Value Your Eyes eBook - May 2023

OPTOMETRIST, OPTICIAN OPHTHALMOLOGIST OR OCULARIST...

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Whilst Value Your Eyes makes every effort to report news accurately, expressions of opinion, validity of news claims and statements of supposed facts do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor nor do the editor or the publisher accept any responsibility for these and or advertising placed within the magazine. Material submitted for publication is the view of the originator and responsibility for the content consequently resides with the author/s. The publisher will furthermore not accept any responsibility for errors and omissions appearing within.

From the Editor

Only 14,6% (SA Statistics) of South Africans wear a visual correction of some sort. The incidence of refractive errors globally is widely considered to be more than fifty percent, which makes South Africa’s number a shocking statistic.

The tendency exists that we only go for an eye examination when something is wrong with our vision. The truth is, that there are ocular diseases that are asymptomatic but can cause permanent damage to our eyes if not diagnosed early. Regular eye examinations are therefore key to the early diagnosis of ocular pathology and visual disorders.

Several factors could contribute to the reason why so few people wear glasses, such as accessibility, affordability, and unemployment, but the one we can do something about is awareness. We have created the Value Your Eyes eBook, to educate our public about the importance of eye care.

chris@realvision.co.za

The Value Your Eyes, eBook, is a bi-monthly publication, that is distributed free of charge to millions of South Africans using digital platforms. Please help us by sharing with your networks.

CHRIS FAUL Editor

Go to www.valueyoureyes.co.za to register and receive your free copy in your mailbox.

your ocular health

Why eye examinations & are important

-Ed

Acomprehensive eye examination is a farreaching exercise that goes beyond prescribing spectacles to make you see better. There are many other visual disorders that can affect one’s performance in sport, work and studies. The fact that an ocular anomaly exists is not always obvious, but an optometrist will conduct a battery of tests that will identify any abnormalities.

Eye Examinations for Eye Health

Many vision threatening eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy have no, or minimal symptoms until the disease has progressed. Once damage had been done, it is irreversible. Early diagnosis can therefore not be overemphasised. Your Eye Care Professional can pick up very early signs of these diseases. Treatment can be very successful provided an early diagnosis is made.

Annual Eye Examinations

Yes, you must have an eye exam each and every year. Early diagnosis of eye disorders and disease is vital. Should you develop problems such as red eyes, eye allergies, dry eyes, eye swelling, eye pain, always seek an optometrist as your first port of call since they will be able to deal with the problem or refer to an ophthalmologist if necessary.

Eye Examinations and Children

Kids often don’t know that the vision they have is abnormal. Instead they may become frustrated because they are not coping on various levels in the classroom. When there are developmental delays or problems at school, the first consideration should be an underlying vision problem. Reading, motor development, and many other skills are dependent upon good vision, but also focussing ability, teaming of the eyes and eye movements. Many conditions are much easier to treat when they are caught early while the eyes are still developing, so it is important to diagnose any eye health and vision issues as early as possible.

Eye Examinations Over 40

Just like grey hair and wrinkles, the focussing ability in our eyes deteriorate with age. When this happens, our near

vision becomes blurry. This is called presbyopia. As we age, at some point everybody will need some type of visual correction. The incidence of ocular disease also increases with age. This underpins the importance of regular eye exams in the over-forty age group.

Eye Exams can identify health problems

An Eye Care Professional, will closely scrutinise your retina during every comprehensive eye examination. The condition of blood vessels in the retina can indicate serious health problems.

Below are ocular signs, often first picked up by an optometrist, which may be indicative of health issues.

• Diabetic retinopathy is identified by blood vessels in the retina of the eyes leaking blood or yellow fluid.

• Glaucoma can be diagnosed by distinct abnormalities of the optic nerve cupping where it enters the eye, as well as with very sophisticated equipment readings these days.

• Abnormalities in blood vessels in the eye may identify high blood pressure.

• A yellow tint or ring around the cornea, common in older people, may suggests high cholesterol in younger folk.

• Bulging or protruding eyeballs, may be a sign of thyroid problems.

• Eye inflammation can be a sign of an autoimmune disorder such as lupus.

• Unusual eye structure can be a sign of ocular melanoma (eye cancer), and close observation of the eyelids can detect basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer).

• Pupil shape, size or reaction to light may indicate neurological disorders.

• Irregular shaped pupils or droopy eyelids could signify a neck tumour or an aneurism.

• Poor vision should not be the only indicator for an eye examination. Early diagnosis, and therefore regular eye examinations are imperative.

Bell’s palsy?

What is -Ed

What is Bell’s palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a temporary weakness or paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve, which is also called the facial nerve. The facial nerve extends from the base of the brain to the side of the face, where its fibres spread out and control the muscles of facial expression. The facial nerve also controls movements of the eyelids and forehead and conveys taste sensations from the anterior twothirds of the tongue.

Bell’s palsy typically occurs suddenly and without warning. Bell’s palsy affects 23 people per 100,000 population per year or about 1 in 60 to 70 people in a lifetime. It affects women and men equally and is most likely to occur between the ages of 10 and 40 years.

What causes Bell’s palsy?

The cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown, but the condition has been associated with certain viruses such as herpes simplex (viral infection) and herpes zoster (shingles). Other risk factors that have been suggested include diabetes and Lyme disease (Lyme disease, is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium named Borrelia spread by ticks.)

Bell’s palsy signs and symptoms

The primary signs and symptoms of Bell’s palsy are a droopy appearance of the face and mouth that affects just one half of the face.

