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Visual field testing is an important part of most standard comprehensive eye exams. Also sometimes known as perimetry testing, Visual field testing is a method to measure the entire scope of vision of an individual, including their peripheral/side vision.
 

The importance of visual field testing

Visual field testing is one of the most effective diagnostic treatments in the detection of glaucoma. This is because when patients are affected by glaucoma, it is usually the peripheral vision that is affected by their condition first. However, it can also be used to detect central or peripheral retinal diseases, eyelid conditions such as drooping, optic nerve damage and conditions that affect the visual pathways from the optic nerve to the area of the brain where this information is processed into vision.
 

Visual field testing is also an important part of monitoring for people who are considered to be at risk for vision loss from disease and other problems, including those who have been diagnosed with the following:

• Multiple sclerosis

• Hyperthyroidism

• Pituitary gland disorders

• Central nervous system problems (such as a tumor that may be pressing on the brain)

• Stroke

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure
   

What to expect from visual field testing

There are a variety of methods that can be used to perform visual field testing, including:
 

Static automated perimetry. This is where a machine is used to quantify how well the patient is able to detect flashing lights of varying size and brightness in different areas of their visual field, while they concentrate on a central point. The patient responds by pushing a button when they see the light.

Kinetic perimetry. This involves points of light that are fixed in size and intensity and are presented along the patient’s peripheral vision, before being gradually moved inwards to determine their field of vision. 

Visual field testing is non-invasive, painless and doesn’t require patients to have their eyes dilated. The results, which are usually presented in a series of charts, are digital and sent directly to your eye doctor for interpretation. Depending on the outcome of your results, you may be recommended for further diagnostic testing which could include blood tests. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, you will probably be recommended to have several visual field tests each year, which will help your eye doctor to monitor the progression of your condition and recommend treatments to slow it.

If you would like more information about visual field testing, or if you have concerns about your peripheral vision, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our experienced and knowledgeable eyecare team today.

Clear Lens Extraction (CLE) is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens implant, also known as an intraocular lens (IOL). CLE is primarily performed to correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
 

Understanding CLE and How It Works

Clear Lens Extraction is similar to cataract surgery, where the natural lens is removed and replaced with an IOL. However, in CLE, the lens is clear and not clouded as in the case of cataracts. The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the eye and ensure a painless experience for the patient.
 

Once the eye is numb, a small incision is made on the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. Through this incision, your eye surgeon accesses the lens and carefully removes it. The artificial IOL is then inserted into the empty lens capsule. The IOL is specifically chosen to correct the patient's refractive error, providing them with improved vision.
 

After the IOL is implanted, the incision is closed with tiny sutures or self-sealing techniques. Following the surgery, patients are usually prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
 

Factors to Consider Before Undergoing Clear Lens Extraction

Before deciding to undergo Clear Lens Extraction, there are several factors that need to be considered. Firstly, it is crucial to have a thorough eye examination to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Your optometrist will evaluate your overall eye health and discuss your expectations and goals for vision correction.
 

Age is another important factor to consider. CLE is typically recommended for individuals over the age of 40 who have developed presbyopia, a condition that affects near vision. It is also important to have stable vision, as any changes in prescription can affect the accuracy of the IOL power calculation.
 

Additionally, it is essential to understand the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. While CLE is generally safe, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding, and retinal detachment. Your optometrist will discuss these risks with you and address any concerns you may have.

Vision therapy is a specialized form of treatment that aims to improve visual function and performance. It involves a series of eye exercises, activities, and visual training techniques designed to address a wide range of vision-related issues. Unlike traditional eye care, which often focuses on correcting refractive errors with glasses or contact lenses, vision therapy takes a holistic approach to addressing the underlying causes of visual problems.

By targeting the root causes of these issues, vision therapy can help individuals achieve better visual function, improve their overall well-being, and enhance their ability to perform daily tasks with greater ease and efficiency.

Amblyopia

Amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye," is a common vision condition that affects approximately 2-3% of the population. It occurs when one eye develops reduced visual acuity due to the brain's inability to properly process information from that eye.

In many cases, amblyopia develops during childhood, often due to factors such as refractive errors, strabismus (misaligned eyes), or visual deprivation. If left untreated, amblyopia can lead to permanent vision loss in the affected eye, as the brain increasingly favors the stronger eye and the weaker eye's visual processing abilities deteriorate.

