UV damage doesn’t end when summer does

by Dr. Riaz Ahmed, past-president of the Alberta Association of Optometrists

During a recent ski trip to Banff, I was surprised to witness the number of people on the mountain without any type of protective eyewear. While most skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers on the mountain had the proper gear to protect their head, body, hands and feet, they fell short on protecting one of their bodies’ most valuable assets – their eyes.

I was reminded that many people think that protecting their eyes from the sun is only necessary when it’s warm outside. During the summer months, the mental checklist for sun protection includes sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. However, it’s easy to forget to take these same protective measures once the snow starts to fall.

The danger in this situation is ultraviolet (UV) radiation — invisible rays of energy emitted from the sun 365 days a year. There are two main types of UV rays that reach the earth’s surface, known as UVA and UVB, both of which can have damaging effects on eyes and skin. When eyes absorb too much UV light, it can lead to serious eye conditions such as cataracts, retinal damage, growths on the front of the eye and eye cancers, especially on the delicate skin surrounding the eyes. People with lighter coloured eyes and skin are even more at risk for damage as they have less of the protective pigment that helps absorb these rays.

Unfortunately, many simply don’t understand the long-term damage UV rays can have. According to the Canadian National Institute For the Blind (CNIB), only nine per cent of Canadians are aware that sun can cause permanent harm to their eyes. While UV rays are undoubtedly stronger during the spring and summer months, people shouldn’t ignore these harmful effects as soon as fall arrives. Those who are keen to get on the mountain after the first snow fall should be particularly mindful since UV exposure increases on reflective surfaces, such as snow.

There are several proactive measures you can take to ensure your eyes remain in good health. The first step is to be cautious year-round while exposing your eyes to the sun. Wearing proper protective gear is important, which includes UV-blocking sunglasses with wrap-around frames to keep the sun out from the sides, and broad-brimmed hats.

Second, maintain regular visits with your optometrist who will assess your individual eye health and discuss the best options for protecting your eyes year-round. The Alberta Association of Optometrists recommends that adults have an eye exam every one to two years, and at least annually for those over 65 depending on the presence of eye disease. Children should have their first eye exam at six months, again at age three, and every year while they are in school.

Comprehensive eye exams with a doctor of optometry can also reveal insight about your overall health. These visits not only allow an optometrist to detect eye diseases, but also uncover serious health conditions which often have early warning signs present in the eye.

For example, optometrists often identify nevi (similar to skin moles or freckles) in the pigmented layer at the back of the eye. If exposed to UV rays over a lifetime, these can develop into a rare form of cancer called choroidal melanoma, which can be deadly if not treated. Also, as mentioned earlier, the eyelid area is one of the areas of the body where skin cancer is first diagnosed. The most common form is invasive lesions called basal cell carcinomas that grow deep into the surrounding tissue.

Perhaps the most important lesson to be learned about the eyes is this: good vision and good eye health are often unrelated. You may have 20/20 vision but you may also have risk factors for UV related eye disease. For this reason, it’s important to remember eye protection year-round.

Whether you’re skiing on top of a mountain or sitting on a beach chair on your well-deserved winter vacation, remember to protect your most precious sense against the harmful effects of UV rays.

Five eye health approved foods for your holiday feast

It’s officially the holiday season! In just over a week many of us will be sitting down at our dining room tables and feasting on traditional holiday dishes, but you might be surprised to learn that several of your favourite dishes are also good for your eye health.

We’ve compiled a list of five foods that you can feel a little less guilty overindulging on this holiday season knowing that you’re doing your eyes a favour.

Here are five eye health approved choices:

1. Turkey: It wouldn’t be a holiday feast without a little turkey on our plate. Turkey is rich in zinc and vitamins B3 (niacin), which can protect your eyes against cataracts. Better yet, turkey is great for leftovers which can keep the source of eye-healthy vitamins coming for days.
2. Carrots: Don’t bypass the carrot dish at the table this year! Carrots are filled with the important antioxidant, beta-carotene which can reduce the risk of cataracts and protect the surface of the eye.
3. Sweet Potatoes: Who could say not to sweet potatoes? Like carrots, bright orange vegetables are always a good idea to overindulge on. The Vitamin A and C found in sweet potatoes can help improve your night vision, and can also help the body form and maintain the collagen found in the eyes cornea.
4. Salad: Between all the turkey and stuffing on your plate, make sure to leave room for salad. All types of leafy greens are packed with antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help lower the risk of developing macular degeneration.
5. Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts: Load your plates with these two B’s without a second thought. Both broccoli and brussel sprouts have Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Lutein, which relate to strengthening eyesight and can help prevent retinal damage.

Maintaining a healthy diet is only one important factor to maintain healthy eyes. To ensure your eyes are reaching their fullest potential, make sure to book regular eye examinations with one of our Doctors of Optometry.

Vision problems can mean bigger problems for the body

A patient recently sat in my examination room perplexed. He was 30 years old and had recently experienced a sudden decline in his ability to see from a distance. Otherwise, he told me he felt completely fine and reported no other symptoms.

