If you’ve been into my consultation room lately you’ll probably remember seeing my running event medals hanging in amongst my ‘wall of nerd’ framed academic certificates. I like to think that these medals make me appear to be a well rounded person, not just a nerd, but the truth is I’m quite a mediocre runner, a plodder, but I really …
It was a sunny, slightly chilly Sunday morning at my parents’ place at Swanfels, outside of Warwick, when I decided to wander out to see what Dad was up to in his shed, and say hi to his two horses Kinsman and Pepper. Pepper (above left in the image) can be a tetchy horse, and after I fell off him …
A new Mum recently came in for her annual eye test and brought her baby boy with her. He was absolutely adorable (and very well behaved!) with his pinch-worth chubby cheeks and gorgeous baby blues. His Mum asked whether his eyes would stay blue or change like lots of other babies eyes do. Then she asked, ‘Why do babies’ eyes …
Regular eye examinations form an important part of maintaining good vision and eye health, much the same as regular dental checks are necessary for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Fortunately, for most people, visiting your optometrist is a far less anxiety laden exercise than visiting the dentist. Eye examinations are necessary, even if you feel you do not have a …
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses visible light to create a 3D model of the retina (the sensory layer at the back of the eye). Unlike MRI or CT scans, OCT does not use radiation and can be used regularly without risk when assessing the eye health. There are many eye conditions that cannot be …
Why do I need an eye examination? Regular eye examinations form an important part of maintaining good vision and eye health, much the same as regular dental checks are necessary for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Fortunately, for most people, visiting your optometrist is a far less anxiety laden exercise than visiting the dentist. Eye examinations are necessary, even if …
Moderate exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun is a necessary part of maintaining normal health (read the next blog for more about this!). However, excessive exposure to UVR has no health benefits and actually leads to adverse consequences for not only the skin, but also the eye. Interestingly, the eye occupies less than two percent of the whole …
They say that the eyes are the window to your soul, but did you know they are also a window to your overall health? Signs of many health conditions including those associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke can be seen with an eye exam. The retina, or the back of your eye, is the only place …
Read MoreSurprising health conditions that optometrists find first!
I’m sure most of us can relate to having experienced some sort of seasonal allergy when Spring and Summer comes around. For some it’s a mild case of hayfever, whereas for others, it can be a struggle getting through those months. Besides the constant runny nose and sneezing, seasonal allergies also have a large effect on our eyes – from …
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition where the airway is blocked during sleep as a result of tongue and airway muscle relaxation, has recently emerged as a new epidemic in healthcare (1). Often, a person with sleep apnoea may not be aware of their symptoms. Partners and/or family members may observe and report snoring, gasping/grunting during sleep, or episodes where breathing stops …