Wednesday, October 8, 2014

EXPERT WARN: AVOID BLUE LIGHT FROM YOUR CHILD

Ever since the personal computer hit the desk top in the 1980's, concern about the possible vision implications to the computer operator has not stopped.

Screen technology has improved dramatically over the last 30 years to the point that virtually every person carries a smart phone or tablet in the their pocket or their bag.  It is common today for the average person, young and old, to be viewing some sort of digital computer screen for more than 10 hours per day.

Malaya Optical Light Spectrum What Is Blue Light
Light Spectrum
Is this something we need to be worried about?

Recently studies have shown that blue light (or high energy visible light) potentially is toxic to the human eye.  Dr Jim Kokkinakis was recently quoted in the Daily Telegraph on the implications of computer screen use and possible damage to our most precious sense - our Vision.  This is especially more important in children's eyes, which are more delicate and still developing.  CLICK HERE to read the article in full.

Blue light has been shown to penetrate the structures of the eyes more intensely, which possibly could be implicated with retina damage in the future. 

Malaya Optical - Tablet Harming Child Eye
Phone and Tablet could harming your child eye
So why the concern all of a sudden?

In the last 5- 7 years all the new screens whether they be on your smart phone, on your computer screen or on your TV are made with LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology.  This type of light globe irradiates significantly more blue light than previous screen technology.  The problem is that many children, as young as 2 years of age now are often playing with tablets for hours.  The proximity and the intensity of the blue light projected onto the delicate eyes of children is also therefore significant.

There has been much discussion within the profession about the possible implications and as usual when there is a new thought, there are always many opinions.  They range from, do not worry about it, to it is a disaster brewing. The problem with these theories is that we will be experts in hindsight.

We will all remember that smoking was once considered healthy and more recently global warming and its implications.  Smoking took many decades to discover its horrendous health implications and globally warming is still being debated furiously amongst scientists with no definite answers.  Do we have to wait for disaster to react?

At The Eye Practice we have chosen to take the conservative approach. We educate all our patients about the new research and let them make up their own mind.  Most choose to wear blue blocking filters in their new glasses, as there is no downside and potentially a big upside if blue light proves to be the hazard some people think it is.

Historically screen use has been associated with eye strain and dry eyes. These are definitely big problems to a persons well-being. If blue light proves to be hazardous we are now taking about something far more serious.




Thursday, October 2, 2014

WHY EYE EXAMS IS IMPORTANT TO US

Regardless of your age or physical health, it’s important to have regular eye exams.

During a complete eye exam, your eye doctor will not only determine your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, but will also check your eyes for common eye diseases, assess how your eyes work together as a team and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.

An eye exam is an essential part of your overall health routine A lot of people make the assumption that good vision means healthy eyes. Whether you have good vision or not this is not always a good indication of when to have an eye exam. Vision and ocular health conditions are not always accompanied by obvious symptoms.

Through routine eye examinations your eye care practitioner can detect early stages of such diseases as diabetes high blood pressure glaucoma cataracts and retinal problems. Your eyes change over time. Some of these changes may be quite noticeable while others can go unnoticed. Your optometrist will review your personal health and family health history and will then conduct various tests to check the status of your eyes. Remember an eye exam is an essential part of your overall health routine. Regular visits help to ensure a lifetime of clear vision and healthy eyes.

Here is what you can expect during your eye exam:

History
Your optometrist will review your personal health and family health history any visual problems that you are experiencing current medications as well as specific visual demands of your occupation and hobbies.

Visual Acuity Test

Visual Acuity
Using a Snellen letter chart (or picture chart for children) your optometrist will assess your ability to see small detail clearly at both near and far distances.

Refraction eye test

Refraction
By using an instrument called a retinoscope your optometrist can check for nearsightedness farsightedness and astigmatism. If corrective eyewear is necessary another instrument called a phoropter (consisting of hundreds of lens combinations) is used to refine your prescription.

Eye movement/ Binocular vision

Eye Movement / Binocular Vision
Using a series of different tests it is determined how well your eyes align or coordinate when working together and individually.

Peripheral vision test


Peripheral Vision
Your eyecare practitioner will use handheld targets or a visual field perimeter to measure how well you see objects that are not directly in front of you. This can help to detect such conditions as glaucoma certain neurological problems and diseases of the retina.

Response to light test

Pupil response to light
By shining a light in your eyes and watching the pupil s reaction your optometrist can detect possible neurological problems.

Color Blind Test

Colour bling test
Your optometrist will ask you to describe figures in a series of illustrations made up of numerous coloured dots or circles. This tests your ability to differentiate colours.

Ocular Health

Ocular Health
This is part of the examination that checks the health of the internal and external structures of the eye. An instrument called a slit-lamp is used to assess the health of the external structures of the eye. Your optometrist will use an instrument called an ophthalmoscope to see the retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye. This is where clues to many diseases specific to the eye as well as to the entire body such as diabetes and hypertension first appear. Special drops are often used to dilate your pupils to allow a better view of the back of the eyes.

Children Eye Test
How often should you have an eye examination?

Routine eyecare is important and the need for eye exams depends on age and risk factors:

Children should have their eyes examined at 6 months 3 years and yearly thereafter. Adults and seniors should be examined annually. People with certain health conditions or those at risk of eye disease may require more frequent visits.

Your eyes are for life. Routine eye exams will help to ensure proper eye health and a lifetime of clear vision.

Your optometrist will choose those tests required to adequately evaluate YOUR visual system! If you want to read more about how to prepare for an