Vision therapy is a highly effective treatment for amblyopia, as it aims to retrain the brain to properly utilize the weaker eye. Through a series of specialized exercises and activities, vision therapy can strengthen the neural pathways between the brain and the affected eye, improving visual acuity and binocular vision.

The key to successful treatment lies in the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and change, known as neuroplasticity. By engaging in targeted vision therapy, individuals with amblyopia can stimulate this neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to reorganize and improve its processing of visual information from the weaker eye.

Strabismus

Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes or misaligned eyes, is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other. This can cause one eye to turn inward, outward, upward, or downward, resulting in a lack of binocular vision and depth perception.

Strabismus can have a significant impact on an individual's visual function, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Left untreated, it can lead to the development of amblyopia (lazy eye) and other vision-related problems.

Vision therapy is a highly effective treatment for strabismus, as it focuses on retraining the brain and the eye muscles to work together in a coordinated manner. Through a series of specialized exercises and activities, vision therapy can help individuals with strabismus improve their eye alignment, binocular vision, and depth perception.

Binocular Vision Disorders

Binocular vision disorders are a group of conditions that affect the way the eyes work together as a team. These disorders can result in a range of visual problems, including difficulty with depth perception, eye strain, headaches, and difficulties with reading and other visual tasks.

Some common binocular vision disorders that can be effectively treated with vision therapy include:

• Convergence Insufficiency: This condition is characterized by the inability of the eyes to properly converge, or come together, when focusing on a close object. This can lead to eye strain, headaches, and difficulties with reading and other near-work activities.

• Accommodative Dysfunction: Accommodative dysfunction is a problem with the eye's ability to focus, or "accommodate," on near objects. This can cause blurred vision, eye strain, and difficulties with reading and other close-up tasks.

• Vergence Dysfunction: Vergence dysfunction refers to a problem with the eye's ability to work together to maintain proper alignment and focus. This can lead to double vision, eye strain, and difficulties with depth perception.

Through vision therapy, individuals with binocular vision disorders can retrain their visual system to work more efficiently and effectively. The goal of vision therapy is to improve the coordination and synchronization of the eyes, ultimately leading to better visual performance and reduced visual symptoms.

If you have recently undergone eye surgery, your eye doctor may recommend the use of post-surgical contact lenses as part of your recovery process. These specialized lenses are designed to aid in the healing and protection of your eyes after surgery.
 

Why Post-Surgical Contact Lenses May Be Necessary

After eye surgery, your eyes are in a delicate state and require extra care to ensure proper healing. Post-surgical contact lenses can play a crucial role in this process. These lenses act as a protective barrier, shielding your eyes from irritants such as dust, debris, and bright lights. They also help to maintain the shape of the cornea and aid in the prevention of infection. By wearing post-surgical contact lenses, you can minimize the risk of complications and promote a faster and smoother recovery.
 

Different Types of Post-Surgical Contact Lenses

There are various types of post-surgical contact lenses available, and the specific type recommended for you will depend on the nature of your surgery and your eye condition. One common type is the bandage contact lens, which is a soft, therapeutic lens that covers the cornea, providing protection and promoting healing.
 

Another type is scleral lenses, which is larger and covers a larger portion of the eye, providing enhanced protection and support. Your optometrist will determine the most suitable type of post-surgical contact lens for your individual needs.

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a complex condition that can occur after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as a concussion. While the initial injury may have healed, the lingering symptoms can significantly impact your daily life, making it challenging to return to your normal routines and activities.

What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Post-concussion syndrome is a collection of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms that can persist for weeks, months, or even years after a head injury. Unlike the typical recovery from a concussion, which usually resolves within a few days or weeks, PCS can be a prolonged and debilitating experience. The symptoms of PCS can vary widely from person to person, making it a complex and often misunderstood condition.

Causes of Post-Concussion Syndrome

One of the primary causes of post-concussion syndrome is the disruption of the brain’s normal function due to the injury itself. When the brain experiences trauma, it can lead to a variety of biochemical and structural changes, which may cause the ongoing symptoms of PCS. The severity of the concussion does not always correlate with the likelihood of developing PCS; even minor concussions can lead to prolonged post-concussion symptoms in some individuals.

