Category: Eye health

Multifocal Lenses Explained: Your Guide to Clear Vision

Posted on by rpacificador

There are many beautiful things about getting older, but struggling to read the menu isn’t one of them! As we age, it’s normal to notice a decline in vision, particularly in the ability to focus on nearby objects. For many people, it’s caused by a very common condition known as presbyopia, which can have a significant impact on your lifestyle. Thankfully, multifocal lenses are here to help.

But what are multifocal lenses, how do they work, and will they really help you get through the day without squinting? While you prep to visit your local optometrist, read on to learn more about age-related vision loss, and you’ll get everything about multifocal lenses explained.

Understanding Presbyopia: Age-Related Farsightedness

Presbyopia is a common condition that affects the eye’s ability to focus on objects that are close by. It typically starts to present by the mid-40s and gradually worsens over time, with most people experiencing significant presbyopia by their mid-60s.

What Causes Presbyopia?

As you age, the lenses in your eye become gradually less flexible and cannot adequately thicken, making it harder to bring objects close by into sharp focus. While the symptoms of presbyopia gradually occur, this change is a normal part of ageing. It can lead to blurred close-up vision, causing difficulties with activities like reading, driving, sewing, or even using your smartphone.

What Causes Presbyopia

For many people, the onset of presbyopia is gradual. You may find yourself holding objects at arm’s length to see them clearly, squinting to improve focus, experiencing tired eyes when reading, and even headaches.

Because presbyopia is a natural — albeit annoying — part of ageing, many people eventually need some form of vision correction to help manage these changes. Options include reading glasses, contact lenses, and multifocal lenses. Today, we’re focusing on multifocal lenses — a popular presbyopia treatment option for those seeking a single solution to correct both near and distant vision.

What are Multifocal Lenses?

As the name suggests, multifocal lenses are eyeglass lenses that provide clear vision at different focal lengths. Simply put, they can help you see up close and far away without switching your glasses.

Whether you’re used to wearing glasses or not, there are many benefits to wearing multifocal lenses, giving you a versatile and adaptive way to manage your symptoms of presbyopia. Imagine this — you’re out at a restaurant, and it’s time to order. Instead of putting on a separate pair of reading glasses, squinting to see the fine print, or having to hold the menu at arm’s length, you can simply read the menu clearly by looking through the lower area of your glasses. Then, you can get back to chatting with your friends across the table like nothing ever happened!

How Do Multifocal Lenses Work?

At their core, multifocal lenses are designed to mimic how your eyes naturally move as you go about your day. The different regions of the lens have different prescriptions to match the distance you’re likely looking. For example, we tend to hold small things close to us in our hands, so it is only natural that the “reading” portion of the lens is at the bottom.

The process of assigning these zones is no accident, either. When developing multifocal lenses, the goal is to be able to shift between looking close up and far away as smoothly as possible. This optical balance is key to minimising distortions and keeping your vision as clear and ‘natural’ as possible. Multifocal lenses are available in various configurations to help separate the focal zones to match your needs and lifestyle.

Types of Multifocal Lenses

Multifocal lenses are a broad term to describe any pair of glasses with more than one prescription or focal length in each lens. But don’t worry — while it helps to know your options, your optometrist will recommend the best choice for your needs. The options available include:

Types of Multifocal Lenses

Bifocal Lenses

These lenses have two distinct sections, split horizontally by a visible line. The upper portion is used for distance vision, while the lower is designed for reading or seeing objects up close.

Trifocal Lenses

Trifocals extend the concept of bifocals by adding a third segment for intermediate vision, which makes them especially useful when using computers and other electronic devices. They feature three distinct zones for close-up, intermediate, and distance vision.

Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses offer a gradual transition between different focal lengths. There is no visible line, and the power changes smoothly from the top to the bottom of the lens. This design not only corrects for distance and near vision but also provides a more natural experience for middle-distance tasks.

The Benefits of Multifocal Lenses

Okay, now you know more about presbyopia and how multifocal lenses work. But what makes them the right choice for you over, say, carrying a separate pair of reading glasses? The benefits of multifocal lenses are hard to deny — here are some ways they can ease the burden of age-related farsightedness:

1. See Clearly Over Multiple Distances

Because presbyopia usually develops gradually, many people don’t realise how much they squint during their daily lives. Multifocal lenses help you see clearly at near, middle, and far distances — a luxury you may not even realise you’ve been missing out on!

