Eyesight is often taken for granted, and eye health should be prioritised in a daily routine. While people tend to think of vision as an unchangeable constant in their lives, it’s important to note that people can do things to influence their eye health on an everyday basis.

Diet plays an integral role in a healthy body but, more specifically, has a lot of impact on ocular health as well. Many biological processes rely on the vitamins and minerals we obtain through food to function properly, including maintaining excellent vision. For instance, Omega 3 fatty acids are involved in the healthy growth of a child’s brain and eyes during early development, with deficiencies linked to neurological conditions in children. Omega 3’s are usually obtained through fatty fish such as salmon. However, they can also be obtained through nutritional supplements. When buying an Omega 3 supplement, look for adequate dosages of EPA and DHA. These are the specific fatty acids that make Omega 3s the nutritional powerhouses that they are.

Another essential aspect of nutrition for eye health is ensuring sufficient vegetable intake, specifically green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach. These provide the body with zinc, iron and vitamin C. Zinc is involved in the formation of pigments in your retina as well as staving off macular degeneration. Studies have shown that people with cataracts tend to have low levels of antioxidants in their systems, and Vitamin C is a well-known and easy to obtain antioxidant.

Jacqueline Gattegno, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi says that proper hygiene plays a crucial role in eye health. “Regularly washing hands can also reduce the risk of infections such as microbial keratitis and corneal inflammation”. In addition, researchers have linked hand washing to decreased rates of reported eye infections. “We touch our eyes more than we realise and can bring in a lot of dirt and bacteria”, says Gattegno.

Another simple daily habit that can help maintain eye health is drinking enough water. The eye primarily consists of fluid and requires water to maintain ocular pressure and lubrication. If there is not enough liquid to produce tears, this can lead to dry eyes and can open the door to infections and irritation of the eye. All of which can ultimately lead to visual degradation.

A good habit to get into is using sunglasses outdoors to protect the eyes from bright sunlight and harmful UV rays. UV radiation damage builds up over time and can lead to the development of cataracts or macular degeneration, even in small amounts. A decent set of sunglasses can minimise the risk of these diseases. Be on the lookout for sunglasses that expressly say that they block UVA and UVB rays. Moreover, polarised shades can further help by reducing the glare from reflective surfaces helping further protect the eyes.

Adding these small daily habits can help protect the eyes from everyday harm and increase their longevity.

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 Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, alternatively book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

Eyesight is arguably the most important of the five senses, and a loss of visual acuity can be alarming. While there are many ways to prevent damage to the eyes, such as wearing proper eyewear to protect your eyes from UVA, UVB and blue light, what can be done to reverse it once there is actual damage?

Gary Rodney, leading Smart Vision optometrist with Smart Vision Optometry, says that while protecting your eyes to mitigate damage in the first place should be a priority, there are steps you can take after the fact to either slow or reverse damage to the eye.

“This all depends on the initial cause of visual deterioration,” tells Rodney. “Not all injuries can be reversed, however; there is new research coming out each day finding new ways to tackle old problems.”

Physical injury to the eye generally requires surgery depending on the severity, while some less serious injuries merely require proper rest and recovery. In these cases, it is best to keep the eye covered to protect it from sunlight as well as infection. A wounded eye is very susceptible to inflammation or infection. This could potentially slow the healing process of scratches or cuts, and it is best to let the eye rest completely hence the eyepatch.

Some age-related issues can be reversed with surgery as well. For example, the eye’s ability to focus either at a distance or on near objects can deteriorate over time, making a person either nearsighted or farsighted. Some are born with these conditions, while some develop them later on in life. LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, is a surgical process using a tiny laser beam to lift a flap of the cornea’s surface and remove a small layer of tissue in the lens to alter its shape. This surgery has also proved helpful in cases where the patient has presented with astigmatism, where the lens or surface of the eye is irregularly shaped, causing blurred or distorted vision.

However, Smart Vision Optometrists only support LASIK treatment as a last resort after exhausting all holistic wellness treatment methods, as the LASIK is permanent and most often removes the ability to provide holistic treatment.

Certain diseases stem from nutritional deficiencies. In some cases, it is possible to fix the damage caused by these diseases by simply correcting the fault. For instance, a lack of Vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining the photoreceptors in your retina, can lead to dry eyes and separately, retinal damage eventually leading to total blindness . One of the first signs of Vitamin A deficiency is dry eyes or night vision problems. There are many nutritional sources of Vitamin A such as dairy, carrots and spinach, but to be safe, consume a wide variety of fruit and vegetables as part of a healthy diet.

New research is constantly being published, giving doctors and optometrists hope to correct irreversible eye damage. For example, a study performed by researchers at Harvard Medical school showed that it is possible to reverse glaucoma-like damage in mice by inserting three specific genes into the retina. While this study was not done in humans, it does give hope for the possibility of reversing the effects of glaucoma but does require further research before it can be safely used in practice.

While there are ways to reverse ocular damage, prevention is better than a cure, so take proper steps to protect your eyes and have regular eye health checkups to have intervention before it becomes serious.

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

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

With advances in technology changing and shaping peoples lives in so many aspects, it’s not surprising to see that technology also has a role to play in improving eyesight. New processes and technologies are being developed every day to find ways to help patients see better. Smart Vision Optometrists pride themselves on being at the forefront of cutting edge technology to provide patients with the best possible care and service.

Gary Rodney, leading Smart Vision optometrist with Smart Vision Optometry, says that patients looking for a non-invasive alternative to surgery to correct myopia need look no further than Smart Vision Optometry’s Ortho-K process. Orthokeratology or Corneal Refractive Therapy is a unique therapy that uses custom-fitted, oxygen permeable contact lenses that reshape your corneas while you sleep. This method allows patients to see clearly without any daytime interventions as the process occurs overnight. This is great for those unable to wear spectacles or contact lenses during the day, such as surfers and sportspeople with the added benefit of helping to protect the elongation of the eyeballs which causes the long term damage to the health of the eyes and the progression of the myopia (shortsightedness).

Another great use of technology to improve visual acuity is through the use of Vivid Vision Virtual Reality Vision Training. This system utilises virtual reality technology to create a fun and interactive way for children and adults to improve their vision skills and correct visual dysfunctions such as strabismus and convergence insufficiency. There are only 92 practices worldwide that can boast of having this technology available to help patients improve optical efficiency in all areas of life.

