Ask the Optometrist

DID YOU KNOW…

• That it is thought that up to 80% of learning is visual, yet 1 in 6 children have visual performance problems that make it difficult to learn and to read. The Canadian Optometric Association recommends having your child’s vision examined yearly, starting at the age of one year. School and physician vision screenings do not assess vision – they only measure one test (visual acuity).
• That 75-85% of all computer users are symptomatic, and eye-related symptoms are the most common complaint. Regular eye examinations can ensure your visual system is working effectively and efficiently.
• That the loss of sight can happen to anyone without warning. Many eye diseases present no obvious symptoms yet can cause irreversible blindness if untreated. Have regular eye examinations to prevent and allow for early detection of disease.
• That smoking increases the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration by approximately 3 times!
• That the eyes, like the body, need a diet rich in vegetables and fruit. These fresh foods contain the minerals and antioxidants (vitamins C, E, B2, and beta-carotene, selenium, zinc, copper, and lutein) that protect against cataracts and macular degeneration.
• That 41% of disabling ocular injuries occur at home (vs. 17% on the job) and 9 out of 10 injuries are preventable with the proper safety eyewear. ALWAYS protect your eyes from:
  • particles and debris (eg. Mowing, trimming, drilling, sawing)
  • chemicals (eg. Cleaners, fertilizers, pesticides, battery acid
• That more severe ocular injuries result from wearing dress eyewear on the racquet sports court than wearing no eyewear at all! ALWAYS protect your eyes with safety eyewear approved for each particular sport. A split second can turn into a lifetime of regret.
• That there are 57 separate steps in making eyewear, each taking time, expertise and expensive instrumentation. We treat every patient as an individual who requires particular lenses for their unique visual needs. We take care in making your glasses. We do NOT promise to make them in one hour.

DID YOU KNOW (about contact lenses)

• That contact lens wear decreases the sensitivity of the cornea such that complications OFTEN go unnoticed. Contact lens wearers should be examined at least yearly to closely monitor their eye health.
• That rubbing AND rinsing of your contact lenses with multipurpose soft contact lens solutions removes greater than 90% of the harmful microorganisms on the lens. This rub and rinse step is critical to safe contact lens wear.
• That sleeping in your contact lenses increases the risk of complications by 20 TIMES (not percent!). Such complications can be vision threatening. Remove your contact lenses every night.
• That your eyes need at least 2-3 waking hours without contact lenses on every day. This allows the free flow of exygen to the cornea and allows carbon dioxide, acids, and toxins to escape from under the lens. Individuals with dry eye may need significantly more time off their contact lenses each day.