2. Convenience and Versatility

Sure, reading glasses can help you see up close, but putting them on and off multiple times a day can feel laborious. Multifocal lenses provide flexibility to adapt to your visual needs, no matter what your day has in store.

3. Embrace Your Style

Modern multifocal lenses are designed not only to correct your vision but also to look good. Advanced lens technology makes these lenses thinner and lighter than ever, ensuring they fit your specific lifestyle needs and aesthetics. No need to worry about any ‘coke bottle’ comments! Visit your local Eyecare Plus location, where you’ll find a pair of multifocal lenses for every style.

4. Cost-Effective Over Time

While multifocal lenses may have a higher upfront cost than single-vision lenses, they often prove more cost-effective in the long run. Without needing to buy multiple pairs of glasses, you’ll likely save on glasses over time!

5. Increased Comfort and Reduced Eye Strain

By providing clear vision across multiple distances, multifocal lenses help reduce the effort your eyes need to exert when constantly refocusing. This can help lessen eye strain, especially if you spend long hours reading or working on a computer.

Beyond Multifocals: Other Presbyopia Treatment Options

Losing vision as you age is one of the unfortunate realities of life, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to take control. Here are some other ways to manage presbyopia alongside multifocal lenses:

Reading Glasses

Reading glasses are a common and simple solution for presbyopia — they’re inexpensive and easy to use. However, they are only effective for close-up tasks, requiring you to swap them with other kinds of lenses when you’re involved in other activities.

Monovision Contact Lenses

With monovision contact lenses, one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision. While this option can work well for some, others may find the adjustment challenging, where your depth perception can sometimes be affected.

Surgical Options

Procedures like LASIK or lens implants offer permanent solutions, but they come with higher costs and potential risks that must be carefully considered.

Find Your Multifocal Lenses at Eyecare Plus

Getting older is a fact of life, but dealing with age-related farsightedness doesn’t have to be! Multifocal lenses are a convenient, adaptable way to transition into this new stage of your life — all without constantly reaching for reading specs.

If you’re ready to take control of your vision, look no further than Eyecare Plus. As independent Australian optometrists, we are committed to helping you find the best vision options for your condition, lifestyle, and preferences. And when it comes to presbyopia, we can help fit you in a pair of multifocal lenses that will make you forget you were ever squinting!

Find a local Eyecare Plus optometrist near you, or call 1300 EYECARE to start your journey to clear vision today.

Advancements in Contact Lens Technology: New Innovations for Wearers

Posted on by rpacificador

If you’ve been too scared to try contact lenses or unable to comfortably wear them in the past, with the latest advancements in contact lens technology, there is no better time than now to explore your options.

While contact lenses are a practical, convenient, and safe alternative to prescription glasses, a study found over 50% of wearers experience discomfort, such as dry eye syndrome, redness and irritation. These can cause many people to reduce how long they wear them and even abandon their contact lenses altogether. The good news is there have been significant developments in contact lens technology in Australia, making them more comfortable and convenient to wear. With the latest contact lenses, there’s no such thing as one size fits all. From extended-use contacts to UV protection, you now have the freedom to choose what best suits your eyes and lifestyle.

So, what are these groundbreaking advancements? In this article, we’ll discuss the various components of a contact lens, such as the materials, design and function, and explore how the most recent contact lens innovations in 2025 can help improve your eyes’ restoration, health and vision.

New Contact Lens Material Innovations

Soft vs hard contact lenses

Since their introduction in 1887, contact lens technology has continuously been developed to pursue complete comfort and sight restoration. For many years, the only option on the market was Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses, which were made from hard plastic. While proficient in providing clearer vision, its inflexible material has often been a source of irritation for many people’s eyes.

Nowadays, hard contact lenses are largely worn by people with specific eye conditions, who are unsuitable candidates for soft lenses. Although they can leave uncomfortable wear, their crisp quality is a desirable feature that has now been put to better use thanks to recent technological advancements. More on that later. 

Stepping onto the scene in the late 90s, silicone hydrogel lenses — made from a soft hydro-based plastic material — were a profound new benchmark for comfortable contacts. While this material has been popular for many years, recent developments have taken the comfortability and efficiency of silicone hydrogel lenses to a new level. More recently, they can better cater to specific conditions.

