Diabetic Disease Awareness Month aims to increase the awareness of diabetes, and diabetic eye disease.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults, therefore it is important to seek treatment for vision impairment that are related to diabetes.

As the number of people living with diabetes grows, so does the number of people with impaired vision.

High blood sugar levels damages the blood vessels of the retina, and can cause permanent vision loss.  Vision impairment caused by Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) may be prevented by regulating blood sugar and blood pressure levels as well as regular eye examinations at your local Smart Vision Optometry.

Jacquie Gattengo, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, explains the four stages of DR and what preventable measures can be taken to reduce the disease from advancing, and causing permanent vision loss.

There are two types of DR; Non proliferative retinopathy – which refers to the bleeding of the retina or leakage of blood – and proliferative retinopathy whereby abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina. The blood may bleed in the centre of the eye, causing vision problems.

Micro aneurysms (MA) occurs in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) when the capillary walls leak fluid due to the haemorrhage of blood vessels.

Stage one: Mild NPDR

The first stage consists of mild non-proliferative retinopathy, which is an early stage of DR. In this stage, “small areas of swelling or bulges occurs in the blood vessels of the retina,” says Jacquie.

Vision may not be affected yet during this stage.

Mild NPDR has at least one MA. Such findings are elusive, therefore close monitoring and inspection are crucial.  Patients should have an extensive eye examination once a year.

It is also essential that “patients diagnosed with diabetes monitor their blood sugar level and diet,” says Jacquie.

Stage 2: Moderate NPDR

As the disease progresses, it results in moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, where some of “the blood vessels that nourish the retina becomes blocked and damage the retina,” says Jacquie.

Blood and other fluids build up in the small central part of the retina causing diabetic macular edema. Vision may be affected in this stage.

Patients with moderate NPDR should have an eye examination at least twice a year.

Stage 3: Severe NPDR

The third stage consists of an additional blockage of the blood vessels, “this disrupts the blood supply to the retina,” says Jacquie. The damaged retina signals the body to produce new blood vessels. The development of new blood vessels grows in the retina and fills the interior of the eye. “The obstructed blood vessels may lead to blurred vision with dark spots visible,” says Jacquie.

Multiple haemorrhages occur in the retinal quadrants. During this stage, retinal detachment may occur.

“Patients with severe NPDR should have a dilated fungus examination three or four times a year,” advises Jacquie. These patients are at high risk of disease progression and permanent vision loss

Stage 4: Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

During this stage, “the new blood vessels are abnormal and rupture causing a flow of blood to the retina,” says Jacquie.

The growth of abnormal and fragile new blood vessels advance during this stage. “These blood vessels have fragile walls and can leak blood in the retina, causing severe vision loss and blindness,” says Jacquie.

Patients exhibit either neovascularisation of the eye or pre-retinal haemorrhage. Until the disease stabilises, it is required that they visit a retinal speciality once a month.

Eye examinations

There are usually no warning signs of Diabetic retinopathy (DR), however early signs of DR can be detected up regular eye examinations. The procedure of such examination includes near and distant eye tests, a dilated eye exam (which allows the examiner to see through the pupil to the retina), and a tonometry test to measure the fluid pressure in the eye.

Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, are at risk of developing neurovascular complications that can lead to Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). It is advised that “patients with diagnosed type 1 and type 2 diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye examination,” says Jacquie.

Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600, alternatively book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News, YDMA Group

Kids With Myopia Aren’t Necessarily Undernourished 

“Studies often produce tantalising results that are all-too-easy to misinterpret,” says Jacqueline. “For example, a famous study found that children who developed myopia ate less energy-rich foods, had a lower intake of B-vitamins and vitamin C, and ate less fatty and protein-rich foods.”

“That may seem conclusive enough, but it was found that there were no significant height or weight differences between myopic children and their peers, which would be expected when nutritional intake was low enough to indicate malnourishment. As a result, the researchers were forced to conclude that the myopes weren’t undernourished and may just have represented a group with a lower energy requirement.” 

