Astigmatism is a condition where your cornea or the transparent front part of your eyeball isn’t a round shape, but rather the shape of a football. The symptoms of astigmatism develop slowly. Some people will have astigmatism from birth and there is no known reason for this. On the other hand, astigmatism may also begin with an eye injury, an eye disease, or surgery. Astigmatism can be considered a refractive error. In normal circumstances, the cornea and lens are curved equally in each direction. This curve helps to focus the light’s ray onto the retina but if your cornea or lens isn’t equally curved, the light rays don’t bend properly. This condition is called astigmatism. If your cornea has a distorted shape, the condition would be corneal astigmatism, while when the shape of your lens is distorted, this means you have lenticular astigmatism. In both cases, your vision of both near and far will be blurry or distorted. There are some cases where the eye shape isn’t completely round and curves in multiple different directions. This condition is called irregular astigmatism however it is much less common.

Learn about astigmatism, its causes and symptoms, and discover how glasses and lenses can improve your vision

Understanding Astigmatism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Astigmatism

Cataracts are an eye condition that cause your vision to become cloudy and blurry. With cataracts, your eye’s natural lens will see blurred images, less colour, and haziness as the proteins of your lens break down. Normally, the lens focuses images clearly, so when a cataract is present, the lens focuses on the retina and blocks the light rays to pass through the lens. The retina is at the back of your eye. The retina is very sensitive to light because of its tissue lining. Cataracts usually occur when the proteins which make up the eye lenses begin to change their structure and get in the way of your vision.Types of cataracts:<ul class="list-disc pl-6"><li py-2>Age-related: Most cataracts are related to the aging process and they usually occur in the middle and upper ages.</li><li py-2>Congenital: This type of cataracts is a genetic cataract. Sometimes we are born with cataracts, and its also possible for them to develop during childhood, usually within both of their eyes. Some congenital cataracts do not affect vision, but they still need to be removed.</li><li py-2>Secondary: Secondary cataracts usually occur when other diseases are present in your body (for example diabetes). It is also common to see cataracts in people who use steroids.</li><li py-2>Traumatic: Traumatic cataracts usually occur right after an eye injury or even a few years later. The main cause of traumatic cataract is an injury to one or both eyes.</li></ul class="list-disc pl-6">Cataracts frequently happen within the normal changes to the amount of protein in your eye’s lenses caused naturally by age. From around 40 years-old, the proteins in the lens of your eye start to drop, and this change creates cataracts. If not treated, cataracts can become severe and increase the blurriness in the lens of your eye.Like other allergies, hay fever can be hereditary. This means you may develop hay fever if members of your family also have allergies. It is also common for people with asthma or eczema to develop hay fever. Hay fever may result in immune system attacks from a harmless and typical substance within the environment.Cataracts are an eye condition that cause your vision to become cloudy and blurry. With cataracts, your eye’s natural lens will see blurred images, less colour, and haziness as the proteins of your lens break down. Normally, the lens focuses images clearly, so when a cataract is present, the lens focuses on the retina and blocks the light rays to pass through the lens. The retina is at the back of your eye. The retina is very sensitive to light because of its tissue lining. Cataracts usually occur when the proteins which make up the eye lenses begin to change their structure and get in the way of your vision.Types of cataracts:<ul class="list-disc pl-6"><li py-2>Age-related: Most cataracts are related to the aging process and they usually occur in the middle and upper ages.</li><li py-2>Congenital: This type of cataracts is a genetic cataract. Sometimes we are born with cataracts, and its also possible for them to develop during childhood, usually within both of their eyes. Some congenital cataracts do not affect vision, but they still need to be removed.</li><li py-2>Secondary: Secondary cataracts usually occur when other diseases are present in your body (for example diabetes). It is also common to see cataracts in people who use steroids.</li><li py-2>Traumatic: Traumatic cataracts usually occur right after an eye injury or even a few years later. The main cause of traumatic cataract is an injury to one or both eyes.</li></ul class="list-disc pl-6">Cataracts frequently happen within the normal changes to the amount of protein in your eye’s lenses caused naturally by age. From around 40 years-old, the proteins in the lens of your eye start to drop, and this change creates cataracts. If not treated, cataracts can become severe and increase the blurriness in the lens of your eye.Like other allergies, hay fever can be hereditary. This means you may develop hay fever if members of your family also have allergies. It is also common for people with asthma or eczema to develop hay fever. Hay fever may result in immune system attacks from a harmless and typical substance within the environment.

Learn about the causes of cataracts and the available treatment options. Take proactive steps to preserve your vision and maintain healthy eyesight.

Cataracts: Causes, Types, and Treatment

Cataracts

Conjunctivitis, sometimes referred to as pink-eye, is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid and covers your eyeball’s white section. The most common reason for pink eye is bacterial, viral infection, or allergic reaction. There are a number of different types of conjunctivitis, but the most common one is termed viral strains. Viral strains are most likely to start in one eye and they generally cause watery discharge with lots of tears. After a few days of this effect in one eye, the other eye will also get conjunctivitis. There is a possibility that you will feel a swollen lymph node under your jawbone and/or in front of your ear. Another pink eye issue would be bacterial strains, it usually affects one eye but you may also see it in both eyes. Bacterial strains bring significant pus and mucus to your eye.

Learn about conjunctivitis, also known as pink-eye, its causes, and differences between viral and bacterial strains.

Conjunctivitis: Causes and Symptoms

Conjunctivitis

The cornea is the glassy part of your eye that covers the whole front surface of the eye. The cornea includes the pupil, the anterior portion and the iris as parts of the eye. The main function of the cornea is to bend the light rays to provide us with better vision. It is also responsible for focusing these light rays.The cornea is formed of cells and proteins and it doesn’t include very many blood vessels which is the opposite of most of the tissues of the human body. Sometimes, blood vessels might cloud the cornea and this makes it harder for the cornea to bend the light properly which may indirectly cause vision loss or problems. The blood vessels in the cornea are non-nutrient supplies, but the tears located in the anterior part provide nutrient supplies for cornea.