Silicone Hydrogel Lenses

With recent modifications to silicone hydrogel lenses, studies have found the latest contact lenses to be more comfortable to wear for extended periods. Here’s why:

  • Enhanced wettability: This enhancement helps retain moisture in the eye by providing a continuous tear film on the lens surface, preventing dryness and irritability. 
  • Increased oxygen permeability: Silicone Hydrogel contacts feature a porous build, allowing more oxygen to permeate the eye. Not only does it provide more comfortable wear, but it helps manage issues of hypoxia, which manifests in blurry vision, red eyes, and prolonged discomfort. 
  • Easier to handle: It was found that 25% of wearers discontinued wearing contacts due to the difficult application and removal process. Contacts have now been modified to be slightly firmer than their soft lens counterparts, making them much easier for people to handle. 

Hybrid Lenses

Advancements in optical science have paved the way for hybrid lenses, which combine the sharp vision of hard materials with the porous and comfortable properties of soft materials. With an RGP centre and a soft silicone hydrogel skirt, wearers can benefit from the best of both contact lens materials, further enhancing their perception and eye restoration.

Vision Enhancement Lenses

Vision Enhancement Lenses

Just like fingerprints, no two eyes are the same. Previously, contact lenses were crafted with a generic design, making them very uncomfortable or futile for people with various eye shapes, conditions and symptoms. With the latest contact lens technology advancements, many types of lenses have been trialled to better cater to specific conditions. These advancements will allow you to see more clearly, help minimise the progression of certain conditions and find improved comfort in contact lenses. Some lens designs that have been recently released or are under development include:

Toric lens

Astigmatism is a condition where the cornea or eye’s lens has an irregular curvature, resulting in blurry and distorted vision. Toric lenses are specifically tailored to fit eyes that aren’t rounded, helping to correct vision and improve comfort. Traditionally, toric lenses often had issues with inconsistent clarity; however, the latest technological advancements have improved consistency and stability. 

Multifocal lens

Multifocal lens

Developed to correct presbyopia, multifocal lenses are a highly advanced solution for people with multiple prescriptions. They can help restore near and distant vision simultaneously, allowing eyes to quickly adapt to surroundings without switching glasses.

Telescopic lens

Telescopic lens

As one of the newest developments in optic science, telescopic lenses are designed to improve the sight of people with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). These lenses target their symptoms using built-in telescopes to magnify images and project them on the healthy part of the retina. Telescopic lenses are still in various clinical trials and are unavailable to purchase. 

Myopia control lens

Myopia control lens

Recent developments have employed multifocal designs to correct short-sightedness and slow myopia progression. Myopia control lenses are a breakthrough innovation intended for children, with treatment ideally starting at ages 7-12. 

Functional Advancements

Functional Advancements

The latest contact lens technology advancements have enhanced the functionality of regular contacts with additional coatings and features that maximise their benefits. These developments reduce the impact of harmful environmental factors, preventing further eye damage while correcting your vision. Some additional coatings and features you can now add to your contact lenses include:

UV Protective lens

Extended and unprotected exposure to harmful UV rays can damage more than just your skin — it is linked to certain eye conditions, such as cataracts, AMD and photokeratitis. A UV protection coating on your contact lens acts as a barrier, filtering out damaging UV rays to help safeguard your eyes from sun damage. 

Blue-light blocking lenses

Artificial blue light is emitted from man-made sources such as digital devices. Extended exposure to devices can result in Digital Eye Strain and potentially cause you to experience symptoms of blurry vision, dry eyes and soreness. You can add a blue-light coating to your contact lenses to filter out damaging blue light and shield your eyes from strain during work and while using your personal devices. 

The Future of Smart Contact Lenses 

Recent breakthroughs in optic science and technology have demonstrated the future of contact lenses. With prototypes currently under clinical trial and review, contact lenses are being developed to integrate ‘smart’ technology and wireless communication to expand their capabilities and deliver real-time information to wearers. This has the potential to revolutionise sectors outside of optometry. Some innovations include:

Glucose Monitoring lens

This prototype uses ultra-thin transistors that register the wearer’s physiological state to detect glucose levels from tear fluid and corneal temperature. It hopes to help people with diabetes monitor their condition.

