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.