“The point about physical energy requirements opens the door to speculation. There is definitely research showing a link between spending too much time indoors and the progression of short-sightedness. However, we don’t know anything about indoor versus outdoor activity in the group with ‘lower energy requirements.’ It’s certainly possible that this was a more sedentary group that spent less time in outdoor play, but even if it was, it can’t be known whether the same nutritional findings would have applied had both myopic and non-myopic groups of children been exposed to the same levels of activity, particularly outdoor activity.”

A Balanced Diet for a Healthy Body

Sometimes, it’s best to take an uncomplicated view to eliminate confusion, and that’s just what Jacqueline does. “It’s an accepted fact that a healthy, balanced diet is important to one’s health, and there’s no reason to believe that eye-health is any different. There are certain foods that are linked to the maintenance of eye-health, but they shouldn’t be viewed in isolation. Balance will always be key in nutrition and a balanced diet should benefit eye-health along with overall physical health.”

Balance is certainly a sensible approach, but knowing which foods (other than carrots) are best for maintaining healthy eyes and possibly even clear vision is nevertheless of interest. As with all things eye-related, Jacqueline has the available information at her fingertips.

Feast the Eyes

“Oily fish like herring, mackerel, sardines, salmon and tuna top the list. There’s evidence that the Omega-3s found in oily fish can contribute to reducing dry eye issues, and Omega-3s are linked to a host of other health benefits,” says Jacqueline.  Seeds and nuts also contain Omega-3s, and unless there are allergies to add to the equation, they’re a healthy snack food for between-meals nibbling. 

“Antioxidant vitamins are believed to protect against various age-related eye problems, and the best source of these nutrients is to be found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Once again, the whole body benefits and people of all ages can enjoy better health. And yes, carrots are good because they contain Vitamin A – so the old urban legend wasn’t altogether wrong.”

“Beef and eggs contain zinc, which is an element found in higher levels in the eyes than elsewhere in the body, so it’s possible that both of these foods, as well as other foods containing this trace element, are good for the eyes.”

Last but not least, Jacqueline observes that water helps to keep the body functioning as it should, and that applies to the eyes too. It is known that staying hydrated can help to reduce dry eye symptoms, and that’s just one of the many benefits of drinking enough water. By now, we’ve covered most of the ingredients of a balanced diet, but it does serve to illustrate that there’s no ‘silver bullet’ when it comes to eating for healthier eyes and better vision.”

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.

That’s because eyes change over time, and just as their joints might be feeling a bit more creaky than they did when they were in their twenties, their eyes aren’t as flexible or as strong as they were before. Here’s what they can expect from their eyes after 40 and what they can do about it. 

1. “Long Arms” for Reading

The lens of the eye flexes to allow for the switch between near and far vision. Over time, it loses its flexibility, and even those who never needed glasses before may find that they need specs for reading. “It’s one of those things,” says Australian behavioural optometrist Jacqueline Gattegno, proprietor of Eyes in Design Bondi. “If you haven’t been going for regular eye tests before the age of 40, you should certainly begin to do so.”

2. Dry Eyes

Every time someone blinks, their eyes are lubricated with tear fluid. There are a lot of different reasons for dry eyes including long hours spent in front of the computer, dry air, and ageing eyes. One can experience dry eyes at any time of life, but once someone is over the age of 35, the chances increase. Women who are experiencing menopause or are past menopause are more likely to get dry eyes than men are, but that doesn’t leave men with one less thing to worry about. They can get dry eyes too. 

Although dry eyes are uncomfortable, they aren’t ordinarily a direct threat to a person’s vision. Nevertheless, one should let an optometrist take a look and see what’s causing the problem. “Special drops can relieve dry eyes,” says Jacqueline. “You can also try helping your eyes by taking fish oil capsules and drinking lots of water.”

3. Reduced Night Vision

In time, the photoreceptors in the eyes begin to age and that means that seeing in poor light becomes more difficult. “An optometrist can’t improve your night vision per se,” says Jaqueline, “but making sure that your eyewear prescription is correct will help to some degree.”

4. Glaucoma

There was a time when having glaucoma meant that the person would experience vision loss – sometimes even total vision loss. Glaucoma is a build-up of pressure inside the eye and it can damage the optic nerve. However, if glaucoma is diagnosed early, it is treatable: one more reason to go for those eye examinations. The older a person is, the more important this becomes. Glaucoma is still a leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60. 