Discover the vital role of the cornea in maintaining clear vision and the crucial importance of its health for overall eye health.

Unveiling the Marvels of the Cornea: Its Function and Structure

Cornea

What is diabetic retinopathy:Diabetic retinopathy is caused by high blood sugar levels which give damage to the retina in our eye (back of our eye). Diabetic retinopathy can be really dangerous and cause blindness if it is not treated correctly or left undiagnosed, although it is important to note that it can take up to a few years for the condition to come to a stage where it can be threatening to your eyesight. Those who suffer from diabetes should ensure that their cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels are controlled and take extra care to keep an eye out for them in order to minimise the risk of diabetic retinopathy. It is also important to attend annual eye check-ups to keep a track of the process of developing diabetic retinopathy. The damage that is caused by diabetic retinopathy is usually permanent, diabetic retinopathy isn’t fully treatable, unfortunately, this is why it is important to attend regular checks to keep a track of your eye condition for those who suffer from diabetes.What does diabetic retinopathy look like?Unfortunately, diabetic retinopathy is not something that we can see with the naked human eye, we can not see what it looks like. Only under the examination of a doctor will you be able to identify diabetic retinopathy.What does diabetic retinopathy look like?It is important to understand the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, especially for those who suffer from diabetes. As mentioned above, it is not possible to notice the development of diabetic retinopathy, which is why it is important to go for regular eye checkups. The earliest clinical sign of diabetic retinopathy which doctors look out for is microaneurysms. This is the appearance of small red dots which has yellow rings around them within the retinal layers which is caused by vascular leakage. Although this is a symptom that can only be diagnoed by a doctor, there are many symptoms which you can look out for yourself listed below:<ol class="list-decimal pl-6"><li py-2>Blurred vision</li><li py-2>Transition in vision from blurry to clear</li><li py-2>Eye floaters</li><li py-2>Empty or dark spots in the vision field</li><li py-2>Bad night vision</li><li py-2>Colour vision fading, colours appearing dull or washed out</li><li py-2>Loss of vision</li></ol class="list-decimal pl-6">What causes diabetic retinopathy?Essentially the cause of diabetic retinopathy is the lead-up of blockage in the blood vessels which nourish the retina caused by too much sugar in your blood. Because the blood vessels become blocked, the eye tries to create new blood vessels, however, it fails to develop successfully and causes leakage, thus leading to diabetic retinopathyHow does diabetic retinopathy affect vision?The blood vessels within our retina which are associated with diabetic retinopathy trigger the development of scar tissue, this pulls the retina away from the back of the eye, which leads to spots floating in the vision, loss of vision, or flashes of light.

Understand the causes and potential vision loss associated with diabetic retinopathy, as well as the importance of regular check-ups for those with diabetes.

Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes and Symptoms

Diabetic Retinopathy

What is an axis in eye prescription?The axis number that you see on your prescription is an indication of which direction your optician should position any cylindrical power that is in your lenses. An axis number is usually needed for those who have astigmatism.What does axis mean in eye prescription?An axis in the eye prescription means the indication of the angle in degrees which are in between the two meridians of an astigmatic eye.What is normal eye axis?The axis number represents the orientation and or angle of degrees, a number between 1 and 180. Many people can mistake the higher axis numbers for a stronger prescription, however, this is not correct, the axis number does not have anything to do with the prescription, but describes the position of astigmatism.

Discover the meaning and normal range of eye axis in prescription, and how it guides the positioning of cylindrical power for astigmatism correction.

Eye Axis in Your Prescription: Decoding Astigmatism Correction

Eye Axis

How to improve your vision naturally with eye exercises?Eye exercises are a simple activity that few people do, however they can help you maintain excellent vision. It is also an important exercise for those who work by looking at screens. Eye exercises improve vision by strengthening your eye muscles, it also helps you focus and aids your brain’s vision centre. The more often these exercises are done, the better you will become at learning to control your eye muscles and see the way you should. The exercises that you do will strengthen your eye muscles that usually are not used, triggering blood circulation and muscle tone. The more toned your eye muscles are, the sharper your vision will be, the toning in your eye muscles will also help to decrease eye strain, which gives your eye the ability to work more efficiently.What are the eye exercises to improve vision?There are many exercises you can do to help improve your vision including eye yoga eye exercises. Here are some of the exercises you can do to help stimulate blood circulation and help develop the muscles tones in your eye; Blinking exercise: When you are focused on your computer screen, phone screen, or tv, you tend to blink less, that is why it is important to do blinking exercises. Doing fast-blinking exercises will help with dry eyes. The 20-20-20 exercise: When you catch yourself focused on something, you can stop every 20 minutes and focus on something else that is 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds. This promotes the focus muscles in your eye. Palms for relaxation: you can gently use the inside of your palms to cover your eyes until all the images you see turn black, this should take around 30 seconds. Movements: use your finger to create a really big figure eight that is laying sideways in front of your eyes. Follow your finger with your eyes, this promotes the use of muscles deeper within your eyes which sharpens your eyesight.How to do yoga eye exercises?You can use the zooming method to apply yoga exercises on your eyes, if you sit yourself down somewhere with many items at different distances and start by focusing on the furthest item away from you and slowly after a few seconds, move your focus to an item that is a closer to you. Once you have focused on this item, after a few seconds you should focus on something that is really close to you like your thumb. Once you have finished these steps, repeat these focus movements but backwards, starting from your thump and moving further away. This exercise is most effective when it is repeated for 2 minutes. Eye rolling is also an effective eye yoga method to improve and sharpen your vision. In order to complete these steps you should make sure to be sitting in a straight and relaxed way. Start by looking straight up, then to the right slowly, downwards, and then to the left. All these steps should be done in slow motions, and once completed it is effective if you repeat these steps in clockwise and anticlockwise motions.

Discover effective eye exercises and yoga techniques to strengthen your vision, reduce eye strain, and improve focus in this brief article.

