DeonOptom is a family optometrist based in Norwood, Johannesburg.
It seems there are still many misconceptions about contact lenses—even within the optometric industry. It’s time to move forward and embrace modern technology, which has revolutionised the way we correct vision with contact lenses. Correcting Astigmatism with Contact Lenses One of the most common myths is that astigmatism cannot be corrected with contact lenses. While…
When a child struggles with handwriting—whether it’s unusually large, very small, or consistently messy—there can be many contributing factors. Of course, aspects like holding the pencil correctly, having sufficient hand strength, and developing fine motor skills (the connection between the brain and the hand) play crucial roles. But another key factor that often gets overlooked…
I’ve always struggled with ball skills. As a child, I avoided them at all costs, which unfortunately led to a lot of ridicule from the other boys. Back then, I assumed it was because I lacked talent and wasn’t cut out for sports. No one encouraged me to practice or improve my ball skills, so…
The Misunderstanding of Farsightedness What is Farsightedness?If you search for “farsightedness” or “long-sightedness” online, you might come across a definition like this: “Farsightedness or long-sightedness is when distant objects are clear, and near objects are out of focus or blurry.” But this isn’t always the case, especially in young children and young adults. Understanding Accommodation…
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…