Additional Bell’s palsy symptoms may include:

• Pain in or behind the ear

• Numbness of the affected side of the face

• Increased sensitivity to sounds (hyperacusis)

• Altered taste on half of the front part of the tongue

• Inability to fully close the eyelids of one eye (often causing dry eye)

The facial symptoms of Bell’s palsy may look similar to those of a stroke. But in Bell’s palsy, no other neurological signs or symptoms are present. Bell’s palsy symptoms typically are temporary, with most people experiencing a noticeable lessening of symptoms within three weeks. However full recovery can take up to six months, and up to twentynine percent of people affected will have some degree of permanent Bell’s palsy symptoms.

How does Bell’s palsy affect the eyes?

Most people with Bell’s palsy are unable to blink on the affected side of the face. Also, the lower eyelid of that eye may turn outward (a condition called ectropion). Because the muscle that opens the eye is controlled by a different cranial nerve, you can easily open the affected eye but may not be able to close it fully.

As a result, most people with Bell’s palsy suffer from an extreme form of dry eye syndrome known as exposure keratitis. If you have been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy or are experiencing symptoms of Bell’s palsy, see an ophthalmologist to assess if your eyes are being affected by the condition.

Bell’s palsy treatment

Treatments that may be recommended for Bell’s palsy, include corticosteroid medications or antiviral drugs. However, analysis of several studies found that these medications often do not resolve Bell’s palsy symptoms or prevent permanent effects from the condition any better than a placebo treatment.

To prevent serious dry eye from Bell’s palsy, frequent use of artificial tears and ocular lubricants are highly recommended, including the use of long-acting lubricating ointment at bedtime.

Failing to keep your eyes well-lubricated if you have Bell’s palsy symptoms can result in significant eye discomfort. Dry eyes leading to a corneal ulcer can cause permanent vision loss.

In some cases, the affected eyelid must be taped shut at bedtime to prevent the eye from remaining open and drying out while you sleep.

If you or a family member are experiencing symptoms of Bell’s palsy, consult an ophthalmologist immediately for dry eye evaluation and treatment.

Angela Jolie has publicly declared that she has Bell’s Palsy. Note the slightly drooping left eye and loss of the nasolabial fold on the left side.

Photochromic lenses: How they work

Photochromic lenses are spectacle lenses that are clear (or nearly clear) indoors and darken automatically when exposed to sunlight. Other terms sometimes used for photochromic lenses include “light-adaptive lenses,” “light intelligent” and “variable tint lenses.”

The most popular brand of photochromic lenses sold worldwide is Transitions Lenses. Because of this, some people, including some Eye Care Practitioners refer to photochromic lenses as “transition lenses.” But there are other brands of photochromic lenses available as well. Contact lenses are also available with photochromic technology. Johnson &

Johnson

How photochromic lenses work

Tiny molecules of silver halide and chloride are embedded within a photochromic lens, which is invisible and clear until exposed to sunlight/UV rays. A chemical process takes place when exposed to sunlight/UV and the molecules effectively move, change shape and absorb the light. This process changes the molecules and they darken to a sunglasses tint.

teamed up with Transitions Optical to develop Acuvue Oasys with Transitions, the first light-adaptive contact lens.

The photochromic lens will remain in this ‘darkened’ sunglasses state whilst exposed to sunlight/UV and the molecules will reverse the process once the lenses are removed from the sunlight/UV rays returning to the original ‘transparent/ clear’ lens.

Photochromic lenses typically will not darken inside a vehicle because the windshield glass blocks most UV rays. Recent advancements in technology allow some photochromic lenses to activate with both UV and visible light, providing some darkening behind the windshield. Fixed tint sunglasses will al] ways be better for driving.

Photochromic lenses are available in nearly all lens materials and designs, including high-index lenses, bifocals, and multifocal lenses. An added benefit of photochromic lenses is that they shield your eyes from 100 percent of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Because a person’s lifetime exposure to sunlight and UV radiation has been associated with cataracts later in life, it’s a good idea to consider photochromic lenses for children’s eyewear as well as for adults. Polycarbonate is the safest lens material for kids, providing up to 10 times the impact resistance of other lens materials.

Adding an anti-reflective coating to photochromic lenses enhances their performance even further. AR coating allows more light to pass through photochromic lenses for sharper vision in low-light conditions (such as driving at night) and eliminates bothersome reflections of sunlight and other light from the backside of the lenses in bright conditions.

Though photochromic lenses cost more than clear lenses, they offer the convenience of reducing the need to carry a pair of prescription sunglasses with you everywhere you go.

“Because a person’s lifetime exposure to sunlight and UV radiation has been associated with cataracts later in life, it’s a good idea to consider photochromic lenses for children’s eyewear as well as for adults.”

FAQ: Cataracts and Cataract Surgery

Dr Clive Novis

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a cloudiness of the eye’s natural lens, which lies directly behind the pupil.

What causes cataracts?

The lens is mostly made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.

No one knows for sure why the eye’s lens changes as we age, forming cataracts. Besides advancing age, cataracts can also be caused by injury, chronic diseases and prolonged use of corticosteroid medication and smoking.

Can Cataracts Cause Blindness?

Yes - if left untreated, cataracts cause continual loss of vision, eventually leading to legal blindness or even total blindness.

Visual outcomes of modern cataract surgery are so good that a person who was legally blind prior to surgery often is able to see well enough to drive without eyeglasses after cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

When should cataract surgery be considered?

For best results from cataract surgery, it’s generally recommended to have the surgery performed before the cataract causes low vision or legal blindness. Advanced cataracts that cause severe vision loss are more difficult to remove and increase the risk of cataract surgery complications.

Are cataracts found only in older people?

Most cataracts develop slowly over time and affect people over age 50. About half of the U.S. population has a cataract by age 65, and nearly everyone over age 75 has at least a mild cataract in one or both eyes. In rare cases, infants can have congenital cataracts. These usually are related to the mother having German measles, chickenpox, or another infectious disease during pregnancy; but sometimes they are inherited.

