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Why the size of your glasses matters

It can be frustrating when you’ve picked up your news glasses only to find the frame presses against your head or the glasses keep slipping down your nose. Getting the right pair of glasses isn’t just about the right prescription, finding a comfortable frame is also key to enjoying relaxed and (almost) perfect vision. So if you’ve ever suffered buyer’s remorse after a glasses purchase, here are the tips to follow so you always get the perfect fit for your new glasses. The lens In general, the thinner and lighter the lens, the more comfortable the spectacles will be to wear. If possible, choose a thinner lens so your glasses won’t feel as heavy on the nose and ears. The nose bridge As one of the few points of contact with your face, it’s important to carefully consider the comfort of the glasses’ nose bridge. You want the nose pads to sit solidly on your nose, otherwise they can quickly lose their grip and keep sliding down. The sides The sides of your spectacles shouldn’t press into your temples. Some people mistakenly believe pressure means the glasses fit properly, but there should never be any heaviness felt on the temples. You might feel some pressure behind the ear, but that’s ok as this keeps the weight of the glasses from being borne wholly by your nose. The frame As a general rule, when you look through your glasses it should be at the middle of the lens. The top of the frame should sit below the eyebrows but above the fold of the eye and the frame should not be much wider than your face. Image: Getty Images

Eye Care

Da Vinci’s artistic talent was due to a bung eye

<div> <div class="copy"> Leonardo da Vinci’s artistic genius might in part have been the result of an eye disorder, according to a leading British ophthalmologist. After studying six paintings, drawings and sculptures believed to be of the man who painted the Mona Lisa, Christopher Tyler from the University of London, UK, concludes he suffered from strabismus, a misalignment of the eyes. Some forms of eye misalignment <a rel="noopener" href="http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797610397958?journalCode=pssa" target="_blank">are thought</a> to assist artistic work by suppressing the deviating eye, which provides two-dimensional monocular vision advantageous to painting and drawing. Tyler believes da Vinci had intermittent exotropia – a tendency for one of his eyes to turn outwards. This would result in the ability to switch to monocular vision, which may help explain his exceptional talent for capturing space on a flat canvas.{%recommended 3705%} If he’s right, the fifteenth century master joins an impressive club. Rembrandt, Degas and Picasso are among other artists identified as having strabismus on the basis of the eye alignment evident from self- portraits. Another Italian painter, Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, was even known as Il Guercino, or “the squinter”. Tyler’s task was made more difficult because there are few validated portraits of da Vinci from life. “No work has an unimpeachable attribution as his likeness, so attributions are necessarily probabilistic,” he writes <a rel="noopener" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2018.3833" target="_blank">in a paper</a> published in JAMA Ophthalmology. He was encouraged, however, by the painter’s own belief that artists’ work is likely to reflect their own appearance, and was thus confident that any of his portraits “may be considered to reflect his own appearance to some extent”. Examination of half a dozen likely portraits and self-portraits in which the direction of gaze of each eye is identifiable shows that most paintings exhibit a consistent exotropic strabismus angle of minus-10.3 degrees. This is supported by a similar angle in the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.scmp.com/business/money/wealth/article/2144271/meet-man-who-found-da-vinci-sold-record-us450-million" target="_blank">recently identified</a> da Vinci painting Salvator Mundi, which last year sold for a record US$450 million. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.leonardodavinci.net" target="_blank">The most influential figure</a> of the Italian Renaissance, da Vinci was an architect, musician, engineer scientist and inventor, as well as a painter. His other masterpieces include The Last Supper, The Baptism of Christ and The Vitruvian Man. Image credits: Getty Images This article was originally published on <a rel="noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/biology/da-vincis-artistic-talent-was-due-to-a-bung-eye/" target="_blank">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Nick Carne. </div> </div>

Art

The new innovation that allows visually impaired people to "see"

