eyelids and growths on the eye, some of which could be cancerous. It is also important to use proper eye protection when playing sports or when doing repairs or projects that could injure the eyes. 

When it comes to diet, Gattegno says that it is best for those with visual problems, diseases or allergies to check with an eye specialist and/or doctor first regarding food and drink choices.

The standard recommendation is to avoid highly processed foods, fast-foods such as pre-packed dinners, burgers, milkshakes, and other sugary drinks, as well as carbohydrates, margarine and fried foods. which can lead to clogging in the thin arteries which supply blood to the eyes. Instead, Gattegno suggests adopting eating habits that involve foods which are low in chemicals, sugar and fat and go for sources which supply vitamins and minerals essential for good eye health and function. 

This includes Vitamin A, which keeps the light-sensing cells in the eyes in shape for collecting visual information, and is found in orange vegetables and fruits like apricots, carrots, sweet potatoes;andVitamin C in citrus such oranges, lemons, grapefruit, some berries, bell peppers and tomatoes. Vitamin E from avocados, nuts, almonds and sunflower seeds, have been shown to slow the progression of macular degeneration and cataract, as well as protecting eyes from too much processed food and smoking. 

Taking a similar role are the two anti-oxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, found in some leafy green vegetables such as kale, turnip greens, spinach,romaine lettuce, peas and broccoli; as well as thezinc in chickpeas, beans, oysters, lean beef and yogurt.

HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Jacqueline Gattegno – Changes in Eyesight Due to a Rise in Stress Levels

For more information on vision and the importance of eye health, or to book an appointment for a thorough eye or vision check-up, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

She said the behavioural optometry approach is far from the standard path followed by optometrists who base diagnoses and treatments on the results of a standard eye test for how clearly each eye sees letters which are 20ft away. 

“The problem for behavioural optometrists is that even those children who get a 20/20 test result which indicates perfect acuity in both eyes, can in some instances not have the functional and perceptual vision skills necessary for learning to read, write, solve math problems, or play sport. Nor does that result necessarily lead to good performance or behaviour in the classroom, or on the sports field,” Gattegno says. 

How Behavioural Optometry Tests for Glitches

Behavioural optometrists test and treat eyes by assessing attention and concentration spans, spatial relationships, performance levels and behaviour all of which, if out of sync, can be the result of a glitch in the complex visual system, and can affect how visual information is processed, delivered, received and applied. 

Teamwork in the Vision System is a Must 

According to Gattegno, teamwork is vital between the many different organs, pathways, nerves and neurons in the visual system. Just one hiccup can result in deficits in visual perceptual and functional skills, distorting people’s understanding of what is happening around them, how they see their place in the world, and how they fit into and function in it. 

These can indicate that the two eyes are not operating properly as a team, both with the brain and with each other. And it can show in the eyes ability to focus on the same level and at the same point when directed at a static object straight ahead, follow and track one that’s in motion; and coordinate when shifting the focus smoothly during changes in distance and direction.

Common signs that these hiccups might be present are difficulty paying attention and concentrating for any length of time, avoiding activities like reading or playing sport and reluctance to engage in answering questions, joining in discussions or taking part in social activities. And those don’t only lead to poor performance and behaviour, but also result in a low self-image, confusion, and a feeling of alienation, Gattegno says. 

Correcting the Dysfunctions

Vision therapy uses a number of approaches to correcting, restoring, or developing the visual skills necessary for normal sight and physical action. Depending on the situation and problem involved, correction can take the form of optical devises, special glasses or prism lenses, as well as using a training programme shared between office and home. All are designed to improve the vision skills and processing of visual information.     

HEAR: Ultra106.5FM Interview with Jacqueline Gattegno – Changes in Eyesight Due to a Rise in Stress Levels

For more information on vision therapy and how it works, or to book an appointment, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

A Vicious Cycle of Anxiety and Distortion

She says the strange relationship creates a vicious cycle in which those living and seeing in anxiety’s mental world, comprised of threats, fear, and the stress these create, can add strain and various levels of vision anxiety to the challenges already facing those whose eyes are misaligned and therefore unable to work  efficiently as a team. This vision problem, which also affects how people see their world, can, in return, increase the levels of anxiety in the already anxious.