Those who suffer from chronic dry eyes and eyelid inflammation (better known as blepharitis) can benefit significantly by using two technological tools available to Smart Vision Optometry patients, namely the BlephEx and Blephasteam systems. BlephEx gently exfoliates the eyelids and eyelashes, removing the exotoxin-laden biofilm that accumulates on the eyelid, providing rapid relief from eyelid inflammation symptoms. This painless procedure effectively removes the scurf and bacterial debris that build up along the lid margin. This debris is responsible for most low-grade inflammatory blepharitis, the primary cause of chronic dry eye disease. Blephasteam is a safe and convenient treatment used as part of our patients’ dry eye treatment plan to relieve Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) symptoms. Blephasteam creates the perfect temperature and environment to increase blood flow, melting the thick secretions within the glands. After each session, the secretions are manually expressed, improving oil flow into the tear surface and thus tear quality.

Smart Vision behavioural optometrists also use some of the most current eye testing technology, such as the Zeiss i.Profiler. This technology measures each eye independently, thus recording irregularities and differences much more effectively. This innovative technique allows Smart Vision optometrists to prescribe bespoke lenses for each eye and help to significantly improve poor-light vision, colour perception and night vision problems.

The Visagraph is a recording system that accurately measures eye movements during reading by using infrared sensors in a pair of goggles that is connected to and analysed by a computer. The results from the assessment give optometrists a considerable amount of information about the movement of the eyes, which otherwise would never have been revealed. For example, they provide many valuable statistics on ocular function and show an illustration of the left and the right eye movements, the number of fixations and the number of regressions. From the assessment, our Smart Vision Behavioural Optometrists can give recommendations on how the child’s reading ability can be improved and prescribe a tailored Vision Therapy program to tackle deficiencies in visual functioning, perception and cognition.

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

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

When it comes to taking care of your eyes, you may think it’s enough to wear your sunglasses now and again, not sit too close to the TV and occasionally throw in some eye drops during the dry season. But proper eye care goes far beyond that, and nutrition can be the key to keeping your eyes healthy and happy.

Gary Rodney, leading smart vision optometrist with Smart Vision Optometry, says that “Eyes need a wide range of vitamins and minerals to function well, with some of these being crucial for staving off age-related macular degeneration.”

These vitamins and minerals can be obtained through the addition of some nutritional supplements, but the most effective method is through food. This is because when vitamins are obtained through food, they come in combination with cofactors which can boost bioavailability, making them much easier for your body to absorb and use. So whole food sources are always preferred over supplements.

According to the World Health Organisation, Vitamin A deficiency is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Vitamin A has an integral role in maintaining the photoreceptor cells in your retina, which allow us to convert light into neurological signals which our brain can then interpret. Symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency can include night blindness and dry eyes. Vitamin A is only found in animal-derived products such as egg yolks and dairy products. However, vegans and vegetarians can get their Vitamin A fix in a slightly different way with plants such as kale, spinach and carrots. These provide a provitamin A carotenoid called beta-carotene, which the body can convert into Vitamin A. While not the most efficient method, it can give some of your daily vitamin requirements.

In general, we hear a lot about a class of vitamins known as antioxidants when it comes to health. Along with protecting our cells from free radicals, they also have a few more specific roles in our bodies, especially when it comes to the eyes. There are two exceptional antioxidants called Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which form part of the retina. They are thought to help protect your vision from sun damage as well as harmful blue light. Studies have shown that the levels of these carotenoids within your eye are proportional to your daily intake. Researchers found that supplementing these daily slowed the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While these can be found in high amounts in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, the most bioavailable source is egg yolk. This is due to Lutein and Zeaxanthin being fat-soluble vitamins. If you would rather go the spinach route, try pairing it with oils such as salad dressing or avocado.

“Omega 3 fatty acids can also be great vision protectors,” says Gary Rodney. Omega 3’s are long-chain fatty acids that, besides having a host of health benefits elsewhere in the body, are extremely important for early childhood development of the eye and brain. The fatty acids EPA and DHA, classified as Omega 3’s, need to be taken in adequate amounts as deficiencies have been linked to impaired vision in children. Omega 3’s are most commonly found in fatty fish such as salmon. However, they are very commonly found in health supplements and should be a staple in your daily vitamin regime.

While adding nutritional supplements to diets, the best way to get all these protective vitamins is through your food. So make sure you’re eating in a wide variety of fruits and veg, as they all have a role to play in healthy eyesight. To get information on even more ways to protect your eyes, book an appointment at your nearest Smart Vision Optometry practice.

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

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

Many conditions that cause vision loss have various causes, requiring differing interventions to prevent or cure. Some of these conditions include diabetes, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.

Gary Rodney, the Founder of Smart Vision Optometry and a leading Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Mosman, says there are many ways that we can improve our eyesight through behavioural modification.

“For example, Omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients found in certain foods can help lower your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration,” said Gary. “A healthy diet also helps reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease and help prevent age-related ocular degeneration.”

Researchers estimate that around 2.5 million eye injuries occur in the U.S. each year. These have a wide range of causes, but wearing the proper glasses can help prevent some more common vision problems.

Even everyday activities can be dangerous. For example, some of the most common injuries occur while playing sports and performing household chores.

Proper protective eyewear can help prevent injuries and minimise the effects of chemicals and impacts on the eyes during activities. However, wearing glasses in some circumstances is not recommended for safety reasons. If they break, you run the risk of broken glass getting into your eye.

The sun is another potential hazard. UV protection sunglasses are also worn to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Wearing them can help prevent vision loss and ward off cancer.

People who are more commonly prone to suffering from UV light exposure include outdoor sports persons, farmers, and surfers, but anyone who spends a large majority of their day exposed to sunlight can be affected.

Gary Rodney stresses that choosing a pair of sunglasses that provide adequate UV protection is essential. In a pinch, wearing a hat and keeping an eye on the clouds is also a great way to protect the eyes from the harmful rays of UV light.

If you’re concerned about your ocular health, having a comprehensive dilated eye exam is a way to ensure that your eyes are in good condition. This simple test involves using special drops to widen your pupils.

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

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

College students spend too much time studying in front of computer screens, and not enough time caring for their eyes. This is resulting in an explosion of progressive eye deterioration globally.