Intraocular Pressure Lens

Intraocular Pressure Lens

IOP contact lenses use tiny sensors to measure pressure in the eye to help detect early stages of glaucoma. They have also been tested to provide real-time assessments of IOP levels and help deliver prescribed treatments accordingly.

Augmented Reality lens

Augmented Reality lens

With prototypes made of the same contact lens materials you’re used to, AR lenses have the potential to be embedded with flexible micro batteries, tiny LED displays, and wireless communication components. The latest prototypes use these innovations to overlay digital information onto wearers’ real-world view, providing future possibilities to enhance the medical, gaming, and education sectors.

Eco-Friendly Developments

Eco-Friendly Developments 

With daily contact lenses becoming a popular and convenient choice for frequent contact lens wearers, there is a pressing concern over excess packaging. Technological advancements have paved the way for more durable silicone hydrogel lenses, allowing for weekly and monthly soft contacts — providing a more affordable and long-lasting alternative to daily lenses. But which option is more sustainable?

Research has discovered that daily disposables generate 27% more annual waste than their reusable counterpart when compared to full-time daily contact use vs full-time monthly contact use. 

If you rely on contact lenses to aid your vision, it might be time to switch to a monthly prescription to improve your carbon footprint. However, if your contact lens use is sporadic, as long as you recycle and dispose of your contacts correctly, you can remain environmentally conscious while wearing the best option for your lifestyle.

Find your tailored Contact Lenses at Eyecare Plus today

To maximise your vision and comfort, shop the expansive range at Eyecare Plus to benefit from the latest contact lens innovations in 2025. From vision enhancement lenses to contact lenses for eye health, we offer a curated selection of daily and monthly contacts — so you can navigate your prescription according to your needs.

Find your local optometrist to learn more about your options, and book an appointment for a contact lens fitting and a new prescription today. Our comprehensive eye examinations are tailored to your individual eye health so you can feel comfortable and confident wearing your contact lenses all day, every day.

How to Protect Your Eyes This Summer: 5 Eye Health Tips

Posted on by rpacificador

As the days grow warmer, many look forward to spending their days outdoors, soaking up the Australian summer. From BBQing outside with friends and family to transitioning into outdoor summer sports, we typically spend more time outside. While getting your dose of vitamin D is important, it can bring unique challenges for your eyes, increasing the potential for UV damage, dry eye disease and eye sunburn. Summer can even strain your eyes when you’re not even outside! When the temperature has risen, and you’ve moved inside to escape the heat, you can put your eyes under stress from increased screen time and excessive air conditioner usage — putting a dampener on your fun in and out of the sun.

Proactive eye care in December, January and February is vital to ensure your and your children’s holidays and weekend adventures are lived to the fullest. In this blog, we provide 5 easy and actionable summer eye health tips to help you care for your eyes in the blazing Australian heat.

The Impact of UV Rays on Your Eyes

UV rays, or ultraviolet radiation, are invisible rays emitted by the sun. While necessary for producing vitamin D, overexposure to UV rays can significantly harm your eyes. We are exposed to two forms of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA is responsible for 95% of all UV radiation, with prolonged exposure contributing to the formation of cataracts and potential eye cancer. UVB, however, is more scarce but has a higher intensity, with increased exposure potentially damaging your cornea and Macular Degeneration.

Excessive exposure to harsh UV rays can also result in photokeratitis, commonly called eye sunburn. While many people don’t realise that their eyes can get sunburned too, this commonly occurs in summer, when the surface layer of your eye becomes irritated and inflamed from too much UV light. 

Some symptoms can include:

  • Light sensitivity
  • A gritty sensation in your eyes
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Watery eyes
  • Redness
  • Pain or irritation

UV radiation is measured daily by the UV Index on a scale of 0 to 11+. When levels are above 3, the Cancer Council Australia advises using UV protective equipment for your skin and eyes. While Australia is home to some of the best beaches in the world, we also have some of the highest UV scores globally, often reaching level 11 in summer, making it imperative to protect your eyes from UV rays, every time you leave the house. 

The good news is that preventing UV damage is easy. With these simple but effective tips, you can keep your eyes safe and comfortable all summer long.