Improve Your Vision Naturally with Eye Exercises: Tips and Techniques

Eye Exercises

Eye floaters are the small spots that float across your vision and they have a dark shape. The floaters move within your eyes, if you try to look at them, they might seem moving away. Floaters might look like threads, cobwebs or spots and they usually can be noticed when you are looking at something bright like sky or sun, or any light.Most people have upcoming floaters but luckily they usually don’t need any treatment. But still, it’s better to be cautious as in some cases, floaters might turn into serious eye conditions. In case you notice floaters that don’t go away, it is recommended to advise an eye doctor about your condition. Eye floaters are usually caused by age related changes in your vitreous which makes your eyes more liquid. Your vitreous changes over time and it partially liquefies. Generally, people don’t notice floaters until they become numerous or prominent. Note that floaters may be the sign that there might be a problem in your retina.

Learn about the causes of eye floaters and when to seek treatment for this common but sometimes serious condition in this informative article.

Eye Floaters: Causes and When to Seek Treatment

Floaters

Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. The word “Glaucoma” comes from the Ancient Greek term “glaukos” which means “shimmering.” Glaucoma is usually caused by drastically high pressure in the eye. This condition may cause vision loss that can’t be recovered. This condition has been called the “silent thief” as the vision loss occurs slowly over a long period. In cases where it is recognised in the early stages, vision loss can be prevented or slowed down. The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma which usually occurs in wide-angle called ‘chronic simple’. Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly without pain. In this type of glaucoma, the drainage angle for fluid within the eye stays open. When someone is diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma, their peripheral vision may start decreasing, followed by the central image, and it may result in blindness when not treated.There are also two other common types of glaucoma: closed-angle glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma. Closed-angle glaucoma may occur suddenly or gradually. If it appears suddenly, it may bring severe eye pain, mid-dilated pupil, eye redness, blurred vision, and nausea. Closed-angle glaucoma is usually shared among women. Glaucoma-affected eyes have a common name of glaucomatous. Once the vision loss caused by glaucoma occurs, it is permanent and can’t be treated.If you have glaucoma without vision loss, you will likely need to have permanent treatment for the rest of your life. To prevent glaucoma, it is essential to get your eyes regularly checked. It is usually advised to have an eye test at least once in 2 years. Around the globe, 70 million people are facing glaucoma, and it is widespread in older people. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness following cataracts.

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and types of glaucoma - a common eye condition that can lead to vision loss. Discover more in this informative article.

Glaucoma: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Types

Glaucoma

Hay fever, is known as allergic rhinitis. This type of allergy results in symptoms of cold or flu; sneezing, sinus pressure, runny nose, and itchy eyes. The difference between hay fever and general ‘colds’ is that the allergy isn’t affected by a virus. Rather than a virus, hay fever is a n allergic reaction to outdoor and indoor allergens like cats, dogs, dust, pollen, or many other sources of allergens. Usually, the peak period for hay fever conditions occurs during the warmer months of the year.Like other allergies, hay fever can be hereditary. This means you may develop hay fever if members of your family also have allergies. It is also common for people with asthma or eczema to develop hay fever. Hay fever may result in immune system attacks from a harmless and typical substance within the environment.Hay fever is most likely to be seen in people with:<ul class="list-disc pl-6"><li py-2>Asthma or other allergies</li><li py-2>Eczema</li><li py-2>Parents or siblings with allergies</li><li py-2>A place where you are regularly exposed to allergens</li><li py-2>A mother who smoked before your first birthday</li></ul class="list-disc pl-6">Usually, hay fever develops before the age of 20, but there isn’t a specific age restriction; anyone may get it at any age. While there are some conditions and circumstances that makes us more prone hay fever, there is still potential for everyone with any background to suffer from hay fever.Like other allergies, hay fever can be hereditary. This means you may develop hay fever if members of your family also have allergies. It is also common for people with asthma or eczema to develop hay fever. Hay fever may result in immune system attacks from a harmless and typical substance within the environment.

Learn about hay fever, an allergy causing cold-like symptoms. Discover causes, symptoms, and risk factors in this informative article.

