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Health of children's eye surface maybe affected by screen time.
Physiotherapist Julie Cullen has been on a mission to make sure there are some clear guidelines about children and screen use. Check out her website which has a wealth of information, all well researched, into the risks and benefits of digital techhnologies in school.
This work developed from her concerns about the rate at which New Zealand Schools are adopting digital technologies in the class room - faster that many other countries globally.
Some people approach eye examinations with a high level of apprehension. This is common leading up to the renewal of a driver's licence. Our independence is closely linked with driving ourselves. Combine this with our locality, even with its recently expanded Warkworth bus service. I often hear declarations like ‘It would be terrible if I couldn’t drive; I couldn’t continue to live where I am.‘
I don’t have any secret loophole to share with you. I know I may lose some readers when I talk frankly about the topic of not being able to drive due to failing eyesight. For an optometrist, it is a difficult job to tell someone that they do not meet the vision standard for driving anymore. A part of our job we don’t enjoy. It is worth talking about this. Take the approach, "Prepare for the worst, hope for the best."
The most common cause of reduced vision is Age-Related Macular Degeneration. One of the risk factors for Macular Degeneration (MD) is ageing. So every year we get older, the likelihood of developing MD increases. Fortunately, in most cases MD, described as Dry MD, is slow to advance. In this context, there is time for adjustment and learning.
Two other common age-related eye conditions are cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts are, in the majority of cases, treated with surgery, successfully restoring vision. Glaucoma, like MD, causes slow deterioration over years, which gives time to adjust.
There are some useful facts worth knowing. Every time we renew our driver's licence our vision is checked, typically every ten years until the age of 75 years. At this point, we need a GP assessment. Your GP will include a vision check as part of their assessment. From 80 years onwards, we have to renew our licence every two years, involving a GP check each time.
You can have reduced vision in one eye, or completely lose vision in one eye, and still be able to drive a car. Fun fact: One in ten people have reduced vision in one eye, sometimes lifelong.
We check two things to issue an ‘Eyesight certificate for driver licence’. The first is reading letters on the chart, and the second is an assessment of peripheral vision.
So how do you prepare, or get your head around the idea of no longer holding a driver's licence? Here are my suggestions.
Talking about options in a positive way can help. Often we make the same trips in our car, usually following predictable routes (e.g. the supermarket, or family, or sports and clubs). Generating some alternatives around these routine activities helps. Some examples; online grocery shopping deliveries or accepting a ride from a friend or neighbour can be fun and social.
Investigate other options such as taxis or Driving Miss Daisy. There is a cost, but most people are unlikely to reach the same annual spend on taxis compared with the annual cost of owning, registering, insuring, and maintaining a car. Vouchers are available for subsidized taxi trips for people with low vision.
Observe how often you might currently give a ride to other people. Most of us are happy to help friends and neighbours, and genuinely enjoy doing this. One day you might be on the other side of this arrangement. So enjoy the positive feelings when you are in the role of the helper. One day you might be giving someone else that satisfaction.
If you have macular degeneration or glaucoma what should you do? Talk with us about the changes in your vision and how this might effect your driving now, or in the future. In many cases macular degeneration and glaucoma cause very slow deteriotation and people can conintue driving.
Our new favourite eye drop is Systane Complete. This preservative free eye drop has been a useful game changer for people suffering from persistent dry eye symptoms which need ongoing management.
Recently this image popped up in my FaceBook feed.
Are you having the same issue? Time to invest in some prescription sunglasses.
The caption read: This is 54 if it’s sunny out and you need to look at your phone . . .
A timely reminder to tell you that there are better options if you want to read in the sun! Prescription glasses can be a game changer. Combine clear vision with glare and UV protection - always a winner.
If you don’t use prescription glasses for driving and general vision, look at our great range of Maui Jim Sunglasses with a built in, hidden bifocal. These lenses are available across a wide range of styles.
This month we are reminding everyone of the importance of routine eye examinations. Glaucoma is called the silent thief of sight. It is a sneaky condition, which is entirely symptomless until it is advanced. People with undiagnosed glaucoma have no changes in their vision to alert them to what is underway in their eye(s).
Glaucoma Awareness Month
What can you do? Easy, have routine eye examinations after the age of forty.
Secondly, find out about your family history. If you had a grandparent with poor vision, or eye problems, find out what their diagnosis was.
If you have more questions come and ask us.
Or try Glaucoma New Zealand’s excellent website. This organisation is all about education and resources. There are some fabulous webinars by Kiwi ophthalmologists who really can explain things in understandable language.
There is government funding for eye tests and glasses for children. Provided through Enable NZ, the subsidy* will cover the full cost of an eye examination for children 15 years and under.
*To be eligible families must have a current Community Service Card, or High Health User Card.
The subsidy also extends to prescription glasses, if needed.
Currently most Kiwi children are screened for lazy eyes at 4 years of age, through the B4 School Check. This check is not as in depth as our eye exam but it will identify some vision problems. The next screening check for children's vision is at school in Year 7, for children about 11 years of age.
Talk to us if you have any concerns or questions about your child's eyes and vision, or book online here to see Claire or Sally. Contact us on 09 425 9646