1. Choose the Right Sunglasses for UV Protection

Sunglasses are your first line of defence for protecting your eyes from UV rays. Many believe that all sunglasses shield your eyes from UV; however, this is not true. While many sunglasses can reduce glare in sunny areas, UV can still penetrate the lenses if not coated. This is why getting yourself a pair of UV-protecting sunglasses or adding a UV-protective coating to your existing lenses is important. Eyecare Plus can add a layer of UV coating to your glasses today, among other things, to keep your eyes safe and healthy. 

Australia has a standard guideline for sunglasses, with classifications ranging from zero to four, zero being simply fashionable accessories and four designated for special-purpose lenses for high-level UV protection. It’s recommended that you own a pair of sunglasses that belong in category three at least.

When shopping for sunglasses for UV protection, another term you will often see is  UV400 lenses, another name for category four glasses. These provide 95-100% UV protection, meaning by simply styling your everyday ensembles with a pair of sunnies, you could save your eyes a lot of pain. Here are some key features to consider before buying sunglasses for UV protection:

  • Size: If you want to maximise protection, the bigger the sunglasses, the better. Opt for oversized lenses or wraparound lenses if you want to ensure as much of your eye is covered as possible. 
  • Tint: While it’s not proven whether the tint can affect the absorption of UV rays, selecting a pair with a tint that maintains clear visibility and is comfortable to wear will encourage you to wear UV-protecting glasses more frequently. 
  • Style: Although the style has nothing to do with UV protection, it’s important you find a pair you want to wear every day to ensure your sun-protective practices are consistent. With a pair of UV-protective sunglasses that suit every occasion, you won’t hesitate to take these with you wherever you go. 

2. Stay hydrated

With excessive heat comes dehydration. This affects every part of your body — including your eyes. Whether you’re joining in on outdoor activities or staying cool with the air conditioner, both environments can dry out your eyes, possibly leading to discomfort, redness and itchiness. Here are some Australian summer eye protection tips to help you combat dry eyes on hot summer days:

  • Drink plenty of water: Hydration and eye health go hand in hand. On hot days, NSW Health recommends you consume a small cup (200mL) of cool water every 15-20 minutes to ensure your body can function healthily. This gives your eyes enough lubrication to produce tears that can effectively remove bacteria and irritants. 
  • Avoid sitting directly underneath an air conditioner: While we rely on air conditioners to decrease the room temperature, they also reduce the room’s humidity, which may cause your tears to evaporate quickly, leading to dry and irritated eyes. Try to avoid being in its direct airflow to prevent any eye discomfort.
  • Incorporate foods high in omega-3 fatty acids: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are linked to reducing dry eye disease. Some foods you can easily incorporate this summer include seafood, nuts, seeds and plant oils. Discover how different types of foods can have an effect on your eyes and be more in control of your eye health. 
  • Use eye drops and lubricants: Artificial tears, often containing soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients, can help mitigate dry eyes by restoring moisture. These can relieve symptoms and encourage your eyes to recover from irritation or damage. 

3. Manage Screen Time During the Holidays

During summer, many people typically take time off to relax and enjoy the warm weather. With more free time, screen time often increases, especially for children enjoying time off school. Excessive device usage can lead to digital eye strain —  a collective of temporary symptoms resulting from prolonged screen exposure. Some common symptoms include:

  • Burning or itchy eyes
  • Eye fatigue
  • Dry or watery eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Headaches

Digital eye strain is fortunately not chronic and can be easily alleviated with some simple exercises. Nowadays, screens are a large part of most people’s everyday lives; however, ensuring a good balance of indoor and outdoor activities during summer holidays can do wonders for your eyes. Here are some things you can do when periods of screen time cannot be avoided:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (or six metres) away for 20 seconds.
  • Take frequent breaks: Step away from your screen every hour or so and take a quick walk outside or grab yourself a drink — anything that will give your eyes a break.
  • Use blue-light filters: To avoid the strain from artificial blue light projected by screens, get a pair of blue-light lenses from Eyecare Plus.
  • Avoid using screens in direct sunlight: If you’re on a device outside or in a bright room, sun glare can make it difficult to see your screen properly, contributing to eye strain and fatigue. Try to manage your surrounding lighting to be similar to or slightly darker than your screen. 

Start the new year on the right foot by investing in healthy eyes in January and February — the hottest months of the year. Discover more practical tips and exercises to avoid and manage digital eye strain.