Gary Rodney, the Founder of Smart Vision Optometry and a leading Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Mosman, explains ways students can minimise eye strain and headaches.

Since students spend a substantial amount of time on technological devices, it is important to monitor the brightness and darkness of device to prevent eye strain.

It is also important to have a full functional vision skills assessment rather than a traditional eye sight test to determine exact levels of eyestrain at the computer viewing distance. Appropriate visual stress relieving prescription computer glasses can then be prescribed to minimise the damage from staring the screen for long periods of time.

If technology is constantly used for an extended period of time, it’s also important students take regular breaks. “It can help reinvigorate your eyes and reduce stress,” says Rodney. “Every 5 minutes we should look out the window briefly to view a distant object and every 30 minutes we should have a complete 10 minute break. Hard to do but important for the long term health of your eyes.”

Additionally, a study found that prolonged exposure to blue light can cause long-term damage to the cells in your eyes. The good news is that there are ways to filter out blue light.

Visible light can be divided into three categories: blue light, green light, and ultraviolet light. “The high energy of blue light makes it more dangerous to the eyes than other visible light,” says Rodney. The visible light spectrum has a variety of wavelengths and energy. The blue light, also known as the blue spectrum, has the highest energy level.

Computer eyeglasses can reduce blue light exposure from electronic devices. Computer glasses can help improve your vision for both phone and computer use.

Computer glasses help relieve stress and improve focusing by protecting the eyes from blue light and stopping the eyes from over focussing. They also provide protection from the effects of computer use on the eyes. “A screen brightness filter is a simple and effective way to reduce blue light exposure on your devices,” says Rodney. It works by adding a blue light filter to the screen.

Computer glasses are designed to see objects that are within arm’s length, and should not be worn for driving or other distances-vision needs. “If a person have near-sightedness or far-sightedness, prescription computer glasses can help improve the vision for phone and computer use,” says Rodney.

“Some anti-reflective coating products are used for computer glasses and eyeglasses that protect against blue light,” says Rodney. Persons can also benefit from all-purpose prescription glasses that feature photochromic lenses. These lenses protect the eyes from blue light and reduce glare.

As the use of electronic devices grows, many people are suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). The condition causes blurred vision and other symptoms.

The angle at which you look is a crucial component of CVS. Ideally, the centre of the monitor should be positioned between your eyes and the objects in front of it.

Take breaks when using a computer or device for long periods of time to prevent eye strain. Also, look away from the screen for 20 seconds and focus on a distant object. People tend to blink about 18 times a minute, while computer users only blink once a fourth of the time. This causes the risk of developing dry eyes.

Tear film is a vital component of keeping you comfortable while using a computer. Its high-resolution camera makes it possible to see the finest of structures in the tear film. Technology can be used as a non-invasive procedure that can evaluate the quality and functioning of tear film. It can help diagnose Computer Vision Syndrome.

A Smart Vision Optometrist can help find the best computer glasses to protect the eyes. Even with the best eye care, it’s still a good idea to get a bi-annual check-up. “Regular eye examinations can help to improve and maintain good eye health, and prevent age-related diseases such as macular degeneration (AMD),” says Rodney. “It’s also a good idea to schedule an exam if you notice any of the following symptoms: red, puffy, and uncomfortable eyes, or fatigueing or headaches or losing your place when reading” says Rodney.

“Getting your eyes checked can help prevent vision problems that can affect both vision and overall health. Myopia control is a massively concerning area of global eye problems and latent hyperopia can cause a great amount of unnecesary symptoms. Astigmatism also seems to increase with unaddressed eye strain”.

Even if you do not need glasses or contacts for regular activities, “a person may still need them if they use a computer or device,” says Rodney.

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 Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, alternatively book an appointment online.

Written and syndicated by YDMA News.

Lifestyle is a major factor thought to influence susceptibility to many diseases including the eye. Lifestyle disease or disorder can be a result of the consequence of one’s health choices. Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumption, smoking, fat and sugar rich diet, lack of physical activity, poor sleep patterns and chronic eye strain are associated with the risk of developing eye diseases.

Gary Rodney, Master of Optometry and Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC) based at the Smart Vision Optometry Eyes InDesign Mosman clinic, advices the significance about diabetic eye disease and Hypertensive Retinopathy.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is an eye disease caused by the onset of diabetes. It is caused when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels of the retina.

“You may have diabetic retinopathy, and not even know it,” says Rodney. In the early stage of DR, no symptoms are shown. As this condition advances, one may “experience blurred vision, black or dark spots in the vision, and colours may appear faded,” says Rodney.

Another contributing factor to DR is smoking. Smoking is believed to increase tissue hypoxia (lack of oxygen in cells and body), a factor involved in developing diabetic retinopathy.

DR can be personally treated, such as bringing blood sugar and blood pressure levels under control. Stop smoking and maintain a healthy lifestyle to improve overall health and prevent unnecessary vision loss.

Maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle and the richness of vitamins in meals are crucial to one’s health, and eye health. “Vitamin A plays an important role in keeping the retina and night vision in working condition,” says Rodney. “Vitamin E helps protect the eye from age-related macular degeneration (AMD),” says Rodney, and “vitamin C can help to fend off cataracts”.

Hypertensive Retinopathy

High and untreated blood pressure (hypertension) can affect one’s vision and lead to eye disease. Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina. This eye disease is known as Hypertensive Retinopathy.

Hypertensive Retinopathy (HR) is strongly associated with diabetes, and is related to blood pressure status. “High blood pressure causes blockage of the retinal arteries (blood vessels) that supply blood and oxygen to the eye,” says Rodney.

Retinal haemorrhages are commonly seen when there is a breakdown of blood-retinal barriers. “HR occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high, causing damage to the artery.” says Rodney.

High blood pressure is a risk factor for many ocular conditions, such as glaucoma and age-related maculopathy (AMD). This condition can lead to double or dim vision, loss of vision and headaches.

Mild hypertensive retinopathy comes about due to “elevated blood pressure, and risks other chronic effects such as cardiovascular disease (CVD)”, says Rodney. When diabetes is associated with hypertension, cardiovascular risk rises, and retinopathy becomes more severe and rapidly progresses.