I sent the patient to the hospital for further testing, because drastic vision changes in a short period of time, at that age, can often be a sign of diabetes. The tests revealed that his blood sugar level was dangerously high at 35 (a normal blood sugar level is between five and seven). It was confirmed—the patient had diabetes.

After 40 years of being an optometrist, I am still surprised at the number of people who do not know that a vision problem, can mean bigger problems in the body. I am often shocked when a patient has an exam for a vision change that happened months, or even years prior, that was never addressed.

Unfortunately, these situations are not unusual. Optometrists regularly detect hidden health problems that affect the entire body, and not just the eyes. In fact, diabetes is one of the diseases we often help uncover through a regular comprehensive eye exam.

Statistics show that 33 per cent of Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes and many of them do not know it. Through the years, I have sent many patients for medical exams following annual eye exams because of signs of diabetes.

Diabetes is a timely disease to use as an example, since it is Diabetes Awareness Month. Across Canada, people are learning about prevention, detecting and managing the disease. If you have diabetes, make sure that you are letting your optometrist exam the back of your eye. If you have noticed a change in your vision or are experiencing other vision problems, get an eye exam. You never know what your eyes are trying to tell you about your overall health and your optometrist can help with the interpretation.

Some people are aware that diabetes can cause blindness and vision problems, though I have found that people do not understand why there is a link between eyes and the disease. This lack of understanding can be detrimental. If you know that changes in your vision were a way that your body tells you that there is a bigger issue to deal with you would most likely go in for an eye exam.

The body is a complex system, but this brief explanation may help with understanding the link. Diabetes is primarily a vascular disease, effecting the blood vessels. One of the most vascular tissues in the body can be found behind the eye. It’s called the choroid, which is a swamp of blood vessels that provides the energy for the retina to see with. These vessels are important to the eye, but are also very susceptible to impacts from diabetes given their vascular nature.

Because the vessels in the eye that are prone to diabetes impact are at the back of the eye, there are sometimes no visible symptoms indicating an issue. In a comprehensive eye exam your optometrist will look at the back of the eye and identify any damage.

Dr. Barry Thienes is a doctor of optometry with more than 40 years of experience in eye disease management and primary clinical eye care. He is also the president of the Canadian Association of Optometrists.

Eye-Healthy Tangy Carrot Salad Recipe

This colorful salad is a great holiday side dish and can liven up your leftover meals as well. Carrots are full of eye-healthy beta-carotene and also contain significant amounts of fiber, potassium and vitamin C.

Other ingredients provide eye nutrients like zinc, lutein and protein (if you add the chickpeas).

Fresh orange juice is more nutritious, but the concentrate has a deeper tang that brightens the flavors.

Tangy Carrot Salad
(serves 4)

1/2 cup pine nuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds8 large carrots
1-1/2 cups rocket or romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries, cherries or golden raisins

Optional Add-Ins:
1/4 cup pitted dates, chopped small
1/4 cup canned beets, drained and julienned
1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained

Dressing:
1/3 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
2 Tbsp lime juice
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Toast the nuts or seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 or 3 minutes, until golden brown (don't let them burn). Salt lightly if desired, remove from pan and let cool.
2. You can either grate the carrots or make long ribbons of them with a vegetable spiralizer or peeler. Place in a large bowl with the lettuce, dried fruit, and any other add-ins you choose. Mix well.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad in large bowl and toss. Sprinkle the toasted nuts or seeds over the top, and serve. 

Diabetes & Your Eyes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that prevents your body from making or using insulin, which in turn leads to increased sugar levels in your bloodstream, known as high blood sugar.

How does diabetes affect the eye?

Diabetes and its complications can affect many parts of the eye.  Diabetes can cause changes in nearsightedness, farsightedness and premature presbyopia (the inability to focus on close objects). It can result in cataracts, glaucoma, paralysis of the nerves that control the eye muscles or pupil, and decreased corneal sensitivity. Visual symptoms of diabetes include fluctuating or blurring of vision, occasional double vision, loss of visual field, and flashes and floaters within the eyes. Sometimes these early signs of diabetes are first detected in a thorough eye examination performed by a doctor of optometry. The most serious eye problem associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy.

What is retinopathy?

Diabetes may affect all blood vessels in your body, including those inside your eye. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when there is a weakening or swelling of the tiny blood vessels in the retina of your eye, resulting in blood leakage, the growth of new blood vessels and other changes. If diabetic retinopathy is left untreated, blindness can result.

Can vision loss from diabetes be prevented?

Yes, in a routine eye examination, your doctor of optometry can diagnose potential vision threatening changes in your eye that may be treated to prevent blindness. However, once damage has occurred, the effects can be permanent. It is important to control your diabetes as much as possible to minimize your risk of developing retinopathy.

How is diabetic retinopathy treated?

In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy is monitored through eye health examinations. If necessary, it may be treated with intraocular injections of anti-VEGF therapy (Lucentis, Avastin, Eylea) or laser therapy. A bright beam of light is focused on the retina, causing a laser burn that seals off leaking blood vessels. In other cases, retinal surgery may be necessary. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is crucial, as treatment is much more likely to be successful at an early stage.

Are there risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy?