Hay Fever: Understanding Symptoms and Causes

Hay Fever

<h3 class="st-blog-p-title">The Basics</h3>We accept all major health funds, and make the claiming process simple. When you buy your glasses or contact lenses in-store, we’ll process your claim instantly. When purchasing over the phone we’ll arrange the rebate instantly for most health funds, or provide you an invoice to claim directly with your insurer. For online orders we’ll email your invoice, including all the relevant codes needed, to claim your rebate through your provider.<h2 class="st-blog-p-title">Easy claiming process</h2><h3 class="st-blog-p-title">In-store</h3>Bring along your membership card for on the spot claims. We’ll provide you a quote before purchase so you can maximise your benefits. You will receive your rebate instantly, and only pay the gap where necessary.<h3 class="st-blog-p-title">Online & Over the phone</h3>When you purchase any prescription glasses or contact lenses we will provide a receipt with health fund codes. You can then claim your rebate directly through your provider (which just takes a few minutes).<h3 class="st-blog-p-title">How much can I claim?</h3>This depends on your membership details with your Health Insurance Policy. Some providers will offer a percentage discount, while most will be a set amount usually between $100 – $500. Most policies are based on the calendar year, with benefits not rolling over, and reseting on the 1st of January each year. Others will be based on the financial year or on the anniversary of your sign-up date. You can visit us in-store with your membership card and our team can help with a quote, or contact your provider to find out your policy details.<h3 class="st-blog-p-title">What is covered by optical extras?</h3>Eye tests are covered by Medicare, while prescription glasses and contact lenses are covered by private health insurance policies that include ‘optical extras’. Not all private health policies will include rebates or benefits for optical extras, so you will need to make sure optical is included when choosing your provider and policy.<h2 class="st-blog-p-title">Special offer with GMHBA + Frank (Geelong Stores Only)</h2><h3 class="st-blog-p-title">In-store optical discount</h3><ul class="list-disc pl-6"><li py-2>One complete pair of standard multifocals no gap (frames and lenses)</li><li py-2>Two complete pairs of standard single vision no gap (frames and lenses).</li><li py-2>Offer available in-store only on presentation of Health Fund card. Not available for use with other promotions, special offers and deals Subject to your policies waiting periods, annual limits, fund rules and extras benefits and limits</li></ul class="list-disc pl-6"><h2 class="st-blog-p-title">List of Health Funds Providers accepted by us:</h2><div class='grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-4'><div class='col-span-1 '><ul class="list-disc pl-6"><li py-2>ACA Health</li><li py-2>ADF Family Health Program</li><li py-2>AHM</li><li py-2>Apia</li><li py-2>Australian Unity</li><li py-2>BUPA</li><li py-2>Budget Direct</li><li py-2>CBHS</li><li py-2>CBHS Health Fund</li><li py-2>CUA Health</li><li py-2>Defence Health</li><li py-2>Doctors Health Fund</li><li py-2>Emergency Services Health</li><li py-2>Frank Health Insurance</li><li py-2>GMHBA</li><li py-2>GU Health</li><li py-2>HBF</li></ul class="list-disc pl-6"></div><div class='col-span-1 '><ul class="list-disc pl-6"><li py-2>HCF</li><li py-2>HIF</li><li py-2>Health Partners</li><li py-2>Healthcare Insurance</li><li py-2>Latrobe Health Services</li><li py-2>Medibank</li><li py-2>Medicare Easyclaim</li><li py-2>Mildura Health Fund</li><li py-2>NIB</li><li py-2>One Medifund</li><li py-2>Peoplecare</li><li py-2>Phoenix Health Fund</li><li py-2>Police Health</li><li py-2>QANTAS Assure</li><li py-2>Queensland Country Health Fund</li><li py-2>RBHS</li></ul class="list-disc pl-6"></div></div>

Affordable, sustainable, Australian-made eyewear. Distance or reading glasses from $75; multifocals from $250.

Health Funds - Dresden.vision

Health Funds

The iris is the coloured part of your eye, and it defines the amount of light that enters into the eye. Iris are considered to be the most visible part of the eyes due to their colour. Crystalline lenses lie in the back of the iris, separating the anterior and posterior chambers. The iris is located in the uveal tract, that also includes the ciliary body which lies behind the iris.The colours of the iris depends on the melanin pigment amount inside the iris. Even though all eyes have the same melanin, these pigments differ and define the eye colour. Usually, the back of the iris is heavily pigmented to protect the eyes from light shining through the iris. The iris surrounds the pupil with muscle and a connective tissue made from a thin and circular structure.

Discover the anatomy and function of the iris, the colored part of the eye that regulates light. Learn about melanin pigments and more in this article.

The Iris: Function and Anatomy of the Colored Part of the Eye

Iris

Why are my eyelids itchy?Itchy eyelids can simply be caused because of specs of dust that may have managed to get inside your eye, and this is certainly nothing that needs to be worried about. This can be washed with lukewarm water to release the itchy sensation. However, for some people, this itching can be constant, and constant itching needs attention as it is generally caused by allergies. You may have allergies to dust, pollen, smoke, or dander – these are also commonly known as allergic conjunctivitis. Pets and mould can also be an external reason that causes us to have itchy and irritated eyes.What to put on dry itchy eyelids?Itchy eyes can usually be treated at home. Applying a warm compress will relieve the itchiness from your eyelids and help reduce inflammation. The warm compress also unclogs oil glands that may be blocked around your eye which is what can also be causing the itching, as the heat will melt the oil. If your eyes are itching because of allergies then other cautions need to be taken such as the use of a humidifier, which will purify the air and add moisture to your home. Because the skin that is on your eyelids is the thinnest on your body it gets irritated easily, using petroleum jelly is also a solution to fixing the dryness on this area which may also be causing the itchiness as it adds moisture and protection.How to treat swollen itchy eyelids?Another symptom of itchy eyes is your eyes becoming swollen, this is caused by blepharitis. Blepharitis is caused when the tiny oil glands become clogged which causes irritation and redness which makes the eye swollen, you can treat blepharitis with medicine which will be prescribed to you by your doctor. You may reduce the swelling in your eyes by applying a cold compress for 15 – 20 minutes, this helps decrease the redness and pain that the swelling may cause.What is the fastest way to get rid of eyelid dermatitis?Dermatitis is a very general name that is used to describe common skin irritation, it refers to itchy, dry, or flaky skin. Eyelid dermatitis, also commonly known as periocular dermatitis or periorbital dermatitis, is the scaling of the skin that is either on the top of the eyelid or around the eye. Those who have symptoms of eyelid dermatitis often complain about itching, stinging and burning sensations around the eyelid area. Moisturising the area of the eyelid is the most effective way to treat mild eyelid dermatitis, there are many eyelid moisturisers that can be found and bought without a prescription over the counter. For more severe conditions of eyelid dermatitis, consulting your doctor is recommended.

Discover the causes and home remedies for itchy eyelids, including treatments for swollen and dry eyelids and eyelid dermatitis. Find relief with these tips.

Itchy Eyelids: Causes and Home Remedies for Relief

Itchy Eyelids

Crystalline lens, in another name the lens of the eye, is considered to be an important part of your eye. The lens allows your eye to focus on objects at any distance. The lens is located behind the iris and it has a size which is approximately around 10 mm across and 4 mm from front to back in adults.There are different lens types such as concave lens, which is a thinner lens and it makes the light rays that go through the lens to spread apart. Convex lens is thicker and it is also called converging lenses while it makes the eye focus on a point.

Learn about the importance of the crystalline lens in the eye, how it helps you focus on objects, and the different types of lenses - convex and concave.