4. Follow These Tips to Avoid Dry Eyes in Summer

As mentioned above, dry eyes (whether temporary or chronic) are exacerbated during Australia’s summer months. This is because hot, dry weather, combined with increased outdoor activities and irritants like sand, pollen, and chlorine, can make your eyes suffer. Summer is also fire season in Australia, with smoke and dust further contributing to eye irritation. Avoid dry eyes in Summer and follow our simple list of Australian summer eye protection hacks below:

  • Use a humidifier: Dry air can contribute to dry eye disease, whether from air conditioners or dry conditions. Consider running a humidifier to add moisture to the room without compromising your comfort. 
  • Wear goggles when swimming: Chlorine can wash away your tear film and dehydrate the cornea, leaving your eyes red, irritated and dehydrated. If you’re submerging your eyes underwater, goggles will effectively safeguard your eyes.
  • Apply a warm compress: Found to alleviate dry eye symptoms, a warm compress can restore moisture, help produce tears and soothe irritation.
  • Use lubricating eye drops: Providing quick relief and soothing ingredients, you can add artificial tears to your eye to add extra lubrication.
  • Blink regularly: When using a computer or are exposed to air conditioning, we tend to blink less than usual, drying out our eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more often to encourage moisture.

5. Seek Professional Eye Care

If you’re experiencing consistent irritation, blurriness, dry eye, or it’s been over a year since your last checkup, now is the perfect time to visit your local optometrist. Schedule a comprehensive eye examination with Eyecare Plus, where we focus on understanding your eyes’ unique needs so you can fully enjoy your summer.

During these checkups, we will address your concerns, examine the status of existing conditions and find tailored solutions to ensure your comfort and well-being.  

Stay on top of your eye health this new year with Eyecare Plus

Keep your eyes healthy this summer with expert advice and care from Eyecare Plus. Schedule your next eye exam at your local optometrist today and explore more summer eye health tips for optimal vision on our blog!

Use it or Lose it

Posted on by ECP Manager

With over 13 million Australians suffering from one or more chronic eye conditions, optical services are in high demand, and this number is estimated to increase every year.

Although it feels like we have moved on from the events of COVID-19, Australia’s eye health has taken a significant hit. As a direct result of behaviours learnt during lockdowns, the continual increase in screen time has caused eye impairments, such as digital eye strain, to become an evergrowing and daily battle for many Australians. 

Digital eye strain is defined as a group of vision-related issues that result from excessive screen time. Presenting symptoms such as sore, dry eyes, headaches and blurry vision, this affects more than 86% of Australians and has increased by 8% since COVID-19. 

This means that we need to prioritise our eye health more than ever before!

Use your health cover before it’s too late

Did you know 90% of all eye impairments are preventable if treated early?

If you haven’t seen your optometrist this year, and you are one of the nearly 55% of Australians who have private health cover, you have an even greater incentive to get your eyes checked. Book an eye test using your health fund as soon as possible. Most private health insurers lapse their extras coverage after December 31, 2024. 

Health funds do not allow us to roll over our benefits each year. Once 1 January rolls around, the benefits you did not use the year before will lapse.

You have been paying premiums all year, so take advantage of your health fund’s benefits. Now is the best time to focus on your eye health and make that end-of-year health fund optical claim. 

It is important to have your eyes checked every two years because your prescription can change. As we age, our eyes are prone to developing conditions such as presbyopia, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. The earlier these conditions are found, the more expedient the treatment.

What’s covered?

In response to many Australians finding the private healthcare system complex and confusing, particularly during COVID-19, the Australian Government introduced the 4-tier system. By enforcing all health insurers to separate their services into four tiers — Basic, Bronze, Silver and Gold — you can easily know what medical expenses are covered in your policy. 

With Australian health fund policies, optical services are typically divided into two categories of coverage.

Hospital Cover

Available in the Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers, this typically covers inpatient treatments for eye-related conditions such as:

  • Retinal detachments
  • Eye infections
  • Tear duct conditions
  • Glaucoma
  • Eye socket damage
  • Some eye traumas

Cataract operations are the only eye-related treatments strictly covered in the Gold tier.

Extras Cover

This helps with the cost of medical supplies that Medicare doesn’t cover. Depending on the type of health insurance plan you have, you can get rebates for:

How much you can claim each year depends on your health fund policy and the tier it belongs to. Check your policy and book an eye health check before your health fund benefits expire.

