Make sure your eyes don’t work harder than you this year.
 
Whether you’re heading back to work or study – it’s time to recharge, refresh and see things anew. Whatever 2018 has in store, we’ll make sure you and your family can see it coming.
 
We can all relate to being overworked throughout the year but there is no benefit in letting your eyes feel the strain of a heavy load. Whether you spend your days indoors at a computer or outdoors exposed to damaging UV, new lens technologies and eyewear designed for your day-to-day activities will ensure you see clearly and comfortably, and remain protected throughout the year.
Have renewed optical extras?
If your annual health fund optical extras were renewed on January 1, you can claim once again on prescription eyewear. Don’t lose sight of your own needs. Prepare your eyes for the year ahead without wearing the full cost.
 
Let us help you ease the strain.
Whether it’s work or study related, your eyes shouldn’t be doing the heavy lifting. Talk to us about how we can ease the strain.
 
Book an appointment with us today on 5545 0277 or book online at www.tamborinemountainoptometrists.com.

Did you know that vision is responsible for 80% of all learning in your child’s first twelve years?^ Poor vision can interfere with your child’s learning and social development, yet often goes unnoticed.
 
That’s why it’s important for children to have an eye examination prior to starting school and again every two years throughout their life, to monitor their vision and eye health. Making this a part of your child’s regular health care routine will give you peace of mind and confidence that they won’t miss a thing.
 
Be aware of signs & symptoms
Keeping an eye out for possible symptoms of a vision problem will ensure that any problems can be detected early to avoid any long-term damage.

• One eye turns in or out while the other points straight ahead
• Frequent blinking
• Red or watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Frequently rubbing eyes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Tilting head noticeably
• Covering or closing one eye
• Difficulty learning to read
• Holding a book very close when reading
• Leaving out confusing words when reading
• Squinting or sitting very close when watching television
• Difficulty recognising familiar people in the distance
• Complaints of headaches, blurred or double vision

  
Help your child see every opportunity in 2018.
Book an appointment with us today on 5545 0277 or book online.
And don’t forget that we can process any private health fund optical extras during your visit.
 
^Vision Council of America, Making the Grade, 2009.

Did you know that research by the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation found that your eyes are 10 times more sensitive to UV radiation than your skin?^ And that your eyes are susceptible to both short and long term effects of UV rays?
 
Quality sunglass UV protection year-round is the best solution for protecting your family’s eyes from the risk of eye disease and related vision loss. If you haven’t tried polarised sunglasses tailored to your prescription, we guarantee you’ll never go back. With so many sunglass styles to choose from, we’ll help you find a look you’ll love.
 
Protect your eyes today
Prescription sunglasses complete with quality lenses in your prescription will simplify your life and keep your eyes protected from dangerous UV no matter the season.
 
Have optical benefits?
If your annual health fund optical extras were renewed on January 1, you can claim once again on prescription eyewear. So why wait? Prepare your eyes for the year ahead without wearing the full cost.
 
Book an appointment with us today on 5545 0277 or book online.

^World Health Organisation, Fact sheet No. 261, July 2001

At Tamborine Mountain Optometrists we are here to help you do just that before
they disappear on December 31, 2017.
Use your annual health fund optical extras and our expertise to find the perfect eyewear to complement what you already have or create a new look. With new lens technologies and stunning new frame looks, there are lots of reasons to claim new eyewear.
 
Here are some new eyewear ideas to help you be extras-savvy this year. 
Prescription Sunglasses
Experience crisp vision and UV protection. Sunglasses in your prescription are no longer an indulgence; they’re one of life’s necessities for glasses wearers. Ask us about polarisation for an even better result. You’ll never look back!
Digital Eyewear
Spend 2+ hours on digital devices? Experience neck & shoulder pain, headaches or tired, itchy eyes? Relax and protect your eyes from digital eye strain with dedicated digital eyewear.
Reading Glasses
Wear multifocal glasses and enjoy reading and other close-work? A specific pair of reading glasses will provide clear, uninterrupted vision for these activities.
Sports Eyewear
Whether you play the occasional round of golf or are an elite athlete, Sports specific eyewear can enhance your performance and comfort, whilst protecting your eyes against harmful UV rays and injury.
Contact Lenses
Don’t let glasses get in your way. Enjoy the freedom, comfort and convenience of contact lenses (and they come in multifocals!). The latest contact lens technologies open up a world of possibilities!
Spare Everyday Pair
Whether you’ve broken or lost a pair of glasses, you’ll probably be familiar with the stress of not having a spare pair readily available. Take the stress out of those sticky situations by making sure you have a spare pair with your current prescription on-hand if you need it.
Social/Occasion Glasses
You wouldn’t wear the same pair of shoes with every outfit, so why would you wear the same pair of glasses? Consider a conservative style for work, a bolder design for casual wear and something more elegant for formal occasions.
  
Be savvy with your optical extras. See us before December 31 to get new eyewear without wearing the full cost.

Did you know that 1 in 4 Australians are at risk of losing all or part of their vision due to eye disease?^
And although nearly half will wait until their eyes deteriorate before having them checked, many eye disease symptoms are invisible.
 
Our eyes are one of our most integral organs for living a rewarding life, and they need the regular attention of an optometrist! Seeing the same optometrist over time for all your eye health and eyecare needs means we can monitor any changes in your vision.
 
We urge you not to wait until you notice a deterioration. Spending 40 minutes today, can save your sight tomorrow.
 
Don’t miss the big moments in your life. Book a 360° comprehensive eye consultation today.
 
