General Optometry

Your EyesThe Optometrist?

Anatomy of the eye

Conditions of the eye

Common eye diseases & conditions

Caring for your eyes

Getting more information!

What Does an Optometrist Do?

Examines eye health, vision levels and coordination.

Diagnoses diseases and ocular conditions of the eyes.

Helps manage eye conditions and monitors treatment.

Provides assistance with vision training and other lifestyle modifications.

Anatomy of the Eye

Anatomy of the Eye

Nearsightedness

Nearsighted people typically see well up close, but have difficulty seeing far away.

Farsightedness

Farsighted people typically see well far away, but have difficulty seeing up close.

Astigmatism

With Astigmatism the cornea likely oval shaped.

Can occur along with nearsightedness and farsightedness

Presbyopia(Short Arm Syndrome)

Normally begins after age 40.

Signs and SymptomsDifficulty seeing clearly for close work

Print seems to have less contrast

Fatigue and eyestrain when reading

Correcting Your Vision

Glasses

Single Vision

Bifocal

Trifocal

Progressive

Correcting Your Vision

Contact LensSoftRigid Gas Permeable (RGP)

Laser Surgery

PRK

LASIK

Lasik Surgery

A special instrument called a keratome is used to gently lift a flap of corneal tissue, then laser is used to reshape the cornea. 

Common Eye Conditions

Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a term that describes eye-related problems and the other symptoms caused by prolonged computer use.

These problems are more noticeable with computer tasks than other near work because letters on the screen are formed by tiny dots called pixels, rather than a solid image. 

Tips When Using the Computer

Take frequent breaks

Blink

Avoid sources of glare on screen

Maintain proper distance from screen

Maintain good lighting, brightness & contrast

Ensure your glasses are right for the task

Dry Eyes ConditionOne of the most common problems treated

by eye doctors. Over 10 million Americans have clinically significant dry eye.

Tears are comprised of three layers. 

Tears keep the eye moist, creates a smooth surface for light to pass through the eye, nourishes the front of the eye, and provides protection from injury and infection.

Dry Eye Condition

CausesAgeEnvironmentContact LensesMedicationsDiseases

Dry Eye Condition

SymptomsBurning Itching Redness Blurred vision that improves with blinking Excessive tearing Increased discomfort after periods of reading,

watching TV, or working on a computer

Dry EyeTreatment

Artificial lubricantsPunctal occlusionSurgery

Cataracts

Clouding of natural lens of eye

Most common cause… age

Cataracts

Cataracts

Age Related Macular Degeneration

A degenerative condition of the macula (the central retina).

Most common cause of vision loss in North America in those 50 or older, and its prevalence increases with age.

AMDCaused by hardening of the arteries that nourish

the retina depriving the sensitive retinal tissue of oxygen and nutrients that it needs to function and thrive, resulting in deteriorated central vision.

Dry Macular Degeneration

GlaucomaCaused by increased intraocular pressure

(IOP)

Left untreated, an elevated IOP causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve and retinal fibers resulting in a progressive, permanent loss of vision.

Early detection and treatment can slow the progression of the disease. 

Glaucoma

Diabetic RetinopathyOccurs in people with diabetes.

Visual symptoms vary from blurred vision (depending on sugar levels), flashing lights, to loss of vision.

TreatmentMAINTAIN AND STABILIZE BLOOD SUGARS!Laser surgery

Diabetic Retinopathy

Caring for Your Eyes

Why get your eyes checked yearly?

To make sure you ensure clear, comfortable vision

To make sure your eyes are healthy

Just because you see well, doesn’t mean your eyes are well!

The Eye ExaminationHistory:

Your optometrist will ask you about any vision problems that you are experiencing, your personal and family eye and health history, your medications, and any special visual demands of your occupation or hobbies.

The Eye ExaminationVisual Acuity:

Checks your level of vision with an eye chart.

Binocular Vision:

Determines how well your eyes work together in coordinated movement.

The Eye ExaminationOcular Health:

This is a painless examination that checks the external and internal structure of your eye. It also checks for signs of ocular conditions as well as chronic conditions that may affect your eyes.

The Eye ExaminationRefraction:

Determines the prescription that will give you the best possible vision

How Do I Become an Optometrist?

You must complete an Honors Bachelor’s Degree in university with emphasis in math and science.

You must complete a 4-year Degree of Optometry program.

You must write a national examination and apply to a provincial College for registration.

Why Become an Optometrist?

Work and help people of all ages.

A chance to problem solving and help improve people’s lifestyle and well-being.

What Can You Do?Don’t smoke.

Eat your vegetables, especially dark leafy greens and yellows.

Try to do some exercise if possible.

Visit your eye doctor regularly.

Visit your family doctor regularly.

Taking Care of Your EyesTaking Care of Your EyesFrom Birth to Your Golden Years

Vision and Eye Health

Vision is one of our most important senses but unfortunately, it is often taken for granted.

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Vision and Eye Health

Regular eye care is essential to maintain a lifetime of clear vision and healthy eyes.

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Eye Care ProvidersWho’s Who

Optometrists(Doctors of Optometry)Primary eye health care providersExperts in the examination,

diagnosis and treatment of vision problems and eye diseases

Can prescribe glasses and contact lenses

Can refer patients to specialists if necessary

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Eye Care ProvidersWho’s Who

OphthalmologistsPhysicians who have completed an ophthalmology

residency.Typically treat advanced eye diseases and conditions

and can perform surgery.

OpticiansTechnicians who prepare and dispense eyeglasses.Some can fit contact lenses.Do not perform eye exams.