For a local Sydney woman, she loves reading anything she can get her hands on. At first, she might sound like a bookworm. However, she loves reading simply because she was born completely blind and had no idea what it was like to read junk mail and trawl through the adverts looking for a decent bargain. This changed last September, when she received a small device that clips onto a pair of glasses. The device uses artificial intelligence to recognise faces and read text for her. The device, OrCam MyEye 2.0, has completely changed her life. Lisa Hayes explained to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/wearables/the-breakthrough-of-the-21st-century-how-this-product-changed-a-blind-womans-life/news-story/74f9881ed0f6f87a8797842bd982d1da">news.com.au</a>: “It has got be the breakthrough of the 21st century as far as I’m concerned.” “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever had.” The tech is designed by an Israeli company called OrCam and the device is designed for the blind and visually impaired. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7824337/picture1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ca47348ee3fc4a22aecf5e25c10ac6fb" /> What the device looks like. Photo credit: OrCam On the front of the device, there’s a small camera with real time visual recognition technology. On the back of the device is a small speaker that relays the information into the ear of the user. It’s available in 23 languages. Miss Hayes is overjoyed with the device. “Being totally blind since birth, I’ve never been able to read a print book,” she said. “I can now actually read. I can read medication boxes, I can pick up junk mail. “I feel like I’m part of the real world.” The device has gotten attention around the globe, with Prince William being shown the technology on a historic visit to Israel. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkkFGF3n-9v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkkFGF3n-9v/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">#princewilliam made a historic visit to Israel, meeting with 4 top technology companies. He met with OrCam Technologies and used OrCam MyEye 2, the most advanced assistive wearable technology, that reads text, recognizes faces, and identifies products for the blind, visually impaired, and people with reading difficulties. #assistivetechnology #blindness #lowvision #OrCam #assistivetech #visuallyimpaired #partiallysighted #blind #lifechanging #visualimpairment #wearabletech</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/orcam_technologies/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> OrCam</a> (@orcam_technologies) on Jun 28, 2018 at 2:43am PDT </div> </blockquote> The royal was thrilled with the technology, <a href="https://www.orcam.com/gb/article/prince-william-experiences-life-changing-device-for-blind-people/">saying</a>: “Wow. That is absolutely incredible. “That will help many people I am sure. What brilliant tech.” Would you use this device? Let us know in the comments.

Technology

5 signs you might have glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the world. But did you know that up to 50 per cent of glaucoma sufferers remain undiagnosed until the damage is too far gone to be treated effectively. In recognition of World Glaucoma Week, leading ophthalmologist Dr Andrew White shares some of the warning signs that indicate you have glaucoma. Dr White also recommends anyone over 60 to go for biannual check-ups, as early diagnosis can prevent long-term damage and be treated if detected early enough. Family history – if anyone in your family is undergoing treatment for glaucoma or has been diagnosed you should get your own eyes tested immediately. People with a family history of glaucoma are 10 times more likely to develop the condition than others. Unusual sensitivity to light or glare – if you’re experiencing uncomfortable sensations around halogen lights such as car headlights, fluorescent lights mainly seen in offices or notice any pressure or eye pain with light or glare it may be a sign that you’re developing glaucoma. Existing conditions such as diabetes or sleep apnoea – if you happen to suffer from diabetes, sleep apnoea, migraines or myopia (short sightedness), you could be more at risk of developing glaucoma. Loss of peripheral vision or blind spots – if you’re unable to notice what’s happening out of the far corners of your eyes or even just blind spots in your vision it could be an early sign of glaucoma. No symptoms – one of the most disturbing things about glaucoma is the majority of people show no early warning signs or symptoms. Treatment cannot recover lost vision but can at least arrest or slow down deterioration, which is why it is so important to get regular eye checks when you can. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/03/couple-give-60-million-lottery-away/">Couple gives $60 million lottery win away</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/03/find-letter-t-image-puzzle/">Can you find the letter “T” in this image?</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/03/stunning-images-antarctica-remote-beauty/">Stunning images of Antarctica’s remote beauty</a>