According to Gattegno, vision anxiety shows itself in visual symptoms which include light-sensitivity; double-vision; blurs, floaters and shadows; short shifts in brightness; distorted images; and seeing non-existent shapes which may or may not appear to be moving.

Like anxiety disorders and even occasional stress, vision anxiety can occur before, during or after a particularly challenging period or any change in stress levels. It can also appear out of nowhere, stay for a short or long time, and disappear often or occasionally, only to return at another time. It can always affect the same eye, shift from one eye to the other and back, or affect both eyes simultaneously every time.

Anxiety and Eye Misalignments Impact on Perception

“Anxiety changes people’s perception of life, the world and their place in it, and leads to increased feelings of disorientation and confusion, as well as leading to a sense of being overwhelmed, all of which can have an impact on perceptual vision. This, in turn, can affect the visual system, and especially do so when the eyes already have their own form of perceptual dysfunction caused by eye misalignment,” Gattegno says.

“80% of the information we receive about the world, life, and sense of place are processed through the visual pathway. But when there is misalignment the chances are strong that this information would be compromised.”

She says the body’s visual system is based on the eyes working in sync with each other , with each eye sending its own data on what’s seen to the brain for processing into a single understandable image that’s processed  by the mind. But when the eyes don’t work in sync, their individual ‘reports’ may differ, and affect or distort the processing so much that the information from the weaker eye (or both) may be discarded by the brain as being irrelevant and senseless. This, in turn, can affect people’s perception of what they see, and raise the levels of confusion and disorientation which lead to feelings of anxiety and alienation.

Eye Misalignment: A Mysterious Problem

To see well, the eyes need to act as a team which look in the same direction and focuses on the same object. But eye misalignment, one of the most common eye problems faced by children, and affecting around 4 percent of them under 6, can’t do that. Instead it causes one eye, (sometimes both, and less often, alternating eyes) to turn inwards towards the nose, or away from it; look upwards or downwards instead of straight ahead; and in some instances, to move in more than one of those directions at the same time.

Gattegno says the mystery lies in what causes misalignment. Suggested reasons vary from high levels of farsightedness and thyroid eye disease, to injuries, cranial nerve palsies, and birth, brain or eye development problems. And it’s said to occasionally be a mixture of more than one of these.  

Cutting the Bond

Several options are available for treating eye misalignments, including vision therapy, which uses a structured program of training to improve eye coordination and the teamwork between the brain and the eyes; as well as glasses, contact lenses, prism lenses, and eye muscle surgery.

However, she said that although correcting misalignments (and other eye problems) may reduce or remove vision anxiety, it will not cure the anxiety disorder or stress that appears to increase its impact. That requires rest, relaxation, and therapy of a different kind, aimed at treating the disorder itself.

For more information on vision therapy, or to book an appointment for a visual perception test online, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Children Under Biggest Threat

He says that because 80% of people’s information is received via the eyes, this lack of functionality can affect how children learn to read, write, study, drive, or play sport, and sometimes even make it difficult for them to recognise people in a crowd. And it can lead to loss of self-esteem and failure to understand the space and world they’re in, and how to live in it.

School children are the most vulnerable to poor functional vision, and the worst hit by its effects. This is not surprising, Rodney says, because every day they are faced with learning new things, 80% of which call for good functional vision skills. But one out of four of them don’t have the necessary skills to do so.

He says the absence of these skills is often overlooked; ignored; seen as bad behaviour; poor performance; or attributed to learning disorders, yet many of these problems can be improved or corrected with vision therapy and training. 