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What is an eye examination?

An eye health exam involves many steps including:

Case history Visual acuity Refraction Eye coordination and focusing Eye pressure measurement External eye examination Internal eye examination

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What is an eye examination?

Additional tests may also be required such as:Colour visionPeripheral visionCorneal topographyBinocular vision Imaging or photography

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Eye Exam vs. Sight Test

Some retailers are now offering “Sight Tests”.

With a “Sight Test”, eye health is not assessed.

Many sight threatening conditions could be missed.

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Children’s Vision

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Your Baby’s Eyes

It’s never too early for your child’s first eye exam!!!

Children should have their first eye examination at 6 months of age.

They should be examined again at age 3, before school starts, and then regularly throughout their school years.

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Baby Eye Problems

Retinopathy of Prematurity

Neonatal Conjunctivitis

Blocked Tear Ducts

Strabismus (Eye Turns, Crossed Eyes)

Large Refractive Errors(Nearsighted or Farsighted)

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

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Children’s Vision

Children may not complain of vision problems because they may believe the way their world looks is normal or they have one eye that sees well and one that doesn’t.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) must be detected early in order to be treated effectively.

Any eye infections should be checked by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

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Our Children’s Vision Crisis

Approximately 85% of children begin school without an eye exam.

Learning is 80% visual – Vision and learning are intimately “linked”.

1 in 4 children begin Grade 1 with an undiagnosed vision or eye health problem.

As many as 60% of children identified as having reading difficulties in fact have vision problems.

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Our Children’s Vision Crisis

Studies reveal that 70% of juvenile delinquents have undiagnosed vision problems.

A vision screening - at your pediatrician’s office, by a school nurse or elsewhere - does not equal a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist.

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Vision Care for Adults

Generally, healthy adults should have an eye health exam every 1 to 2 years.

Seniors should have an annual eye health exam.

Some patients with certain conditions may require more frequent exams.

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Vision Conditions and Diseases

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Types of Refractive Errors

Myopia (near-sightedness)

Hyperopia (far-sightedness)

Astigmatism(oval or football shaped eye)

Presbyopia(“arms aren’t long enough to make the newspaper clear”)

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Glaucoma

A group of diseases characterized by gradual loss of peripheral vision due to damage of the optic nerve.

Measurement of eye pressures, peripheral vision and careful examination of the optic nerves are essential.

Treatments include eye drops or surgery.

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Cataract

The lens inside the eye gets cloudy with age.

Treatment is surgical removal of the cataract and replacement with an artificial lens.

Cataract surgery is very safe and has excellent outcomes.

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Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

The leading cause of blindness in the elderly population.

The macula (central retina) becomes damaged and causes distorted central vision.

Nutrition, early detection and monitoring are important.

2 types:Dry (early)Wet (advanced)

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Diabetes & the Eye

Diabetes can cause a number of eye problems:Fluctuating vision CataractGlaucomaDiabetic Retinopathy

People with diabetes require yearly eye exams, including a dilated retinal examination.

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Systemic Diseases & the Eye

AIDS

High Blood Pressure

Herpes Simplex

(Cold Sores)

Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

Chlamydia

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• Thyroid Disease• Heart Disease• Rheumatoid

Arthritis• Ankylosing

Spondylitis• Drug Toxicity

Headaches

Headaches can indicate an eye problem

Many headaches around the eye can be due to other facial structures(e.g. Jaw, Sinuses, etc.)

Ocular MigrainesTension HeadachesIdiopathic Headaches

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Floaters

Opacities in the vitreous (jelly material) of the eye.

Very common and are usually not a concern.

However, if a sudden increase occurs with flashes of light or loss of vision, then urgent examination is required as these can be symptoms of a retinal detachment.

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Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Inflammation of the thin outer layer of the eye.

Caused byBacterial infectionViral infectionAllergyChemical

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Dry Eyes

Tears have three layers:Mucous, water, and oil

A problem with any one of these can cause dry eyes.

Tear production decreases with age.

Treatments include various types of artificial tears and lubricants and punctal plugs.

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Vision Correction Options

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Contact Lenses

Proper fitting, assessment and follow up care are essential for safe, successful contact lens wear.

Lenses are now available to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia (multifocals).

There are many different choices of replacement schedules and materials to match different lifestyles.

Good cleaning habits and maintaining a proper wearing schedule are important to prevent complications.

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Beware of“over-the-counter”cosmetic contact lenses

Presbyopia Correction Options

Separate distance and reading glasses

Separate glasses for computer and reading

Bifocal

Trifocal

Progressive

Bifocal/multifocal contact lenses

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Laser Eye Surgery

RK

PRK

LASIK

The surgeon’s reputation and experience are important.

As with any type of surgery, risks are present but the success rate has been good.

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Harmful Effects of UV

UV light exposure may contribute to the development of:PingueculaeCataractPterygiumMacular DegenerationMelanoma

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Sunglasses

To block UV light, sunglasses should be worn by everyone.

Different prices reflect the quality of the frame, the lens material, optical quality of the lens, and brand name.

Different tints and polarization options are available.

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Eye Protection

Remember to protect your eyes at work, in the yard, at the rink and on the field.

Wear CSA approved eye protection.

Many options are now available for prescription safety eyewear.

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Conclusion

Regular eye exams are an important part of your overall health care regimen.

Optometrists are your primary eye care providers.

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YOUR EYESYOUR EYES deserve deserve AN AN OPTOMETRISTOPTOMETRIST!!

From Birth to Your Golden Years