5. Cataracts

Cataracts form when the proteins in the eye’s lens clump together, clouding the lens and blurring vision. Someone might notice them because they’re seeing halo effects when they look at lights, because their night vision is becoming worse, or because they’re experiencing blurry vision. 

“If cataracts are so bad that stronger glasses can’t restore vision, laser surgery solves the problem,” says Jacqueline. “It’s not a major procedure, and the success rate is excellent. Surgery may sound worrying, but it doesn’t require a stay in hospital, and the chances are excellent that your vision will be better than ever before. It’s definitely not something to be scared of.”

6. Macular Degeneration

The macula is part of the eye, and it consists of light-sensing cells. If the macula begins to degenerate, vision becomes blurry. Left untreated, it is likely to end in loss of vision, but, says Jaqueline, treatments can slow the process, preventing severe vision loss. Macular degeneration affects in the region of 14 percent of people over the age of 80. “It’s not something that affects all people with ageing eyes,” says Jacqueline, “but it’s something to look out for since the damage isn’t reversible.”

Take-Home Message

Eye examinations become even more important once a person is over 40. There’s no need for people to be overly worried about any problems an optometrist may pick up – as long as they’re going for fairly regular check-ups. Some age-related eye problems may require treatment or surgery, but in general, the outlook is good as long as the diagnosis is early.

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

For more information on eye health, visual skills and 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.

“Eye strain from staring at screens is incredibly common,” says Australian behavioural optometrist Jacqueline Gattegno. “It’s believed that most people these days have some degree of digital eye strain, but it will come as a relief to know that there’s no proven link between eye strain and the progression of myopia.”

“At the same time, there’s also no real proof that computers can’t contribute to longer-term vision problems. The jury is out. However, if you’re already experiencing vision issues and do visually intensive work, eye strain is an inevitable result, and if you have perfect vision and make your eyes work too hard, you’re also at risk of experiencing eye strain.”

Symptoms of Eye Strain

Most people will identify with the feeling of having “tired eyes.” They may be dry, and they can be sore and uncomfortable. The dryness of strained eyes can cause a burning sensation, and one may experience sensitivity to bright lights, trouble with focusing and refocusing the eyes, headaches, or even double vision. 

“It’s easy to say that digital eye strain among students and professionals isn’t serious,” says Jaqueline, “but symptoms this uncomfortable must be taken seriously because they have such a big impact on quality of life and the ability to fulfil one’s overall potential. Nobody is going to be at their best when they’re battling with discomfort.”

How to Prevent and Treat Eye Strain

“Your optometrist can help,” says Jacqueline. “Even if your glasses are fine for all the other things you do, they might not be suited for seeing at screen-distance. Computer glasses can also be tinted to reduce the effects of blue light. If your eyes are dry, an optometrist can determine whether it’s just a matter of not blinking enough or whether your tear glands aren’t working quite as they should. If the glands are blocked, there are non-invasive treatments, and if it’s just dryness from not blinking enough, there are drops that can help with dry eyes.”

“Since the overtired muscles that focus your eyes have a big role to play in eye strain, giving them some stretching exercises can work wonders. Behavioural optometrists are able to teach you eye exercises that will help to relax and strengthen the muscles in your eyes.”

Taking frequent breaks requires almost as much discipline as working or studying for hours, but despite sounding counter-productive, it’s quite the opposite. “Give your eyes and your brain a break every twenty minutes or so,” says Jacqueline. “Chances are, you’ll get even more done. Just twenty seconds looking at a distant object every twenty minutes can make a huge difference.”

You should also blink consciously. “When people work in front of screens, their eyes are fixed on the task, and they blink less often than they should. That dries out the eyes and accounts for the burning, gritty sensation that people with eye strain experience.”

According to Jacqueline, a person’s computer, their posture, and the layout of their work area may also contribute to their eye strain. 

“Always work with your screen at arms’ length from your face and positioned so that you look slightly downwards at it when seated in an upright posture. Making text larger may help, as can increasing the refresh rate of your screen to reduce flickering. You can also reduce glare by using a matte filter for your screen. Ensure that your workspace is well-lit and that your screen is not brighter than the light in the room. If dry air is contributing to the problem, a humidifier may be of help. Finally, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. It rests the eyes and re-energises the mind.”