My doctor says I have a cataract, but he wants to wait a while before removing it. Why?

Mild cataracts often cause little or no vision problems. Your doctor is probably monitoring your cataract to see if it worsens and more significantly affects your vision or lifestyle before recommending surgery. Some cataracts never reach the stage where they need to be removed. But if your cataract worsens and you begin to have trouble seeing clearly for driving and other everyday tasks, it’s probably time to consider cataract surgery.

Is cataract surgery serious?

All surgery involves some risk. However, cataract surgery carries a very low risk and is one of the most rewarding and commonly performed surgical procedures.

How is a cataract removed?

A small incision is made in the front surface of the eye with a scalpel or diamond blade. A circular hole is then cut in the front of the thin membrane (anterior capsule) that encloses the eye’s natural lens. Typically the lens is then broken into smaller pieces with an ultrasonic device so it can be more easily removed from the eye. Once the entire lens is removed, it is replaced with a clear implant called an intraocular lens (IOL) to restore vision. In most cases, the eye heals quickly after surgery without stitches.

What is a “secondary cataract”?

In a minority of cases (perhaps 20 to 30 percent), months or years after cataract surgery, the posterior portion of the lens capsule that is left inside the eye during surgery for safety reasons becomes hazy, causing vision

to again become blurred. This “secondary cataract” (also called posterior capsular opacification) usually can be easily treated with a less invasive follow-up procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy. In most cases, this 15-minute procedure effectively restores clear vision.

My grandfather had cataract surgery years ago, and he had to wear thick glasses afterward. Is this still necessary?

Rarely does anyone have to wear thick, heavy spectacles after cataract surgery these days. Most modern cataract procedures replace your eye’s natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) that often can correct your distance vision to 20/20. In many cases, your cataract surgeon can choose an IOL that will provide functional vision without any spectacles at all except perhaps for reading glasses.

What are the possible side effects of cataract surgery?

As with any surgery, pain, infection, swelling and bleeding are possible, but very few people experience serious cataract surgery complications. In most cases, complications or side effects from the procedure can be successfully managed with medication or a follow-up procedure. To reduce your risk for problems after cataract surgery, be sure to follow the instructions your surgeon gives you and report any unusual symptoms immediately.

Are you awake during cataract surgery?

Most cases are done under local anaesthesia so, typically you are awake during cataract surgery. This eliminates risks associated with general anaesthesia (being “put to sleep”) and enables your cataract surgeon to communicate with you during your procedure. If the idea of being awake during cataract surgery concerns you, fear not — you will be given oral medication before the procedure so you are fully relaxed and feel no discomfort. You also may be given (or offered the choice of receiving) intravenous (IV) medication to help you remain calm and comfortable throughout the procedure.

The medication typically makes it difficult for most patients to remember their experience in the surgical suite after the brief 15 to 20-minute procedure has been completed and they are in the recovery area. Some cases need to be done under full general anaesthesia and with modern anaesthetics this is very safe too.

Within a short period of time after your procedure, you will be able to leave the surgery centre, but you should not drive after surgery. You should have someone with you to drive you home.

Can cataract surgery be performed on both eyes at the same time?

If you have cataracts in both eyes, surgery typically is performed on one eye, and then a few days or a few weeks later, it’s performed on the second eye. This approach allows the first eye to recover and your vision in that eye to stabilise before surgery is performed on the fellow eye. That said, modern cataract surgery is very safe and effective, and the rate of cataract complications is very low. This has led to some surgeons to begin offering simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery (SBCS) — in other words, cataract surgery performed on both eyes on the same day.

Cataract surgeons who support the idea of SBCS point out that a significant percentage of cataract surgeries in some European countries are performed in this fashion with no increased rate of complications. Also, advantages of same-day cataract surgery on both eyes include lower costs, fewer office visits, faster recovery of binocular vision for driving and other critical tasks, and a quicker return to normal living.

“Within a short period of time after your procedure, you will be able to leave the surgery centre, but you should not drive after surgery. You should have someone with you to drive you home. ”

Model: Oregon

Daleen Slabbert – consults to the optometric industry. Her services include: new practice set-up, implementing practice systems, implementing financial check points, staff training, implementing marketing strategies, human resources management, motivating staff, etc. She has amassed an incredible library of information and has vast experience in the running of high performance optometric practices. Daleen offers an on-site service, where she will be at the fore front of implementation of her systems. She has also developed an outstanding online course for optometric staff.

Tel: 082 557 1418

email: dslabbert@mweb.co.za

www.daleenslabbert.co.za

Spectacle Frame Alignment

Acomfortable fitting spectacle frame defines ultimate customer satisfaction. The process starts with selecting a frame with adequate dimensions, which will allow manipulation and adjustments, once the lenses have been fitted. Nobody’s head or face is exactly symmetrical, and each individual has unique features, which will impact on how a spectacle frame sits on the face. Ears are usually not positioned exactly at the same height. One ear may be higher or lower than the other. The bridge of the nose may be relatively high or low in relation to the eyes. A head may require very long temples (side pieces) or very short ones. The position of the ear, where the temple sits in relation to the place where the frame sits on the nose, can hugely influence the fit and optics of spectacles. It’s very important that the optical dispenser takes note of all these features and selects a frame that can be fitted to overcome them.

What is the right frame choice?

There are three basic requirements in frame selections that must be met.

THE OPTICS

The frame dimensions and how it sits on the face, can impact directly on the functional outcome of the optical prescription. For instance, with multi focals, there has to be enough space (depth) below the eyes to allow for the reading section. It is the responsibility of the optometrist or the optical dispenser, to guide you, the customer, in this regard. It would be wrong to over-rule their advice in this regard because of your cosmetic demands.