News

6 surprising risks with laser eye surgery

For most, corrective laser eye surgery brings great results, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and more. But for some rarer cases, eye surgery can have painful and sometimes disastrous consequences. Here are some of the laser eye risks you should be aware of when considering undergoing the corrective surgery. Infection – One of the worst outcomes post laser-surgery, infection can occur in one in every 5000 cases. In the rarest cases, patients can develop a corneal ulcer as a result. To avoid infection, it is recommended that patients avoid swimming and hot tubs in the first few weeks post-surgery. Glare/haziness – For some shortsighted patients, they will experience more glare than they had before the surgery, though this generally goes away after a few months. For some, however it is occasionally permanent. For most patients post-surgery, they will experience hazy vision which is caused by the healing of their eye and which usually dissipates in the weeks to come. In some cases, further surgery may be necessary to fix hazy vision complications. Under/over-correction – Because everyone’s eyes are unique, some patients can leave surgery with their vision over- or under-corrected. Significant under-correction can call for a re-surgery, while over-correction can be treated with eye drops, further surgery, and temporary contact lenses. Regression – Some patients experience regression, or the return to some extent of their pre-surgery shortsightedness, but a slight regression is normal as the eye heals. Dry eyes – Post-surgery, many patients experience the discomfort of dry eyes, though it generally improves as time passes. For some, the damage may be permanent, and the prolonged use of artificial tears may be necessary. For those who already suffer from dry eyes, laser surgery is not recommended.

Eye Care

Tips for choosing an optometrist

If your vision is starting to get a tad blurry, or you’re in the market for a new optometrist, these are the points to consider before choosing an optometrist. Remember that if the optometrist you initially choose doesn’t meet expectations, don’t be afraid to try someone else. Eye health is important, especially as you age, so make the effort to find an optometrist you get along with and trust. 1. Experience An optometrist with a long history may be better at diagnosing problems simply because they’ve seen more patients, and consequently more eye conditions. This is not always the case but often it’s best to err on the side of experience. 2. Credentials Don’t hesitate to check your optometrist credentials. These days you can find details online like on the optometrist’s website or you can ask the optometrist in question. 3. Specialty If you have a particular condition such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, make sure your optometrist has experience treating the eye condition. It’s worth asking if your optometrist specialises with specific diseases or treating age-related conditions. 4. Knowledge In your consultation, the optometrist should be offering you detailed information about all aspects of your vision, eye conditions and spectacles. You should leave the exam feeling like you thoroughly understand your eyesight. 5. Rapport When you go for your first appointment think carefully about the exam experience. Did you feel comfortable? Did your optometrist take the time to listen to your questions and respond to them in a thorough and clear fashion? All these factors are important as if you don’t like your optometrist you’ll be less likely to go for check-ups.

Eye Care

Different vision test results – how can this happen?

If you have regular eye examinations (which everyone should) you may have found that the results differed – even when the tests were taken by the same optician and in a very short time frame. If this has happened to you, don’t panic! It’s actually a very common occurrence due to a couple of different reasons. <ol> <li>Your eyes – The visual performance of our eyes varies throughout the day due to fluctuations in our hormones and blood sugar amongst other things. A test taken before the workday and after an hour on the computer will often yield a different result due to the stress that has occurred to the eye in a short period. To achieve the best result, try and schedule your test for a time when you’re relaxed, hydrated and not hungry. First thing in the morning is ideal.</li> <li>The conditions during your test – The conditions in which a sight test is performed can have a distinct impact on the result. You should see an experienced optician for a thorough and comprehensive test in a dark examination room without any daylight present. To ensure the best result, make an appointment with your optician and discuss any issues or questions you may have.</li> <li>Exterior influencers – Wearing contact lenses, taking medication and conditions like diabetes can all lead to an incorrect eye test result. To ensure the most accurate reading, let your optician know what medication you’re taking and if you suffer any medical issues. Try wearing your glasses instead of your contacts for 24 hours before your test as well if you can.</li> </ol>