Several factors that increase the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy include poorly controlled blood sugar levels, the number of years you have had diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, drinking alcohol and pregnancy.

How can diabetes-related eye problems be prevented?

Monitor and maintain control of your diabetes. See your physician regularly and follow instructions about diet, exercise and medication. See one of our Doctors of Optometry for a thorough eye examination when you are first diagnosed with diabetes, at least annually thereafter and more frequently if recommended.

Our Amazing Eyes And How They Work

Did you see that super moon last night? How about the big game? Or were you watching your daughter take her first steps? Our eyes truly let us see some wonderful things.

But how do eyes work? The eyes are fascinating and complex organs with many components. We’d like to help you understand exactly how eyes function so you can appreciate just how amazing these organs that allow us to see the world really are!

How Do We See?

For our eyes to work, there needs to be light. Light from the sun or an artificial source bounces off objects and into our eyes through the pupil—the black hole in the middle of our eyes. The iris, the colored part of the eye, changes the size of the pupil depending on how much light there is.

After entering the eye through the pupil, light passes through the lens. The lens focuses the light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina contains millions of photoreceptors–sensors that convert light into electrical impulses. These electric impulses travel along the optic nerve and into our brain. The brain then produces an image, allowing us to see!

How Similar Is A Camera To Our Eyes?

Thinking about our eyes in comparison to a camera may help us easier understand how the eye functions.

The iris works like the shutter in the camera, enlarging and shrinking depending on how much light is present. The lenses of both the eyes and a camera are similar in that they focus light onto something. In a camera, light is focused onto film instead of on the retina.

Even though it serves as a good comparison tool, there are some crucial differences between a camera and our eyes!

5 More Cool Eye Facts

Here are some interesting facts about how our eyes work:

1. The pupil dilates 45 percent when looking at something pleasant, trying to take it all in.
2. The retina can transmit up to 10 million bits of information every second!
3. Your eyes use 65 percent of your brainpower–that’s more than any other part of your body.
4. Images that are sent to your brain are actually backwards and upside down.
5. Humans can see the light of a candle from 14 miles away under the right conditions!

We Love Your Eyes!

Our eyes are windows to the world around us. They let us see so many magnificent things! Make sure you take care of those beautiful eyes of yours by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making regular visits one of our Doctors of Optometry.

Children’s Vision Month Recap

We are always sure to take our kids to the pediatrician for yearly exams, we watch what they are eating, monitor their time in front of the TV, keep them warm, fed, and teach them all we can about the world. However, there is one area of your child’s health that you might be missing out on, eye health! Undiagnosed eye problems can lead to long lasting issues with learning and development so it is important to keep an eye on your kids’ eyes.

Have you noticed your little one squinting? Having difficulty reading? Moving closer to the TV or a book? These are a few signs that your child may have vision problems but guess what? 1 in 4 school-age children have eye problems, and they often have no easy- to- detect symptoms, so it’s easy to miss. Luckily, many vision issues, if caught early, can be corrected.

October was Children’s Vision Month and I wanted to take time to share some important facts with you about eye exams. While your paediatrician might do a quick routine check of your child’s eyes, it is not the same as a comprehensive eye. Taking your child for a yearly eye exam from a doctor of optometry (optometrist) is the best way to be sure that their visual system develops normally. Your child should ideally have their first eye exam between 6 to 9 months old, once between 2 and 5, then annually thereafter – most provinces in Canada offer some form of coverage for kid’s eye exams.

80% of learning is obtained through our vision- this applies to playing, socializing, and learning. Help your child reach their furthest potential by having their eyes examined by an optometrist to rule out any vision issues right at the start. My daughter needed to wear a mild prescription to help her with reading. She will probably only need to wear them for a while and we noticed a difference in her school work right away.

If your child is apprehensive about visiting a doctor of optometry, here are a few tips to help them relax:

• Explain to your child what will happen at the optometrist’s office. Click here for more information on what is involved in a child’s eye exam.
• Check out books on the subject from the library.
• Role play an exam with their dolls or stuffed animals.
• When you are in the exam room, ask the doctor to tell your child what they are doing as they do it.

Having this knowledge really helped my little girl feel more at ease and less frightened at her first eye exam. Give some of them a try with your own little one. Book an appointment today to have your child’s vision checked by one of our Doctors of Optometry for this school year if you haven’t already.! You can book an appointment by clicking HERE.

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World Sight Day! We Care!

Our optometrists at Vision Source New Westminster are taking part in the World Sight Day Challenge

during October to help give the gift of vision to people in underserved communities around the world.

Now in its 10th year, the World Sight Day Challenge is the largest annual global fundraising campaign to address avoidable blindness caused by uncorrected refractive error – simply the need for an eye exam and glasses. The campaign is run by global charity, Optometry Giving Sight.

Dr. Pavan Avinashi will be supporting the Challenge by matching all donations over $20 between October 7th and October 21st. Vision Source New Westminster is also participating throughout October by holding a raffle/donation with prizes worth thousands of dollars to help the more than 600 million people in the world who are blind or vision impaired because they do not have access to an eye exam or glasses.