“The position of the ear, where the temple sits in relation to the place where the frame sits on the nose, can hugely influence the fit and optics of spectacles. ”

Acomfortable fitting spectacle frame defines ultimate customer satisfaction. The process starts with selecting a frame with adequate dimensions, which will allow manipulation and adjustments, once the lenses have been fitted. Nobody’s head or face is exactly symmetrical, and each individual has unique features, which will impact on how a spectacle frame sits on the face. Ears are usually not positioned exactly at the same height. One ear may be higher or lower than the other. The bridge of the nose may be relatively high or low in relation to the eyes. A head may require very long temples (side pieces) or very short ones. The position of the ear, where the temple sits in relation to the place where the frame sits on the nose, can hugely influence the fit and optics of spectacles. It’s very important that the optical dispenser takes note of all these features and selects a frame that can be fitted to overcome them.

What is the right frame choice?

There are three basic requirements in frame selections that must be met.

THE OPTICS

The frame dimensions and how it sits on the face, can impact directly on the functional outcome of the optical prescription. For instance, with multi focals, there has to be enough space (depth) below the eyes to allow for the reading section. It is the responsibility of the optometrist or the optical dispenser, to guide you, the customer, in this regard. It would be wrong to over-rule their advice in this regard because of your cosmetic demands.

THE COMFORT

Again, it is the duty of the optical dispenser to ensure that the end product will be comfortable. The power of the prescription, the lens material chosen, as well as the lens design can affect the shape and fit of the frame on the face. The dispenser must pre-empt the effect of these factors but must also take into account the anatomy of the head and face, as well as the unique facial features of the patient, when choosing a frame. Once the lenses have been cut and fitted into the frame, it will feel and perform differently. The person assisting you, must ensure that the design of the frame, its dimensions and the material it is made of will allow for it to be fitted to your face once the lenses have been fitted.

THE LOOK

The cosmetic component of your spectacles is vitally important, and this is where you have all the say. However, the choice of frame on the basis of the look, cannot over-rule the factors mentioned above. All three of these conditions must be met.

It is important to take your time and to feel good about the choice you make. There should be no room for uncertainty. With today’s technology, one has the luxury of calling on a spouse or family and friends, by sending a photograph for a quick opinion.

Fitting the frame onto the face

There is more to it than meets the eye. Here are six routine steps the optical dispenser will work through during the fitting process.

1. FRONT VIEW

Look for horizontal tilt. This can be corrected by angling the temples (side pieces) up or down.

2. TOP VIEW

Both sides must be the same distance from the eyes (eye brows not always symmetrical) You want a gentle curve around the face – not straight or a negative curve. The specs must not fit too far out from the eyes (vertex distance). Apart from looking funny, it can affect your vision. It must not be too close so that your lashes will touch the lenses.

Incorrect - Retroscopic angle and uneven vertex distance

3. SIDE VIEW

Correct- Correct Pantoscopic angle and even vertex distance

Pantoscopic angle. This angle is determined by the point where the temples rest on the ears and the top of the bridge of the nose. An incorrect pantoscopic angle, can adversely affect vision. An incorrect angle as seen above in Fig.11, will also make the glasses look funny on the face.

6. THE BRIDGE

Nose pads must be aligned to fit flush with the nose. There are three angles to consider when adjusting nose pads: The frontal, splay and vertical angles. Both nose pads should look symmetrical, unless the patient has some asymmetry such as a broken nose and should be equidistant from the frame.

TEMPLE WRAP: Soft Hugging curve

4. TEMPLE WRAP

NARROW FRONT: Excessive Bowing

WIDE FRONT: Negative Inward Curve

The temple wrap must not apply any unwanted pressure on the wearer’s temples. A temple wrap that is too narrow will push the frame forward to slide down the wearer’s nose (it is like squeezing a pea between your fingers). This will produce indentations on the wearer’s temples. A temple wrap that is too wide will also cause a frame to constantly slide down the nose.

too far back

5. TEMPLE LENGTH AND TEMPLE CURL

This curl should follow the contour behind the ear and is vital in keeping the specs firmly, but comfortable on the face. This should not be a sharp “hockey stick” bend.

Finally

It is not uncommon to experience some pressure points of discomfort shortly after getting your new specs. This is part of the settling in period and a follow-up alignment will usually sort this out.

Spectacle frames will not maintain their shape indefinitely. All spectacle wearers should be in the habit of having their frames re-aligned from time to time. As a rule, optometrists will provide this service free of charge and no appointment is required.

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Computer Glasses

Computer Glasses

considered the intermediate zone of vision — closer than driving (distance) vision, but further away than reading (near) vision. Without the appropriate eyewear, computer users can often end up with blurred vision, eyestrain, and headaches — the hallmark symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS). Worse still, many people try to compensate for their blurred vision by leaning forward, or by tipping their head to look through the bottom portion of their spectacles. These unnatural postures can lead to headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and backaches.

computer vision syndrome (CVS). Worse still, many people try to compensate for their blurred vision by leaning forward, or by tipping their head to look through the bottom portion of their spectacles. These unnatural postures can lead to headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and backaches.

The simplest computer glasses have single vision lenses with a modified lens power prescribed to give the most comfortable vision at the user’s computer screen. These lenses reduce the amount of focusing the eyes have to do to keep images on the computer screen clear and provide the largest field of view, reducing the need for head tilting and other unnatural posture changes during computer work.

computer vision syndrome (CVS). Worse still, many people try to compensate for their blurred vision by leaning forward, or by tipping their head to look through the bottom portion of their spectacles. These unnatural postures can lead to headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and backaches.