Moderate grade of hypertensive retinopathy, reflects higher in people with diabetes. Diabetes and hypertension are both vascular risk factors, and the prevalence of diabetes among patients with hypertension is high.

Symptoms of mild to moderate hypertensive retinopathy are not always experienced, but can be discovered upon regular eye examinations.

Treatment for Hypertensive Retinopathy includes “controlling high blood pressure through lifestyle changes,” says Rodney. The control of blood pressure in hypertensive diabetic people prevents cardiovascular risks as well as the deterioration of retinopathy and visual acuity.

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

Chronic conditions can cause eye symptoms, such as dry eye, damaged blood vessels and blindness. Many eye problems are preventable and treatable.

Jacqueline Gattengo, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, explains common illnesses that cause many eye problems.

Diabetes

People with diabetes often have problems with the blood vessels in their body, and the eye is no exception. Diabetes causes many complications, including Diabetic Retinopathy (DR).

DR is caused by the onset of diabetes. “High blood sugar and high blood pressure levels can damage the blood vessels in the back of the eye, that supply blood to the retina,” says Jacquie. A lack of blood supply can affect vision and cause permanent blindness. DR can be prevented by regulating blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

High blood sugar levels increase the risk of dry eyes. “Dry eye causes significant eye discomfort and impaired vision,” says Jacquie. The symptoms include redness, a scratchy sensation of the eye, and blurry vision. The cause of dry eye is typically a lack of tears to keep the eye moist and healthy.

People with diabetes are also at higher risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma.

Nutritional deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency can cause severe dry eye and lead to ulcers of the cornea. A lack of vitamins can increase the risk of developing cataracts.  

“Cataracts are caused by the build-up of protein which clouds the lens of the eye, causing blurry vision and blindness,” says Jacquie. If left untreated, this condition will worsen and lead to blindness.

Jacquie says, “cataracts can also be caused by diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and a history of cataracts in blood relatives.” 

“Many people are not aware of the effects of smoking on their vision,” says Jacquie. Smoking is associated with many health problems, including eye health. Smoking contributes to cataracts by “altering the cell of the lens through oxidation,” says Jacquie, and the “heavy metal like cadmium accumulates in the lens.”

Regular eye examinations are important to “test, diagnose and treat eye deficiency before they become progressively worse,” says Jacquie. Cataracts are more prominent in people who are diabetic. Therefore, it is important to “maintain high and low blood sugar levels,” says Jacquie.

Corneal Ulcer

A cornea ulcer is a common eye condition that is often caused by bacterial infections. This causes an ulcer to form in the front part of the eye.  People with “vitamin A deficiency and those who wear contact lenses are at a higher risk of cornea ulcers,” says Jacquie, as infectious agents are trapped behind the lens.

Jacquie identifies symptoms of cornea ulcer that include, “pain, intense redness, a scratchy sensation of the eye, light sensitivity and blurred vision.”

If you suspect you have a cornea ulcer, visit your local Smart Vision Optometry for an eye examination.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure can cause a change in the retina as it damages the blood vessels that supply the eye.

Controlling high blood pressure levels is fundamental for the vision of the eyes. “The longer the blood pressure levels remain high, the more an individual is at risk of having permanent eye damage,” says Jacquie.

High blood pressure may be diagnosed during a regular eye examination.

Autoimmune disease

Autoimmune disease is a condition whereby the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells of the body. The autoimmune attack causes inflammation of the optic nerve that damages the eye and affects vision.

People with autoimmune disease experience common symptoms such as “dry, red and itchy eyes, light sensitivity, eye pain, and change in vision,” says Jacquie. Treating the autoimmune disease will help control eye problems caused by the condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, a collagen vascular disease, increases the risk of dry eye, as infections with bacteria or viruses affect the eye.

This condition can be treated with eye drops

Infectious diseases

Infections can affect the condition of the eye as well as one’s eyesight. Pink eye or conjunctivitis is a common form of eye infection. Common symptoms include redness and swelling of the eyelids and eye pain.

Trachoma

Trachoma begins with a bacterial infection, similarly to conjunctivitis (pink-eye), and can be easily treated.

However, if the condition is left untreated, “the condition will worsen as it causes scarring to the eyelid that pulls the eyelashes inwards,” says Jacquie. This causes tremendous pain as every blink scrapes the eye.

Advanced trachoma is called trichiasis, which occurs when the eye is inflamed. “Scar tissue builds up inside the eyelid, making the eyelid tight, pulling the eyelashes inward,” explains Jacquie.

Symptoms of trachoma include discharge from the eye, irritated eyes and redness. This causes immense pain as the eyelashes scrape against the cornea. This can lead to blindness.

Trachoma can be treated with cleanliness and hygiene, regularly wash your bedding, clothes and face to prevent infection.

It is important to be aware of other diseases that affect the eye, as if left untreated and undiagnosed, it can result in permanent blindness and vision impairment.

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

Diabetic eye disease, such as Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), is an eye condition that causes vision impairment and blindness in people with diabetes. A person with diabetes is at a higher risk of developing eye disease.

It is important to identify the relationship between diabetes and eye problems so that effective preventable measures can be considered.

Gary Rodney, Master of Optometry and Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC) based at the Smart Vision Optometry Eyes InDesign Mosman clinic, advises ways to preserve one’s vision and reduce chances of eye disease.

Comprehensive eye exam

A comprehensive dilated eye examination is required at least once a year to diagnose, keep track and maintain signs of eye disease. A dilated eye exam involves a “thorough exam of the retina and signs of damage to the optic nerve before a patient notices any change in vision,” says Rodney. Treatment takes place when signs of disease appear.

Upon examinations, tests can also be performed to ensure that the patient’s vision system is strong and performs adequate function in daily tasks and activities. Comprehensive eye examinations above and beyond eye health are suitable for every age group. “We are aware that a lifestyle and work environment play an important role in patient vision,” says Rodney. Therefore it is important to consider certain treatment plans such as glasses, contact lenses and vision therapy that is comfortable and suitable for the patient, and to improve vision effectively.

Control blood sugar

High blood sugar (glucose) levels damage the blood vessels that provide the retina, nerves and soft tissue of the eye with oxygen and nutrients. “Damaged blood vessels leak fluid and blood in your eye and can result in retinal detachment,” says Rodney.  