“I have supported Optometry Giving Sight for 10 years,” said Dr. Avinashi. “Preventable blindness is a solvable problem and we are proud to help give better vision to those in need. Most people are surprised to learn that for as little as $5 someone living in an underserved community can be provided with an eye exam and a pair of glasses to transform their lives. Everyone can make a huge difference and we are thrilled to be contributing to the challenge.”

Participating is easy – simply make a single or monthly donation before the end of October. The campaign’s goal is to raise $1 million globally in 2016.

Changing Lives:

Socheata is 17 years old and in her final year of studies. She recently received an eye examination as part of a School Eye Health program at her school in Cambodia part funded by Optometry Giving Sight. “When I was in grade 11, I was really struggling to see,” she said. “I found trying to see or read long distance an immense struggle, especially while the teacher was writing on the board. Once I received my glasses I started to use them often for travelling to school, especially for school time and doing house work. I felt comfortable wearing my glasses and was no longer getting dizzy or suffering from headaches from straining my eyes”.

To date, Optometry Giving Sight has disbursed funding from donors and sponsors to 106 projects in 42 countries. For more information, go to www.givingsight.org.

Vision Source New Westminster is located at 301 East Columbia Street in New Westminster, BC. Call 604.553.3900 to schedule an appointment.

Pregnancy Could Cause Changes In Your Vision

Morning sickness, weight gain, back pain… These are common symptoms of pregnancy. But did you know pregnancy can affect your vision as well?

A woman’s body goes through extraordinary changes during pregnancy. Some of them, like changes in hormones, metabolism, fluid retention and blood circulation, can have an effect on your eyes! Below are some of the most common vision-related changes women see during pregnancy.

Pregnant Women Can Experience Blurry Vision

Due to fluid retention (a common side effect of pregnancy) the thickness and shape of the cornea can change slightly, causing blurred or distorted vision. Usually the change is minor but if your vision is significantly altered, talk to your doctor. If you have glasses or contacts and the change in your vision is severe, your prescription may need to be changed. This is usually unnecessary, however, as your cornea will return to its normal shape after you’ve had your baby.

Expect Dry Eyes During Pregnancy

It’s normal for your eyes to feel a bit more dry, tired or irritated during pregnancy. Wearing contact lenses, especially for longer periods of time, can be a bit more uncomfortable for expectant mothers. If you are experiencing dry eyes, consult with your eye care provider about artificial tears that are safe to use during pregnancy.

Vision Disturbances May Be A Sign Of Preeclampsia

Issues with your vision during pregnancy may be a sign of a more serious condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and usually occurs after the 20 week mark. Signs of preeclampsia can show up in your eyes, such as:

• Temporary loss of vision
• Light sensitivity
• Blurry or double vision
• Seeing spots or flashing lights

If you experience any of these more severe vision disturbances, contact your doctor immediately.

Diabetes Can Affect Vision, Especially During Pregnancy

Women with diabetes who become pregnant should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam as soon as possible and throughout their pregnancy as recommended. This is because women who have diabetes during pregnancy may have a rapid onset or worsening of diabetic retinopathy, a disease that causes damage to the small blood vessels that supply the retina of the eye. If you have diabetes and are planning to conceive, talk to your doctor and eye care provider. Your Vision Source® member practice will monitor your condition throughout your pregnancy so that you and your baby can be as healthy and safe as possible.

Expectant Mothers Can Trust Our Practices

Just because you are expecting a baby doesn’t mean you have to put off your regular eye exam. We care about the vision and overall health of you and your child. So, in between trips to the doctor and Babies-R-Us, don’t let visiting your optometrist fall off of your pregnancy to-do list! Click here to book an appointment online today.

Feed Your Eyes – 5 Snacks for Healthier Eyes

Just as we drink water to stay hydrated or fill up on fruits and veggies to maintain our health, it’s also important to nurture our eyes with food.

Keep your eyes in tip top shape with these great go-to snack ideas that are packed with nutritious foods for your eyes.

Eat your leafy greens – Fresh spinach and kale are loaded with two antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants help protect against the damaging effects of UV rays – pack an extra-large salad on those sunny days!

Fruits and veggies – Fill your lunch bag with colourful Vitamin C rich foods, such as grapefruit, strawberries, bell peppers and broccoli. Vitamin C is another vitamin that acts as an antioxidant by helping to absorb some of harmful rays generated by the sun.

Hummus – Enjoy some hummus with you veggies! Chickpeas, as well as other legumes, contain Zinc which helps your liver release and drive Vitamin A to the retina to produce melanin – melanin helps protect your eyes from ultraviolet light.

Visit the docks – Most know that Omega 3 fats have many disease fighting powers, but did you know that they can also help protect against age-related macular degeneration and dry eye? Cook up your favourite salmon salad recipe, or order some sushi to-go.

Think Orange – Carrots, yams and sweet potato are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Use leftover turkey – Planning a picnic? Pack your sandwiches full of this zinc and niacin filled protein. In addition to helping fill your zinc quota for the day, turkey contains b-vitamin niacin, which can help protect against cataracts.