Glitches in the Visual System

Rodney says that for vision to function correctly, so must the entire visual system, which is made up of a number of organs, processes, nerves and pathways. The eyes act as receptors of data on what is seen; the brain receives this from each eye separately via pathways, and processes and combines both reports into one accurate, relevant, and understandable image. But this only happens when both sets of data are the same. If the two reports on the same object don’t match, the brain may ignore one of them distorting the image.

The Skills Needed for Functional Vision

To ensure the necessary match is made involves good coordination between the eyes that allows both eyes to focus on and follow a moving object like a ball on a sports field, track letters, numbers and words across a page, or scan a screen full of information, all in perfect sync and without the head being turned.

Both eyes should also be able to shift focus back and forth between objects in the distance and those close-up without losing clarity when assimilating or copying information that’s on a board or screen.

How to Know if a Child Has Functional Vision Problems

Children may get confused between their left and right sides when it comes to directions; twist or turn their heads from side to side instead of moving their eyes to follow text or numbers across a page; squint or close one eye when looking at a book or screen; hold books or objects very close to their face; lose their place when reading or copying work and use a finger to guide them; forget what they have just read; confuse letters like “d” and “b” and numbers like “6” and “9”; skip words; or battle with handwriting.

Physical and behavioural responses can include double or blurred vision; a short attention span; clumsiness; difficulty throwing or catching balls; poor motor skills and hand-eye coordination; as well as headaches in the forehead or temples or dizziness and nausea. The children may also be irritated, and easily tired.

For more information on functional vision therapy, or to book an appointment for a visual perception test online, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

He says that when the human visual system’s processing program operates as it should, it is so efficient that technologists have for decades been producing models of it to boost their technology. But it is not that easy for them to get a totally perfect match.

“It’s a bit like putting together a jig-saw puzzle. The end product is a perfect, colourful and meaningful picture, but that’s only if and when the pieces are all in the right places, fit together perfectly, and the last one isn’t missing. But connecting the different pieces in the complex visual system, is far more difficult,” Rodney says.

How the Visual System Works

The vision system, like in research, development, or journalism, relies on the accuracy and relevance of information provided by various sources which use different approaches and methodology. These are then processed into a meaningful and useful study, report, essay, or product,” says Rodney.

“It uses all three eyes, the two practical processing organs (the brain and the eyes), and the mysterious and intangible mind, to provide information that is as accurate and relevant as possible, so that the brain can process it into an understandable image. And it does so in as little as 13milliseconds.

The Difference Between the Three Eyes

To kick start vision processing, the eyes collect data about what is seen. Made up of various wavelengths, it’s carried by the sun’s rays into the eyes through the cornea and directed to the retina. There it’s processed into electrochemical signals which are transferred back-to-front and upside down to the brain through the optic nerve, and processed into a usable image which is then sent back to the eye.

The Brain’s Eye

The brain, the chief processor, includes about 30 different visual areas, each of which contain parallel streams of processing and are distinct modules, which kick into operation processing the millions of new signals received every time the eye focuses on something different.

According to Rodney, the brain is selective, so it ignores what it considers to be incomplete or irrelevant, and processes the rest into three-dimensional visual images.  Taken into account during processing are the location, colour, size, shape and texture of the object seen, as well as relevant memories of similar images stored in the brain’s “library” of visual memories.

 The Mind’s Eye

The mental Mind’s Eye is not a processor, and according to neuroscientists share parts of the visual sections of the brain. Rodney says it’s a thinker and dreamer, emotional and perceptive, and a builder of memories and images. And it is increasingly being thought to be what adds reason and perception to the visual process and gives understanding and meaning to what is seen.

While some people don’t have this eye, (its absence is called aphantasia), most see its mental images as dreams or thoughts. Occasionally they are unclear or hazy, as if being viewed through a dirty piece of glass, and are written off as not being real or relevant, but often they will be clear and meaningful even with the visible eyes closed.