High blood sugar can change the shape of the eye and cause blurred vision. High glucose can change the fluid levels and cause swelling in the tissue of the eye. “This causes blurred vision, but in such circumstances, the blurred vision is temporary,” says Rodney.

Once the blood sugar stabilises the blurred vision and shape of the eye’s lens may improve. Therefore it is “important to control blood sugar levels to prevent these problems,” says Rodney. Maintaining a normal blood sugar level through diet and exercise can keep your blood vessels healthy.

High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the eye and retina, causing permanent damage.

Quit smoking

Smoking increases inflammation in the body, when “the cigarette smoke damages the cells in the body and interferes with the functioning of the cell,” says Rodney.

Blood vessels are prone to breaking, and can cause fluid to leak in the retina, resulting in damage and vision loss.

“High levels of nicotine also reduce the efficiency of the insulin that lowers your blood sugar,” says Rodney. As a result, you may need large doses of insulin to control blood sugar levels.

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

Myopia (near sightedness) is a condition in which close objects are visibly clear, while distanced objects are blurred. This is understood as a refractive disorder that occurs as the eyeball elongates (gets longer). Myopia can cause exponentially more serious  complications if the refractive error is  severe, -5.00D or worse.

People with myopia have good near vision, and poor distance vision.

Gary Rodney, founder of Smart Vision Optometry and Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC), explains the different degrees of myopia and how it leads to great risk of age related blindness.

The causes of myopia traditionally include genetics and the working environment. Now we are seeing that there does not have to be any evidence of genetic tendencies and simply lifestyle can cause myopia to develop. Genetics simply makes the problem worse. The lifestyle factors include doing work focusing on close objects, like a computer screen, digital device, or book and/or less time outdoors in the daylight.

Rays of light that enter the eye, also influence the development of myopia. “Vision is made clear as light rays enter the eye through the cornea and lens, which bend the light to the retina at the back of the eye,” says Rodney. This gives a clear and sharp image. Therefore if a person is experiencing blurry vision they are experiencing a refractive error, as the light rays are not focused correctly at the back of the eye.

If not treated for prevention and not just compensation, myopia can progressively advance, causing other disorders that can result in blindness.

Low myopia

Low Myopia is the most common. Low to moderate myopia is usually measured less than -500D.

While there is no cure, vision treatment, management and control can be influenced using Smart Vision Optometry proprietary techniques with glasses, lenses or orthokeratology (Ortho-K). Ortho-K has been shown to produce a reduction in the rate of progress of myopia.

Studies have shown that children who spend long hours doing outside activities, are at a lower risk of myopia. Progressive nearsightedness/myopia can cause vision impairment, including cataracts, macular degeneration, retinal detachment and myopia maculopathy.

High myopia

High myopia can lead to blindness. High myopia can be at least -500D or worse.

High myopia, also called pathological myopia, where the abnormal elongation of the eyeball that occurs in pathological myopia stretches the tissue at the back of the eye and leads to the development of detachment, floaters and halo. The retina is more stretched and therefore much more prone to peripheral retinal tears.

Studies have shown that the higher the myopia, the bigger the risk a person has of developing glaucoma. “As myopia worsens, retinal nerve fibre layers and macular thickness charge, increases the risk of glaucoma,” says Rodney.

Common risks to blindness led by myopia include retinal detachment, cataracts and glaucoma. These disorders may lead to visual impairment and blindness.

Retinal detachment

A thinned retina can cause retinal breaks. “Retinal detachment occurs when the retina detaches from the back of the eye,” says Rodney, and “if this detachment is not repaired urgently, it can cause blindness.”

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is associated with the damage to the optic nerve caused by increased pressure in the eye chamber.

Glaucoma is found significantly in those with myopia. In some cases, the eye can stretch out of its shape resulting in a refractive error. “The cause of high myopia in patients should be examined,” says Rodney.

Cataracts

Cataracts is common among people with myopia. “This condition occurs when the eyes lens, located behind the pupil, has a cloudy appearance,” says Rodney.

Patients with high myopia can develop cataracts earlier than those with no refractive errors.

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 Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, alternatively book an appointment online.

October brings the month of World Sight Day and World Teacher’s day, in commemoration of both annual events, this article aims to bring awareness to blindness and vision impairment in children.

Vision impairment or loss can affect people of all ages, but it can be detected at an early age. Reduced eyesight can have minor or long-lasting effects on all aspects of life including personal daily activities and participation in school and work.

Jacqueline Gattegno, a Smart Vision Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Bondi, provides insight in identifying signs of vision problems in children.

The role of educators in detecting early signs in learner

Millions of children around the world experience signs of significant visual impairment, many of which are preventable and treatable.

Educators spend a significant amount of time with learners, therefore, they “play an important role in identifying early signs of eye problems in children,” Jacquie says. This detection reduces the risk of blindness.

There is an increase in the rate of vision-related issues in children, such as diabetic retinopathy, untreated glaucoma, un-operated cataract and myopia. These are preventable causes of blindness that can easily be attended to.

Teaching methods to accommodate such issues

Much of information and education that we receive is through vision, therefore it is important to adopt this knowledge in teaching children who are visually impaired.

Educators can play a crucial role in assisting the comfortably of a child’s learning, regardless of a child’s diagnoses of vision impairment; acute or severe. An adjustment in teaching methods and techniques can help reduce the severity of vision impairment in children.

Much of the strain of the eyes is caused by reading and focusing, particularly in the classroom and on digital screens. However there are other causes to consider that are hereditary.

Here are a few examples teachers can assist with children who experience the following conditions and diagnosis:

Retinopathy of Pre-maturity (ROP)

Retinopathy refers to the disease of the retina that is caused by an abnormal growth of the blood vessel. ROP usually affects children who are born prematurely with a low body mass.

Adaptation in teaching methods can be made by discouraging physical activity as a compulsory requirement as it may result in retinal detachment.

Albinism

Albinism is a lack of pigmentation in skin, hair and eyes. Pigment is necessary for retinal development, therefore, albinism impacts vision.

In learning environments, a high contrast of colours may be beneficial for children with albinism. For example, bright colours against dark backgrounds.

Coloboma of the eye

This is a physical defect of the eyes in children that occurs from birth. To treat this in classrooms, it is important to reduce the glare in learning environments, which can be decreased with dark curtains.