The simplest computer glasses have single vision lenses with a modified lens power prescribed to give the most comfortable vision at the user’s computer screen. These lenses reduce the amount of focusing the eyes have to do to keep images on the computer screen clear and provide the largest field of view, reducing the need for head tilting and other unnatural posture changes during computer work.

When you work at a computer for any length of time, it is common to experience eyestrain, blurred vision and other symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS). Viewing computer-generated print and images on a screen or monitor for prolonged periods is harder on the eyes than viewing a similar amount of material on the printed pages of a book or magazine. If your eyes feel strained after prolonged computer use you should schedule a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause. If you’re under age forty, blurred vision during computer use may be due to your eyes being unable to remain accurately focused on your screen for sustained periods. Or you may have a hard time quickly and accurately changing focus, such as when you shift your gaze from your monitor to your keyboard and back again. This problem, called lag of accommodation, can cause eyestrain and headaches — two common symptoms of CVS.

hen you work at a computer for any length of time, it is common to experience eyestrain, blurred vision and other symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS). Viewing computer-generated print and images on a screen or monitor for prolonged periods is harder on the eyes than viewing a similar amount of material on the printed pages of a book or magazine. If your eyes feel strained after prolonged computer use you should schedule a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause. If you’re under age forty, blurred vision during computer use may be due to your eyes being unable to remain accurately focused on your screen for sustained periods. Or you may have a hard time quickly and accurately changing focus, such as when you shift your gaze from your monitor to your keyboard and back again. This problem, called lag of accommodation, can cause eyestrain and headaches — two common symptoms of CVS.

If you’re over age forty, the onset of presbyopia (the normal age-related loss of near focusing ability), can make focusing on a computer screen even more difficult, increasing eyestrain, headaches and eye fatigue. Customised computer spectacles can make a world of difference. These special-purpose spectacles are prescribed specifically to reduce eyestrain and give you the most comfortable vision at your computer. Spectacles prescribed for general-purpose wearing are often not well-suited for prolonged computer work.

WWhen you work at a computer for any length of time, it is common to experience eyestrain, blurred vision and other symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS). Viewing computer-generated print and images on a screen or monitor for prolonged periods is harder on the eyes than viewing a similar amount of material on the printed pages of a book or magazine. If your eyes feel strained after prolonged computer use you should schedule a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause. If you’re under age forty, blurred vision during computer use may be due to your eyes being unable to remain accurately focused on your screen for sustained periods. Or you may have a hard time quickly and accurately changing focus, such as when you shift your gaze from your monitor to your keyboard and back again. This problem, called lag of accommodation, can cause eyestrain and headaches - two common symptoms of CVS.

If you’re over age forty, the onset of presbyopia (the normal age-related loss of near focusing ability), can make focusing on a computer screen even more difficult, increasing eyestrain, headaches and eye fatigue. Customised computer spectacles can make a world of difference. These special-purpose spectacles are prescribed specifically to reduce eyestrain and give you the most comfortable vision at your computer. Spectacles prescribed for general-purpose wearing are often not well-suited for prolonged computer work.

The simplest computer glasses have single vision lenses with a modified lens power prescribed to give the most comfortable vision at the user’s computer screen. These lenses reduce the amount of focusing the eyes have to do to keep images on the computer screen clear and provide the largest field of view, reducing the need for head tilting and other unnatural posture changes during computer work.

For older computer users, a specially designed occupational multi focal lens for computer use is sometimes a better option. The top part is made to focus at fifty-five cms (screen) while the bottom part is made to focus at forty cms (key board). Spectacles designed for computer use are generally not suitable for distance needs, such as driving.

Digital Devices

For older computer users, a specially designed occupational multi focal lens for computer use is sometimes a better option. The top part is made to focus at fifty-five cms (screen) while the bottom part is made to focus at forty cms (key board). Spectacles designed for computer use are generally not suitable for distance needs, such as driving.

For older computer users, a specially designed occupational multi focal lens for computer use is sometimes a better option. The top part is made to focus at fifty-five cms (screen) while the bottom part is made to focus at forty cms (key board). Spectacles designed for computer use are generally not suitable for distance needs, such as driving.

These include cell phones, Ipads and Laptops. These devices are, as a rule, held much closer than the normal working distance, considered to be forty centimetres. They also emit blue light, which is considered dangerous in high doses over time. There are a number of special purpose lens designs that work well for use with digital devices, such as Hoya’s Sync III and Zeiss’ DigiLens.

Digital Devices

Digital Devices

Your optometrist can help you decide which lens design will best suit your needs.

These include cell phones, Ipads and Laptops. These devices are, as a rule, held much closer than the normal working distance, considered to be forty centimetres. They also emit blue light, which is considered dangerous in high doses over time. There are a number of special purpose lens designs that work well for use with digital devices, such as Hoya’s Sync III and Zeiss’ DigiLens.

These include cell phones, Ipads and Laptops. These devices are, as a rule, held much closer than the normal working distance, considered to be forty centimetres. They also emit blue light, which is considered dangerous in high doses over time. There are a number of special purpose lens designs that work well for use with digital devices, such as Hoya’s Sync III and Zeiss’ DigiLens.

When working at a computer, your eyes are generally fifty to sixty cms from your computer screen. This distance is considered the intermediate zone of vision — closer than driving (distance) vision, but further away than reading (near) vision.

Without the appropriate eyewear, computer users can often end up with blurred vision, eyestrain, and headaches — the hallmark symptoms of

When working at a computer, your eyes are generally fifty to sixty cms from your computer screen. This distance is considered the intermediate zone of vision — closer than driving (distance) vision, but further away than reading (near) vision.