Insight into Your Eyes: Understanding the Importance of the Crystalline Lens

Lens

Macular degeneration is an eye issue that is common among middle-aged people who are around or over 50. Macula, as a part of the retina, is also the part of the eye that is responsible for clear vision. Macular degeneration occurs within thinning of the macula and it causes blurred vision. This condition might develop in a single eye but it can affect both eyes. Dry macular degeneration won’t make you lose all of your sight while your sight might worsen over time. Some people who have this disorder, have only mild central vision loss but some people are experiencing more severe vision loss cases.Vision loss may be delayed within early cautions and detections. The symptoms are usually common and they might include these points:<ul class="list-disc pl-6"><li py-2>Visual distortions like straight lines seems to bent</li><li py-2>Reduced central vision loss in a single or both eyes</li><li py-2>The need for brighter light when doing a close-up work</li><li py-2>Difficulties adapting to low light levels</li><li py-2>Increasing blurriness</li><li py-2>Decreasing intensity of colours</li><li py-2>Difficulties recognizing faces</li><li py-2>Blind or blurry spot in your vision which is well defined</li></ul class="list-disc pl-6">There is another type of macular degeneration which usually occurs with aging, it’s called “Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)”. AMD generally occurs slowly while some people might be experience it faster than others.

Learn about the common eye condition of macular degeneration, its symptoms, types, and treatment options to prevent vision loss.

Understanding Macular Degeneration: Symptoms, Types, and Treatment

Macular Degeneration

A monocle is a corrective lens that provides correction or enhancement to the visual perception of an eye. A monocle is a circular lens, usually with has a wire ring around the perimeter that is pinned to another wire or string. The string or wire is them connected to a person’s clothes.There are three different styles of monocle. The first type has a simple metal loop with a lens that fits into the eye’s orbit. The second one, which was made around the 1890s included a frame called a “gallery” which has a raised-edge like extension. This type was designed to hold the monocle in place and it sits outside of the eye’s orbit. The gallery type of monocle is considered to be the most expensive compared to the other types of monocles. The third style of monocle is a frameless one. Frameless monocles include a cut out piece of glass with a notched edge and they sometimes have a gap drilled into the bounds of a cord. Frameless monocles don’t have cord and you can wear it freely.

Discover the history and different styles of monocles, including the simple loop, gallery frame, and frameless types, for corrective or enhancement purposes.

Monocles: Types, Styles, and History

Monocle

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors that specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision issues. In addition to the services of optometrists, ophthalmologists provide eye care surgeries and follow-up eye care. Ophthalmologists also can diagnose and treat all types of eye problems. The difference between ophthalmologists and optometrists is their level of training and their capability to diagnose and treat. Ophthalmologists pursue 12 or more years of a degree and training to be able to provide in-depth surgical processes for eye diseases. They usually study for a four-year university degree then at least eight years of additional medical training. This particular and comprehensive training allows them to diagnose and treat. They are trained especially to care for all types of eye conditions and problems while some of ophthalmologists specialise in a specific area of surgical eye care or medical eye care. The ophthalmologists who specialise in this specific eye care or medical eye care are named “sub-specialists”. All ophthalmologists perform various tests to examine if a person has a specific eye-related condition or problems and decide if it requires a regular eye exam.

Beyond eye exams, ophthalmologists are skilled artists, trained to diagnose, treat, and perform complex eye surgeries. Explore their world now.

Discovering the Art of Eye Care with Ophthalmologists

Ophthalmologist

Optometrists offer vision care and eye care services. They are responsible for primary health care for the eye. An optometry degree usually takes 3 – 7 years depending on the university, school of optometry and country of study. Optometrists perform eye exams and vision tests, including a refraction to determine your eye prescription and recommendation for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Optometrists will perform your regular eye exam yearly or every two years to update your prescription, and for certain eye conditions, they also prescribe medication and other treatment. They are the frontline of eye care, providing services to help improve eye health conditions. Optometrists are not surgical specialists, so they don’t treat all severe eye conditions. Depending on the legislation, in some states they can perform minor surgeries such as foreign body removal, laser eye surgery, and some other minor surgical services. Optometrists are qualified eye care specialists who take care of eye conditions by examining, diagnosing and medically treating. Optometrists work in different settings such as hospitals, research, teaching, eyewear shops and other health practices.

Discover the role of optometrists in eye care. From vision tests to minor surgeries, they provide primary eye health care. Learn more here.

The Role of Optometrists in Vision and Eye Care

Optometrist

What is orthokeratology?The cornea of our eye can lose its shape, in order to reshape this we can use fitted contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea in order to improve vision. Orthokeratology or also known as ortho-k is the use of these specially designed contact lenses. Orthokeratology is almost like orthodontics but for your eyes, the treatment is similar to dental braces. Usually, ortho-k lenses are worn during the night in order to reshape the front surface of the eye. With regular usage, there can be vision improvements. This technique is used with the usage of hard lenses that you wear overnight to correct your vision, the lenses are custom-made with your prescription, and the correction of the cornea allows users to see near enough to 20/20 vision in the morning when they are removed. This is a non-surgical procedure, in a short period of time, the central portion of the lens starts to your cornea so that it takes the same shape. When your cornea is flattened, your prescription is cut down during the daytime without the use of your glasses or contact lenses. Orthokeratology is safe to use, gentle on the eyes and is a cheaper alternative to LASIK. Ortho-k is also a primary proven method to slow myopia progression, and slow down near-sightedness in children.You may be wondering if ortho-K really works, the simple answer is yes. This method is particularly useful for children as they cannot undergo LASIK surgery, and also because it slows down the progression of myopia. If used correctly and regularly, orthokeratology is an effective method to get rid of glasses and contact lenses that are used during the day. Orthokeratology lasts the day and gives 20/20 vision, and must be used regularly in order to maintain the adjusted shape of the cornea for ultimate results.How orthokeratology works:Our cornea is a clear and dome-shaped window that is in front of our eye which focuses light into the retina and controls the eye’s ability to focus, the tissues in our cornea are very flexible. Once you get a consultation for orthokeratology, your ophthalmologist measures your cornea using a topographer, these details are used in order to design a lens which is made specifically for your eye. A map of your cornea is created by the reflection of light on the surface of your eye. This process is completely pain-free as the machine which is used does not come in contact with your eye. This process allows your ophthalmologist to see the exact shape and curves of your cornea. The lenses which are used overnight work by flattening out the centre of the cornea, it adjusts the way light is bent as it beams through the eye. These lenses are quite stiff and hard, enough so that they can reshape your cornea but has no issues regarding allowing oxygen to flow through your eyes during the night. These lenses must be removed in the morning, leaving users with 20/20 vision, the cornea stays flat for the day which means that the vision is corrected without the usage of day lenses or glasses. Although this is an easy method to improve your eyesight without surgery, consistency is key; once your stop wearing your lenses during the night the shape of your cornea will eventually return to its original shape, users are advised to wear these lenses regularly to ensure the correction is kept.The only disadvantage of ortho-k is that there is a small risk of an infection, however, this can be easily avoided with the attention that is paid to hygiene when taking the lenses out and putting them back into your eyes every night and day. Making sure to use clean contact cases, and clean hands are important in order to make sure that there are no risks of an infection.How much does orthokeratology cost?The price of the orthokeratology process can vary depending on the situation of your cornea. This method is cheaper than getting laser eye surgery and has fewer risks. The cost of ortho-k can be anywhere between $1000 to $400 per year, there is also the cost of follow-up checks and care for the lenses which would cost you anything between $300 to $500 a year.