Eye Care

You can cure cataracts with eye drops

Cataracts are one of the primary causes of blindness, but a study has shown that they may be treatable with a simple solution: eye drops. A study, published in Nature demonstrated that a solution containing a natural steroid call lanosterol can effectively decrease cataracts in dogs. The research, led by the University of California-San Diego, worked based on the knowledge that cataracts develop when the structure of the lens’ crystalline proteins are disrupted and sequentially clumped. This causes them to grow cloudy, or creates what we know as cataracts. The eye’s lens contains a molecule called lanosterol, which is present in many natural steroids found in the body. The study discovered that children who had inherited cataracts all had a gene mutation that caused a blockage of this lanosterol synthase. In the study, researchers tested both human lens cells and live dogs and rabbits, giving them a solution containing lanosterol by either injection or eye drops. In all scenarios, the solution caused a significant decrease in protein clumping in the lenses. In conclusion, the researchers stated their findings: "Our study identifies lanosterol as a key molecule in the prevention of lens protein aggregation and points to a novel strategy for cataract prevention and treatment."

Eye Care

These glasses make you look younger

Who says stylish eyewear is only in the domain of the young? Not us! And the right frames can shave years off your look. So if you’re looking for a new pair of specs consider the latest glasses trend: thick, black frames. Now, before you completely dismiss the idea, hear us out. Once considered a trademark of the nerds and geeks, strong frames are now one of fashion’s must-haves not only for the young, but older ladies too, including much-loved actresses Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton, to name a few. Black frames are a bold look that not only make you stand out from the crowd, but instantly modernises your look. They’re universally flattering and convey class, sophistication and a bit of daring. Plus, the larger frame offers a bigger view, which for the vision-impaired is certainly a bonus. Still don’t believe us? Take a look at these leading Hollywood ladies rocking the trend: <img width="236" height="236" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9732/diane-keeton.jpg" alt="Diane Keeton" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="392" height="221" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9733/jamie-lee-curtis.jpg" alt="Jamie Lee Curtis" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="500" height="789" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9734/jane-fonda_500x789.jpg" alt="Jane Fonda (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="400" height="559" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9735/meryl.png" alt="Meryl" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="236" height="236" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9736/susan.jpg" alt="Susan" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/>

Eye Care

Why you should consider wearing computer glasses

If you’ve worked at a computer for a prolonged amount of time you might know the negative effects it can have on your eyes: blurred vision, red eyes, and eye strain. These are all common symptoms of what is known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS.) If you’ve had a recent eye exam and your glasses prescription is up to date but you still experience symptoms of CVS it may be worth investing in a pair of computer glasses. What are Computer glasses? You might be thinking, “I already have reading glasses and glasses for long distance, why do I need a third pair?” If so, you’ve indirectly answered your own question: reading glasses treat near-vision while most other glasses treat distance-vision. This leaves the distance of a computer screen somewhere in between, making it its own area of vision to be addressed. If you wear your usual glasses whilst using the computer, you might find yourself leaning forward to compensate for your glasses’ lack of clarity. As this can cause bad posture and muscle soreness, computer glasses are a better option. What kinds of lenses can I get? When it comes to computer glasses, there are two main types of lenses. The first is the single vision lens, which lessens the effort needed to keep a computer screen in focus in your immediate vision. It also has the largest field of view. The second variety is the occupational progressive lens, which corrects near, immediate and distance vision. Anything else? You can also get your lenses tinted to reduce the impact of the screen’s light on your eyes. Additionally, it is recommended that you have your glasses coated in an anti-reflective technology to reduce reflection on the lenses and, consequently, the wearer’s eye strain. See your optometrist to be fitted for your pair of computer glasses.

