Why are tears important?

Tears have a more important job than we often realise. They are busy providing our eyes with natural nourishment and protection against irritants in the air. Did you know that tears are made up of water, oils and mucus to help with moisture, lubrication and the spreading of tears across our eyes? We experience dry eyes when our tear glands can’t produce tears quickly enough to maintain the protective coating that our eyes require to stay hydrated.

Causes of dry eye

• Environmental factors, such as dry windy weather, direct sunlight, smog or dust, and air conditioning or heating, and cigarette smoke
• The ageing process causes tear production to naturally decrease
• Our increased usage of digital devices means we are blinking less, and tears are not being spread across the surface of our eyes often enough
• Hormonal changes, contraceptive pills and other medications such as anti-histamines, diuretics and anti-anxiety pills – these can also trigger eye allergies.

Managing dry eye

Our optometrists have the most advanced diagnostic tools at their disposal to help them assess the health of your eyes. The type of treatment depends on the severity of your condition and is best assessed by one of our experienced optometrists. However tear supplements can help with mild dry eye and while they don’t offer a cure, they can give you some relief by effectively replacing tears.

Speak to one of our experienced optometrists to book a thorough 360° eye consultation today.

Find your nearest optometrist now

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What vision changes can I expect?

As we age, conditions like presbyopia make it more difficult to focus on objects up close, and find us needing glasses to do the things we used to do without.

You may also experience

• dry, itchy eyes as tear production drops
• more sensitivity to glare and bright light
• the need for better light when doing everyday tasks

Get tested early

The best safeguard against eye disease is prevention. Seeing the same optometrist over time means that even the smallest changes in your vision can be detected. This becomes especially important as we age because the symptoms of many eye diseases are often invisible until it is too late.

Our optometrists are passionate about helping you see clearly. Being independent means they have the most advanced diagnostic tools at their fingertips to use in the testing of your eyes.

Book a comprehensive 360° eye consultation with one of our optometrists to safeguard your vision for the future.

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Why is my vision changing?

As the lens in the eye loses flexibility with age, our ability to focus at short distances is compromised. Everyone experiences the onset of presbyopia differently, some suddenly, others gradually but no one is immune! These changes slow down again as we enter our early 60s. Until then it’s a good idea to see an optometrist every two years so that they monitor your eye health.

Managing the symptoms

As presbyopia develops you can expect to experience some of the following symptoms:

• Blurry vision when reading up close
• Difficulty concentrating when reading
• Tired or strained eyes when doing close tasks
• More apparent strain in low light
• Headaches

We know that experiencing sudden changes in your vision can be a stressful time. Our optometrists take great care to listen to any concerns you may have and recommend a highly tailored vision solution that you feel comfortable with. They also have access to the highest quality optical products from around the world to provide you with the clearest vision possible.

Don’t wait for your vision to change

Book a thorough eye examination with one of our experienced optometrists for an assessment of your eye health and vision needs.

Find your nearest optometrist now

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Sunscreen for your eyes

Research by the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation found that your eyes are 10 times more sensitive to UV than your skin.^ That’s why sunglasses are so much more than a fashion accessory. They’re essential in protecting our eyes from glare and damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays in the same way that sunscreen protects our skin. While the sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, too much exposure of UV radiation can contribute to eye conditions and diseases including cataracts, ptergium, and cancer of the skin around the eye.

Rain, hail or shine – UV eye protection is always eeded

Have you been thinking of sunglasses as a summer accessory? Think again. Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world, which means UV rays and dangerous glare can be just as harmful to your eyes through the cooler months of the year. That’s why year-round protection is essential to maintaining good eye health. Dangerous UV rays can hit your eyes as they reflect off wet surfaces, roads, pavements and snow.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, look out for wrap-around sunglasses with glare minimising polarisation that sit closer to your face, for maximum protection. Your local expert optometrist can advise you about the right pair depending on your lifestyle.

Kids & teens are most at risk

Did you know that children are more sensitive to UV than adults? We receive 80% of our lifetime’s exposure to UV before our 18th birthday, so developing good eyewear protection habits from a young age is vital. While the need to protect our skin from UV has been ingrained in us with the Slip Slop Slap campaign, research shows that only 32% of Australian children are protecting their eyes from harmful UV, as compared with 57% of Australian parents^.

Eyewear protection for the whole family

The good news is that the advanced eyewear technologies available to us today offer better protection than ever before. This includes polarised sunglasses for reduced glare and visual discomfort and the convenience of prescription sunglasses.

Our optometrists have access to the best products in UV eye protection from around the world. Speak to your local optometrist about the most appropriate UV protection options for you and your family.

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^World Health Organisation, Fact sheet No. 261, July 2001 ^‘Global Solar UV Index: Australian measurements, forecasts and comparison with the UK.’ Gies, Roy, Javorniczky, Henderson, Lemus-Deschamps and Driscoll, Photochem Photobiol, 2004. ^The Skin Cancer Foundation, Australia ^Childhood sun exposure as a risk factor for melanoma: a systematic review of epidemiologic studies. ^Whiteman, Whiteman and Green, Cancer Causes Control, 2001. ^‘Evaluation of the performance of photochromic spectacle lenses in children and adolescents aged 10 to 15 years’ – Lakkis and Weidemann, Clinical and Experimental Optometry, July 2006.

