What You Need To Know Before Buying Sunglasses

Imagine yourself out on the water at a beach on a hot summer’s day. As you’re enjoying the view, a wave sweeps in behind you. Next thing you know, the stylish sunglasses you were wearing are lying at the bottom of the lake! It’s after times like these when my patients ask whether it’s worth investing in sunglasses, or if a cheap pair will work the same. To that, I say that there is absolutely a difference!

UV protection is #1 priority. UV blocking sunglasses are just as important as slathering on sunscreen. UV damage is linked to numerous eye diseases including cataract, macular degeneration, and skin cancer. Skin is thinnest on your eyelid, and so it is very susceptible to UV damage. Make sure your sunglasses are truly UV blocking by purchasing from a reputable retailer. In Canada, most sunglasses – even inexpensive department store pairs - block UV. It should say 100% UVA and UVB protection, or UV400 protection. They should fit well enough to provide coverage around your eyes too. No matter how dark your sunglasses are, however, never look directly at the sun – it can cause permanent vision loss.

Optical quality. Summer is beautiful with its green trees, sandy beaches, crystal blue water, and gorgeous sunsets! Why wouldn’t you want to see clearly and enjoy all the natural beauty around you? Unfortunately, lenses made of cheaper plastics are not as clear, and have quite a bit of distortion, glare, and colour disruption.

Polarization. Have you ever noticed reflections off the water, making it impossible to see beneath the surface? Have you ever been bothered by glare off other cars on a sunny day? Polarized lenses, such as those made by Maui Jim®, use special technology to cut out glare, making everything appear much more crisp. Everyone can benefit from polarization – whether you drive a car, spend time on the water, walk around outdoors, or play sports. Once you try polarization, you’ll never want to go back! It’s like the difference between watching a movie in HD on Blu-Ray, as opposed to DVD.

It’s About Safety. We all have experienced times when we’re driving with the sun directly ahead, with our visor down in order to see the road while squinting. There is no doubt that wearing a clear, polarized pair of sunglasses improves visibility, reduces distractions, and increases safety on the road.

What About Kids? Sunglasses are just as important, if not more, for children! The WHO estimates that 80% of a person’s lifetime UV exposure has already occurred by age 18. Protect those young eyes, it will pay off in the future!

The Verdict. My advice is to own at least one pair of high-quality polarized sunglasses, and to wear them year-round when outdoors or driving in daylight. If you are concerned about losing sunglasses out on the water, you can always have an inexpensive basic UV-blocking pair for those riskier situations.

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Written by: Dr. Natalia Fong

Image Credit: Richard Pouncy Jr. 

Eyelash Extensions: Are They Safe?

Eyelash extensions have quickly become a rising trend to no surprise; many love having beautiful, long, luscious lashes. To achieve this, single eyelash extension strands are applied to the base of one’s natural lashes using an adhesive glue. During this process, tape is used on the lower eyelid to hold the lower lashes in place.

The Issue. Eyelash extension application is an unregulated procedure that has no standardization of materials. The most common complication we see is an allergic reaction towards the materials used (eyelash extensions, glue, tape). As a result, irritation, redness, and swelling of the eye can occur. The eyelids can also become puffy, and the skin can become dry and flaky – a type of contact dermatitis. Especially in cases of poor hygiene, the lid itself can be infected, resulting in red painful bumps called styes. While all of these are treatable, it’s best to prevent it from occurring in the first place by ensuring that you are going to a trained aesthetician who sources high quality products.

Maintenance is Key. I cannot stress enough how important this is! Artificial lashes provide an extra home for bacteria and debris to build. We’ve seen everything from make-up residue to flaked skin to eyelash mites. These can all lead to itching, irritation, dry eye, and infection. Daily use of lid wipes to remove makeup and debris is crucial to keeping your eyes clean. If you have an overgrowth of bacteria or mites in your lashes, your doctor may recommend tea-tree oil, a naturally occurring essential oil that has antiseptic properties.

What About Makeup and Contacts? Avoid using excessive makeup, and try to use water-based products. Waterproof cosmetics are difficult to remove without using an oil-based make-up remover, which can dissolve the glue and cause the extension to fall out prematurely. Contact lenses are safe to wear.   