Say goodbye to glasses and contacts during the day with the non-surgical technique of orthokeratology. Discover how it works, the benefits, and cost here.

Reshaping Your Vision: The Magic of Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology

What causes pain behind the eye?Pain behind the eye can happen because of various reasons, including migraine and sinus infections and other eye conditions that are related to the blood vessels and iris in the eye. The pain that you may feel behind your eye is unfortunately a non-specific symptom, which means that it can be hard to find the exact reason behind the pain as there can be many reasons. However one of the most common reasons for pain that is caused behind the eye is because of strain on the eye. A strained eye is a common problem as it is mainly caused by being exposed to bright computer screens, and phone screens. Strained eyes are also common among those who drive long distances. Other common cause of pain behind the eye is migraine and sinus infection as it creates pressure behind the eye. Surprisingly, dental problems can also be a cause for pain that is related to the back of the eye, this is because there are nerve branches that reach from the jaw to the eye area.How do I get rid of pain behind my eye?There can be many ways to treat pain behind the eye including some home remedies like eye exercises. The most common exercise you can do is the 20-20-20 method. This exercise helps to bring back focus and releases tension within the eye, allowing it to relax, especially if there has been a lot of strain on the eye. You can also consult your local chemist regarding this pain and can be given over-the-counter medications to help release this pain like pain killers, and ibuprofen.

Discover the various reasons why you might be experiencing pain behind your eye and learn about effective treatment options and home remedies to find relief.

Pain Behind Eye: Causes, Treatment, and Home Remedies

Pain Behind Eye

What causes pinguecula?Pinguecula is deposits of protein, calcium, or fat and appears as small yellow or white bumps on the white area of the eye. Pinguecula is caused by changes in your conjunctiva tissue due to irritation caused by UV exposure, dust and wind. Pinguecula can cause eye irritation, dryness, itching, and redness in the eye if not treated. Pinguecula is very common, especially for those people who spend a lot of time outside in the sun.How long does pinguecula last?Unfortunately, pinguecula is not something that can heal itself unless it is treated correctly. Depending on the severity of how far it has grown, pinguecula may be treated with eye drops and will last two to four weeks for it to heal with these drops. However, in most cases, pinguecula isn’t something that usually can be healed with eye drops and needs surgery – in which the healing process takes up to a month.How to get rid of pinguecula?Mast majority of cases have symptoms which are mild and require lubrication or anti inflammatory eye drops but it is important to note that they are not reversible with these drops. It is possible to get rid of pinguecula completely through surgery if it causes serious discomfort or is aesthetically unappealing. The procedure is a minor surgery and takes a short time to complete between 10-20 minutes, the recovery process after this will take some time between 4-6 weeks.What is pterygium?A pterygium is a raised, almost wave-like-shaped growth of the conjunctiva that extends onto the outer layer of the eye. It is also commonly known as surfers eye as it is common amongst surfers as they are mostly exposed to the sun and wind. Both pterygium and pinguecula is very common and similar to one another however have some fundamental differences. Those who have pterygium will see that the tissue that is growing on their eye will reach out towards cornea, which is the coloured top layer of your iris, whereas pinguecula is the growth of a small white or yellow bump on the white area of the eye. Pterygium can lead to astigmatism, which will make your vision very blurry and decrease night vision. Pterygium can be removed through surgery but does have a possibility to regrow which is why it is important to use UV protection at all times.What causes pterygium?Pterygium is also caused by damage from the sun and wind. Pterygium can be prevented with frequent lubrication, this hydrates the eye and keeps it from getting dry.

Discover the causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention tips for pinguecula and pterygium, also known as surfer's eye.

Pinguecula and Pterygium: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Pinguecula and Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye)