Eye Care

Read this before buying new reading glasses

Buying a new pair of readers might be more complicated than you think. Here’s what you should consider first. 1. Bifocals, half-frame or full glasses? When purchasing reading glasses, you first have to consider what type is best suited to your lifestyle. Full glasses are bigger and carry a prescription through their entire lens, meaning when you look up from your book, things in the distance will be blurry. These types are good for those who spend a great deal of time focusing on details or wish to only wear their glasses for short periods. Half frames are like full glasses, only they have smaller frames and sit lower on the nose, and as such, are easier to look up from. These are better for people who expect to wear their glasses throughout the day. Bifocals are a hybrid of the two: their lenses are magnified on the bottom, but not on the top. This type is suited for multi-taskers. 2. Custom glasses or pre-fab? While prefabricated glasses do have some positives, they are generally outweighed in benefit by their customisable counterpart. Pre-fabs are inexpensive, conveniently purchased at your chemist and come in a variety of colour options. As such, you can buy many pairs and have to worry less about losing them. On the downside, however, pre-fabricated glasses have pre-set prescriptions. Few people have exactly the same prescription in each eye, and many have astigmatisms that are not corrected with this kind of eyewear. Your eyes are not a one size fits all, but pre-fab glasses treat them this way. It’s easy to wear the wrong prescription, which can cause headaches, nausea and eyestrain. Overall, it’s advisable to order a customised pair from your doctor. It will be more expensive, yes, but it will correct your vision in exactly the way you need it corrected. And on the plus side, you have more options for lens tint and frame colour if you’re willing to wait a bit longer for your glasses to be made. 3. To eye exam, or not to eye exam? This question ought to be a no-brainer, but many people who wear pre-fab glasses end up consequently avoiding their eye doctor. In reality, you should be seeing your optometrist at least every two years, not only because your prescription needs can change over time, but to catch and treat degenerative eye disease should you develop it. For example, glaucoma has very few symptoms but can eventually lead to blindness. Your doctor can perform exams to test for this and other eye complications. If you value your eyesight, see your optometrist.

Eye Care

3 of the most common threats to your sight

When it comes to taking care of our bodies, looking after one’s eyesight is something people often neglect or take for granted. But it’s vital to monitor the condition of your eyesight so you can have any potential problems taken care of early on. Let’s take a look at the most common threats to your eyesight, and what you can do to prevent or reduce them. Glaucoma Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve becomes damaged by the pressure of fluid inside your eye. It can affect one of both of your eyes, and runs in families. This means that if one of your relatives has it, you should make sure to check in with an optometrist regularly. The most common form of glaucoma, Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), affects around 5 per cent of people over the age of 65. It starts in one eye, and progresses slowly, so is hard to spot until you have lost a significant amount of your sight. Prevent: Be sure to have regular check-ups with an optometrist. Treatment options: Glaucoma is usually treated with eye drops, but surgery may be necessary in some cases. Cataracts A cataract is when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, distorting your vision. You may notice that lights are more dazzling, colours look faded, and you could struggle with the difference between light and shade. Prevent: No studies have proved how to prevent cataracts, but doctors believe some strategies may be helpful, including reduced alcohol consumption; quitting smoking; wearing sunglasses; regular eye examinations. Treatment options: A simple surgery in which the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear plastic one. Age-related Macular Degeneration Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) occurs when the small, central part of your retina (ie: the macula) becomes damaged and stops working. This affects the centre of your field of vision, and will likely make reading difficult, and make seeing faces clearly a struggle. Dry AMD is the most common form, and progresses very slowly, rarely leading to total sight loss. Wet AMD comes on much faster, and can cause blindness. Only about 10 per cent of people have wet AMD. Prevent: Eat plenty of dark, leafy green veggies like spinach; don’t smoke; eat fruit and nuts daily. Treatment options: Dry AMD is currently untreatable, but wet AMD can be treated with injections if caught early enough.