Final Verdict: Are Eyelash Extensions Safe? Yes, if done right! And remember, you do get what you pay for. Go to a licensed technician, know what materials they use, and ensure the environment and instruments are sanitary. Check that the adhesive does not contain formaldehyde, ammonia, or latex. Cyanoacrylate compounds can also release formaldehyde, and so it is best to avoid this too. Let them know ahead of time if you have any allergies or sensitivities. If you experience any redness, irritation, or swelling, have the eyelash extensions removed.

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Written by: Dr. Natalia Fong & Dr. Fabian Tai

Image Credit: Photo by Mihai Stefan

Top 5 Tips: Are You Using Your Contacts Properly?

As days get longer, sunlight gets warmer, and excitement for summer vacation grows, many of us like to trade in our glasses for the convenience and look of contact lenses. Review our top 5 tips on how to use and care for your contact lenses properly!

1. Invest in quality contact lenses that are safe for your eyes. There are countless brands of lenses, each with different sizes, shapes, moisture, breathability, stiffness, and ability to protect against UV. Did you know the power in your contact lens is rarely the same as your glasses? Only your optometrist can fit you with the best lenses that are crisp, comfortable, and healthy for your eyes’ unique features. Dry eyes with lens wear is not normal, and your doctor can explain different ways to prevent this.

2. Clean and replace them as your doctor directs. Your eye needs to breathe! An old or dirty lens can starve your eye of oxygen, causing inflammation and discomfort. Worse, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Would you re-wear used socks or underwear? Well, same goes for your contacts! Depending on the brand, your doctor may recommend that you replace them daily, bi-weekly, or monthly. Some lenses must be rubbed and stored with a specific cleaning solution. If you use a storage case, wash it daily and swap it out for a new one every 3 months to prevent a build-up of bacteria.

3. Never over-wear or sleep in your lenses. Contacts should not be worn for more than 12-14 hours per day, and it is always a good idea to take a break from them at least two days of the week. Sleeping – even napping – in your lenses significantly increases your risk of infection, which can lead to permanent vision loss in severe cases. For days when your eyes are red, feeling irritated, or when you are sick, you should not wear your contacts as it puts you at greater risk of infection and inflammation.  

4. Always wear sunglasses over your lenses. You wouldn’t apply sunscreen just on your arms while leaving your back exposed, would you? While some (not all) contact lenses have UV protection, contact lenses only cover a small portion of the eye. This still leaves the rest exposed to UV damage. A stylish pair of high definition polarized sunglasses, such as Maui Jim®, cuts glare and ensures your eyes are fully protected.

5. Avoid exposing your lenses to water. Water can be full of chemicals and bacteria that can adhere to the contact lens. Ideally, swimming with prescription goggles is best for your eyes. However, if you must, wear disposable contacts with goggles, then replace the lenses with a fresh pair immediately after swimming.

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Written by: Dr. Natalia Fong & Dr. Fabian Tai

Image Credit: Artem Bali

5 Tips For Taking Care Of Your Baby’s Eyes

We always recommend a baby’s first eye exam to be at 6 months old. At this age, their visual skills are rapidly developing, and it is important to ensure they are seeing well so that they can learn and explore the world around them. A great question we always get is how we can do eye tests on someone who doesn’t know their 123s or ABCs. Of course, we modify our infant exams to incorporate fun lights, sounds, and toys to check eye alignment and their ability to follow moving objects. We also use patterns to check their ability to see detail, as babies will naturally pay attention to new and interesting patterns. Lastly, we use lights to look at their eye health in a very non-invasive way.

Here are my five tips for taking care of your baby’s eyes:

1. Baby sunglasses are a must! Up to 80% of a person’s lifetime exposure to damaging UV radiation occurs before age 18. Protect your kid’s eyes as soon as possible, whenever they are outdoors at all times of the year.

2. To aid visual development, keep reach-and-touch toys within your baby’s focus of about 8 to 12 inches, and help them explore different shapes and textures with their fingers. Remember daily tummy time as it is crucial for developing posture, vision, and motor coordination. Once mobile, give them the freedom to crawl and explore. Stay tuned for our next blog on primitive reflexes, which newborns have that set the stage for proper motor development!