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

For more information on eye strain and how it can be treated and prevented, 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.

Behavioural optometry offers a proactive approach to eyesight that, in certain cases, reduces the chances of vision problems developing in the first place, and when its precepts are applied to children, its benefits can have particularly far-reaching implications.

It would be a mistake, however, to see behavioural optometry as a field that only benefits kids who need help in putting their eyes to work for them. Sportspeople, office workers, and people with neurological problems are among those who might benefit. Not everyone needs intervention from a behavioural optometrist, but those who do are likely to experience its evidence-based medical benefits. 

Beyond Deciding if They Need Glasses

While behavioural optometrists like Jacqueline Gattegno are able to prescribe glasses and contact lenses when they’re needed, their qualifications and experience have progressed further to include the diagnosis and treatment of issues ranging from poor eye coordination to focusing problems, lazy eye, turned eye and difficulties in tracking texts sequentially. 

Behavioural optometrists are also trained to assess what we do with information from eyes: for example, how we use it to coordinate movements, or how we synthesise visual information and auditory information. Finally, the things people use their eyes for are assessed and linked to skills that can be improved and risks that need to be combatted.

In short, behavioural optometry examines the ways in which we use our eyes, and offers therapies that include but also transcend prescription eyewear in order to help us to use vision more effectively. It can even prevent progressive deterioration in vision that may otherwise have led to a need for glasses or glasses stronger than the ones already worn. 

According to the Australian College of Behavioural Optometrists (ACBO), behavioural optometry has three goals: preventing the development or deterioration of eye and vision problems; treating the ones that are already present; and developing visual abilities, particularly those needed by children to fulfil their academic potential.

Jacqueline confirms: “From children striving to get the full benefit of their education, to active adults who realise that visual training may be as important as physical training in boosting performance, office workers who spend long hours in front of computer screens, and older people who are working to take care of their visual health, behavioural optometry can have benefits,” says Jacqueline. “It all begins with an examination in which your visual skills and needs are assessed.”

Specs, and More Than Just Specs

Apart from prescription eyewear, which is sometimes tinted to help address the impact of certain conditions on the eyes, behavioural optometry offers eye health advice, and therapeutic techniques that help with vision and vision-related challenges.

“The diagnostic methods, the therapies, and the options we offer at Eyes in Design Bondi are not unique,” says Jacqueline, “but the general public is largely unaware of them. If they don’t have problems with their eyes, they don’t need to know. But it is of concern that many adults and children are struggling with unaddressed eye-related issues.”

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.

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.

She says about 15% of people, and many children diagnosed with ADHD, battle with uncoordinated eye movements caused by convergence dysfunction, which affects the degree to which both eyes, which function independently, are able to work together and move in such way as to bring their independent focuses together on an object that’s close by. 

If they overdo the required turn inwards by turning too far, the overzealous turning will result an excess of convergence which causes the teamed focus to fall far short of the object. But if, on the contrary, the eyes tend to move outwards instead of inwards, their teamed focus point or convergence will be far beyond the close-up objects like books or work that are being looked at, which is seen as being as being insufficient convergence. 

The Impact of Convergence Errors

Gattegno says that it has been suggested by researchers that if left untreated and uncured, convergence excess errors may result in myopia, a serious refractive error which allows only for close vision.

When it comes to learning skills, she says convergence issues do not affect children’s ability to learn how to read, but they can impact on how they interpret and understand what they have read because the focus on the words is blurred or doubled. And these errors can also affect the fluency with which children read, specially when expected to do so for a long time. 

The energy taken in attempting to correct the double vision or clear the blur by trying to move the eyes to the right convergence point by stopping them from turning too far inward or outward, can also result in frustration and other issues. This can affect a child’s ability to read and work close up and could result in eye strain.

Increasing the negative impact of this eye muscle dysfunction, Gattegno says, is that many of those affected by it may not even know they have it; what it means; and why or how it can be corrected. 