Have questions? Chat with one of our Doctors of Optometry for more tips on how to keep your eyes happy and healthy.

Colour Deficiency

What is colour deficiency?

Colour deficiency occurs when your ability to distinguish colours and shades is different than normal. The term colour blindness is often used, but usually incorrectly. Only a very small number of people are completely unable to identify any colours, a condition called achromatopsia. Colour deficiency is more common in males than females, with one in 10 males having a colour deficiency.

What causes colour deficiency?

Colour deficiency is usually an inherited condition, passed from mother to son, but it can also result from certain diseases, trauma or as a side effect of certain medications. Colour deficiency is the result of an imbalance in the three kinds of cones in the retina that allow us to perceive colour.

What types of colour deficiency exist?

There are three types of colour deficiency: two different kinds of red-green deficiency and one called blue-yellow deficiency. The red-green deficiencies are by far the most common and are usually inherited, resulting in the inability to distinguish between certain shades of reds, browns, pinks and oranges, or greens and blues. Blue-yellow deficiency is very rare and is usually acquired secondary to damage to the optic nerve and results in the inability to distinguish between certain shades of blue, as well as shades of yellow. People with complete colour blindness see objects in shades of black, white and grey.

How is colour deficiency detected?

Children who are colour deficient are generally unaware of their condition. They assume that everyone sees things the way they do. As a result, a complete optometric examination, including a test for colour vision, is recommended for every child. The test for colour deficiency is a relatively simple one, typically involving the viewing of a series of coloured plates with numbers or designs. The plates have been created in such a way that a person with normal colour vision can see certain figures in the designs. A person with a colour deficiency will either see a different number of designs or will be unable to distinguish the figures.

When should a person be tested for colour deficiency?

Every child should be checked for colour deficiency by at least age five. It is important to detect colour deficiency early because colour coded learning materials are used extensively in the primary grades. In addition, colour deficiency may affect the career path of an individual, since the ability to distinguish colours is an important aspect of some jobs, such as pilots, electricians, some military personnel, police officers and others.

Can colour deficiency be cured? Unfortunately, a cure for colour deficiency has not yet been discovered. A person with a colour deficiency can, however, be taught proper colour naming and to accurately distinguish colours. For example, you can be taught to recognize the brightness and location of a traffic light rather than the colour itself. It is sometimes possible to increase the ability to distinguish colours with the use of special filters.

Sign of the times: How your vision changes with age

The end of summer is near which means we’re quickly approaching Children’s Vision Month. Throughout October, Children’s Vision Month highlights the importance of monitoring children’s vision so they’re able to reach their full learning and development potential.

While Children’s Vision Month in October puts a particular focus on children, it’s important for parents to also prioritize their own vision health. As we grow older, our eyes might not show many signs of aging aesthetically, however, the same cannot be said for their functionality. Typically, beginning in early to mid-40’s, adults eyes start deteriorating and stop operating like they once did.

Here are some of the ways our eyes and vision change as we get older:

• Is that red or orange?- The cells in our eyes that control the way we see colour become less sensitive as we age, which results in less colour vibrancy making it harder to distinguish certain colour shades- all the more reasons to stop and enjoy the 7 shades of the rainbow while we can.

• Less tears- As we get older, the tear glands in our eyes produce fewer tears leading to more frequent stints of dry eyes and irritation.

• More light please- With age, our pupil sizes become smaller and less responsive to changes in light conditions, which means our eyes require more light than they once did to see clearly.

• Increase the font size- Small font sizes become a thing of the past as we age due the lenses in our eyes becoming less flexible; this makes near objects less clear and harder to focus on.

While some changes to our vision are a natural part of the aging process, it’s important to monitor changes to your vision that could be an indicator of a bigger eye health problem, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, or cataracts. Make sure to book annual comprehensive eye exams with you one of our Doctors of Optometry to ensure you monitor your eye health as you age.

Lighting Tips For Less Eye Strain And Better Visibility

Light… it's the most essential element of vision. We are surrounded by it all day, whether it be natural or artificial.

So it’s no surprise that we frequently get asked if certain types of light can negatively affect our eyes. Here we’ve compiled some tips so you can protect your eyes and prevent strain!

Adjust Your Workspace To Reduce Eye Strain

The American Optometric Association reports that over half of office workers who regularly use computers suffer from eye strain. You may not know it, but it’s not just caused by staring at your computer. The lighting surrounding your workspace could be making it worse. Here are some tips: 

Reduce interior lighting: Most offices have harsh interior lighting that can contribute to eyestrain. If possible, use fewer light bulbs and fluorescent tubes. 

Minimize glare: If there is a window directly in front or behind you, your eyes are working much harder than they need to be due to the glare and reflections on your computer screen. You can move or adjust your workstation, close the blinds, or get an anti-reflective coating on your glasses to reduce glare. 

Adjust screen brightness: The blue light from the computer contributes to eye strain as well. Adjusting your brightness so it’s approximately the same as your surrounding workstation can help. 

Improve The Lighting In Your Home

Remember when your parents used to tell you that reading in dim lighting will ruin your eyesight? While reading in the dark won’t do any lasting damage, it can give you a nasty headache. Doing any task that requires more intense focus in poor lighting can result in eye strain and all the uncomfortable symptoms that come with it.

