Will hobby glasses damage my vision?

Options for buying ready readers, or hobby glasses are infinite, from the chemist to the petrol station, supermarket and book shop. But are these harmful for your eyes?

No. Wearing off the shelf reading glasses is not harmful for your eyes or vision.

BUT what could be harmful is skipping full eye checks. These regular eye examinations are when we identify any early signs of problems which can effect your vision long term.

It may be that ready readers are absolutely fine and a good choice to help you see clearly for reading and other close up tasks. An eye examination can confirm this. We can demonstrate a personalised prescription and compare with off the shelf reading glasses so you can judge the difference yourself.

We have a great range of I Need You reading glasses, perfect if you don’t need individualized prescription glasses, or to have a spare pair, and the quality of the lenses is ensured.

Glaucoma Webinar Series

Glaucoma New Zealand now have a number of brilliant webinar and educational videos. They cover a wide range of topics, starting with the questions people wish they had asked at their appointments. Included are research updates, information on treatment and surgery, as well as lifestyle choices which may be helpful.

If you have glaucoma, or are on eye drops for eye pressure, or have a family member with glaucoma, or you simply want to learn more, check out the videos.

You can watch these on the Glaucoma New Zealand Website, or subscribe to the Glaucoma New Zealand YouTube channel.

Don't Ignore Eye Rubbing in Kids

Have you noticed your child rubbing their eyes a lot, especially when they’re tired, reading, or during allergy season? While it might seem harmless, frequent eye rubbing is something worth paying attention to.

There are many reasons our eyes can feel itchy, dry or irritated. Allergies, hay fever and dry eyes can all make us want to rub. Although it might feel good temporarily, rubbing can actually make things worse, particularly when allergies are involved. A better option is to use suitable lubricating or allergy eye drops, and you can gently apply a cool compress, such as a cool flannel, to help soothe irritated eyes.

Our eyelids and the delicate tissues around our eyes also have to last a lifetime! Regular, forceful rubbing can put unnecessary mechanical stress on the eyelids and the surface of the eye, so it’s a habit worth discouraging in children.

One condition we particularly watch out for is keratoconus. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) becomes thinner and bulges into a cone shape. This can affect vision over time. Frequent and vigorous eye rubbing is associated with keratoconus, particularly in people who are already predisposed to developing the condition. Children with allergies, hay fever, eczema or asthma may be more likely to rub their eyes, so it’s especially important to address the underlying itch and irritation.

If your child is rubbing their eyes regularly, it’s a good idea to bring them in for a comprehensive eye exam.  We can check their eye health, vision and corneal shape, and help identify whether allergies, dryness or another issue could be contributing. Early detection can make all the difference. 

So if you need any further encouragement see the video below of an MRI showing a violent knuckle rub to an eye. Dr Damien Gatinel, an ophthalmologist who looks after people with keratoconus studied eye rubbing using MRI imaging.

We’re here to support your family’s eye health. To book a comprehensive eye examination, call us on 09 425 9646 or book online through our website. 

– Emily, Optometrist

Myopia control lenses got smarter! MiyoSmart IQ

Hoya have recently released an update on their successful myopia control spectacle lens MiyoSmart. Called MiyoSmart IQ, the new lens builds on the success of MiyoSmart.

The global rise in myopia, commonly referred to as short sight, continues. Projections indicate that nearly half of the world’s population could be affected by 2050.

Optometrists have shifted our focus from simply prescribing glasses and contact lenses to improve vision. Now we have new lens and contact lens technology which reduce the risk of progression.

Progression means the strength of the prescription gets stronger as vision continues to worsen. This progression causes the eye to grow., called axial elongation. Occuring mainly during childhood and teen years, this is the key driver of future vision-threatening pathology.

We have been dispensing these MiyoSmart lenses for some years. There is strong evidence, from a two-year randomised controlled trial (RCT) showing these lenses are more effective than traditionally dispensed single-focus lenses. More effective at what? Slowing the progression of shortsightedness, with its associated eye lengthening.

Glasses remain one of the most accessible and widely accepted approaches for young children, which is why these lenses were revolutionary. The first study, and its follow up, showed a sustained treatment effect. So myopia did not progress.