Testing and Treating

She says neither convergence insufficiency nor convergence excess can be identified using standard eye tests; nor can they be treated with standard glasses, both of which are aimed at improving vision clarity, and not at identifying and correcting dysfunctions.

On the other hand, a binocular vision (two eye vision) assessment can determine the presence of convergence areas. The use of prism glasses and office-based vision therapy assisted by home reinforcement, have been identified as very effective ways to diagnose and correct convergence issues.

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

For more information on behavioural optometry, convergence errors, and 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.

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.

Like a growing number of optometrists, she voices concern that the shortsightedness label constantly attached to information regarding the refractive error is possibly sugarcoating the very serious threat myopia holds in terms of its impact on people’s eyes and lives, and that this might lead to many children going through school and life either without knowing they are myopic, or being deprived access to ways to manage or control its progression.

Myopia Does More Damage Than Causing a Blur

Gattegno says that shortsightedness is commonly interpreted as just affecting distance vision to the extent that anything not close-by is seen as a blur, and that it requires no more treatment or control than a pair of single vision glasses that might help remove the blur in their distance vision. It is critical to understand that in progressive myopia, the eyeball actually elongates exponentially. This increases the risk of future eye health conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachments and, age-related blindness.

She says this treatment was still considered adequate before the number of myopics started an upward curve a few decades ago, and rose still further this century. This upward curve led eye doctors and researchers to paying closer attention to the incurable and mysterious eye problem and the realisation that myopia involved a lot more than blurry distance vision. With it being identified as being linked to serious vision problems, the focus and variety of new ways to manage it have started to grow. Meanwhile the numbers on the curve have kept soaring at a rate which suggests every second person globally could be myopic by 2050 if it is not controlled.

The Myopia Threat

Depending on what level of myopia a child has, children can be looking at a future which is more than just blurred, Gattegno says. If it progresses into high myopia (and even if it stays at mild or moderate levels), it can affect their lives considerably by changing the way they see the world around them and how to react to it, and it may even take away their sight completely as they get older.

She says that in the short term, myopia can lead to problems with playing sport, learning, and behaviour at school, as well as impacting to a certain extent on other daily activities. It may also affect their self-image and feelings about their place in the world. But however serious these effects are, bigger threats can await them if the progression of myopia is not controlled. In later years they may be faced with the most destructive eye impairments, cataracts, glaucoma, non-age-related macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. 

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

For more information on eye health, visual skills and 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.

She says that the prevention or management of these three best known and recognised eye diseases is of vital importance as all three, if not controlled, can slowly lead to blindness. And, according to studies investigating possible links between inactivity or sedentary lifestyles and eye diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, even moderate exercise reduced the chances of getting glaucoma by 25%.  Routines involving exercise only every second day significantly lowered the chances of age-related macular degeneration.

But the positive effects of physical exercise on eye health do not stop there, it can also help lessen or remove the impact of general health issues on eye health.

Exercise Can Help More Than the Big Three

According to Gattegno, physical exercise, along with a healthy diet, can lower levels and improve management of many of the most serious general health issues which affect the eyes and vision severely and can also threaten sight over a period of time.

This includes controlling diabetes, which if left to run rampant can lead to retinal damage, and impact on sight by causing swelling in the macula which contains the vital photoreceptor cells that detect light. Diabetes can also lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels; both of which can affect the small blood vessels in the eyes, and also damage the light-sensitive retina. 

Exercise Routine Can Be Gentle

She says that as the studies showed, even a gentle but regular stroll through the park can improve and maintain both general and eye health, especially in those with a sedentary lifestyle, and it’s not necessary to overdo it. Walking briskly for 30-minutes every second day can be sufficient. 

“The only catch is that this is not a quick fix which can be applied for a while and then stopped. To keep reaping the benefits it is vital to keep following the programme at least three times a week,” Gattegno says.

Stepping Up the Pace

Most cardiovascular exercises which get the heart pumping and pulse rising, whether carried out in the form of dancing, riding a bike, running or walking, are the most likely to bring about even better outcomes with regard to vision problems.

They increase the flow of blood to both the optic nerve and to the retina, reducing the effects of hypertension (high blood pressure) on the eyes, helping control macular degeneration, and reducing the high intraocular pressure which causes glaucoma, Gattegno says. 