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Retinal Imaging 

Retinal imaging is a digital image taken of the retina, blood vessels and optic nerve located at the back of your eyes to assist in the early detection and management of certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes and hypertension. It is a painless test, no different to having your picture taken, and takes a few minutes to complete. It will provide your optometrist with not only a health assessment of your eye, but also a benchmark of what a normal image looks like for your eye in order to better detect any changes in the future. Retinal imaging is not currently covered by Medicare. The additional fee will be discussed with you beforehand.

OCT Scanning

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Scanning is used in the early detection and management of eye diseases. The OCT scan is so detailed that it has even been likened to an MRI of the eye. This scan allows your optometrist to see detailed images of the retina (the inner most layer of the interior eye), enabling them to accurately detect, monitor and control changes to the retina. This procedure is currently the only one that shows in-depth images of the eyes internal structures.  Other procedures only show the surface of these structures. The scan only takes minutes and the equipment never touches the eye so you will feel no discomfort.

Optomap Retinal Photography 

The Optomap takes an ultra-widefield view of the retina for the detection and management of common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and even cancer. Unlike traditional imaging methods, it captures a staggering 80% of your retina while traditional methods capture only 15%. The image of the retina is captured in only a quarter of a second! It’s just like having a picture taken. Dilation drops may be required.

Safeguard your eye health

Prevention is key when it comes to avoidable vision loss. If you’d like to learn more about how an advanced eye test can benefit you, get in touch with one of our expert optometrists.

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Don’t be blind to the risks

Did you know that 75% of vision loss can be prevented or treated with early detection?^ And although many people will wait until their eye sight deteriorates before having their eyes checked, many eye disease symptoms are invisible.

We urge you not to wait until you notice a deterioration. While we know that 1 million Australians have never had an eye examination, we also know that 50% of participants in a recent NEHS survey discovered an eye condition that they were unaware of prior to the survey.

Prevention is better than cure

The reality is that eye disease and changes to your vision can occur at any age.  The best safeguard against avoidable vision loss and blindness are comprehensive eye examinations, and thankfully, this is what our optometrists do best. Our optometrists take the time to understand your general health, eye health and vision needs to offer you a holistic eyecare plan.

Because we understand that seeing well means living well.

Don’t miss the big moments in your life.

Save your sight and book a comprehensive 360° eye consultation with one of our expert optometrists.

Find your nearest optometrist now

^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2011–12 National Health Survey (NHS); Line of Sight blueprint by Optometry Australia; Vision Australia; www.aihw.gov.au/hospitals/surgery-2010-11; www.visioneyeinstitute.com.au/article/facts-eye-health-australia/

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Holistic eyecare for your life

While many of us recognise the need for preventative dental and health check-ups with our local doctor, we’re generally less aware of the importance of regular eye testing. Many changes to our eye health take place gradually and often go unnoticed or without obvious symptoms. Having a holistic eyecare, 360° eye consultation regularly will ensure that even the smallest changes in your vision can be identified.

What can I expect?

Our optometrists do more than just test eyes. We break down the 360° eye consultation into 10 parts so that you see just how thorough and holistic it truly is.

Understanding You. A great eye care consultation starts with understanding you, your general health, eye health, vision needs and lifestyle.

Eye Health. We use the latest technology to examine the health of your eyes, check for eye disease, UV damage and other general health conditions.

Eye Focusing. We test the sharpness of your vision at multiple distances and your need for corrective eyewear.

Eye Coordination. We assess how well your eyes work together as a team. Misaligned eyes can be responsible for double vision, headaches and learning problems.

Eye Protection. We discuss your workplace and leisure eye safety needs including quality UV and glare protection.

Lens Advice. Lenses are not all created equal and whilst we love frames too, we believe that your lifestyle-specific lenses are key to delivering you the best vision possible.

Contact Lenses. We will provide preliminary advice on your contact lens eligibility now or in the future as part of a flexible eyewear solution.

Health & Lifestyle. Understanding the impact of diet and lifestyle on your eye health and vision is vital to maintaining lifelong vision.

Eye Medications. Where required we can arrange for medications to treat eye conditions or refer you for more specialised medical treatment.

Total Solution & Eyecare Plan. To finish we combine all these elements to provide your personalised eye care solution,  prescribe quality eyewear tailored to your lifestyle and explain all the benefits.

Find out what rebates and benefits are available to you here.

Experience a comprehensive 360° eye consultation today.

Our optometrists recommend having an eye test every two years regardless of your age and physical wellbeing. If you’re a contact lens wearer or diabetic, your optometrist will usually recommend that you return for an eye health review every 12 months. Click the button below to find your local expert optometrist and book an appointment now.

Find your nearest optometrist now

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