Many people suffer from dry eye syndrome without even realizing it. In our practice, we often encounter patients who exhibit signs of dry eye—such as redness, inflammation, blocked glands, or abnormal tear film—but who may not report experiencing any discomfort. This lack of awareness is often due to the gradual onset of the condition, causing some individuals…
During optometric examinations at our practice, we delve into case histories that often reveal surprising links between vision and other aspects of health, such as posture. A common question I ask patients, both adults and children, is: “Do you get neck pain?” and if so, “Is the pain more on one side?” These questions help…
Whenever patients visit our optometry practice for an eye evaluation, I often start with a seemingly unusual question: “How is your parking?” While this might sound odd coming from an optometrist, the response provides insightful details about your visual system’s functionality. Why Parking Skills Matter Poor parking skills can be frustrating, especially when someone parks…
It’s not uncommon for parents to suspect their child might be pretending to need glasses, especially if a classmate recently got a pair or if the teacher suggested an eye exam. The term “malingerer” often comes up, suggesting deceit for attention or other gains. However, I prefer to see such situations as opportunities for understanding…
Visual development is a crucial aspect of a child’s growth that begins right from the prenatal stages and continues actively throughout their early years. Understanding how to support this development can significantly impact a child’s visual and overall developmental milestones. Prenatal Visual Development The journey of visual development starts in utero. Potential threats like infections…
Many patients express concern when scheduling their first eye exam, often associating it with the anxiety of school tests. The phrases “eye exam” or “eye test” can seem intimidating, but it’s important to remember that these assessments are unique to each individual. It’s common for patients to worry about providing the “wrong” answer during their…
During eye exams, it’s not uncommon for patients to ask if they have “the stigma.” While they mean astigmatism, this mix-up highlights a common misconception about this type of refractive error. Let’s clarify astigmatism and assure you it’s nothing to worry about. What is Astigmatism? Astigmatism is often grouped with other refractive errors like nearsightedness…
In the 1970s, the concept that coloured lenses or overlays could enhance reading efficiency for children was introduced and gave rise to what is now known as Irlen Syndrome. This topic remains a contentious issue within optometry, with some professionals advocating for its benefits while others dismiss it entirely. The Debate Over coloured Lenses and…
By Deon Hattingh, B.Optom (UJ) Vision is much more than clarity; it’s about comfort and functionality. Even if your child can see clearly, they may still benefit from glasses to enhance their visual comfort and efficiency. This is particularly crucial in paediatric optometry, where children may not recognize or articulate their discomfort due to a…
By Deon Hattingh, B.Optom (UJ) Rubbing your eyes might seem like a normal response when you’re feeling tired or after prolonged periods in front of a computer screen. However, this seeminglyharmless action can be linked to various eye health concerns. In this article, we will explore the common reasons behind eye rubbing and emphasize the…