For more information on vision therapy, or to book an appointment for a visual perception test online, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Outside Injury to the Cornea

According to Gattegno, injury to one or both eyes can cause a great amount of damage to eyes and vision, whether it’s caused by objects, abrasions and scratches, or chemical burns. The cornea, the outer lens which controls the light entering the eye and provides about three quarters of the eye’s focusing power, is very vulnerable to almost anything that enters the eye. These invaders can take the form of small pieces of sand or dust blown into the eyes by the wind, chips that fly off materials while working, or by accidentally touching the eyes when applying cosmetics with a finger, eyebrow pencil or other item.

Symptoms include sudden blurring, red eyes, tearing, and sensitivity to light. And while the many which only slightly affect the outer layer of the cornea may heal in less than three days, the injury can turn into a serious matter if the damage has gone deeper and given rise to erosion and scarring or an infection develops.

Chemical burns are caused by liquid or powdered chemicals which enter the eyes at work or at home, where they are found in cleaning materials, nail polish removers, vinegar and any other items which contain either acids, alkalies, or strong irritants. Alkalies like ammonia, potassium, lime and magnesium hydroxides, found in fertilisers, drain and oven cleaners and plaster or cement are considered the worst.

If the burn goes too far into the eye and caused a large amount of damage, the impact on the eyes can lead to long term pain, scarring, glaucoma, and even blindness. Even slight damage can result in pain and discomfort, and continue to blur the vision for some time. 

Damage Within the Eyes

According to Gattegno, sudden blurring can also be the result of damage within the eye itself, like when the retina at the back of the eye tears or becomes detached. This is the tissue which receives the messages carried to it by rays of the sun about what we see, for forwarding to the brain for processing. When firmly attached and nourished by attached blood vessels below it, the retina is able to function as both collector and forwarder of these messages, but when it is detached, blurry vision is the outcome. Other symptoms of a torn or detached retina include sudden flashes of light, speckles that seem to float through the picture that’s being seen, or dark shadows which creep into the eyes from the edges.

Breakdowns in blood supply caused by this detachment or by clots in the blood vessels, Gattegno reports, can severely impact on sight and vision, resulting in blurred vision and difficulty with coordination. They can also cause strokes in the brain, which also impacts on the eyes.

For more information on eye injuries and impairments, and how they can be treated, or to make an appointment for a regular eye check, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Gattegno says that many drivers, happy with their standard test results, are often unaware that they have one of many vision errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) which limit the distance at which people see clearly; or visual coordination issues that result in unstable or double vision. And statistics show that in 23% (close to one in four of the world’s drivers) these vision problems are uncorrected.

Signs of Trouble

An Optometry Australia survey found that just under 20 percent of drivers in the 35 to 54 age group find it difficult to see signposts when driving. 15% of them said they squinted during the day in order to address this, and more than 20% said they found themselves squinting at night.

Other factors listed by drivers included eye fatigue and dry eyes after long periods spent in front of the computer screen at work, and the glare caused by the setting sun as they drove home, specially when they were driving directly towards it. After sunset problems were identified as eye irritation caused by direct exposure to the bright lights of oncoming cars, as well as reflections on wet roads and signposts, and the changing colours of traffic lights.

Eye Test Doesn’t Cover Everything

According to Rodney, founder of Smart Vision Optometry in Australia and fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC), these responses indicate that relying on the eye test taken to get a driver’s license as an indication that all is well with a driver’s vision, could be a mistake. These tests in most countries, including Australia, rely on eye acuity, or how well the would-be driver’s eyes can see an object at a certain distance. This is determined by their ability to read the letters on the standard Snellen chart.

Rodney says this leaves out a big, and vital section of vision needed for driving safely. The gap lies in that it doesn’t test the driver’s ability to understand what is being seen, or react to it appropriately and quickly, particularly when they see something unexpected, such as a child suddenly crossing the road, or a car stopping just ahead of them for no apparent reason.