How to identify signs of myopia

The more myopic the higher the risk of screening issues that cause blindness. “It is important to know the difference between high and mild myopia as the level of severity increases the chances of blindness,” Jacquie says.

Mild myopia does not immediately increase a person’s risk of developing serious eye problems but left untreated it can.

High myopia, on the other hand, happens when a child’s eyeball grows longer than it should. If left untreated, high myopia complications can lead to blindness, so regular comprehensive visual eye examinations are critical. These are not the common sight tests offered by regular optometrists.

High myopia may raise the risk of a child developing serious conditions such as cataracts, detached retinas and glaucoma.  

Educators can identify signs of myopia in classrooms in the child has:

1. Poor school grades

2. Short attention span

3. Holding objects close to the face

4. Squinting

This month brings awareness to vision impairment and blindness. The awareness of the role teachers play in a child’s sight to reduce preventable blindness is crucial.

Vision problems such as myopia can be treated with highly successful, non-invasive, smart vision eye health treatment programmes, yet some optometrists and ophthalmologists recommend invasive laser eye surgery as the only option or quick fix. “Smart Vision Optometrists have a holistic approach to eyecare and therefore invasive surgery, which is a permanent disfigurement, is not considered a viable option and would only be suggested in extreme cases as an absolute last resort,” Jacquie said.

“If a child has any of the above symptoms then a comprehensive vision skills assessment is recommended immediately,” Jacquie concludes.

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.

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.

“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 optometrists like Jacqueline Gattegno of Eyes in Design Bondi are experiencing the rise of CVS, or digital eye strain as it is sometimes called, first hand. Her branch of optometry involves further study that helps her to look at how people use their eyes, the visual skills they need to develop, and the therapies they may need in order to use their eyes for the tasks that make up a regular day. 

“The most well-known application for behavioural optometry is developmental optometry, where the way children’s visual skills are developing is evaluated, and any issues that may be holding back their schoolwork are addressed,” she says. “But now, increasing numbers of adults are in need of interventions, and many of them are not aware of behavioural optometry as an option. With Computer Vision Syndrome on the rise, this needs to change.”

CVS: Prevalence, Causes, and Symptoms

Depending on which studies one reads, anything from 64 to 90 percent of computer users experience the effects of Computer Vision Syndrome. Curing it is easy. Remove the computer and the problem is solved. Unfortunately, life isn’t that simple. 

For many, the business of making a living is tied to long hours of computer use, and it doesn’t stop there. Staying in touch with friends and family, transacting personal business, and keeping up with the news could all mean even more screen time over and above the time they spend looking at screens during a standard work day. 

The average Australian, regardless of occupation, spends 5.5 hours a day in front of a screen – and that’s enough time to place them at risk of CVS. Additional factors contribute: workplace ergonomics can be an issue, as can age (users over 40 are more prone to CVS), or the presence of pre-existing vision problems.

The symptoms of CVS include tired, sore eyes, headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, double vision, sensitivity to glare, twitching eyes, and neck and shoulder pain. They’re all linked to the demands that is unconsciously place on the eyes when viewing screens for long periods. 

Evidence shows that people blink less than they ought to when looking at screens. The muscles of the eye are also forced to concentrate on the nearby screen for extended periods instead of frequently working to change focus from near to far to mid-distance as they would in the natural context for which they were evolved. Glare, particularly blue light glare, is also a factor, as well as the rapid flickering of screens owing to their redraw and refresh process. Then there are pixels – the blurring of edges they cause may seem imperceptible, but the eyes do pick it up and have to work hard to compensate for it. 

Add existing vision issues, glasses that aren’t well-designed to work at screen viewing distance, poor posture, and environmental issues like incorrect lighting or airflows that dry out the eyes into the equation and people have a challenge that their eyes simply can’t cope with comfortably. And although Computer Vision Syndrome symptoms are reversible, many experts are concerned that it may be linked to the worldwide increase in myopia (short-sightedness). 

How Behavioural Optometry Helps

With so many factors playing a role in causing Computer Vision Syndrome, individual assessments and interventions are often required, but there are a few basics we can try observing on our own, says Jacqueline. 

“The 20-20-20 rule is worth trying. After 20 minutes of screentime, spend 20 minutes looking at something 20 feet away. You should also be aware of blinking, and blink often. It can be hard to develop these habits, but they will help in reducing strain on the eyes. Computer monitors should be 40 to 50 centimetres away from your eyes and you should be looking downward slightly when viewing them. Lightning shouldn’t be directly overhead, behind, or in front of you or too bright. Good posture also helps.” 

However, these habits, good as they are, might not be enough to solve the problem. “People may need computer glasses,” says Jacqueline. “They should be made for the screen viewing distance and they may be tinted to counteract blue light. And when eye muscles are severely strained, eye exercises can make a big difference in relieving the symptoms of eye strain.”

“There’s no single solution because everyone’s eyes are different. A behavioural optometrist would be able to evaluate both eyesight and the way in which eyes are used, and both could be important in developing a program to combat Computer Vision Syndrome.”

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.

The most serious workplace eye injuries are likely to occur in specific work environments. When there’s dust, compressed air, tools, and especially power tools, extremely bright light or UV light, or work involving the use of chemicals, eyes can be at risk, and eye protection will be especially important. 

“We’re usually looking at situations in which the surface of the eye gets scratched, foreign bodies become embedded in the eye, the eye is punctured, or chemicals have burned eye tissue. Welding flashes give off very bright UV light, and they’re also responsible for many eye injuries in the workplace.” says Gary.

Effective Eye Protection

Effective eye protection in the workplace isn’t just a matter of identifying areas where it’s needed and making sure it’s available – although that’s a good start. “Both employers and employees need to be educated and aware,” says Gary. “There are often instances in which eye protection is provided, but not worn, or the eye protection is inadequate, incorrect, or poorly-fitting.”

“Making employers and employees aware of workplace hazards, and sustaining that awareness is very important. When people work in hazardous situations every day, it becomes the norm. They get careless, and that’s a very dangerous state of affairs.”

“Once there is awareness coupled with the provision of adequate eye protection, and a safety-oriented workplace culture that enforces the use of safety equipment and safety protocols, the risk of eye injuries in the workplace is substantially reduced.”

