Rolling Into Summer Event

Last week the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce was gracious enough to host a fun filled event sponsored by the New Westminster Lawn Bowling Club and Save On Foods.

Vision Source New Westminster is always happy to attend these great events to meet other members of this wonderful community! Here are some pictures from last week's event.

At Vision Source New Westminster We are committed to improving and managing the ocular and visual health of our patients. Our attention to customer service is further enhanced by state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. We offer consultations as well as pre and post-operative management services for a variety of medical procedures and we work closely with the finest ophthalmologists to ensure the best quality of overall patient care. Our patients are our top priority.

Vision Source New Westminster offers excellence in full service eyecare, including:

• Comprehensive Eye Exams
• Advanced Vision Care Technology
• Emergency Eye Care• Pediatric and Diabetic Ocular Assessments
• Glasses - Sunglasses - Contact Lenses

For more information please call 604.553.3900 or visit www.visionsourcenw.com.

Eye exam gave mom different outlook on life

An interior designer and busy mother of two, Sharlene Hayek’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with glaucoma during an impromptu eye exam.

Hayek’s two boys, Conner and Devon, are both active athletes. When Devon complained of vision problems affecting his performance, she booked eye exams for both boys. On the spur of the moment, she decided to go along and have an eye exam as well, to be a “role model” for her kids.

“I had never been to a Doctor of Optometry. I honestly thought I could always see fine and didn’t give much thought to it,” says Hayek.

It was during the exam that her Doctor of Optometry detected glaucoma, an eye disease with no obvious symptoms and that, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. Hayek had no family history of the disease or any symptoms. She was left in shock, the word “blindness” resonating during her exam consultation.

“Initially, you just sort of panic. You realize you take things for granted, from the basics of being able to live independently to watching your kids grow up,” recalls Hayek.

Hayek was fortunate, says Doctor of Optometry Kevin Woodard. With glaucoma, like many other diseases or conditions, there are usually no symptoms until the individual experiences unrecoverable vision loss.

“It’s frustrating knowing that most permanent vision loss is preventable,” says Dr. Woodard. “Telling someone they have permanent vision loss is a horrible experience. This is magnified when you know a comprehensive eye exam would have diagnosed the problem, allowing it to be treated and the vision preserved.”

Hayek had laser surgery on her eyes, which has slowed the progression of the disease significantly. Her glaucoma has left a lasting legacy: the entire family routinely gets full eye exams at intervals recommended by their Doctor of Optometry, and Hayek encourages friends to do the same. She also no longer takes her vision or eye health for granted.

“I enjoy everything more now. I joke with my friends and kids that I take little pictures in my brain of special moments: a sunset or a beautiful flower. I look at things a little bit longer now.”

5 eye health issues your Doctor of Optometry can diagnose:

In addition to glaucoma, many serious eye diseases have no symptoms, and can only be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. Even someone with 20/20 vision may be at risk.

CATARACTS: An eye condition that results in blurred vision, due to clouding of the lens over time.

MACULAR DEGENERATION: An eye disease in which the central part of the retina becomes damaged, leading to irreversible vision loss.

RETINAL DETACHMENT: A painless eye condition in which the retina detaches from its supporting layers, which can lead to vision loss.

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA: A type of skin cancer, it may appear on the sensitive skin of the eyelid.

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: A condition caused by damage to the retina due to weakened blood vessels in the eyes; it can lead to permanent vision loss.

How often should I get an eye exam?

Regular eye exams are essential, even if your vision appears to be good. In addition to testing your vision, an eye exam looks at the health of the eye and the visual system – the part of the nervous system which allows you to see.

CHILDREN: Vision is a key component of a child’s learning and development. Children should have their first complete eye exam between six and nine months of age, another exam between the ages of two and five, and yearly exams after starting school.

ADULTS: Adults should have their eyes examined every two years. Diabetics and those over age 65, or with a history of eye disease in their family, should have annual checkups by a Doctor of Optometry.

“The only way to ensure good vision and eye health is to include a complete eye examination as a routine part of your life,” says Dr. Woodard.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 604.553.3900 or visit www.visionsourcenw.com.

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See Into the Future

Our eyesight is something we all treasure. It’s hard to imagine life without being able to see the world around us. Like so many other health issues, the majority of vision problems rise exponentially as we age. By age 75, a surprising one in four Canadians has developed irreversible vision loss, and the majority of blindness is caused by age-related conditions like macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma.

“The majority of the most common causes of serious vision loss occur later in life, yet 75 per cent of vision loss can be prevented or treated.” – Nathan Stolch, Doctor of Optometry, Ottawa, ON

The financial toll of visual impairment is staggering: a 2009 study by CNIB(the Canadian National Institute for the Blind) found that the annual cost of vision loss in Canada is $15.9 billion, and the projected annual cost by 2032 is $30.3 billion. The human cost – the impact on quality of life – is also significant: those with visual impairment experience high unemployment, social isolation, poverty and emotional distress, and require greater use of health and social services.

“CNIB was there to assist my mother so she could live independently with AMD. My sister and I have now been diagnosed, and I know CNIB will be there for me.” – Gary Foster, Calgary, AB

Most vision loss is caused by five treatable conditions:

• Age-related macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Refractive error

Early detection is key to treating and managing these conditions to prevent vision loss, so encourage your aging family members to have regular eye exams by a doctor of optometry – and be sure to book one for yourself. To find a doctor near you, visit doctorsofoptometry.ca.

Did You Know? Vision loss has the highest direct health care costs of any disease, costing Canadians more than diabetes, cancer or cardiovascular disease.
For Those Experiencing Vision Loss

CNIB can provide support every step of the way. Dedicated specialists work with people of all ages in their homes, communities or local CNIB offices. They provide:

• Emotional support and personalized rehabilitation services in everyday skills
• Counseling services and recreation programs

Help for those who experience vision loss to connect with others who understand its impact on everyday life.

For more information please call us at 604.553.3900 or visit us online at www.visionsourcenw.com.

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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.

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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.

Your Child's Visual Development

A comprehensive eye exam performed by a doctor of optometry can reveal if your child’s eyes are developing and coordinating properly. Eye coordination is one of the many skills that we develop as children, and is something we as parents can help our children with by actively playing games that promote the development of visual skills and by taking our children for routine eye exams.

Tips to ensure healthy eye development:

1. 0 to Six Months - Take your child in for a comprehensive eye exam performed by a doctor of optometry. Optometrists recommend children have their first eye exam at six months of age and then annually until they’re adults. During your child’s first eye exam, a doctor of optometry assesses your child’s visual abilities, ensuring the eyes are properly aligned, free of congenital cataracts and developing normally.

2. One to Two Years - Play games that help your child develop good hand-eye coordination, depth perception and visual skills. Between ages one and two, it’s important for a child to develop good hand-eye coordination and depth perception. Playing with building blocks or balls, sorting shapes and sizes, and fitting or assembling pieces are all activities that can help improve these essential visual skills.

3. Three to Five Years - Play games that encourage fine motor skill development and visual thinking. Between ages three and five, it’s important for a child to begin to develop fine motor and visual thinking skills. Fine motor activities include bead stringing or painting. Visual thinking skills include comparing two images to find slight differences or recognizing patterns.

Children may display characteristics that may indicate poor eye coordination including:
 •  covering one eye

 •  head tilting

 •  skipping lines or losing their place while reading

 •  poor sports performance

 •  avoiding tasks that require close work

 •  tiring easily

Protect your child’s vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, book an eye exam with a Doctor of Optometry.

Please feel free to contact us at 604.553.3900 or www.visionsourcenw.com.

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