Articles of
interest and
information links Click on the
headings to see the articles and links
The best way to protect
vision is through good general health. A balanced diet
includes all the essential nutrients needed by the eyes
for each vision mechanism. Examination by a specialist
is critical to identify eye problems, and personal
hygiene and awareness of our own health and body is the
best way to keep our eyes healthy. Safety and correction
of vision defects complete the picture of a person who
is alive to the world they see around them.
All About Vision Caring for your vision
Your children should have their first vision examination by no
later than three or four years of age. Of course, children with any signs of
eye problems should be examined immediately, regardless of age. Modern technology makes It
possible for a doctor of optometry to examine a child who is too young to read, talk or
answer questions. it is also important to remember that an
annual school vision screening DOES NOT constitute a thorough
visual exam.
Children's Vision
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
The fatigue and pain of CVS shows up after long-term computer use and
leads to physical stress including eyestrain. Videogames require extreme
focus at a short distant range which brings forth the same effects as
with CVS. Constant strain due to problems related to lighting, posture,
and the physical placement of screen, keyboard, mouse and work material
can cause CVS. The syndrome is preventable. An additional critical
component of CVS discussed in this article is the ultraviolet radiation
emitted by computer screens. This UV “noise” can be avoided by a filter
placed directly in front of the screen, by a low-UV monitor or with
appropriate eyewear (specially coated glasses or contact lenses). Over
16 million North Americans have or are at risk for CVS.
As we age, the eye’s
lens may become cloudy and changes from crystal blue to
dull yellow. The cloudy lens is called a cataract. As
the cataract develop, vision becomes blurry and dim, as
less light passes into the eye. Cataracts may eventually
cause temporary vision loss. In the early stages,
low-vision aids can compensate for these problems.
Fortunately, the cloudy lens can be removed and replaced
by clear plastic lenses or other devices that restore
vision.
Spots, floaters
and flashes are all integral parts of the miracle of the inner
eye and its life cycle.
Spots and floaters are semi-transparent, thread-like strands,
specks or brilliant crystals that float inside the eye. When we
see spots and floaters, we may have the impression that foreign
objects are in front of our eyes, but find that the objects dart
away when we try to look at them directly.
Spots and floaters come in many shapes and sizes. They may
appear as tiny dots, round circles, long, thread-like strands,
cobwebs or fuzzy clouds. We usually notice them when looking at
a bright, blue sky or a blank, white wall. People of all ages
see spots and floaters. Nearsighted people and people with eye
injuries or inflammation see them more frequently. But in most
cases, even though they may be bothersome, spots and floaters
are harmless and fade away with time.
Flashes are experienced by most everyone in late adulthood. Some
flashes are caused by blood vessel spasms and can occur at any
age. In either case, they may appear as straight or jagged
vertical lightning streaks, shooting stars, fleeting white
pin-points or brilliant blasts of light.
Spots and floaters are found in the tear layer
in front of the eye, in the iris (the colored part of our eye
that controls its exposure to light) and in the vitreous (the
white, gel-like substance that maintains the shape of the eye).
They are a normal part of the process of growth and degeneration
our eyes are destined to undergo.
In childhood and early adulthood, the spots and floaters most
people see are pieces of blood vessels that were left suspended
inside the vitreous of the eye when it was forming before birth.
They may also be specks of pigment on the muscle fibers attached
to the iris or particles caught in the tear layer in front of
the eye. These tiny objects drift freely in the eye and cross
our line of vision.
By the mid-forties, the vitreous starts to become more liquid.
As this change takes place, a combination of liquid and clumps
is present. The shadows cast by these crystal-like clumps are
floaters. At this point in life, eyesight may also become hazier
than in younger years.
By the time we reach our sixties and seventies, the vitreous
usually begins to separate from the retina (where we “see”),
at the back of the eye. At this point, a series of flashes may
be seen. The most fascinating thing about these flashes is that
they are all in our head! They are produced by the nerves in the
retina as the vitreous pulls away from it and rubs against it.
The brain is registering “light” because its light receptors
are being stimulated, but no light is actually present. Although
this process may be a little disturbing at first, it is
perfectly normal and should subside after a few weeks or months.
See “Protecting your eyesight” for details on how long
flashes should last.
Migraine flashes are brought about by blood vessel spasms in the
brain called migraines. Flashes appear as straight or jagged
streaks of lightning and give the impression of a heat wave.
Although they may be bothersome, migraine flashes are usually
temporary occurrences. They may or may not occur just before a
migraine headache is about to begin.
If your floaters or flashes come from a retinal
tear or detachment, laser surgery may be performed to repair
damage as soon as possible. However, most spots, floaters and
flashes are simply a fact of life, and there is no safe,
reliable treatment to control or eliminate them.
On rare occasion during the natural process of
the separation of the vitreous from the retina, blood vessels in
the eye may leak, and the retina may be torn or may detach from
the inner lining of the eye. Damage to the retina may also occur
due to injury, disease, inflammation of the eye, macular
degeneration or other health conditions.
When the retina is detached or seriously damaged, a rush of
sparks or lightning flashes and showers of floaters may be seen,
and part of the field of vision may become dim or black, as if a
curtain has been partially drawn. No matter what the cause, if a
sudden increase in spots, floaters and flashes lasts more than
20 to 40 minutes, it should be considered an emergency, and
immediate medical attention sought. Left untreated, retinal
damage or detachment may result in permanent loss of vision.
Did you know that red eyes can be allergic, viral, bacterial,
toxic, or just plain dryness.
Optometrists like Drs. Belanger and Marra are experts in
determining the cause and treatment plan. The most common causes are allergic and/or dryness. We know have some extremely effective new anti-allergy
drops by prescription with the proper diagnosis. Many tear
regulation problems can be treated with punctual occlusion which
plugs the drainage hole of the eye and allows tears to pool.
We can demonstrate the effectiveness with a temporary
plug before proceeding with a long lasting solution. See your
optometrists for diagnosis and treatment of red eyes.
School performance that is consistently below individual ability
Unusually short attention span and a tendency to avoid close work.
Blurred or double vision at any time.
Frequent headaches.
Eyes that often itch or burn
A tendency to blink or rub eyes often.
Eyes that cross, turn in, out or move Independently of each other. Eye and vision
problems
Vision changes occur naturally as you age. When you reach your
40's, focusing at close range becomes difficult. This is a
natural part of the aging process caused by a gradual hardening
of the eye's crystalline lens, reducing its ability to change
shape and focus. This condition is called Presbyopia. Good vision
throughout life
Progressive
addition lenses feature a continuous, clear field of vision from
distance, through the intermediate ranges, to near without the use of
annoying bifocal lines. Bifocal lenses use very old technology. Abrupt
and awkward changes between distance and near prescriptions are
separated by annoying lines that can be frustrating to wear.
Verilux
Anyone who has presbyopia, including current bifocal and
trifocal wearers.
Most individuals will learn to use their
Progressive lenses right
away. Others may take a bit longer to become completely
comfortable. Your eye care professional should be made aware of
any extended adaptation period. A "fine-tuning" frame
adjustment may be all that is necessary to assist in this
initial period.
Progressive lenses are available in a variety of different
materials that will reduce both thickness and weight. Smaller
frames also reduce lens thickness and weight. Your eye care
professional will consider prescription, frame size, and your
individual lifestyle as factors in helping you decide which lens
material will be best for
you.
Yes, ask your eye care professional for details.
In addition to the information provided here, and elsewhere on
this web site, your eye care professional is an excellent source
of information about Progressive lenses and their specific
applications to your individual prescription and lifestyle.