Taking care of your family’s eye health

As parents, we value our children’s health and happiness. The way they see the world around them is something we especially treasure. Clear vision is particularly important for children because it is critical for learning and development. Children who need glasses for vision correction, but don’t have them, can be at a real disadvantage in school. Certain eye conditions can worsen over time if left untreated and, in extreme cases, even result in permanent vision loss.

“In a typical classroom environment, 80 per cent of learning is visual. Prior to and throughout their school years, it is important to ensure that a child’s visual system is functioning at maximum efficiency.” – Dr. Michael Kellam, Doctor of Optometry, Nanaimo, B.C.

Many kids who are diagnosed with learning and behaviour issues actually have a vision problem. Vision problems have been connected with conditions such as attention deficit disorder, depression and bi-polar disorder. Unfortunately, many kids don’t get regular eye exams because they don’t have symptoms that are recognized by parents and teachers. And children don’t realize they can’t see the way other kids do because they may never have experienced good vision and have nothing to compare to.

When should your child see a doctor of optometry?

• Between six and nine months of age
• Just before starting kindergarten
• Annually throughout the school years

“Our son Cohen was born with very limited vision, but CNIB [the Canadian National Institute for the Blind] helped us with strategies to help keep him visually stimulated so his sense of sight stays active – and we’re happy to say he’s meeting his developmental milestones.” – Mary Jordan, mother of 2-year-old Cohen

The best way to ensure your child has good vision and healthy eyes is by scheduling comprehensive eye exams for your children – and while you’re at it, for yourself.

Signs your child may have a problem with vision

• Headaches, sensitivity to light, squinting, rubbing the eyes or excessive blinking
• Covering or closing one eye, tilting the head or unusual posture
• Holding objects too close
• Avoiding books and television
• Trouble reading, including losing place or tracking words with the finger, omitting or confusing small words
• Irritability, short attention span or performing below potential

Did You Know? 1 in 6 school-age children diagnosed with a learning disability actually has a correctable vision problem.

For more information or to book an appointment with one of our Doctors of Optometry, please call 604.553.3900 or visit www.visionsourcenw.com.

Source

Super Eye Foods!

They say you are what you eat and eating healthy can go a long way towards making your body healthy...including your eyes. You need to start with good daily nutrition, but by making sure you include a few key eye healthy foods, you may be able to see improvements in your eye health.

Kiwi 

What's the best way to eat a kiwi with your eye health in mind? A cup of sliced kiwis gives you twice as much Vitamin C than an orange. Which is twice as much power to help repair damaged cells and help prevent cataracts from forming in older adults. Here are five more eye foods!

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is one of the best sources for Vitamin E which is a fat-soluble vitamin and potent antioxidant that helps prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Blueberries

Blueberries not only have been associated with helping reduce eye fatigue, but they contain anthocyanins, eye-nourishing phytonutrients which have been known to improve night vision and contain minerals such as selenium and zinc which help to maintain proper vision.

Fish

Cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, cod, haddock and sardines are packed with Omega-3 oils. Fish are rich in EPA and DHA, which are important for cellular health. DHA also makes up 30 per cent of the fatty acids that comprise the retina.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain lycopene and lutein which are helpful for proper vision. Lycopene’s antioxidant capabilities also act to protect the eyes from sun damage.

Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that protect the blood vessels in your eyes which help to keep your cornea and lens strong.

What eyeglass frames are people wearing after New York's 2014 Fashion Week?

Trend alert! What eyeglass frames are people wearing after New York's 2014 Fashion Week? Today's blog post will be talking about trends in lenses to match our changing lifestyles!

Click HERE for a video from a BC Doctor of Optometry!

In the past, it used to be the trend for people to wear contact lenses if they could. Glasses were bulky and not flattering. Only one or two basic styles and colors were available. The styles from the past brought up images of geeky awkward teens. This isn't true anymore! Instead of feeling sad that they have to wear glasses, women are excited because they get to wear glasses. Glasses are now cool and designers are devising new styles of frames for the fashionable woman. Here are a few trends from New York's Fashion Week 2014.

• Cat Eye: Designers have brought back cat eye frames you may remember from past seasons and even many years ago. There is a unique look though, they come in bold colours and even styles where the frames are two different colours.
• Chunky Bold: Remember the big chunky heavy glasses that you might have felt you'd rather die then wear? Now those are in style, but in bold colors or even two colors.
• Over-sized Round: These are another retro look. Once worn primarily by accountants and other number crunchers the Over-sized Round style is being embraced by fashionistas.
• Extra Detailing: Glasses with extra detailing are on trend. They might have mixed metals or metal and a tortoise shell accent. They might also have cutouts or embellishments on the sides.

Come check out our stylish sunglasses at Vision Source New Westminster!

#108 - 301 East Columbia Street
New Westminster 604.553.3900.