What is presbyopia:Ultimately, presbyopia is the loss of your eye’s ability to focus on close-by objects over time. It is a natural process and comes with the unfortunate truth of ageing. Presbyopia often becomes noticeable towards the mid-40s age range and continues to worsen until age 65. Presbyopia has to do with the lens inside of our eyeball, when we are young and we bring something close by for us to see and read, the muscles around the lens controls shapes so we can read it better. However, with age, the lens hardens which results in us not being able to focus clearly anymore. The process of this is called accommodation, and the loss of accommodation at the age of 40s is a very normal symptom that happens and gets worse with age. The lens inside the eye works just like a camera, it changes focus to see clearly at different distances. Inside each eye is a flexible lens, when you look at something far away the lens flattens focusing on the distance, and when you look at something close like your phone the lens curves so you can see the screen clearly. As we get old this lens stiffens, making it difficult for us to focus. Because it becomes difficult to focus on objects, the eye strain heightens which can cause headaches and affect the daily lives of those with presbyopia.What causes presbyopia:Presbyopia is associated with the lens in our eye, also known as the cataract. The cause of presbyopia is completely natural, as we age the lens inside of our eye hardens and stiffens, which makes it more difficult for our eyes to focus on close and distant objects. When we are younger this lens is far more flexible which is what makes the focusing process so smooth for us when we look at close or distant objects, but as we come to the age of mid-40s, because this lens stiffens, it is not as easy for us to focus on what we are trying to look at. Presbyopia is something that can develop through your mid-40s till the age of around 60, by the mid-60s your presbyopia is fully developed. It is developed gradually, you will notice that you gradually are having difficulties reading close by things, then the next day the further objects too.What is the treatment for presbyopia:The treatment for presbyopia can include some natural methods like daily exercising of the eye’s focus. Patients may also wear corrective eyeglasses which are multifocal, although in the past the quality of these lenses was not the best, now with the progressed technology these lenses have come a long way to ensure you get the best vision from your glasses. Patients may also use contact lenses which are specifically for presbyopia if they do not prefer to wear glasses. Some patients may find it difficult to get used to presbyopia contacts, however, just like regular lenses they may take any time between 4-6 weeks to get used to. There are also options of using some drops that are designed for presbyopia which can help too. If patients wish, they may also undergo refractive surgery, or may even get lens implants for presbyopia.

Discover the causes, symptoms, and treatments for presbyopia, an age-related eye condition that affects close-up vision.

Presbyopia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Presbyopia

Prism is a lens type specially designed to treat vision problems like double vision and other binocular vision issues. Just like a prism shape, prism lenses are triangular and are designed and placed to change the direction of light, or disperse the light into a spectrum. Prism lenses are made from plastic or glass material as with all optical lenses. Prism lenses are prescribed by optometrists and ophthalmologists, and can be made with or without the inclusion of refractive powers. Prism lenses can be special lenses that don’t necessarily contain focusing power; as a result, prism can’t correct refractive issues alone. Prism lenses ‘trick’ the eye and brain to believe an object is in a different location, to fix and improve vision alignment. This optical ‘trick’ helps the eye to perceive images differently to achieve single vision, improve binocular vision, reduce double vision, and reduce other difficulties that double vision causes, such as headaches. Depending on the way the eye is misaligned or turned, a prism lens can be based in, out, up, or down. Prism lenses are most likely to be prescribed for patients with severe binocular vision difficulties.Visual issues that may be treated with prism lenses:<ul class="list-disc pl-6"><li py-2><a class="underline" href="https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-binocular-visual-dysfunction/">Binocular Visual Dysfunction</a></li><li py-2><a class="underline" href="https://www.optometrists.org/a-guide-to-eye-turns/strabismus-crossed-eyes/">Strabismus</a></li><li py-2>Myasthenia gravis</li><li py-2>Graves’ disease</li><li py-2><a class="underline" href="https://www.optometrists.org/vision-therapy-for-children/convergence-insufficiency-2/">Convergence insufficiency</a></li><li py-2>List</li></ul class="list-disc pl-6">Neurological issues that may be treated with prism lenses:<ul class="list-disc pl-6"><li py-2>Stroke</li><li py-2>Migraine</li><li py-2>Head injury</li><li py-2>Tumor</li><li py-2>Diabetes mellitus</li><li py-2>Multiple sclerosis</li></ul class="list-disc pl-6">Prism lenses bend light rays onto the retina, targeting double vision. This bending process allows the prism lenses to reduce double vision, and in some cases where refractive powers are included, correct refractive errors so that the patient may see a single and clear image while wearing prism lenses.

Prism lenses are triangular lenses that help treat double vision and binocular vision issues. Learn how they work and the conditions they can treat.

Prism Lenses: Uses and Benefits for Vision Correction

Prism

Ready-made reading glasses are the type of glasses that are usually bought when people experience eye fatigue or blurred close-up vision, but no other vision problems. These types of glasses are the most frequent store-bought glasses. They have magnifying lenses that are offered in different strengths. Reading glasses can be purchased as prescribed and non-prescribed versions. Reading glasses usually have single vision lenses, and they are generally only used to correct close-up vision. They are ready-made glasses that are mostly suitable for everyone, except if you have astigmatism or any other type of vision problem where you cannot see the objects clearly in the distance. Reading glasses are generally produced as one-size and usually don’t have progressive, or multifocal, lens options.When choosing a reading glasses, you might want to consider:<ul class="list-disc pl-6"><li py-2>Lens type you will need (single, multifocal)</li><li py-2>Frame type you would like to wear</li><li py-2>Lens material</li><li py-2>Comfort of the frames</li><li py-2>Lens coating options</li></ul class="list-disc pl-6">

Ready-made reading glasses are a popular solution for blurred close-up vision. Learn about choosing the right lenses and frames for your needs.

Choosing and Using Ready-Made Reading Glasses: A Guide

Reading Glasses

The retina is a laminated tissue which has 3 different functional layers. The photoreceptor layer is the outermost layer and it’s made from rods and cones. This layer transforms the light’s energy into the electrical signals to be processed and sent to the brain to complete vision. The centre of the retina is also called “the macula” and it is the place where central vision and detailed vision happens. Both the cornea and our natural lens focus light onto the retina. Sometimes patients require contact lenses and glasses to help with this process. These structures and the vitreous body that fills the centre of the eye need to be clear in order for the light to reach the retina. The most common problem interfering with this process is cataract, an opacification of the lens. The retina usually looks red or orange as there are many blood vessels in it. It is light-sensitive and if this layer of tissue is not fully healthy, you may not be able to see.

The retina is a vital tissue for vision, converting light energy into electrical signals. Learn about its structure and how it functions in the eye.