Identifying Suitable Eye Protection Options

Choosing the right eye protection to use at work is rather more complicated than it may initially seem. As a basic guideline, it should comply with Australian Standards which cover the types of safety gear that should be used to guard against impacts (high, medium, or low), dust, chemical handling accidents and UV light from welding equipment. 

Apart from being effective, the equipment should also be comfortable and fit well. “Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should ideally be just that – personal,” says Gary. “If it’s comfortable to wear, there’s a greater chance of compliance. As an employee, you should ask for help if you feel that your equipment isn’t right for you. For example, if you wear glasses, your eye protection should fit over them, and if there’s a chance of chemicals or debris entering your eyes from the sides, there shouldn’t be any gaps.”

Risk Assessment, Eye Protection, Compliance

The three steps towards reducing the chance of workplace injuries are the same regardless of the type of accidents that is being guarded against. Knowing where the risks are is the first step, the provision of adequate protective equipment is the next one, and compliance in using it closes the loop. 

“Your eyesight is too important to risk because you don’t want to engage with workplace safety officers or simply don’t feel like wearing your PEE,” says Gary. “Take the necessary steps, report problems, and be informed as to what to do in the event of an accident.”

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

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.

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.

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.

Rodney says the quality of the information provided by senses like the eyes is vital to the creation of an understandable overall picture of what is seen and experienced. It can help the person viewing it to perceive it, react to it, and understand it in a way that the information it supplies enables them to function and fit into their surroundings. 

However, this data can be easily compromised if the information sent to the brain for processing, is distorted in any way, or the processing systems are not functioning correctly. 

A Ray of Hope for Myopics

Rodney said the positive results of a study which showed that perceptual learning used in neural processing could make up for at least some of the problems caused by optical defects like myopia, and is a welcome addition to the toolbox of treatments currently being used to manage this fast-spreading refraction error. These include specially-designed single, and multi-focal contact lenses, as well as the Orthokeratology overnight treatment which uses gas permeable contacts.

When the References are Faulty

He said vision processing in the visual cortex uses memories and information accumulated from reactions to various stimuli like light, colour, construction and location as reference, and this is where perceptual learning has stepped in. Where these references have been distorted by poor vision or a glitch in the way the brain makes use of them, studies are suggesting that perceptual learning can change how people see using vision task performance training. 

However, most studies like the myopia one are still focusing only on specific aspects of the problem. In this case the study reported a significant amount of improvement in both contrast sensitivity and visual acuity in adults with myopia who had perceptual learning. 

Rodney, while welcoming these results, like many other eye doctors and researchers, is hoping that future studies will take a wider approach to the problem, and bring about even more positive results with regard to improving myopic vision and reducing its impact on their perception of the world around them. 

How Myopia Impacts on Vision

“Distortion of data and how it’s processed is one of the worst consequences of myopia for the billions who have this progressive refractory error. It’s the difference between good perceptual vision (or insight) and blurred plain sight. The compromised data collected any more than a few feet away won’t only be visibly blurred, but will not be pure and accurate enough for the brain to be able to create a clear picture of it ,” Rodney says. 

“And myopia also impacts on how the data is processed into signals that are sent to the brain for further processing into a final thought image. This happens because myopia causes the light rays which carry the initial data to land short of the retina instead of on it, so impacting on how this receptor and processor of the data functions.”

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

For more information on myopia prevention and management, perceptual vision and vision therapy and its importance, or to book an appointment for a thorough eye 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.

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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.

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.

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He says: “Those who want their car to run well, will ensure the right fuel and oil is used so all its systems work smoothly. It makes sense that eyes, the organs which provide 80% of the information which shapes and guides people’s lives and how they see the world, should be given the same treatment.”

Lessening the Worst of the Worst

According to Rodney, research has shown that the wrong food can impact on vision in general, and also play a role in the development or worsening of chronic eye diseases.  On the contrary, an eye-friendly diet keeps the eyes healthier, lessens the likelihood of eye problems, slows the progression of chronic eye conditions, and lowers the risk of vision loss.

He says an eye health diet is vital when it comes to the top four vision destroyers. These include the eye-clouding cataract; age-related macular degeneration that blurs central vision; diabetic retinopathy which impacts on the retina’s blood vessels; and glaucoma, the world’s largest cause of blindness in those over 60. This eye disease which affects around 76 million people globally, raises the pressure levels in the eyes and damages the optic nerve responsible for conducting visual data from the eyes to the brain.

Eating the Way to Healthier Vision

Rodney says an eye-healthy diet should not include highly processed foods, frequent take-outs and fast-foods like burgers, milkshakes, pre-packed dinners, as well as carbohydrates, fried foods and margarine, which can clog the thin arteries supplying blood to the eyes.

Diabetics, or those who are insulin resistant, should keep clear of sugar to lower the chances of diabetic retinopathy, or slow its progression if already present. Carbonated drinks, and specially those sweetened with corn syrup, are also not recommended, as they can increase blood pressure, which can lead to vision problems. 

Using What’s Good in the Food

On the other hand, a diet which is low in fat, sugar and chemicals, but rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect the eyes’ health, says Rodney, and certain vitamins and minerals have long been seen to support eye health.

Among these stalwarts is Vitamin A, which keeps the eye’s light-sensing cells, used in the harvesting of visual information, in shape. It’s found in orange vegetables and fruits such as carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots and cantaloupes.

Studies also suggest the Vitamin C in oranges, lemons, grapefruit, strawberries,  blackberries, raspberries, bell peppers and tomatoes; and the Vitamin E from avocados, almonds and sunflower seeds and nuts may, at the very least, slow age-related macular degeneration and cataract, and protect the eyes from  environmental problems, smoking, and over-consumption of processed food and take-outs.

So will the two anti-oxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, found in leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, turnip greens, peas and broccoli and in eggs;  and the zinc in chickpeas, beans, oysters, lean beef and yogurt.

Omega-3s have been associated with a reduction in the risk of diabetic retinopathy in older adults, and it’s also being investigated with regard to helping with dry eyes. Omega-3s are found in oily fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna, as well as in nuts.

NOTE: Rodney says any eye-health diets should be discussed with eye doctors, whether they’re for coping with severe and sight-threatening diseases, or for improving general eye health and sight. This is important as some supplements or vitamins will only show positive effects if there is a deficiency in them. 

For more information on eye health, its treatment and management, 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.