See clearer

If you have not had your script checked in a while, you will be surprised to discover how much lens technology has improved. Today, lenses are much thinner and lighter, with a wide choice of lens coatings.

Aside from being thinner and lighter, lenses are made of advanced optical technologies, allowing you to tailor your glasses to your needs. Eyecare Plus offers various options. 

Scratch resistant coating

An anti-scratch coating makes your lens durable and long-lasting, perfect for people who work outdoors or play sports. Applied with a specific hard lacquer, you can always be confident in vision clarity.

Anti-reflective coating

With a specialised coating that eliminates glare, this additional feature is ideal for those who work with computers, regularly expose themselves to sunlight, or drive for long hours.

Blue-light coating

This coating protects our eyes against the harmful blue light emitted from devices. To prevent sore and strained eyes from excessive computer usage, consider adding this coating to your prescription glasses or getting a pair of blue-light glasses. 

Contact lenses

At Eyecare Plus, our optical professionals tailor your contact lenses to suit your prescription, lifestyle and eye shape. From daily to monthly contact lenses, your eyes can be comfortably protected while maintaining clear vision.

Use your rebate today at Eyecare Plus 

With Eyecare Plus, you can put your health fund policy to good use.

Whether you want to buy prescription glasses with your health fund cover or have always wanted to try contact lenses — the good news is that you can use your health fund for no-gap frames at Eyecare Plus today! 

We also offer comprehensive eye examinations that thoroughly inspect your eyes for early signs of deterioration, such as macular degeneration, cataracts or glaucoma. If spotted early, these conditions can be prevented with the treatments, therapies and lifestyle changes that our eye specialists recommend. Do your eyes a favour and book an appointment for a health fund-covered eye exam.

All health funds are welcome at any Eyecare Plus optometry practice near you. Find your local optometrist today.

7 Effective Tips for Healthier Screen Time & Eye Care

Posted on by rpacificador

Have your eyes ever felt sore or weary while watching TV or working in the office? Some may say you have a case of “square eyes,” but the more technical term for it is digital eye strain.

Whether you require prescription glasses or have 20/20 vision, computer screen fatigue is a natural result for anyone who spends a significant amount of time glued to a screen. While phones and computers are an unavoidable part of our daily routines, it’s important to remember to take care of our eyes during the process. Follow our practical 7-step guide on how to manage and prevent digital eye strain, so you can keep your sight healthy and feeling fresh for as long as possible.

What is Digital Eye Strain?

86% of Australians have experienced symptoms of digital eye strain when using a device. So what is digital eye strain, and what does it look like? With this staggering figure, it’s probable that you’re already familiar with computer vision syndrome. This term refers to a group of eye-related problems, whether short-term or long-term, that arise from excessive screen time. Symptoms can range from mildly aggravating to extreme discomfort. You can experience one or more of digital eye strain symptoms at a time.

These symptoms typically begin to develop after 2 hours of uninterrupted device usage and will usually intensify as time passes without interrupted screentime. Digital eye strain is not permanent, as signs of discomfort are usually alleviated once you step away from a screen. However, some people may experience residual symptoms such as lasting headaches and dry eyes. 

What is the Impact of Blue Light?

Blue light makes up one-third of the visible light spectrum. While the whole light spectrum travels across the atmosphere, blue light has the shortest wavelengths, meaning that it travels faster than other colours. This answers the age-old question of why the sky is blue. With sunlight being the biggest source of blue light, it was originally intended to help manage your circadian rhythm to inform your body when to wake up and go to sleep — meaning that blue light in itself isn’t harmful at all.  

However, electronic devices and fluorescent lighting emit an artificial blue light. With prolonged computer and phone usage, our eyes are exposed to more blue light than ever before. So what does this mean? Since blue light is used to wake us up, using a device before bed stimulates our eyes and can make it harder to sleep, causing fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. This means that blue light and eye strain may have a direct correlation. 

While many believe that blue light itself damages the retina, scientists have not yet found a connection. This means that there are no known serious long-term risks to excessive blue light exposure, and it can be easily prevented by reducing your screen time, particularly at night or getting yourself a pair of blue light glasses. 

At Eyecare Plus, we have developed a lens with a blue light protective coating that you can wear to manage these digital eye strain symptoms. Pick your perfect frame to complement your aesthetic and utilise the benefits of blue light lenses today. 

How Can I Prevent Digital Eye Strain?