Here’s a hint: take advantage of task lighting around your home. Desk lamps, reading lamps, under-cabinet lighting for kitchen work areas, among other types of task lighting, can help reduce your risk of eye strain when you’re doing near-work for longer amounts of time.

Good Lighting Is Even More Crucial For Those With Low Vision

In general, lighting needs to increase as you age. Research shows that a 60-year-old needs almost twice as much light to see as a 30-year-old!

Lighting is even more important for those with low vision. People with macular degeneration, glaucoma and other vision conditions should consult with their eye doctor about specific lighting improvements they can make in their homes to improve visibility.

See Things In A New Light

Believe it or not, small changes can make a big difference! The right kind of lighting can improve our reading ability, create a more noticeable difference in colors and prevent eye strain. Make some of these small changes and we promise, you’ll start seeing things in a whole new light!

What the Pokémon GO craze means for our eye health

When optometrists recommended kids getting outside more as a way to improve eye health, they likely hadn’t factored Pokémon GO into the solution. Now, both children and adults are increasing the time they’re spending outdoors but they’re taking their video game screens with them.

The concept behind the digital game, Pokémon GO, that’s captured the world by storm is quite simple, really. Users track down Pokémon characters within their city using the app’s GPS technology, then catch them once they appear on the screen.

While there’s no harm in having a little bit of Pokémon fun, people often overlook the short and long term effects of prolonged screen time; this includes:

Digital Eye Strain (short-term) – staring at digital screens too long takes a physical toll on our eyes which results in the feeling of eye dryness and discomfort, and can also cause headaches.

Myopia/Nearsightedness (long-term) – recent studies suggest that 50 per cent of the population (five billion people) will develop Myopia by 2050. Myopia, or nearsightedness, can be caused by increased exposure and use of digital devices, such as cell phones, televisions, and computers. Over time, our ability to see objects in the distance decreases because our eye muscles become overworked focusing on objects in close proximity.

Like most things in life, screen time should be enjoyed in moderation. When looking at a digital device, make sure to look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes- also known as the 20-20-20 rule. To maintain good eye health, embrace regular exposure to the real –Pokémon free- world in front of your eyes, in addition to booking regular appointments with one of our Doctors of Optometry.

Contacts for Teens

Contact lenses may be a perfect fit for teenagers. Contact lenses are more comfortable and easy to care for. Plus, there are many types of contacts to choose from. In other words, there are almost certainly contact lenses to fit a teen’s individual needs.

For active teens, glasses can get in the way, especially during sports, the arts or social occasions. Frames can interfere with peripheral vision. Contact lenses don’t steam up when you come in from outside on a cold day or slide down your nose. Plus, they eliminate that annoying pressure behind your ears.

Here are some truths about contact lenses for teens:

Fiction: Teen eyes are not “mature enough” for contacts.
Fact: Most eye care professionals agree that by age 13, even as early as age 8, most children’s eyes are developed enough for contact lenses. An eye exam by a Doctor of Optometry will confirm whether contacts can be worn or not.

Fiction: Contacts fall out a lot.
Fact: Soft contact lenses, when properly fit, conform to the shape of the eye and are held in place by the eyelids, so they usually don’t move out of place or fall out. Plus, they’re usually more stable than glasses, especially for sports.

Fiction: Contact lenses are expensive.
Fact: The price of contact lenses is comparable to that of an average pair of eyeglasses.

Fiction: Contact lenses are hard to care for.
Fact: Contact lens care systems are easy and quick to use. Contacts can be ready to wear in just five minutes.

Fiction: Contact lenses are not safe to wear for sports.
Fact: Contact lenses are very safe, as long as they are used as directed. They can’t be broken or knocked off the face during sports and they provide unobstructed peripheral vision. Goggles over contact lenses may be required for water sports.

Fiction: If I have contact lenses, I don’t need glasses.
Fact: Contact lenses do not replace glasses for all activities and cannot be worn by teens more than approximately 12 hours per day. Glasses are also required for school science labs and should not be worn if you are sick or have an eye infection or eye injury.

Protect your eyes during this popular summer activity

It’s mid-summer, which means we will be spending more time in the water. If you will be participating in water sports, such as rowing, snorkeling, or even fishing it is important to be extra cautious about what goes near, or in your eyes.

Pink eye – although not a serious condition, is highly contagious and more common than you may think. Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye is when the white part of the eye gets swollen and appears red. There are three types of conjunctivitis; viral, bacterial, and allergic.

The conjunctiva (hence the name) is the thin, filmy membrane that covers the inside of your eyelids and the white part of your eye.

When the blood vessels in this area become irritated and swollen, they cause your eye to appear red. This irritation is typically caused by a bacterial infection, allergies, or even symptoms from the common cold.

Here are five tips to help minimize your chances of getting pink eye this summer:

Suit up – When swimming, wear activity appropriate goggles to protect yourself from bacteria in the water. 

Remove your lenses – Never share your contact lenses with others and remove them before submerging or playing in water of any kind to avoid trapping bacteria between your eyes and lenses. 