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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.

Turning Lives and Function Upside Down

Brought about by a glitch in the visual processing system, spatial relation problems can quite literally turn children’s lives around, upside down, and back to front; as well as leading to a number of actions and responses which might be labelled mistakenly as bad behaviour; physical and social clumsiness; or learning difficulties (especially when it comes to maths, reading, and writing).

Rodney says spatial relationship problems can affect the way children stand, how they walk, dance, or play; as well as their ability to concentrate, solve problems, recognise shapes, and make sense of numbers and letters.

“Children who haven’t fully developed their vision-spatial relationship skills have a lot in common with those who try to identify, place and join together the pieces of a puzzle game. If placed together correctly, the puzzle pieces would provide a beautiful picture. If it’s never finished, and instead is left partly completed on the table, the resultant picture will continue to be confusing, disorientating, and isolating for as long as it lies there.

For those with vision-spatial relation difficulties, the table is the world, the unfinished picture is their place in that world, and the missing pieces represent their lack of understanding of where they and objects around them fit into the picture, how close they are together, and what shape they are. And this creates more and longer-lasting confusion together with a feeling of being isolated from the world around them,” Rodney says.

A Glitch in the Toolbox

According to Rodney, deficiency in visual-spatial relations is not really a vision dysfunction, but rather a missing gap in the toolbox of vision skills which ensure that all the necessary data the brain needs to process the information is sent to it by the eyes.

The brain, more than half of which is devoted to processing information, relies on its “libraries” of previously processed data to confirm or challenge the accuracy of new messages from the eyes. Special attention is paid to the construction, colour, location and environment involved, so as to give the finished image a meaning that’s relevant and understandable.

However, Rodney says that is precisely the sort of information those with visual-spatial and perceptive vision problems are unable to provide. This is because of their inability to understand shapes and their differences; locations and movement-based activities; the distance between objects, and directions like up and down, as well as left and right. And because of that, neither can they understand how to organize groups of objects, words, letters or numbers in a synchronized way, any more than they can “organize” their physical or mental relationship with them.

For more information on visual skills and their importance, and their 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.

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.

Tiny Tiles Placed on Brain Surface

The device, a world-first designed to stimulate parts of the brain which are not functioning properly, forms part of the Gennaris bionic vision system developed by the Monash Vision Group’s Cortical Frontiers project. It’s made up of custom-made headgear complete with its own camera and wireless transmitter as well as a vision processor unit powered by software, which are connected to a set of tiny (9x9mm) electronic tiles which are at the core of the wireless system. These tiles are designed to be implanted on the brain’s surface at points where the transmission of information between the retina and the brain’s vision centre is compromised, and could therefore be responsible for the vision loss.

The system operates in a similar way to that of the visual system. The headgear’s video camera takes pictures of the scene around the wearer, and the pictures taken are then sent on to the vision processor, where the most important information is extracted, and transmitted as data to the complex circuitry in the electronic tiles. There it is processed again, this time in order to turn the data sent to it into a pattern of electrical pulses which are used to stimulate the brain through fine microelectrodes. 

New System Aimed at More than Vision

Reacting to this new development in eye and vision treatments and sight renewal, Australian master of optometry and vision therapy expert, Gary Rodney, welcomed this as a move forward in vision treatment that goes beyond focusing entirely on the eyes, and digs deeper into the treatment of vision problems in the processing part of the central visual system. He said this was especially welcome as it could perhaps bring about what’s often seen as the impossible, by returning sight to those without it.

System May Broaden its Usage to Other Areas

Rodney said vision therapy, operating on a different level, had already shown success with eye training in addressing issues which might be seen as unrelated to vision, such as the inability of a child with cerebral palsy to get out of her wheelchair and stand alone, which was accomplished by addressing an eye-tracking problem with vision therapy.

Already the Gennaris researchers have indicated the bionic system’s usage may ultimately not be restricted to correcting blindness, but also for treating those suffering from other neurological conditions which are currently considered hard to treat, or untreatable, such a limb paralysis, epilepsy, spinal cord injury, depression, and the restoration of other vital senses.

For more information on vision therapy, vision testing and other eye conditions, 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.

Treating Two Similar Issues Separately

However, Rodney says that despite having so much in common, the two are classified and treated very differently.

The vision problems are considered to be the result of errors in the data sent by the eyes to the brain’s visual system for processing into meaningful images. Dyslexia, on the other hand, is considered by practitioners to be a language-based learning disability with its informational roots in the ears. As a result it is being identified as completely different from visual problems, despite its similar impact on spelling, writing, reading, and speaking because it involves the processing of sound rather than sight. It is seen as hiccoughs in the ears’ message to the brain, or in the brain’s attempts to match and process the graphic symbols and sounds of speech and letters (particularly when heard in different languages) in such a way as to provide recognizable and usable information.

He says vision problems and dyslexia were previously thought to be identified as being brought about by different brain systems, and attributed to failures in different processing systems, until studies in the last few years revealed that both vision and sound are processed in the visual system, and the same approach to processing information is taken.

Data is collected separately by eyes and the ears, and contributed to the “libraries” of data amassed by the brain as part of its reference archive. This enables the brain to draw on information to place, interpret, identify, and understand what is seen and heard and pass this information back to the ears that heard or eyes that saw as understandable and usable.

In some situations the brain will even draw on sounds to position the images and improve the interpretation of what is seen, specially when sounds can boost the importance or relevance of what is seen, and vice versa, as in assisting in the recognition of letters.

The Advantages of Teamwork

Rodney stresses the importance of the teamwork between the brain, the eyes and the ears, as well as in the treatment chosen to deal with processing problems in vision errors or language disabilities because of the close connection between them.

“ I find it hard to understand why many therapists and other practitioners dealing with dyslexia still believe that there is no connection at all between dyslexia and vision problems, and therefore no need to consider the possibility of investigating vision problems and their treatments when seeking to correct dyslexia,” he said.

He says separating the two leaves the door open to misdiagnosis and unsatisfactory treatment results. And at the same time it can lessen the chances of detection and treatment of companion vision problems like convergence and eye tracking which could either be presenting similar impacts, or contributing to the impact of dyslexia.

For more information on vision impairments, dyslexia and the global threat imposed by them, or to make an appointment for a consultation, 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.

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.