Another contributing factor to PCS may be related to the individual’s psychological response to the injury. Anxiety, stress, and pre-existing mental health conditions can exacerbate the symptoms of PCS and prolong the recovery process. People who have a history of migraines, anxiety disorders, or depression may be more prone to developing post-concussion syndrome.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome

The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome can be diverse and can vary in severity from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Physical Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

• Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, slower processing speed, and reduced problem-solving abilities.

• Emotional Symptoms: Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and increased emotional sensitivity.

The presence and severity of these symptoms can fluctuate over time, making it crucial to monitor your condition closely and communicate any changes to your primary care or eye doctor.

Wearing contact lenses gives patients the flexibility and freedom to live life to the fullest, without some of the difficulties presented by wearing glasses. Many people who choose contact lenses do so because they don’t like the way that glasses look or feel, or because wearing glasses compromises their ability to perform certain tasks or activities, such as sports or jobs that require the use of safety goggles. 

There are lots of different contact lenses to choose from, with two of the most popular being daily disposables and toric lenses. 
 

Disposable Lenses

As their name suggests, these daily contact lenses are disposable. This means that they can and should be discarded at the end of each day rather than re-worn. Disposable lenses do tend to be a little more expensive than some repeat-wear varieties, but the benefits usually outweigh the cost. 

Some of the advantages of choosing daily disposable contact lenses include:

• You don’t have to clean them, which saves patients a great deal of time and hassle. It also helps save money in terms of the ongoing cost of cleaning solution. 

• Disposable lenses are also great for people with eye allergies. This is because with ordinary lenses, there’s an opportunity for deposits and microorganisms to build up. With daily disposables, allergens have less chance to attach themselves to the lenses and cause irritation and other allergy symptoms. 

• You don’t need to schedule regular replacements either, which makes wearing contact lenses easier on your schedule. 

• Disposable contact lenses are particularly good for people who have busy lives and are likely to cut corners when it comes to caring for their eyes or contacts since there is no cleaning or maintenance required.

Daily disposable contact lenses are available in a wide range of prescriptions, including those for patients with nearsightedness and farsightedness. Your eye doctor will be able to advise you if you are a candidate for disposable contact lenses. 
 

Toric Lenses

Toric contact lenses are recommended for patients who have a refractive eye problem called astigmatism. Patients with astigmatism have corneal abnormalities that cause the refraction of the eye to be different between the vertical and horizontal planes, causing blurred vision and difficulty seeing fine details. Toric contact lenses are shaped in a particular way that creates the different focusing powers needed in each part of the lens to correct your vision. For this reason, it’s essential that Toric lenses are placed into the eyes in the correct position.

Fortunately, manufacturers design Toric lenses with features that help them to stay in place, including:

• Thin/thick zones

• Creating areas of the lens that are thicker or heavier which helps secure it in position 

• An area where the bottom of the lens is slightly cut off 

To keep them stable, Toric lenses are a little firmer than conventional soft lenses. This means that some patients can find them a little less comfortable, but the superior vision they obtain outweighs this. Your eye doctor will be able to advise you if you are a good candidate for Toric contact lenses and which variety would best suit you. 

To find out more about daily contact lenses, speak to our friendly and knowledgeable team. 

Urgent eye care encompasses prompt evaluation and treatment of sudden or severe eye-related issues, including foreign object removal, chemical exposure, corneal abrasions, sudden vision loss, eye trauma, acute glaucoma, chemical burns, and eye infections. Seeking immediate professional attention from an optometrist is vital to prevent further damage and preserve vision.
 

Common Eye Emergencies or Urgent Eye Care Appointments

Eye emergencies can manifest in various forms, and it is essential to be able to identify them quickly. Some common eye emergencies include:
 

• Foreign Object in the Eye: Particles, debris, or small objects can become lodged in the eye, causing pain, redness, tearing, and potential damage to the eye's surface.

• Corneal Abrasions or Scratches: Injuries to the cornea, such as abrasions or scratches, can cause severe eye pain, light sensitivity, and a feeling of something in the eye.

• Sudden Loss of Vision: Any sudden and unexplained loss of vision requires immediate attention to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

• Eye Trauma or Blunt Force Injury: Injuries to the eye from impact, trauma, or accidents can lead to serious complications, including retinal detachment, hemorrhage, or intraocular foreign bodies.