Eye Care

Stems cells could be used to treat macular degeneration

A study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles has found that an injection of stem cells in the eyes could be an effective treatment for vision loss caused by age-related macular degeneration. Currently, there is no treatment that slows the progression of the disease, which is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 65. The study’s lead author, Shaomei Wang, MD, PhD explained, “This is the first study to show preservation of vision after a single injection of adult-derived human cells into a rat model with age-related macular degeneration.” Published in the journal STEM CELLS, the study resulted in 130 days of preserved vision in laboratory rat; this equates roughly to 16 years for a human. When animals with macular degeneration were injected with stem cells created using adult skin cells, healthy cells began to migrate around the retina, forming a protective layer. This shield prevented ongoing degeneration of the vital retinal cells responsible for vision. For those who don’t know, age-related macular degeneration occurs when the small central portion of the retina – the macula – deteriorates. Aside from age, other causes of macular degeneration include a genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. The next steps in the process include testing the safety of the stem cell injection in preclinical animal studies. In the future, clinical trials will be designed to test any potential benefit in patients with later-stage age-related macular degeneration. <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150414093554.htm" target="_blank">Source: Science Daily</a>

Eye Care

Can eating carrots actually improve your eyesight?

It’s spouted by countless parents trying to get their children to eat their veggies but are carrots actually good for eyes? Well, the answer, like many things, is between a yes and a no. If you have less than perfect vision, carrots won’t improve your eyesight. However, carrots do contain beta-carotene, a substance that your body converts to vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. In fact, a diet with sufficient vitamin A, iron and other provitamins is vital for eye health and a deficiency can lead to night blindness and other eye problems. So there does seem to be some truth to the old wives’ tale but if you eat a well-balanced diet then no amount of carrots will be improve your eyesight. So what’s the conclusion? Chomping on those carrot sticks do benefit your eyes, but it doesn’t improve vision. That is unless you’re Vitamin A deficient then eating carrots (and other sources of vitamin A) can improve your night vision.

Eye Care

Are vision problems the cause of headaches?

There’s hardly a single person who hasn’t suffered the numbing pressure of headaches. While most attacks can be solved by resting or a handful of painkillers, there are some that would benefit from a trip to the optometrist. You see, when you should be wearing glasses and you don’t (or you don’t know you should be), it can cause headaches. Farsightedness (hyperopia), in particular, strains the eyes and will often cause headaches when left uncorrected. Why? When farsighted people try to see things up close, the lens constantly strains to adjust and focus. They’ll often feel the eye strain and the beginnings of a headache after reading or using the computer/tablet/smartphone for a long period of time. The problem, however, is that many people don’t realise their headaches are linked to vision problems as our eyes do make up the focus to a certain degree. Plus, it’s often written off as computer eye strain. However, if you get frequent headaches or you get double vision or if your vision temporarily goes blurry, it’s likely that you might have a vision problem. A simple eye test at the optometrist can determine whether farsightedness is the cause. The good news is that a pair of spectacles will solve everything and headaches will quickly be a thing of the past.

Eye Care

Studies show exercise could save your eyesight

We already know the many benefits exercise has on your muscles, bones, heart and mental health, but did you know that exercise has also been positively linked to eye health? It seems that those who partake in regular exercise are at a lower risk for vision loss and degenerative eye disease. In one study published in The Journal of Neuroscience, researchers of the Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center and Emory University found a correlation between exercise and eye health using mice as subjects. The scientists had the first group of mice run an hour on a wheel per day and left the other mice sedentary. They then took half of the mice from each group, and exposed them to harshly bright lighting. Only the mice in the latter, sedentary group were found to have had 75 percent of their light-detecting neurons die during the experiment. In 2009, another study was published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. During this study, which took place over the span of 15 years, scientists in Wisconsin, USA examined close to 4,000 men and women, all aged from 43 to 86 years. Participants revealed information about their diet and exercise habits and had eye exams taken routinely every five years. Researchers took into account factors that could affect age-related macular degeneration (AMD) such as age, weight and cholesterol. Participants who lead an active lifestyle were found to be 70 per cent less likely to have AMD compared to those who did not. Talk about keeping your goals in sight; it’s hard to ignore results like these, so if you needed one more reason to stick to your exercise routine, this may be one.

Eye Care

Does reading in dim light damage your eyes?