3. Watch your baby’s eyes carefully, checking to see if they recognize and follow objects or faces. If you ever see an eye turn in or out (i.e. crossed eyes), bring them to see an optometrist.

4. Make eyelid hygiene a part of their daily routine. Removing debris and crusting will make their eyes more comfortable and reduce the risk of infection. Start with a soft washcloth dampened with warm water. With their eyes closed, gently wipe from the inner to outside corner of the eye.

5. Did you know a baby’s brain doubles in size by their first birthday? DHA is an Omega-3 fat that is abundant in our brains and retina, and is important for neural, cognitive, and visual development. Ensure your baby gets enough by including enough DHA in your diet during breastfeeding, or by choosing a DHA-enriched baby formula.

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Written by Dr. Natalia Fong & Dr. Fabian Tai

Image Credit: Valeria Zoncoll

Top 5 Causes of a Twitchy Eye

Ever wonder why that pesky eyelid will randomly begin twitching for days to even weeks on end? Although eyelid twitches are fairly common and harmless, it is bothersome and is a sign that something has changed in your body which you should pay attention to. Here are the most frequent causes:

1. STRESS
Eyelid twitches will usually subside with stress relief. Make time for rest and relaxation, and consider reducing stress with exercise or meditation.

2. FATIGUE
Ensure that you are getting adequate amounts of uninterrupted sleep, and that you are taking breaks through out the day away from your phone or computer screen.

3. CAFFEINE
Try to cut back on drinking caffeinated tea or coffee.

4. EYE STRAIN
Consult your optometrist to check if blurry vision or fluctuating focus might be causing your eyelid to twitch.

5. DRY EYE
Make sure you are blinking regularly when looking at screens. Your optometrist can discuss options to help with irritation caused by dry eye

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Written by Dr. Natalia Fong & Dr. Fabian Tai
Image Credit: Priscilla Du Preez

Test your eye health knowledge with these commonly asked questions!

Does sitting too close to the TV damage your vision?

Sitting closer than necessary may give you a headache, but it will not damage your vision. Parents of children and teens who habitually sit close to the TV should consider having their vision measured to screen for uncorrected refractive errors.

Does reading in the dark weaken your eyesight?

You may experience eye strain from reading in dim light, but it will not weaken your eyesight or harm the eyes. Reading in the dark is counterproductive because the parts of the eye that generate the clearest, most precise visual images require light in order to function.

Will using glasses or contacts weaken my eyesight? Will my eyes will eventually become dependent on them?

Vision correction (whether with glasses or contact lenses) focuses light rays entering the eye in order to create a crisp visual image on the retina. It is true that nearsighted children become more nearsighted up until age 30 or so, but don’t blame the eyewear! The focusing power of the eyes changes throughout life. That is one reason why routine eye exams are so helpful. Use of eyeglasses or contact lenses will not weaken eyesight or cause any focusing problem to worsen.

Can children with crossed eyes be treated?

The medical term for cross-eyed is strabismus (STRUH-BIZ-MUSS). There are several different causes for misalignment of the eyes, and a thorough eye exam is necessary to accurately diagnose the problem and its cause. Depending on the cause of the crookedness, some children with strabismus can be managed with prescription eyeglasses, whereas other kinds of strabismus require surgery. Prompt treatment is essential to protect the deviated eye from losing vision – a condition called amblyopia (lazy eye).

Is there anything you can do to prevent vision loss?

Most cases of vision loss can be treated. Depending on the specific disorder, vision loss can be halted, reversed, or even completely restored. See your doctor if you experience decreased vision, abrupt flashes of light, or the presence of a “curtain” that obscures your eyesight. Sudden, total loss of vision is a medical emergency – get immediate help.

Will using a nightlight in your child’s room contribute to nearsightedness?

Some researchers have suggested that use of nightlights may contribute to nearsightedness (myopia); however, there is not enough evidence to support this claim. Keeping a nightlight on in your baby’s room may actually help stimulate the infant’s visual development and eye coordination skills when they are awake.

Do YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT EYE CARE YOU WOULD LIKE ANSWERED?

We'd be happy to answer your eye care questions, e-mail us at info@drfabiantai.com