• Chemical Burns: Exposure to caustic substances or chemicals can cause serious damage to the eyes, resulting in pain, redness, and potential vision loss.

• Eye Infections: Infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) can cause redness, discharge, and discomfort in the eyes.
   

Recognizing these symptoms and seeking urgent care can prevent further complications.
 

The Importance of Basic Red Eye Exams in Urgent Care

Red eye exams are a fundamental part of urgent eye care. They help identify the cause of redness and determine the appropriate treatment. Basic red eye exams involve a comprehensive evaluation of the eye, including examining the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, and iris. These exams aid in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions, such as conjunctivitis, uveitis, dry eyes, and corneal abrasions.

Dry eye is a common ocular condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, redness, blurred vision, and even damage to the surface of the eyes. Understanding the causes and symptoms of dry eye is crucial provide early detection and effective treatment.
 

The Importance of Dry Eye Advanced Diagnostic Testing

Early detection of dry eye is crucial for preventing further progression of the condition and improving patient outcomes. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, dry eye can cause significant discomfort and affect daily activities. Additionally, chronic dry eye can lead to corneal ulcers, infections, and even vision loss. By accurately identifying and addressing dry eye in its early stages, optometrists can provide timely interventions and prevent complications.
 

TearLab

One of the advanced diagnostic tools available for dry eye is TearLab. TearLab is a non-invasive test that measures the osmolarity of tears, which is an indicator of tear film stability. This test provides valuable information about the quality and quantity of tears, allowing healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and monitor dry eye. By analyzing the osmolarity of tears, TearLab helps identify the severity of dry eye and guides treatment decisions. It is a quick and painless procedure that can be performed in a clinical setting.
 

InflammaDry

Inflammation plays a significant role in dry eye, and identifying the presence of inflammation is crucial for effective treatment. InflammaDry is a diagnostic tool that detects elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), an inflammatory marker, in tears. By measuring MMP-9, InflammaDry helps optometrists differentiate between inflammatory and non-inflammatory dry eye. This information is essential for tailoring treatment plans and determining the most appropriate therapies for each patient.

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can result in discomfort, irritation, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. Understanding the causes and symptoms of dry eye is crucial for finding effective treatment options. Tyrvaya offers a breakthrough solution for dry eye relief.
 

What Causes Dry Eye?

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of dry eye. The meibomian glands are responsible for producing the oily component of the tear film, which helps prevent evaporation of tears and maintains a smooth ocular surface. Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when these glands become blocked, leading to a decrease in the quantity and quality of the meibum. This can result in evaporative dry eye, discomfort, and inflammation of the eyelid margins.
 

Another common causes is age. As we get older, our tear production tends to decrease, making us more prone to dryness. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause, can also affect tear production and lead to dry eye.
 

Environmental factors can play a role as well. Dry or windy climates, air conditioning, and excessive screen time can all contribute to dry eye. Additionally, certain medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, can cause dryness as a side effect.
 

Other underlying health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases like Sjogren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis, can also contribute to dry eye. In these cases, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the tear glands, leading to reduced tear production.

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. There are several factors that can contribute to dry eye, including environmental factors, hormonal changes, and certain medications. Additionally, conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis can also lead to dry eye.
 

The Role of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Blepharitis in Dry Eye

Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oily layer of tears, become blocked or do not function properly. This can result in the tears evaporating too quickly and not providing enough lubrication for the eyes. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that can cause redness, itching, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. Both meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis can contribute to dry eye by disrupting the natural tear film.
 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can cause a variety of symptoms, which can vary in severity from person to person. Some common symptoms of dry eye include:
 

• Dryness: The most common symptom of dry eye is a feeling of dryness or grittiness in the eyes. This can make it uncomfortable to wear contact lenses or spend long periods of time looking at a screen.

• Redness: Dry eye can cause the blood vessels in the eyes to become more prominent, leading to redness and irritation.

• Itching: Some people with dry eye may experience itching or a burning sensation in their eyes.

• Excessive tearing: Dry eye can also cause excessive tearing. This is the body's response to the irritation caused by the lack of lubrication in the eyes.
   

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with an optometrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.