It’s a popular myth and most likely one that was drilled into you by parents (and one that you probably subsequently drilled into children and grandchildren): reading in low lighting will damage your eyes. But for those who enjoy a book in the soft glow of a bedside lamp or kids who like to hide under the covers with a torch, there’s no need to worry – reading in the dark actually doesn’t damage your eyes at all. Why do my eyes feel tired then? There is no scientific evidence to suggest that reading in poor lighting conditions damages eyes but it does strain your eyes. Dim light might make it difficult for the eyes to focus, which can make reading more strenuous and cause short-term eye fatigue. While uncomfortable, there isn’t any long-term harm or damage to the structure of function of eyes. So there’s really no risk? Well, not for reading in dim light but too much reading in any light can be damaging. There’s evidence that people who read a lot or work in other types of “close eye” work such as using a computer or sewing have higher rates of myopia or short-sightedness. Nobody knows exactly why but a possibility is that the constant focusing on close objects – which involves the contraction of muscles controlling the shape of the eye's lens – may stretch the eyeball and become more short-sighted. So reading a lot, whether in the dark or bright light, could encourage short-sightedness. So what should I do? There’s no need to be concerned you’re doing permanent damage to your eyes if the day turns to dusk and you’re still engrossed in a book but you’ll probably be more comfortable turning on the light. It’s also a good idea to give your eyes a break now and then when reading for long periods of time. Close your eyes or try some eye yoga exercises in your break and your eyes should be feeling refreshed and ready to read again.

Eye Care

5 things your eye colour says about your health

There’s more to eye colour than meets the eye – research is highlighting how the colour of our eyes could hold clues to our health. 1. People with dark eye colours are more likely to develop cataracts A 2000 study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found people with dark eye colours had a 1.5 to 2.5 times greater risk of cataracts than those with light coloured eyes. Researchers recommended people with dark eyes take particular care in protecting their eyes from UV rays. 2. Light-eyed people were more likely to have age-related macular degeneration The most common cause of vision loss after 50 is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and several studies have indicated that light eyes might increase your risk of AMD by two fold. However, the studies have been small and there hasn’t been any research supporting a causal link between the two so it may be more of an association. 3. Women with light coloured eyes better withstand pain Research presented last year at the American Pain Society suggested women with light eyes (blue or green) may have a higher tolerance for pain and discomfort. A group of 58 pregnant Caucasian women were studied and those with light-coloured eyes appeared to tolerate pain during childbirth better than women with brown or hazel eyes. While the results are preliminary and more research is needed to determine the reason behind the links, the study author believes it’s down to a genetic component and it could help doctors pinpoint a genetic cause of pain in the future. 4. Blue-eyed people may face higher melanoma risk A 2014 study suggested genes tied to blue eyes put people at higher risk for moles or freckling in childhood, which are often precursors to melanoma later in life. The study which looked at 477 children, aged 6 to 10, found that children with blue eyes were more susceptible to the development of moles compared to kids without the gene. According to the lead author, the number and size of moles children develop tends to predict the person’s risk of melanoma later on. 5. People with blue eyes have higher risk of type 1 diabetes An Italian study in 2011 found that blue-eyed people suffer a disproportionately high level of type 1 diabetes compared to their darker eyed counterparts. The researchers looked at people with type 1 diabetes in Lazio and Sardinia and found that 21 per cent of sufferers had blue eyes, compared with 9 per cent of the population. Three gene changes associated with blue eyes are believed to be the cause of this.