Acuity vs Vision

He says the ability to respond quickly is vital to safe driving, and this is not affected by eyesight, or determined by how far someone can see. It’s the relevant, usable, and applicable information that’s provided by perceptual vision following teamwork between eye and brain in processing the information gathered by sight.

This makes it important, Rodney says, that when testing sight for driver’s licenses, vision tests should also be included that determine other factors besides those indicated by the standard acuity test.

To learn more about perceptual vision and Smart Vision’s approach to Myopia management and vision therapy, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

The Picture Painted by Numbers

During the past decade, the overall global population has risen by only 14% (just under 1billion) from 6.9 billion in 2010 to 7.8 billion in 2020. But, according to Rodney, over the same period huge spikes in the number of people struggling with vision.

This has pushed the global figures on visual impairment and uncorrected refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) to a current total of 2.5 billion people worldwide. This shows an eight times increase of 2billion people on a figure of 285million only 10 years ago, and pushes up the impact of vision problems to affecting 32% of the global population from only 4% in 2010.

“And 1 billion (or 40%) of those 2.5billion are dealing with eye conditions which could have been addressed or corrected, which could be caused by unawareness, or by lack of access to treatment, ” Rodney says.

Call to Action

The soaring statistics have certainly acted as calls to action, and government and eye-health organisations, scientists and researchers have responded in many countries by trying to determine why vision issues are spiking, how to slow the curve, and how to increase awareness of the threat that curve contains, says Rodney.

However, the opinions and approaches differ as to why vision problems are now affecting every third person in the world. Theories which include the increase in urban lifestyle, diet, location, genetics, too much screen time and the increased role of technology, as well as regular sedentary and close-up work and too little exercise or outdoor time, are all being investigated as possible answers or contributors to the overall problem.

According to Rodney, one of the biggest reasons is the epidemic-like rise in myopia or shortsightedness, a refractive error which affects the eyes’ ability to receive information correctly and deliver it to the brain for processing into a understandable, relevant, and meaningful image.

The People Who are Most at Risk

Statistics suggest that the most likely to have poor vision are those who live in developing countries such as those in the South-East Asia, the Western Pacific, and African regions. These areas account for about 70 percent of the vision impaired population. Most are females of any age; from the middle or lower income groups; or over 50 years old. 

Rodney said of the wide range of vision impairments and functional errors, the one most likely to cause the severest damage to sight is cataract. Statistics show it as being responsible for 51% of global blindness.

However, nearsightedness, because of its high prevalence and the major threat it offers, even when at its lowest levels of progression, not only to people’s sight, but also to their general and mental health, their self-image, and their ability to learn, has to be seen as equally serious. And when it is allowed to progress to its highest level, it can also lead to non-age-related macular degeneration, retinal tears and detachment; contribute to the development of cataract, and also sometimes, to blindness, Rodney says.  

For more information about vision impairments, myopia and the global threat to vision, and more importantly what you can do to prevent it, or to make an appointment, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

However, according to Australian behavioural optometrists Jacqueline Gattegno and Gary Rodney, many don’t realise that the lack of sleep can have far more serious effects on their eyesight and vision than merely spoiling their aesthetics or their mood, or that some even lead to vision loss.

Why A Good Night’s Sleep is Necessary

According to Rodney, a master of optometry and fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC), regularly having the correct amount of the right sort of sleep leads to better and clearer eyesight, vision, and eye function. The recommended amount is 7 to 8 hours at night for adults, longer for teenagers, and still more for young children whose eyes are still developing.

These extended sleep periods provide adequate time for restoring and renewing the cells, lubricating the eyes, and improving the health of the tissues, nerves and muscles in and around the eyes. Not giving the eyes this vital time for maintenance can result in nothing more than a little discomfort in the short-term, but it can also seriously affect the eyes and visual system, and can sometimes lead to impaired vision or blindness, says Gattegno.

How Lack of Sleep Can Affect the Eyes

• The Eye Spasms and Twitching experienced after a short or restless night’s sleep, probably won’t harm vision permanently, but they can be extremely irritating and distracting at the very least. Rodney says they may also affect the ability to focus, and influence the ability to perform everyday functions such as driving, working on the computer, or reading.
  
