SPRING 2005
AM I OLD ENOUGH TO WEAR CONTACT LENSES?
Contact lens wear and regimens for care depend on the type of contact lens prescribed, the nature of the vision problem and the individual's unique eye chemistry. Basic care includes cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting and storing lenses. This maintains lenses that are clean, comfortable and free from bacteria.
Because lens care is easier and more convenient than ever before, contact lens wear among younger patients has become more feasible. Although frequently age twelve is used as a rough guideline for contact lens wear, there are no hard and fast rules. The individual's visual needs, capabilities including manual dexterity and maturity level must all be considered before deciding to go ahead with contact lens wear.
Contact lens wear and regimens for care depend on the type of contact lens prescribed, the nature of the vision problem and the individual's unique eye chemistry. Basic care includes cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting and storing lenses. This maintains lenses that are clean, comfortable and free from bacteria.
Because lens care is easier and more convenient than ever before, contact lens wear among younger patients has become more feasible. Although frequently age twelve is used as a rough guideline for contact lens wear, there are no hard and fast rules. The individual's visual needs, capabilities including manual dexterity and maturity level must all be considered before deciding to go ahead with contact lens wear.
• Use only lenses prescribed by a licensed optometrist or eye-care practitioner.
• Have a complete eye examination and contact lens assessment at least yearly.
• Always follow the specific directions for duration of lens wear.
• NEVER swap contact lenses with another person.
• If eyes become red or irritated, remove the lenses and consult your optometrist.
• Replace contacts according to the frequency recommended by your optometrist r
Source www.contactlenscouncil.org
REGULAR EYE EXAMS: KEY TO HEALTHY VISION
To maintain optimal eye health, Dr. Bauman and Dr. Peterson recommend annual vision and eye health assessments. A child's first eye examination should occur by age 3; earlier assessments are best if there is a concern, or if there is a family history of eye problems.
OHIP coverage for eye examinations for children/teens (less than age 20) and for seniors (over 64 years of age) remains at one insured eye examination per year.
In general, routine eye examinations are no longer covered for adults aged 20 to 64 years. There are medical exceptions that apply. For example, individuals with diabetes or glaucoma are eligible for annual OHIP paid eye examinations, as are individuals with certain other medical/eye conditions. Some government assistance programs also provide eye examination coverage. Many private insurance plans include eye examinations. Our office can help answer questions regarding current OHIP coverage.
Routine eye examinations are an important part of maintaining optimum vision and eye health for all ages!
Summary of OHIP Coverage for Eye Examinations
| AGE | COVERAGE |
| Children (0 – 19 years) |
One full eye examination annually |
| Adults (20 – 64 years) |
No longer covered by OHIP as of Nov. 1 |
| Seniors (65 and above) |
One full eye examination annually |
Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are leading causes of vision loss in aging Canadians. Nutrition is one promising means in the attempt to prevent or delay progression of these diseases.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was a large clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute (NEI). The study found that taking high levels of antioxidants and zinc can reduce the risk of developing advanced macular degeneration by 25%. Although the AREDS formula is not a cure for AMD, it may help people at high risk for developing advanced AMD keep their remaining vision. Some recent studies also suggest that antioxidant vitamins may decrease the development and progression of cataracts.
Given the positive association between nutrition and AMD and cataracts, it seems prudent for people to increase the amount of antioxidants in their diet. Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day can provide antioxidants that may contribute to reducing your risk for these eye diseases as well as cancer and cardiovascular disease. For individuals at higher risk of AMD or cataracts, specific antioxidant supplements may be helpful and can be discussed with your doctor.
Sources www.hc-sc.gc.ca and www.nei.nih.gov.
Blepharitis is a common inflammation of the eyelids. It usually causes burning, itching and irritation of the lids. Scales and flakes may be present at the base of the lashes. The eyelid glands may become plugged and infected, resulting in frequent styes. Dry eye syndrome often results from blepharitis. Occasionally, individuals have no symptoms.
Blepharitis is typically detected using a slit lamp microscope during routine eye examinations.
Although there is no cure for blepharitis, it can often be controlled. Treatment involves extra attention to lid hygiene in the form of warm compresses and may include use of eyelid cleansers. Artificial tears help to reduce the dry eye symptoms. Antibiotics or other eyedrops may be required in more severe instances.