These novel lenses have small dimples across, them, which are called DIMS - defocus incorporated multiple segments. The DIMS zone is in the periphery of the lens which is clear in the centre. The newer design has extended the zone and the intenisty of these DIMS.

Ask us for more information about myopia control and management.

Screen Time and Tired Eyes: What’s Going On?

With many of us spending hours each day on computers, phones, and tablets, symptoms of eye strain are becoming increasingly common. Tired, sore, dry, or blurry eyes after prolonged screen use are often signs of digital eye strain.

One of the main reasons this occurs is because our eyes must constantly focus at close distances when using screens. This focusing system, called the accommodation, relies on tiny muscles inside the eyes working continuously to keep near objects clear. The longer we spend focusing up close without breaks, the harder these muscles work. This can lead to headaches, sore eyes, blurred vision, difficulty refocusing into the distance, and visual fatigue.

Screen use also reduces how often we blink. Blinking spreads a healthy, and vital, tear film across the eye surface. When we are concentrating on digital devices our blink rate drops. This causes tears to evaporate more quickly and leading to dryness, irritation, burning, and fluctuating vision.

Children and teenagers are also experiencing increasing levels of visual strain due to prolonged near work and screen-based schoolwork.

Follow these simple habits to help reduce digital eye strain:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6metres) away for at least 20 seconds to allow your focusing system to relax.

• Position screens slightly below eye level to reduce ocular surface exposure and minimise dryness.

• Make a conscious effort to blink fully and regularly, as blink rate decreases significantly during screen use.

• Maintain appropriate working distances and posture: at least 40cm for handheld devices such as phones or books, and at least 70cm for laptops or desktop screens.

• Keep your spectacle prescription up to date, particularly if you spend long periods on screens, as small changes can significantly impact comfort.

• Use lubricating eye drops if dryness is contributing to discomfort or fluctuating vision.

Sometimes digital eye strain can also be linked to underlying focusing or binocular vision issues. A comprehensive eye examination will assess how well your eyes focus and work together. Glasses designed specifically for screen use may help improve comfort.

To book a comprehensive eye examination, call us on 09 425 9646 or book online through our website.

– Emily, Optometrist

Winter Dry Eyes - Advice from Emily

Dry eye symptoms commonly become worse during winter. This is due to a combination of environmental factors. Cold outdoor air contains less moisture. Indoors heaters, air conditioning, and heat pumps further reduce humidity levels. This all increases tear evaporation from the surface of the eyes.

You may notice increased dryness, irritation, fluctuating vision, redness, burning, or watery eyes during colder months. Extended screen use can also contribute; we tend to blink less frequently when concentrating, reducing the spread of healthy lubricating tears across the eye.

Consistency with dry eye treatment becomes important in Winter. Dry eye is typically a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Symptoms are easier to control when treatment is maintained regularly rather than only used during flare-ups.

My Winter Dry Eye Recommendations:

• Apply a warm compress for 2 minutes daily using a wheat bag or heated eye mask. Cover the wheat bag with a clean tissue or cloth to help minimise bacterial contamination. Follow with gentle eyelid massage to encourage the eyelid oil glands to release healthy oils into the tear film and reduce tear evaporation.

• Use lubricating eye drops consistently throughout the day. My preferred recommendations are Hylo-Fresh or Systane Complete for hydration and symptom relief, 2 to 3 drops per day is generally sufficient. 

• If your eyes feel particularly dry overnight or upon waking, use a lubricating ointment such as Poly-Visc or VitA-POS before bed for overnight protection.

• Try to avoid direct airflow from heaters, heat pumps, or air conditioning, as these can worsen tear evaporation.

• Remember that consistency is key. Regular daily treatment is far more effective than only treating during flare-ups.

You can purchase all of the products mentioned, including wheat bags, eye drops, and ointments, from us.  

We also offer in-clinic dry eye treatments, including Blephasteam. This can help improve eyelid oil gland function, giving additional relief for more persistent symptoms.

If dry eye symptoms are affecting your comfort or vision this winter, we can help tailor a management plan specific to your eyes and lifestyle. To book a dry eye assessment or treatment appointment, call us on 09 425 9646 or book online through our website.

– Emily, Optometrist

Blephasteam can give additional relief from dry eye.