• Dry Eye Syndrome is caused when the eyes don’t produce enough tears (or they evaporate too soon) to clean and lubricate the eyes. While this can occur naturally, Rodney says it is also associated with too much time spent watching screens with a fixed focus, and little blinking or eye movement. And it can also result from too little sleep.

He says all these habits limit the tears eyes build up during blinking or sleeping, and affects their ability to circulate them in order to keep the eyes lubricated. The result can cause headaches; itchy, scratchy or red eyes; blurred vision; increased light sensitivity; stringy mucus in and around the eyes; eye infections and eye fatigue. But, when it happens too often, it can also lead to scratches developing on the cornea which covers the eye and protects it against UV light rays, and may even result in total vision loss if left untreated.

• The most severe eye impairments, and the most likely to cause vision loss, flourish in a poor health environment, according to Rodney. Two of the best known are Glaucoma, which builds up pressure inside the eyes to a point where it damages the optic nerve and, starting with the peripheral vision, gradually leads to total vision loss; and Diabetic Retinopathy, which, in reaction to Diabetes 2, damages the blood vessels in the retina, which normally act as the landing point for the light rays delivering information about what is seen for transfer to the brain.
  
• A rarer vision condition, Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (AION), also seems to have a connection with sleep loss, and particularly where the sleep-deprived person has sleep apnea. This causes inflammation in the eye blood vessels, which can also result in vision loss over time.
  

For more information on how to identify and avoid eye conditions and impairments, or to make an appointment for a regular eye check, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Not All Normals are Normal

According to Gattegno, children, and often those around them, are totally unaware that there’s a vision problem, and are therefore unlikely to realise that vision errors could be behind low learning performance, and unexpected classroom behaviour which doesn’t seem to be in sync with the child’s personality traits or cognitive development.

She says children don’t really see their vision as being anything but normal, because they haven’t experienced anything else. And while they may realise that they don’t see or experience things the same way their classmates do, they may tend to be reticent about discussing it with those around them, so many parents and teachers are left in the dark.

Getting to the Bottom of Behaviour Problems

Rodney, founder of the Smart Vision Optometry system based in Sydney, says vision problems impacting on learning skills and classroom behaviour often involve focusing and eye-tracking issues, or a lack of teamwork between the eyes. These can affect the way children see their lives and how they function in them, and they can certainly impact on their understanding or perception of what is seen in the classroom, and how they react to it.

He says that to work perfectly the visual system needs uninterrupted and perfect teamwork between the eyes and brain. The eyes harvest information provided by light rays and transmit it to the brain, where this information is decoded and processed into understandable and usable images. Any glitches in this system or shortfalls in the teamwork can bring about a similar outcome to that of a single player who’s out of form on match-day and so causes a sports team to lose a match which seemed like a certain win.

Rodney says that, similarly, the out of sync behavioural patterns could be indicating that at least one team player is not performing well in the visual team, resulting in children having difficulty paying attention or concentrating; avoiding certain activities like reading or playing sport; and being reluctant when it comes to answering questions or really engaging in classroom discussions.

Vision Testing and Therapy May be the Solution

Fortunately, he says these patterns, and the vision problems causing them, can be identified by testing for visual perceptual and functional skill deficits, and any eye deficiencies which could be causing them. And in many cases these can be corrected using vision therapy provided this intervention is done timeously. 

On the other hand, relying solely on regular eye-tests could mean that these vision dysfunctions and impairments, which affect the way people see objects and interpret what they are seeing, can go untreated, or be misdiagnosed as a neurodevelopmental disorder such as ADHD, or other learning disorders like dyslexia.

For more information on behavioural optometry, perceptual vision, vision therapy and its importance, or to book an appointment for a thorough eye or vision check-up,visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.

To book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up, click here or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.