If you’re over age forty, the onset of presbyopia (the normal age-related loss of near focusing ability), can make focusing on a computer screen even more difficult, increasing eyestrain, headaches and eye fatigue.Customised computer spectacles can make a world of difference. These specialpurpose spectacles are prescribed specifically to reduce eyestrain and give you the most comfortable vision at your computer. Spectacles prescribed for general-purpose wearing are often not well-suited for prolonged computer work.

Your optometrist can help you decide which lens design will best suit your needs.

Your optometrist can help you decide which lens design will best suit your needs.

Without the appropriate eyewear, computer users can often end up with blurred vision, eyestrain, and headaches — the hallmark symptoms of

When working at a computer, your eyes are generally fifty to sixty cms from your computer screen. This distance is

“Viewing computer-generated print and images on a screen or monitor for prolonged periods is harder on the eyes than viewing a similar amount of material on the printed pages of a book or magazine.”

“Viewing computer-generated print and images on a screen or monitor for prolonged periods is harder on the eyes than viewing a similar amount of material on the printed pages of a book or magazine.”

One pair of spectacles cannot fulfil all visual functions

This is perhaps the most profound statement that can be made about spectacles. Before I elaborate on this statement, let’s take a moment to marvel about our amazing eyes. The retina, which sits at the back of the eye, is a thin layer of tissue that contains millions of tiny light-sensing nerve cells. These nerve cells are called rods and cones because of their distinct shapes, and are primarily responsible for detecting light. They send signals to the brain through retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) so the brain can form our perception of images. But our eyes do more than help create images of our surroundings. Our pupils respond to light intensity, constricting in bright light to reduce the amount of light entering the eye, and dilating when it’s darker to let more light in. Situated behind the pupil is a colourless, transparent structure called the crystalline lens. Ciliary muscles surround this lens. The muscles hold the lens in place, but they also play an important role in vision.

When the muscles relax, they pull on and flatten the lens, allowing the eye to see objects that are far away. To see closer objects clearly, the ciliary muscle must contract in order to thicken the lens.

Put like that, the function of the lens doesn’t sound that exciting, but consider it like this: Every time a young eye (under 40 yrs) looks at a different distance, from one object to another, everything remains in focus. Every time you look at a different distance the lens has changed shape a lightning fast speed by exactly the right amount of change in its curvature to keep everything in focus. You can’t catch it out because it changes so incredibly fast. An amazing piece of equipment.

Visual optics is an exact science. Any optical lens will focus light at a particular distance, which is determined by the curvature of the lens, as well as the refractive index (bending power) of the lens material. The crystalline lens in your eye, acts like thousands of lenses in one, because it can change its curves so quickly and accurately.

While you are young, you will be able to see at any distance with the same pair of specs regardless of your type of refractive error, because your crystalline lens is still very elastic. However, once you reach your forties, the crystalline lens loses its elasticity and can’t focus as quickly anymore (presbyopia). This is a normal aging process like grey hair and wrinkles, and will get progressively worse as you get older.

Now, back to my opening statement; One pair of specs cannot fulfil every visual function. We can now understand why this is so. Since the lens has lost its elasticity, it can only maintain a focus further away.

Reading glasses

Reading glasses can be made up to focus at 30 cms or 40 cms or 60 cms, but only one distance at a time. The optical lens has one constant curve which will focus at one point. However, in everyday life we need to continuously look at things at different distances. Your cell phone, computer screen or computer keyboard are all generally at different distances.

Multifocal Spectacles

These continuous focus lenses give a much better range of clear vision within a one meter distance and of course at a far distance. They do go some way in replacing the crystalline lens, but not all the way. For instance, the bottom strongest part of the multifocal is usually set at 40 cms. If you are a goldsmith working for long spells at 30 cms, they are not ideal. Moreover, looking at the computer screen with multifocals, your line of sight is likely to be over the stronger reading section, again not ideal. This is usually compensated for by tilting the head backwards, creating all sorts of muscular fatigue.

Horses for courses

Most patients over forty go to the optometrist with the expectation that one pair of magic specs will fulfil all visual functions. Just like it was when the crystalline lenses were still working their magic. What is required is an understanding of the limitations imposed on the visual system by presbyopia and that the solutions lie with more than one pair of glasses.

Setting up specs for an executive in an office environment, will not fulfil his visual requirement on the golf course. Specs for driving are not going to be perfect for vision on the canvass while painting. An artisan working on a lathe needs good vision at the right distance as well as visual safety. Here are some of the activities that require specially designed visual corrections:

• Cycling

• Golf

• Scuba diving

• Fitter and turner

• Musician

• Lawn bowls

• Jogging

• Hunting

• Architect

• Goldsmith

• Fishing

Apart from deciding on the best lens power for an person, there are many other considerations in terms of choice of lens material, frame design, lens coatings, safety features, lens design and multifocal type. The point is, each activity or visual demand, will require a different design of visual correction.

Go prepared

A visit to the optometrist should include an in depth discussion of what your work and recreational visual requirements are. Make a list of all the activities that are important in your daily routine or the activities that you are passionate about. Make a note of any unusual working distances these activities demand, and share all of this with your optometrist.

Vision is so important in order to deliver your best performance in work and play, and yet many struggle to come to terms with the fact that you need more that one pair of specs to fulfil all visual functions. It makes little sense to own thirty pairs of shoes, a Ferrari or a R100 000 mountain bike, but only one pair of specs.

“Most patients over forty go to the optometrist with the expectation that one pair of magic specs will fulfil all visual functions. Just like it was when the crystalline lenses were still working their magic. ”

familiar and beloved characters surprise that children would Disney brands. It's a great request that they give us a call. Branded Spectacles are

Disney is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year. Children are often drawn to the familiar and beloved characters they see in movies and on TV. With Disney’s extensive range of popular characters, it’s no surprise that children would prefer to wear Disney branded glasses over other brands. Ask your optometrist if they stock Disney brands. It’s a great way to get your little one to embrace their new specs. If your optometrist doesn’t stock Disney, request that they give us a call. We are only too happy to assist getting your little one to fall in love with their new specs.