Eye Care

7 tips to manage eye styes at home

If you’ve ever experienced a stye (it’s official name is hordeolum) you’ll know it can be painful and uncomfortable. Styes come about when an oil gland on the edge of your eyelid becomes infected. It looks a bit like you have a pimple on your eyelid, and it can be on the inside or outside of your lid. Here we have seven points of note about styes in the eye: 1. The first symptoms of a stye are pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling of the area. Following this, a small pimple will appear on the affected area and some swelling usually occurs around the eye. 2. In general, styes don’t cause issues with your vision. 3. The bacteria that cause a stye is called staphlococcal bacteria. It is found in your nose and is transferred in to your eye when you rub your nose followed by your eye. 4. While styes are contagious, most people have the bacteria that cause styes in their body already. If you get a stye it is best to avoid touching other people’s eyes. Keep your eyes and hands clean, and be sure to avoid sharing towels, pillows or sheets with others. 5. They don’t stick around too long, and most styes heal within about 3 days. Encourage the healing process by applying a hot compress (such as a hot wash cloth) to the stye for 10 minutes several times per day. It helps with pain relief and will also encourage the stye to come up. From there it will eventually rupture, then drain, and then heal itself. 6. They’re not the same as pimples, so you shouldn’t pop or squeeze a stye. Let it do its thing and it will eventually heal itself. If however your stye is on the inside of your eye and doesn’t seem to be getting better, it’s best to see a doctor who can remove it for you. 7. You can sometimes find that other issues with your eyes go hand in hand with a stye. For instance you might have a watery eye, increased sensitivity to light, or you might feel as though you have something in your eye.

Eye Care

6 myths about contact lenses debunked

Heard all sort of things about contact lenses? Let us help you separate fact from fiction. “A contact lens will get lost behind my eyes.” This is impossible – the conjunctiva, a thin membrane, covers the white of the eyes and connects to the inside of the eyelid so a contact lens can never get lost behind the eye. “Contact lenses are uncomfortable.” There is a period of adjustment for some, but it won’t take long for you to get the hang of wearing contacts. Soon you won’t even notice you’re wearing contacts. If you do experience discomfort, there are a number of different types of lenses and remedies that can help so always speak to your eye care professional if you are experiencing problems. “It’s too much of a hassle to take care of contact lenses.” You can clean and disinfect your lenses simple using a one-bottle multi-purpose solution. Your eye care doctor will take your through the steps – it’s really quite easy once you know it. Or you can eliminate the need to care for lenses altogether by wearing daily disposable contacts. “Wearing contact lenses causes eye problems.” While it’s true that wearing contact lenses can increase your risk of certain eye problems, if you follow all your optometrists care instructions then wearing contacts is perfectly safe. “I can’t wear contact lenses.” There have been great advances in contact lens technology so most people can wear contacts nowadays. For people with presbyopia, there’s bifocal contact lens and people who have astigmatism can wear toric soft lenses. Ask your optometrist for the range of options. “I’m too old to wear contact lenses.” There are no age limits when it comes to contact lenses! There are now plenty of lens options including bifocal or varifocal lenses and those specially designed for dry eyes.

Eye Care

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Why the size of your glasses matters

Da Vinci’s artistic talent was due to a bung eye

The new innovation that allows visually impaired people to "see"

5 signs you might have glaucoma

6 surprising risks with laser eye surgery

Tips for choosing an optometrist

Different vision test results – how can this happen?

You can cure cataracts with eye drops

These glasses make you look younger

Why you should consider wearing computer glasses

Read this before buying new reading glasses

3 of the most common threats to your sight

Stems cells could be used to treat macular degeneration

Can eating carrots actually improve your eyesight?

Are vision problems the cause of headaches?

Studies show exercise could save your eyesight

Does reading in dim light damage your eyes?

5 things your eye colour says about your health

7 tips to manage eye styes at home

6 myths about contact lenses debunked

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Why the size of your glasses matters

Da Vinci’s artistic talent was due to a bung eye

The new innovation that allows visually impaired people to "see"

5 signs you might have glaucoma

6 surprising risks with laser eye surgery

Tips for choosing an optometrist

Different vision test results – how can this happen?

You can cure cataracts with eye drops

These glasses make you look younger

Why you should consider wearing computer glasses

Read this before buying new reading glasses

3 of the most common threats to your sight

Stems cells could be used to treat macular degeneration

Can eating carrots actually improve your eyesight?

Are vision problems the cause of headaches?

Studies show exercise could save your eyesight

Does reading in dim light damage your eyes?

5 things your eye colour says about your health

7 tips to manage eye styes at home

6 myths about contact lenses debunked

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