Could your vision symptoms be a migraine?

It is common for optometrists to see people who are distressed by sudden changes in their vision, often out of the blue. The experience may include blind spots in vision, blurred patches or seeing black and white zig zag patterns, often in an arc shape. Scintillations, lights, kaleidescopic or prismatic effects are also common symptoms.

The typical duration of these visual effects is 20-30 minutes. Thankfully most of these symptoms will completely resolve within an hour.

A headache may follow or there may be some milder feelings of being ‘washed out’. If you experience these symptoms the vision changes will make you feel like taking a break, it is smart to rest or have a cup of tea to relax.

When we examine the inside of your eye, everything usually appears healthy and normal. We can conclude that these effects are not caused by a problem with your eye, and we make a tentative diagnosis of migraine based on listening carefully to the symptoms you describe.

For a more detailed description on how migraine auras occur, feel free to click this safe link for further information. https://migrainecanada.org/

What is a lazy eye?

“Lazy eye” is the common term for amblyopia, a condition where one eye does not develop normal vision during childhood. Despite the name, there’s nothing lazy about the eye itself – it’s actually a problem with how the brain and eye work together.

In amblyopia, the brain starts to favour one eye over the other. Over time, it pays less attention to the weaker eye, and vision in that eye doesn’t develop as it should. If left untreated, this reduced vision can become permanent.

What Causes Amblyopia?

Amblyopia usually develops in early childhood and can be caused by:

• A significant difference in prescription between the eyes (one eye may be much more long- or short-sighted than the other)

• An eye turn (strabismus), where the eyes are not aligned

• Anything that blocks clear vision in one eye during early life, such as a cataract or droopy eyelid

Because children often don’t realise they’re seeing poorly in one eye, amblyopia can easily go unnoticed without a proper eye examination.

The Role of Optometrists in Children’s Eye Care

Early detection is key. Optometrists play a crucial role in identifying and managing amblyopia, often well before parents notice any signs.

Management may include:

• Prescribing glasses to ensure each eye has the clearest vision possible

• Monitoring visual development over time

The good news is that amblyopia is most effectively treated in childhood, while the visual system is still developing. So eye examinations for children are important, even if there are no obvious concerns.

What About Amblyopia in Adults?

In adulthood, amblyopia is usually stable. While glasses can optimise vision, they cannot fully correct amblyopia once visual development is complete. This can be disappointing to hear, but there are still important reasons for ongoing eye care.

In amblyopia, there will be a ‘good eye’, which is delivering all the detail vision. This makes eye safety especially important. Protective eyewear for work, sport, and hobbies can help reduce the risk of injury to the better-seeing eye.

Routine eye examinations also remain essential to monitor overall eye health and detect conditions such as glaucoma or macular disease early.

In Summary

A lazy eye is not something to ignore. Early eye checks can make a lifelong difference, whether it’s identifying amblyopia in children or protecting vision in adulthood, regular eye care matters.

If you have concerns about your child’s vision – or your own – an eye examination is the best place to start.

Eye Tip from Emily

This Month’s Tip: What Happens in a Comprehensive Eye Exam

Many people think an eye exam is just about checking whether you need glasses, but there’s actually a lot more going on behind the scenes.

During a comprehensive eye exam, we don’t just assess how clearly you can see. We carefully examine the health of your eyes, including the front surface, internal structures, eye pressure, and the back of the eye (the retina and optic nerve). These checks help us detect early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eye,  often before you notice any symptoms.

We also assess how your eyes work together, how well they focus, and whether your current glasses or contact lenses are still meeting your needs.

Even if your vision feels “fine,” regular eye exams are important. Many eye conditions develop slowly and silently, and early detection can make a big difference in preserving long-term eye health.

If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, we’d love to see you — your eyes will thank you.

– Emily Kamimura, Optometrist

Is it time for Prescription Sunglasses?

With the summer weather we are drawn outdoors.

Are you finding the bright sun and glare tiring?

Is it time for some changes to your sunglasses?

Do you now wear your prescription glasses all the time having abandoned sunglasses a while back?

Do you just have reading glasses but now want to read outside?

Is it time for prescription sunglasses?

Talk to us about your options. Prescription glasses can be a game changer. Combine clear vision with glare and UV protection.

If you don’t use prescription glasses for driving and general vision, look at our great range of Maui Jim Sunglasses with a built in, hidden bifocal. These lenses are available across a wide range of styles.

Sharing our experience wearing Progressive Lenses

Here at McDonald Adams we have a team who have successfully worn progressive lenses. Read our comments and advice.

Shannon: I wore glasses when I was younger, had LASIK, and eventually needed glasses again. Progressive lenses have made that transition incredibly easy. I love that one pair does everything—reading, computer work, and distance.

Sally: Settle your glasses down on top of your ears and nose, this way you will be getting the best vision through your progressive lenses. Remember to look straight ahead for far away, then just drop your eyes (not your chin) to look down for reading. Practice in front of TV with an easy book in your lap for your first evening or two.

Claire: A quick check revealed I have now tried 22 different progressive lens designs! These range from fully customised lenses through to the most widely prescribed progressive designs. While every person’s experience is unique, I can honestly say I don’t notice that I am wearing progressives. The field of vision is so good now that there is no apparent blur to the side at any distance.

Emmaleen: Progressives are easy. I have a favourite pair for driving. At work with the desktop computer I use a pair of ‘indoor’ progressives, which give me a bigger field of vision on the screen.

Myself Profile Detail is the perfect progressive lens for office use.

Should I go to my GP or see my Optometrist?

A common question — and an important one. Think of it this way: your GP is a general practitioner, and an optometrist is an eye practitioner. If it’s about your eyes, you’ll usually be best starting with us.

Why see an optometrist first?

We often see people who’ve gone to their GP with an eye concern, only to be referred on to us anyway. There’s an (unfortunate) misconception that optometrists are all about glasses. While helping you find the right prescription is part of what we do, it’s usually only about 20–30% of your appointment.

The rest of the time is focused on the health of your eyes — checking what’s happening now, picking up early signs of problems, and making sure your vision is supported long-term.

When to see whom?

Here’s a simple guide:

• Red eye: Optometrist

• Something in your eye: Optometrist

• Tired or achy eyes: Optometrist

• Black spots or floaters in your vision: Optometrist

• Dry / itchy / burning / teary eyes: Optometrist

• Anything to do with your eyes: Optometrist

What we can do for you

It’s not that your GP doesn’t know about eyes — they do. But optometrists are specialised in eye health, and we have:

• Advanced equipment to assess what’s going on accurately

• Training to diagnose and manage eye conditions early

• Qualifications to prescribe appropriate medications (usually eye drops) when needed — meaning you don’t have to visit your GP just to get a prescription

• The ability to refer directly to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) if that’s required

Our aim is to manage things correctly from the start, so you get the right care and the best results sooner.

If you’ve got an eye problem, bring it to us first. You can book online or phone the practice to make an appointment.

Emily Kamimura - Optometrist