Disney is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year. Children are often drawn to the they see in movies and on TV. With Disney's extensive range of popular characters, it's prefer to wear Disney branded glasses over other brands. Ask your optometrist if they way to get your little one to embrace their new specs. (If your optometrist doesn't stock Disney We are only too happy to assist getting your little one to fall in love with their new specs). Disney distributed by Spectill (+27 11 312 9243).

Disney is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year. Children are often drawn to

. With Disney's extensive range of popular characters, prefer to wear Disney branded glasses over other brands. Ask your optometrist if to get your little one to embrace their new specs. (If your optometrist doesn't stock Disney are only too happy to assist getting your little one to fall in love with their new specs).

Children are often drawn to the familiar and beloved characte range of popular characters, it's no surprise that children would Ask your optometrist if they stock Disney brands. It's a great optometrist doesn't stock Disney, request that they give us a call. love with their new specs). Disney Branded Spectacles are

1 312 9243).

Disney is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year. Children are often drawn they see in movies and on . With Disney's extensive range of popular characters, prefer to wear Disney branded glasses over other brands. Ask your optometrist way to get your little one to embrace their new specs. (If your optometrist doesn't stock We are only too happy to assist getting your little one to fall in love with their new specs).

distributed by Spectill (+27 1

isney is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year. Children are often drawn to the familiar and beloved characters see in movies and on TV. With Disney's extensive range of popular characters, it's no surprise that children would prefer to wear Disney branded glasses over other brands. Ask your optometrist if they stock Disney brands. It's a great your little one to embrace their new specs. (If your optometrist doesn't stock Disney, request that they give us a call. too happy to assist getting your little one to fall in love with their new specs). Disney Branded Spectacles are by Spectill (+27 11 312 9243).

Disney Branded Spectacles are distributed by Spectill:

Tel: 011 312 9243

Fax: 086 555 2742

Email: sales@spectill.co.za

www.spectill.co.za

How long does it take to

adjust to new spectacles?

You may experience some issues during the first few days wearing your new spectacles due to spatial distortion. To get a better understanding, let’s look at some of the underlying factors.

Why do I have to adapt?

A change in your prescription, or even a change in the lens material or frame size can cause spatial distortion. For instance, some people are more sensitive to motion sickness than others. Same here - some people are very sensitive to a change in the lens prescription. People with high prescriptions, astigmatism or first time multifocal wearers are more likely to suffer from spatial distortion. A big shift in your prescription can also be a factor. Your optometrist may use a high refractive index material to make your lenses look thinner, and this in itself can require some getting used to. When the prescription is changed, the quality of the retinal image changes. It’s common for your eyes and your brain to take some time to adjust to processing these new images. Maybe it’s been a while since you last had your prescription adjusted, or if it’s your first pair of specs, in which case, your brain may require a day or two to accept the sharp, new image it’s receiving as correct. If you have been compensating for the poor vision for so long it becomes “normal”. Your brain will adjust to the “new normal” as seen through your new specs. Even if the prescription only changes a little, one eye might change more than the other.

Different frame styles can also affect your vision and require an adjustment period. Changing from a rectangular shaped frame to a round frame, or vice versa can change the curve of the lens. Changing from a large frame to a smaller frame can change how the frame enters your peripheral vision. While an optometrist can adjust the prescription for the shape, it could require some time to get used to new specs. Even if your new

frames don’t affect your vision, how they feel on your face can require a few days of adjusting.

Some of the adaptation issues include:

• Eye strain – you might experience eye strain during the first few days.

• Distortion – different parts of your vision might change slightly, depending on how far an object is.

• Fishbowl – the image may seem “bent” at the edges. The centre of the image may be clear.

• Depth perception – you may find it hard to discern how far away or how close an object is at first.

Sometimes you may just feel weird and a bit off balance. However, if you are getting headaches with the new specs, you should report back to your optometrist.

Faulty Prescription

The biggest potential problem is a faulty prescription because this means your eyes will not adjust to your new specs. Errors during the exam, the measurement process, or the production process can all cause a faulty prescription. Despite a dispensing optician’s diligence in taking measurements correctly, and despite the largely computer-controlled creation of lenses, human errors sometimes occur. You will not adjust to your new specs if the prescription is incorrect. The key indicator is if your vision discomfort does not improve as the days go by. If it feels a little better every day, the cause is likely to be spatial distortion.

Safety while adjusting to new specs

For the most part, the adjustment period for new glasses will pass without any real consequences. Take care, however, with driving, walking on stairs or broken ground, working with dangerous machinery, or completing tasks that require concentration and good vision. The adjustment period can take more time if your new specs are multifocal or your prescription has changed dramatically.

How long will the adjustment take?

Most Eye Care Professionals will tell you it will likely take two to three days to adjust to a normal change in prescription, but the adjustment period will be different for each individual and in rare cases it can last up to two weeks. Just be aware that while many people will get used to new specs in two to three days, large changes in prescriptions, a change to progressive lenses, or getting your first spectacle prescription can take longer for your eyes to adjust.

Remember, if it does not improve little by little over a few days, you need to go back for a check-up.

How to help your eyes adjust to new glasses

The best thing you can do to help your eyes and brain adjust to new specs is to wear them. Put them on and wear them as soon as you get up because that’s when your eyes are fresh. Wear them as much as possible during the day. Don’t wait and put them on later in the day because that shock can cause you to feel spatial distortion. Do not switch back and forth with an old pair. While it’s tempting to go back to your older pair, this can slow the adaptation.