Understanding the Retina: Essential for Vision

Retina

Retinal detachment is a critical eye condition that arises when your retina pulls away from it’s normal position. Symptoms might not be shown if a small part of the retina is detached, while when a larger part is detached, your vision might change and you may notice some other symptoms such as:<ul class="list-disc pl-6"><li py-2>A lot of new floaters</li><li py-2>Light flashes in a single eye or both eyes</li><li py-2>A “curtain”-like dark shadow in the middle or on the sides of your vision</li></ul class="list-disc pl-6">This condition is a medical emergency and you would need to visit an ophthalmologist or an emergency room once you have these symptoms confirmed by an optometrist.The symptoms of retinal detachment often come fast. If you don’t treat the retinal detachment right away, more of the retina can detach — this will increase the risk of blindness or permanent vision loss. You can quickly see the symptoms of retinal detachment and it’s important to treat it right away to avoid these risks. This detachment of the retina is frequently caused by the changes of the jelly inside the eye and these changes are usually related to aging which is called “Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD)”. Posterior Vitreous Detachment can lead to retinal detachment and there is no specific reason for it. But it’s better to keep in mind that it is more likely to arise if you:<ul class="list-disc pl-6"><li py-2>Are short-sighted</li><li py-2>Have had an eye operation (such as cataract surgery)</li><li py-2>Have had an eye injury</li><li py-2>Have a family history of retinal detachment</li></ul class="list-disc pl-6">

Discover the warning signs, causes, and risks of retinal detachment, a serious eye condition requiring urgent attention.

Retinal Detachment: Symptoms, Causes, and Risks

Retinal Detachment

What is strabismus?Strabismus, also known as hypertropia, is a misaligned eye, it is an eye that doesn’t point straight. The eye can be crossed in towards the nose (esotropia), wandering out (exotropia), or even vertically misaligned. Strabismus is not a cosmetic issue, but rather a medical disorder. Strabismus is also commonly known as crossed eye, patients with this condition have difficulties with controlling the movement of the eye and typically cannot keep normal ocular alignment. This misalignment occurs especially in newborn babies when they are tired out however they should typically outgrow this condition within three months of being born. Those with strabismus can not focus on the same object with both eyes, meaning they both focus on different objects, meaning that they may see double vision or have blurry vision.What causes strabismus?Strabismus is generally caused by problems with the eye muscles, the brain muscles that control eye movements, or the nerves that send information to the muscles. There can be many different reasons why Strabismus can develop including eye injuries and some usual health conditions. Those who have siblings or parents with Strabismus are also more likely to develop it, family history can also be a risk factor. Those who suffer from a significant amount of uncorrected farsightedness are also at risk of developing Strabismus due to the extra focusing they must do in order to keep objects clear and not blurry. Some medical conditions such as down syndrome, cerebral palsy or even those who have gone through a stroke or even head injury can also cause strabismus. The cause of strabismus can vary, which is why it is important to get it checked out as soon as it is noticed in newborns and children.How long does it take for glasses to correct strabismus?Strabismus is mainly treated with glasses. In most cases, there is usually a follow-up after 6 weeks in children. However, it is important to note that glasses can only treat mild cases of strabismus. Strabismus can also be treated with the use of an eye patch for children with amblyopia. The patch helps the weaker eye become stronger, forcing it to use the muscles and help align the eyes, this patch is usually used for some time between 4 weeks, and a few months depending on the condition. Surgery on the eye muscles is the most compelling approach to dealing with Strabismus, even though it can take up to more than one surgery, it is the only way currently to boost vision and coordinate the eyes. The most important factor in treating strabismus is to handle the situation as soon as it is noticed. Usually, the sooner it is treated in younger children the higher the chances of correcting strabismus.

Strabismus, also known as crossed eye, is a medical disorder that affects eye alignment. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this condition.

Understanding Strabismus: Causes and Treatments

Strabismus

A Stye is an eye condition that causes a painful red lump on the corner of an eyelid. This condition is similar to acne, and generally only affects one eye at a time. A stye usually forms a tiny oil-producing gland in your eyelid skin or eyelash follicle, which becomes blocked causing the eye to be infected. The medical term for a stye is hordeolum. A stye is a very common eye condition and it should clear up by itself within a week or 2. A stye usually only occurs in one eye, but it’s possible to have a stye more than once.There are two types of stye conditions:<ul class="list-disc pl-6"><li py-2>An ‘external stye’ forms on the outside of your eyelid, either on the lower or upper parts. An external stye is the most commonly seen type of stye and is usually present due to an infection of your eyelash follicle.</li><li py-2>An ‘internal stye’ forms on your inner eyelids. An internal stye generally occurs because of an infection in the inner eyelid gland. This infection produces oils to help keep your eyelid moisturized and this is what causes an internal stye.</li></ul class="list-disc pl-6">Even though styes are common, not all eye infections are styes. It’s unlikely to be a a stye if you don’t have lump on your eye or eyelid. If your eyes are red and watery – conjunctivitis, blepharitis or another condition are more likely. If the lump is not painful but hard, it may be chalazion.Like other allergies, hay fever can be hereditary. This means you may develop hay fever if members of your family also have allergies. It is also common for people with asthma or eczema to develop hay fever. Hay fever may result in immune system attacks from a harmless and typical substance within the environment.

Discover all you need to know about styes, from the types to the causes and symptoms. Learn how to treat and prevent this pesky eye condition.

Don't Let a Stye Bug Your Eye: A Comprehensive Guide

Stye

Ultrasonic cleaning is a method of cleaning your eyewear products. Ultrasonic cleaning is especially designed for cleaning typical glasses frames. It usually needs to be done by the eye care professionals and they will remove the lenses from the glasses before starting to do the ultrasonic cleaning process. Automatic ultrasonic cleaners cam also be used at home. They generally contain a 0.5L or 0.8L of capacity for the cleaning solution. Ultrasonic cleaning machines usually have a timer display where you can choose the length of the cleaning process.

Keep your eyewear products sparkling clean with ultrasonic cleaning. Discover how this method works, who can do it, and the benefits it offers.

Eye Health