 
^ 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/

Did you know that vision is responsible for 80% of all learning in a child’s first twelve years?^
 
Poor vision can interfere with your child’s learning and social development, yet 1 in 5 children suffers from an undetected vision problem. A child’s eyes are central to their school life. Whether they are playing sport, reading, writing or using a digital device, their eyes are working hard.  
 
That’s why it’s important for children to have an eye examination prior to starting primary school and every couple of years thereafter, to monitor their vision and eye health.
 
Don’t forget that we can process any private health fund or optical claims during your visit.
 
So, help your child be their best and book them in for a comprehensive eye examination. It may be the most important thing you do for them this year.
 
 
^Vision Council of America, Making the Grade, 2009.

Patients often ask me what foods are good for their eyes.  This is a really good question and there has been quite a bit of research into this in recent years.

One particularly good study is the AREDS (age related eye disease study), which was designed to study the natural history and risk factors of macular degeneration and cataracts and to evaluate the effect of particular vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants on these two diseases.  In 2013 a follow up study, called AREDS II, was completed to study the effects of omega 3 and lutein/zeaxanthin antioxidants on the progression of macular degeneration.  More in depth information on these studies can be found at http://www.nei.nih.gov/amd/.

The original AREDS found that a combination of zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, copper and beta-carotene was effective in slowing the progression of age related macular degeneration.  Beta-carotene has since been omitted from the formula because of concerns about it increasing the rick of cancer in smokers.  The AREDS II found that adding lutein/zeaxanthin also slowed the progression of macular degeneration and omega 3 had no effect on macular degeneration progression.  However, recently omega 3 has been proven to help with dry eye.

So, what should a person with healthy eyes do?  First of all, there are no studies that prove that vitamin supplements will make sure a healthy eye doesn’t get any diseases.  However, I believe that if the above vitamins and antioxidants can slow the progression of early macular degeneration, then they could also be beneficial in the diet of a person with a healthy eye.  I wouldn’t actively prescribe vitamin supplements to a patient with a healthy eye, but here are the foods that you can find the vitamins and antioxidants in:
· Lutein and zeaxanthin: kale, pumpkin, spinach, brussel sprouts, peas, broccoli, corn, cos lettuce and eggs.
· Omega 3: salmon, sardines, tuna, prawns.
· Vitamin C: orange, capsicum.
· Vitamin E: almonds and wheat germ.
· Zinc: oysters and rice bran.
· Selenium: brazil nuts and cashew nuts.
If you have a healthy eye then I recommend trying to incorporate some of the above foods into your diet. 

My other advice for maintaining good vision throughout your life includes:
· Have your eyes tested regularly.
· Don’t smoke.
· Keep a healthy lifestyle, control your weight and exercise regularly.
· Eat fish 2-3 times per week, dark green leafy vegetables and fresh fruit daily and a handful of nuts per week.  Limit your intake of fats and oils.  Choose low GI carbohydrates.
· Protect your eyes from the sun, even from a young age.

As our lifestyles become more and more dependent on digital devices, our eyes are increasingly exposed to powerful blur light emitted by screens of computers, tablets, smartphones, televisions and other gadgets.  While blue light is a natural phenomenon present in daylight, excessive exposure to this bright blue light can cause red and irritated eyes, eye fatigue, headaches, blurriness and even sleeplessness.  Research shows that 83% of spectacle wearers experience eye discomfort when using digital devices*.

Today’s lens advancements make it possible to enjoy our digital lifestyle while neutralizing blue light to provide more comfortable vision, and a more natural colour perception when interacting with digital screens.

Advanced technologies are also used to create lens materials designed to protect your eyes from dangerous ultraviolet light.  We all know the importance of protecting our skin from UV rays, but let’s not forget our eyes!  SPF sun lenses block out the invisible stream of radiation emanating from the sun to prevent the build-up of UV damage.

*Millward Brown: ‘Consumer Attitude Towards Anti-Reflection Coatings’, November 2012.

With new technology improving both spectacle frames and lenses it is important that you look after your glasses properly.  This will ensure that they remain comfortable and your vision remains clear for a long time.

It is very important that your glasses fit your face well and that they sit in the correct position on your face.  When you purchase a pair of glasses from us our dispensers will guide you in selecting a frame that either fits you very well straight away, or is close to fitting you and can be adjusted to fit your face correctly.  When you collect your glasses our dispensers will check the fit of the frame on your face and adjust it to make it fit you perfectly.

As your frame gets older it may not fit you well anymore for various reasons.  Sometimes the materials just loosen off with age, or you may sit on your glasses or bend them by accident.  If this is the case then you need to return to us to get the glasses fitted again.  Not only will the frames become uncomfortable or annoying of they don’t fit correctly, but your vision may also blur if the lenses don’t sit in the right position on your face.

There are a few things you can do to try to prevent your frames from getting damaged or out of shape.  First of all, always clean your glasses correctly (see our September blog – ‘How to Clean Your Glasses’).  Our glasses are designed to sit on our nose and not on our head – they will easily get stretched out of shape if you wear them on your head.  It is also a good idea to put your glasses on and off with two hands, as doing so with one hand will eventually make them crooked.

When you put your glasses down always make sure the lenses are facing upwards.  This will help them to remain scratch free.  Even better, follow the rule that your glasses should only ever be ‘on your face or in the case’.  Never place your glasses unprotected in your pocket, bag or backpack.

It is also a good idea to drop in and just get your glasses adjusted or ‘serviced’ from time to time.  At no charge to you, we will adjust your glasses so they sit well on your face, clean your glasses in our special cleaner to get both the frame and lenses clean, and tighten any screws in the frame that have loosened with normal wear and tear of the frame.