Once you have fully adapted, you can resort to intermittent wear if that suits you.

“The best thing you can do to help your eyes and brain adjust to new specs is to wear them. “

Time to Refocus

Following an extensive project to explore STEPPER EYEWEAR’s key differential and how to communicate this to the eyecare market, the brand launched its new logo and refocused positioning at this year’s MIDO, Milan, Italy.

“The aim is to convey, at every touch point, the wearer benefits of our frames,” comments Hans Stepper, Founder STEPPER EYEWEAR. “The first frames I designed in 1970 were manufactured in a new material and process to provide an exceptional standard of fit. This motivation remains true today.”

“Good fit empowers the eyecare professional to deliver the best possible vision outcome for their patients and is paramount to the brand. Reinforcing the importance of fit via frame selection assisted by expert advice is our core message, as STEPPER EYEWEAR is a medical device to hold lenses correctly before the eyes.”

“Fit, outside of optics, is understood and valued by consumers. For example, jeans, shoes, and underwear choices are made based on fit. Fit is STEPPER EYEWEAR’s strongest brand asset and, with the skills of an eyecare professional, can deliver the highest levels of wearer satisfaction,” concludes Hans.

The result of this brand refocussing is a fresh look centred around a new modern and simple logo. The impression is professional, contemporary, aspirational, clinical, and distinct through its new presentation. At the same time, the brand presentation is achievable and inclusive.

To underpin this new look, the brand’s new strapline, ‘The Perfect Fit’, succinctly reinforces the critical message and complements the ‘World Fit’ concept launched in 2022.

Vision on the bowling green

Lawn bowls are all about judging the distance to the jack and delivering the wood at the required “weight.” Good vision and depth perception would obviously be important elements. In order to have depth perception, you must have binocular vision, also known as stereopsis. Indeed, depth perception is the ability to perceive the world in three dimensions and to judge the distance of objects. The most important aspect of binocular vision is having two eyes; people relying on the vision from only one eye have to rely on other visual cues to gauge depth, and their depth perception is generally less accurate. How do lawn bowlers control their weight (distance to the jack)? I am not a bowler, but my bowling friends tell me, they feel it. They do it exactly the same way that golfers, basketball players, and rugby players do. Natural athletes in any sport automatically gravitate towards automatically using feel to gauge distance and weight. Having said that, comfortable, functional vision on the bowling green is essential. Here is the thing: no single optical correction can ever fulfill all visual functions. What is prescribed for office work is not going to work so well on the bowling green. For the best performance, you need to have your visual correction set up with the visual demands on the bowling green in mind.

In this article, I will identify some of the common eye problems bowlers will encounter on the green and show what can be done to eliminate them.

1. The spectacle of sunglass frames

The way frames are generally designed and fitted for everyday use, do not suit the bowling action of bending forward, combined with an upward gaze. The top rim of the frames invariably gets in the way. The best possible solution to remedy this is to have bowling spectacles. Select frames that provide a field of view in the top part of the spectacles. The best advice when trying out frames is to embark on your bowling action with them on and see for yourself how that works. The anatomical position of one’s nose compared to the position of the ears, as well as the design of the nose bridge of the frames, will determine how the frame rides on the face. For those with an unusually low nose bridge, the better option may be contact lenses. The problem is that the cosmetic appeal and the functionality

for bowls are often in conflict. That is why most people need to have specs made up for bowls to get the best result.

2. Contact Lenses

If contact lenses were problematic for you in the past, it is time for a revisit, because great strides have been made with new designs and materials. It is quite feasible to have contact lenses just for bowls. Nowadays, you can get daily disposable lenses, which are thrown away after one wearing session. This eliminates the hassle of cleaning and storing the lenses. The beauty of playing bowls with contact lenses is that you enjoy an unrestricted field of view while delivering a wood. Some may find it difficult to insert and remove the lenses, but it would be quite possible to train your partner to do that for you since this will only be on bowling days. You can even sleep with the contact lenses for one night if circumstances dictate. Wearing dailies just for bowls can be a very affordable option. Moreover, you now have a free choice of over-the-counter sunglasses.

3. Ultraviolet protection

Bowlers are exposed to harmful sun rays for long periods of time. The danger of high energy ultraviolet rays is real, especially in the older age groups and even on overcast days. Always ensure that you are wearing a UV400 protection coating on your sunglasses or on your regular spectacles. Ultraviolet exposure can cause serious eye problems.

4. Seeing far and near

Bowlers find themselves with a unique dilemma as far as functional vision is concerned. There is obviously a clear distance vision requirement, but also the scoreboard situation at an elevated position on the bank, which is not at a normal reading distance. This can easily be overcome by giving your optometrist the measurement of the required reading distance (a photo will also be helpful). For most sports, multifocals or bifocals can be made a lot more comfortable by dropping the reading portion lower, which provides the near vision to read a menu still or see the cell phone. Obviously, this set-up won’t be ideal for the computer or office work.

5. Cataracts

Just about everybody develops cataracts as they get older. It is part of the normal aging process. The development of cataracts is usually insidious and may be more advanced in one eye than the other. This could easily undermine performance on the bowling green, without one realising it.

It is therefore advisable to have at least annual eye check-ups. Several ocular pathologies are asymptomatic, and early diagnosis is vital for a good prognosis.

6. Dry eye disease (DED)

DED is very common in the older age groups and exacerbated by dry, windy conditions one would expect to find on the bowling green. There are several very good over the counter lubricant eye drops to bring relief. In severe cases of DED it, may be advisable to wear wraparound sunglasses to keep the wind out.

“Here is the thing: no single optical correction can ever fulfill all visual functions. What is prescribed for office work is not going to work so well on the bowling green.“