Fall 2007
HOLLYWOOD HERE WE COME!
We are proud to announce the premiere of our new Contact Lens Instruction Video! Produced by our own Dr. Kara Peterson, directed by our multi-talented optometric dispenser Jen, and starring our summer office assistant intern Andrea, the video provides use and care instructions for our new contact lens users. Sure to make the short list for best documentary of 2007, we already have a place reserved for our Oscar!
“EYE-Q” TEST: Myths and Facts about Children’s Vision
Myth: My child had their vision tested with an eye chart at school. Do they still need an eye examination?
Fact: Reading the eye chart is only one test. A comprehensive eye examination has multiple components including assessment of eye health, eye coordination and depth perception. A comprehensive eye examination will provides critical information on the health of your child’s eyes and visual system. A child’s vision changes from year to year and should be monitored through annual eye examinations (a service still covered by OHIP for children up to 19 years of age). Early detection is critical for conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia) and turned eye (strabismus) which can be treated successfully when diagnosed promptly. Changes in visual acuity (such as near or farsightedness) can affect school performance and early detection and correction with spectacles or contact lenses is also part of an annual assessment.
Source: Ontario Association of Optometrists
KIDS, COMPUTERS AND THEIR EYES
Adults using computers can experience a variety of eye related problems: dry eyes, tired or sore eyes and blurry vision, particularly after prolonged periods of use. With the increasing use of computers at school and home, kids may be at risk for these problems as well. Children do not know they need to give their eyes regular breaks when using computers and should be encouraged to do so in order to avoid eye problems from overuse. Ideally computers should be set lower for children than for adults, so children can view the screen at a slightly downward angle (10-15 degrees). Monitors should at a distance of 20 inches / 45 centimetres or more, and children should be able to reach the keyboard easily while sitting with their feet touching the floor. Counseling parents and children about “eye healthy” habits such as the use of computers is part of the annual eye examination and is another reason for regular eye checkups by an eye care professional. Source: www.checkyearly.com
We are proud to announce the premiere of our new Contact Lens Instruction Video! Produced by our own Dr. Kara Peterson, directed by our multi-talented optometric dispenser Jen, and starring our summer office assistant intern Andrea, the video provides use and care instructions for our new contact lens users. Sure to make the short list for best documentary of 2007, we already have a place reserved for our Oscar!
“EYE-Q” TEST: Myths and Facts about Children’s Vision
Myth: My child had their vision tested with an eye chart at school. Do they still need an eye examination?
Fact: Reading the eye chart is only one test. A comprehensive eye examination has multiple components including assessment of eye health, eye coordination and depth perception. A comprehensive eye examination will provides critical information on the health of your child’s eyes and visual system. A child’s vision changes from year to year and should be monitored through annual eye examinations (a service still covered by OHIP for children up to 19 years of age). Early detection is critical for conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia) and turned eye (strabismus) which can be treated successfully when diagnosed promptly. Changes in visual acuity (such as near or farsightedness) can affect school performance and early detection and correction with spectacles or contact lenses is also part of an annual assessment.
Source: Ontario Association of Optometrists
KIDS, COMPUTERS AND THEIR EYES
Adults using computers can experience a variety of eye related problems: dry eyes, tired or sore eyes and blurry vision, particularly after prolonged periods of use. With the increasing use of computers at school and home, kids may be at risk for these problems as well. Children do not know they need to give their eyes regular breaks when using computers and should be encouraged to do so in order to avoid eye problems from overuse. Ideally computers should be set lower for children than for adults, so children can view the screen at a slightly downward angle (10-15 degrees). Monitors should at a distance of 20 inches / 45 centimetres or more, and children should be able to reach the keyboard easily while sitting with their feet touching the floor. Counseling parents and children about “eye healthy” habits such as the use of computers is part of the annual eye examination and is another reason for regular eye checkups by an eye care professional. Source: www.checkyearly.com
It is hard to believe the summer is over and it is time to announce the winners of our annual colouring contest! Launched at the Gathering on the Green in June, we received many colourful and creative entries. We are happy to announce the following winners:
1st prize: Emma D.
2nd prize: Jessica N.
3rd prize: Chelsea S.
WELCOME DR. SCHROPP!
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Christina Schropp has joined our eye care team at Dr. Bauman and Associates! Dr. Schropp brings a wealth of optometric experience, having run her own practice for many years before relocating to London. Dr. Schropp has a full spectrum optometric practice with a focus on family eye care. Stay tuned for more information about Dr. Schropp in our winter issue of Optometric Insights.
CONJUNCTIVITIS
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the inner eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis is frequently called “pink eye”. Although conjunctivitis is often caused by viruses, some other causes are allergies, bacterial infection or chemical irritants.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis may include red, watery eyes, sensitivity to bright lights, itchy or gritty sensation in the eyes, blurred vision, tearing or discharge.
Treatment of the conjunctivitis depends on the cause. Avoiding the cause of allergic and chemical conjunctivitis may be effective. Infectious conjunctivitis requires antibacterial eye drops. Viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated by antibiotic eye drops and typically will go away without treatment. Lubricating eye drops may be recommended to improve comfort.
To control the spread of bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, avoid touching the eyes, and gently wipe any eye discharge with tissues that are disposable. Wash your hands frequently. Do not share towels or washcloths. Do not use eye makeup; throw away any eye makeup used when the conjunctivitis was present. Wash hands prior to handling eye drops. Change pillowcases frequently.
When the conjunctivitis persists for more than 24 to 48 hours, or when vision is affected, an assessment by your eye doctor is recommended.