Scrub! – Frequently clean surfaces you use often with an appropriate antiseptic cleaner and avoid rubbing or touching your eyes before washing your hands thoroughly. 

Keep to yourself – Do not share personal care items that come in close proximity to the eyes. 

Wash – In the case that you are near others who show symptoms of pink eye, be preventative by thoroughly washing hand with hot water.

If you are experiencing a sensitivity to light, a burning or scratchy feeling, redness, and/or a pus-like discharge in or around the eye, you may have pink eye. Book an appointment with one of our Doctors of Optometry for diagnosis, and to help clarify which of the three types of conjunctivitis you may have for appropriate treatment. Please give us a call at 604.553.3900 or visit us online at www.visionsourcenw.com to book an appointment.

What to Look for When Buying Sunglasses

Help protect your vision from dangerous UV rays by wearing the best sunglasses for your eyes.

The weather is heating up, and we’re sure most of you can’t wait to finally be on the beach with your toes in the sand and the sun at your back. Today's post will shed some light on the best ways to protect your eyes for the summer.

We all know how important it is to shield our skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays by applying sunblock to our exposed skin.

Much like our skin, your eyes are extremely sensitive to the sun’s UV rays too, and it’s just as important to protect your eyes from the sun, as it is your skin. Any amount of continual contact with harmful UV radiation may cause eye damage.

Exposure to harmful UV radiation, even in just a small period of time, could actually result in photokeratitis, also known as sunburn to the eye, resulting in pain, blurred vision, or even temporary vision loss. If the eye is exposed for a much longer period of time, threatening eye diseases such a cataracts or macular degeneration could occur.

The Right Amount of Protection 

The obvious answer on how to avoid getting UV rays in contact with your eyes is to wear sunglasses. But not all sunglasses are created equal.

When shopping around, look for sunglasses that have a UV protection of 100 percent. Surprisingly, the amount of UV protection is unrelated to the color and darkness of the lens. A light colored lens may provide the same UV protection as a darker lens.

To best protect your eyes make sure to select sunglasses that have a shade of UV 400. A UV 400 protection, will block out any and all harmful UV light from entering your eyes with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers.

Also, remember to wear your sunglasses even when you’re in the shade. Although shade reduces the UV ray exposure, your eyes may still be exposed to UV rays reflecting off of other surfaces.

Sunglasses Size and Material

Choosing the size of your sunglasses is just as important as picking the proper lens protection. Sunglasses that offer side protection are more likely to block out dangerous UV light from entering your eyes through the side and back of the glasses.

Oversized or wrap around sunglasses offer the best coverage for the soft tissues inside and outside of your eyes.

Not only will the size of the glasses protect your eyeballs, but they also will protect your eyelids, which are very sensitive and easily susceptible to skin cancer when exposed to harmful UV rays.

Glass lenses offer the best protection because the material is a natural UV protector. However, a much more common lens is a coated plastic lens, which can potentially offer just as much protection for your eyes.

Wearing Sunglasses in the Winter

When most people think of sunglasses, they automatically picture the summer. But wearing sunglasses in the winter months is just as important.

UV rays reflect off snow, which can nearly double the harmful UV rays your eyes are exposed to. Don’t neglect your sunglasses in the winter!

Maintain a Healthy Vision

It’s important to maintain healthy vision by always properly protecting our eyes. Sunglasses give us the best protection for our eyes no matter the season.

Need help picking out the right pair of sunglasses? Call us at 604.553.3900 or visit us online at www.visionsourcenw.com!

Relax and see better – stress and our eyes

The eyes are the window to your soul, and when your soul is relaxed your eyes are too. Maintaining a healthy level of stress can be difficult during this day and age, with pressures of work and the constant presence of online and social media. These high stress levels may be taking a toll on your eyes, resulting in the following eye conditions:

Myokymia: Otherwise known as eye twitching. A condition that drives many of us nuts, comparable only to the hiccups or an itchy mosquito bite. Stress is a leading cause of involuntary eye twitches, often caused by lack of zzz’s or too much screen time. Twitching should disappear on its own, but only with a bit of repose.

Blurred Vision: When we’re in stress mode, our body may react as if we’re facing danger, causing our pupils to dilate. This dilation allows more light to enter the retina with the hopeful outcome that you’re able to better judge the situation. On the flip side, excess light may also cause blurry vision.

Dry Eyes: When experiencing high levels of stress, our body also goes into full protection mode. One of the results of this natural defense is the thickening of blood flow to shield us from potential injury. This makes our heart pump harder to get blood circulating to our extremities, thus lowering the amount being sent to our eyes. A decrease in blood flow to the eyes results in dry, irritated peepers.

Not only can stress have these effects on your eyes – they can also make you look physically unwell. Stress causes lack of sleep, which in essence causes fluid to pool below your lower eyelid area, resulting in the frustrating under eye bags that are difficult to hide. Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep and reduce the amount of time spent on digital devices before bed, to reduce stress and to keep those eyes beaming.

For more information or to book an appointment, please visit us online at www.visionsourcenw.com or call us at 604.553.3900.