At the same time, hormones and anti-oxidants produced by the body in response to the exercise can also help protect the retinal ganglion cells. The retinal ganglion cells process the sight data received from light rays which land in the eyes and dispatch it to the brain.

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

For more information on eye diseases, eye health and vision,  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.

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.

She says that everyday stresses in today’s world, whether negative or positive, have put people under pressure and made them feel they’ve lost control. With stresses brought about by factors such as close work, long hours, heavy concentration levels, large amounts of screen time, health and financial problems; it’s not surprising that the prevalence of vision problems is rising with the stress levels.

Stress and Vision: A Vicious Cycle

“Stress creates a vicious cycle, leading to many health problems like depression, high blood pressure, worry and fear, all of which, in turn, push stress levels still higher. And the same happens with its effect on vision,” Gattegno says.

“What powers the cycle to keep on turning is the increased levels of stress hormones, and particularly cortisol, which are set in action as the body switches to fight or flight mode to protect itself against what is interpreted as a threat. These hormones raise blood pressure, cause the heart to beat faster, boost metabolism, and dilate the pupils in the eyes in preparation for an eminent battle, but stress is different in that it can last for long periods.”

“Stress can cause sensitivity to light and movement; bring on dizziness and headaches. And it can also lead to eye twitching; dry or extremely watery eyes; blurred vision; eye strain; small floaters; and eyes that feel tight and swollen,” Gattegno says. “Importantly, it can also affect the ability to concentrate and focus, and sometimes result in sudden and temporary blindness, or even lead to vision loss.”

As Stress Levels Rise So Does the Vision Threat

She says short spells of stress usually have a temporary impact on vision which can disappear of its own accord within a few weeks if the cause of the stress is removed. It’s advisable to consult an eye doctor if the vision problems continue for even a short while. 

Recent studies indicate that long-term stress can cause permanent vision damage and even result in vision loss.

“Raised levels of stress hormones (and cortisol in particular) can impact on important nervous systems, eyes, and even the brain, by disrupting blood flow in those areas. This could lead to optic neuropathy which causes eye pain, double vision, and loss of peripheral or side vision and colour vision and it may also increase the pressure in the eyes, causing (or worsening) glaucoma, an irreversible eye disease which can lead to vision loss,” says Gattegno.

For more information on eye health, visual skills and therapy, or to book an appointment, 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.

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.

Rodney, founder of Smart Vision Optometry, says that while more parents (and schools) are becoming aware of the need to check children’s eyesight each year before school opens, they are settling for standard eye tests which report on whether or not they can see objects at a distance of 20ft (the average level of distance sight) and earn the 20/20 rating which simply indicates how well each eye can do so.

What it doesn’t show, and is largely ignored until behaviour or lack of performance raises its head as school progresses, is that even with 20/20 eyesight, children may have vision problems which deprive them of the ability to understand what they are seeing, and leave them without the perceptual vision skills they need to process information in the school environment.

Learning Requires More Than Good Eyesight

Learning and performing well at school requires not only good eyesight, which is processed by the brain and eyes, but also the interpretive mental or thought process of perceptual vision. Backing this is the need for eyes that team well, focus on the same point at the same time, can track objects as they move, follow letters across the page.

And they should have an efficient focusing system that is flexible enough to allow for switching focus from near to far on a regular basis as focus shifting is particularly necessary in classrooms, where children are asked to copy words written on the blackboard at the other end of the room, into books that are on their desks only about 20 inches away from their eyes, says Gattegno.

How to Improve the Vision Side of Learning

Rodney says that vision skills and the visual process are a core part of behavioural optometry. Rather than testing how clearly children can see letters across a room as a standard eye test does, it instead looks at the functional and perceptual vision skills, which reveal how well the vision system is functionally able to concentrate and visually attend, and the level at which the brain processes visual information.

Perceptual vision skills, Rodney says, are an essential part of successful learning, and if these are not operating normally, they can seriously impact on children’s physical and mental performance and behaviour at school. However, by doing so, they can also sound the alarm that something may not be right with their vision, and provide a call to action to have their vision skills checked. Fortunately, these skill deficits can often be corrected with vision therapy and training.