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Risks Associated With Sun Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an invisible component of sunlight that is most commonly known to cause sunburns and skin cancers. While some UV is filtered by the ozone layer, increasing amounts are reaching the earth as the ozone layer steadily diminishes. Because exposure to UV is cumulative, direct contact with sunlight for even short periods of time can cause several long-term eye health problems, many of which begin symptom-free.

To help reduce UV radiation damage to your eyes, consider the following tips:

• Beware of high sources of UV exposure in the workplace. The Canadian Center for Occupational Health & Safety indicates examples of workers at potential risk from exposure to UV radiation including outdoor workers, construction workers, paint and resin curers, plasma torch operators, welders, farmers, food and drink irradiators, hairdressers, laboratory workers, lighting technicians, lithographic and printing workers and police.
• Recognize sources of man-made ultraviolet radiation. Examples include various types of UV lamps, arc welding torches and mercury vapour lamps. In dental and medical practices, UV radiation can be used for killing bacteria, creating fluorescent effects, curing resins and phototherapy. Sun tanning booths also use UV radiation.
• Wear sunglasses, prescription or safety glasses with anti-UV coatings. Sunlight is by far the greatest source of UV radiation.

Exposure to its UVA and UVB rays, as well as man-made sources of UVC rays, can lead to long-term eye damage including:

• Age-related macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Eyelid skin cancer
• Premature age spots around the eyes
• Tissue growths on the surface of the eye including pinguecula and pterygium, of which the latter can encroach on the corneal axis

If you wear corrective contact lenses, consider wearing UV-blocking contact lenses for an added layer of UV protection. Sunglasses are important, but aren’t always enough. Depending on the frame size, shape and position, as much as 45 per cent of UV rays can still reach the eyes of people wearing some sunglasses. Contact lenses with UV protection are an effective way to block light that gets in the sides and protects from harmful UV radiation reaching the cornea and into the eye. Not all contact lenses offer UV protection so check with your doctor of optometry to find out which ones are right for you.

Recognize symptoms of UV eye damage, including immediate pain, inflammation of the cornea and an aversion to light. UV burns are commonly known as welder’s flash, snow blindness, ground-glass eyeball, or flash burn, depending on the UV source. Should you experience these symptoms, see your doctor of optometry right away.

While the symptoms listed above indicate eye damage caused by UV exposure, many long-term problems caused by UV exposure are symptom-free. To learn about the UV damage your eyes may already have, visit one of our doctors of optometry for a thorough eye examination. Please visit us online at www.visionsourcenw.com for more information. 

Munch on these seasonal snacks and protect not only your eyes - but your overall health!

Summer is upon us, and that means more fresh fruits and vegetables are in season. It’s a great time to head outside and enjoy a picnic, or host a backyard BBQ – and it’s easy to make sure your meals are chock-full of nutrients that are good for you!

When we think about eating healthy, we might not think about the benefit foods can have on our vision and eye health. Our eyes are vascular, so much like your heart they rely on arteries to transport oxygen and nutrients. A healthy diet low in trans and saturated fats (a Mediterranean diet if you will) helps maintain healthy blood vessels, which keeps your eyes happy and healthy.

Below, we have identified six foods that you can incorporate into your daily diet that will keep your eyes and whole body healthy:

• Greens – Leafy greens such as spinach and kale, contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that are stored in the macula (part of the retina that acts as a natural sunblock from damaging light). By blocking blue light, which can be harmful to the retina, and helping to detect contrast, this powerful combo can help improve vision and make it last long term.
• Tomatoes – They’re packed with carotenoids, which include lycopene (an effective cancer-protecting antioxidant) and Vitamin C, helping to give power to this vision protecting fruit. When these antioxidants are found in the ocular tissues, research shows it helps prevent light-induced damage to the retina and other areas of the eye.
• Eggs – One egg a day keeps the eye problems away! In addition to being loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, eggs pack a natural punch of Vitamin D, which can reduce your risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). They’re also rich in cysteine and sulphur, two components of glutathione, a protein that acts as an antioxidant for the lens of the eye and have also been found to protect fromcataract
• Fish – The fatty kind! Salmon for example is full of good for you omega 3 fatty acids, a proven aid in the prevention of AMD and a tool to help you battle dry eyes. If you’re not a fan of salmon – tuna, cod, haddock and sardines also contain these fats which are important for cellular health.
• Nuts & Seeds – These are full of Vitamin E, a vitamin essential to the cells in our eyes. By consuming one handful or an ounce of almonds or sunflower seeds, you’re getting about half your daily dose. For kid friendly options, peanut butter and wheat germ work just as well.
• ‘Orange foods’ – Carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, apricots, etc. – all packed with beta-carotene, which is converted by the body to Vitamin A. This antioxidant resists stress damage to the lens of the eye, helping in the prevention of cataracts and AMD.

For an added bonus, prepare your meals using olive oil when you can. It’s free of trans-fats, low in saturated fat and helps prevent the development of AMD.

By taking care of your whole body – your eyes will directly benefit. Book an appointment with one of our Doctors of Optometry at www.visionsourcenw.com to learn more.