The Vision Skills Toolbox

In an ideal situation, Rodney says children should have most of the following vision skills, and be able to draw on them to help their learning performance. But just being unable to apply one or two of them, could affect their lives and their learning considerably.

Visual Spatial Relations: A vital part of perceptual vision lies in the viewer seeing their position in relation to objects, and recognise the space between them. This affects their understanding of the concepts of up, down and sideways, as well as the ideas behind left, right, next to, and under. These factors can impact severely on reading; letter and number formation; and movement through crowds. It can also affect their balance, and lead to clumsiness.

Visual discrimination is about seeing and identifying the differences between objects and forms, particularly when they are very similar. These include letters such as “d” and “b”, which are the same shape turned back to front, or numbers like “6” and “9” where one is simply turned upside down to create the other.

Form constancy is the ability to mentally manipulate objects, and visualise the results in a way that two objects can be recognised as being the same, even if they are different in size, colour, or orientation.

Visual Memory allows information which has already been received visually before to be recalled for use as a reference in dealing with new words or facts.

Sequential Memory is the vision skill that, if it’s properly developed, makes it possible to remember characters or forms like cellphone numbers and lists in the right order.

Visual Closure involves matching two items even when one of them has some parts of it missing.

Visual Figure Ground: This is like finding the needle in the haystack. It involves the ability to identify something which is surrounded by other, distracting items.

For more information on vision skills, assessments and therapy, 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.

Both eye conditions are common in young children, with strabismus affecting about 4% of those under six, and lazy eye impacting up to one out of every two young children, and about 3% of the overall population.

How the Unlikely Pair Do Differ

While the two seem (and are) very closely linked, and sometimes, actually wreak their havoc on perceptual vision together, where they do differ considerably is in how they operate, and in that one of them can cause the other, says Rodney, fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC). He says strabismus is known to be one of the major causes (though not the only one) of amblyopia, and it’s development into a more severe form, which can ultimately lead to a loss of vision in the lazy eye.

Strabismus, an eye-alignment problem which can start at birth or be acquired later, develops either when body or brain problems interfere with the function and control of the muscles outside the eyeball that are responsible for eye movements; or in the nerves and vision centres which control vision. It leaves the eyes unable to focus on the same space or in the same direction at the same time. Instead it causes one eye (or sometimes both) to move in different directions, turning outwards, up, down, or inwards, while the other looks straight ahead.

The ultimate in rovers, strabismus, unless it’s the very severe constant version, can disappear for some time and even for years, only to return later in life, when muscles have started to weaken, Rodney says.

Amblyopia, labelled as “lazy eye”, usually starts during infancy or early in childhood, and is all about visual acuity or eyesight. It’s the result of poor vision development in one eye (or, occasionally, both), and is often the result of imbalance in the muscles that position the eyes. It blurs vision, and keeps it that way even when wearing spectacles.

Consequences of These Wanderers

According to Rodney, the outcomes of both eye conditions are the same – there’s interference and disruption of the connection between the eyes and the brain which is essential for the visual system to work. When two eyes function normally, the versions of the information they receive from light rays and send to the brain for processing, will match well enough for the brain to complete the process. When the two eyes see differently, their messages will be confusing and less understandable, making it difficult for the brain to interpret or process them.

Amblyopia on it’s own, or when paired with strabismus, becomes a real threat to vision (and itself) when, as often happens, the brain gives up on the eye that continuously sends confused messages, and ends up ignoring it. Instead, the brain favours the eye which consistently sends processable information. This can result in the “lazy eye’s” vision worsening still further, and when strabismus teams up with it, or is the cause of it, total loss of vision in the lazy eye becomes very likely, according to Rodney.

Strabismus, with its wanderings, can negatively affect the depth perception which adds the 3D aspect to viewed objects, as well as impacting on the peripheral (or side) vision, leading to double vision. Other symptoms include jittery vision, eye strain and headaches which make it both uncomfortable and tiring for someone to read, and factors which can be misinterpreted as being evidence of learning difficulties, disorders, or disabilities.

For more information on strabismus, amblyopia, or the ways that vision therapy can be used to treat them without surgery, 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.