If you spend a lot of time in front of a screen, whether for work or entertainment, your eyes may have suffered from some of the above symptoms. The good news is that digital eye strain is easily prevented and managed. Simply incorporate these 7 easy habits, and your eyes will feel better in no time.

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Focusing on a screen for prolonged periods can quickly exhaust your eyes. To reduce strain, an easy rule to follow is to avert your eyes from a screen every 20 minutes for about 20 seconds—roughly the length of a TV commercial—at an object that’s at least 20 feet (or six metres away. 

2. Adjust screen settings

When managing digital eye strain, an important factor to consider is the brightness of the screen itself and surrounding lighting. The contrast of a blaring white screen in a dark room makes it hard for your eyes to adjust, creating the opportunity for strain and fatigue. Try putting your devices on dark mode, which will decrease your exposure to blue light and reduce the harsh contrast.

On the other hand, staring at a dim screen in a bright room also strains the eyes. Your pupils dilate to try to see the screen better, causing blurry vision and potential headaches. This is why a good rule of thumb is to adapt your screen brightness to match the lighting of your surrounding area.

3. Use blue light filters

As previously explained, blue light plays a major role in temporary eye strain and fatigue. Since blue light can heavily impact your sleep cycle, consider changing your nightly routine and avoid using your phone before bedtime to ensure your eyes can have a good night’s rest.

Alternatively, you can also usea pair of glasses with a blue-light protective lens, which creates a barrier between your eyes and the screen. While your phone’s ‘dark mode’ is a fantastic choice, some phones have integrated blue light filters that replace the colder blue tones in the display with warmer hues to help relax the screen’s effect on your eyes. These settings can be automated to activate at preset times so you can easily make these eyecare actions part of your everyday. 

4. Take frequent breaks

As you maintain the 20-20-20 rule, you can also integrate another type of break into your routine. It’s important to step away from the screen entirely to give your mind and eyes a break. Whether it’s getting a drink or going for a quick walk, not only does this improve productivity, but it also gives your eyes a chance to come back and refocus on the screen without strain. Try to do this every hour or so for optimal results. 

5. Blink more often

Studies show that, on average, we blink between 12-15 times per minute. However, when staring at a screen, we tend to blink exceedingly less — about 5-7 times every minute. Blinking is our eye’s way of bringing moisture to the surface. If you’re unconsciously not providing some refreshment to your eyes, then it can be easy for them to become dry, irritated and strained.

Try to make an effort to blink frequently to give your eyes the moisture they require to function correctly.

6. Maintain proper posture

Maintaining good posture when using a device is necessary for your overall health, but it also helps with preventing eye strain from screens. Whether you’re sitting on the couch scrolling through your phone or working on your computer at a desk— it’s important to keep the screen around 60cm or an arm’s length away.

If sitting at a desk, try to sit upright and avoid leaning forward in moments of concentration. The line of sight between your eyes and the screen should ideally be at a slight downward angle. 

7. Use proper lighting to reduce glare

Although you can customise the brightness of your screen to reduce strain, bright lights and sunshine can make it difficult to see your screen properly. If your screen has a lot of glare, try to manage the surrounding lighting, either by closing curtains, seeking a shaded area, or turning a few lights off. 

Eye Care for Computer Users

Just like stretching your muscles before exercise, believe it or not, you can also train your eyes before and after lengthy exertion. Here are some practical and easy eye exercises for screen users to do to enhance visual skills and reduce digital eye strain:

Creating an Ergonomic Workspace for Eye Health

When spending long stretches of your work day in an office, it’s important to position yourself in a way that promotes your eye and overall health. If you begin to develop backaches, sore shoulders or headaches, chances are you’re not sitting in the correct posture. Further, if your eyes are burning, itchy or dry; that could be a result of sitting too close to your screen. A comfortable and ergonomic posture should look like this:

Get help from your local Eyecare Plus specialist

If you experience discomfort and eye strain well after resting your eyes, it may signify an existing eye condition that presents itself in some digital eye strain symptoms.

Whether you have existing eye problems or use a screen for long periods of your day, it’s important to schedule regular check-ups every year or two, so you can stay on top of your eye health. 

Find your local Eyecare Plus optometrist and book your comprehensive eye examination today. 

Best Foods to Boost Your Eye Health

Posted on by rpacificador

Nutrition has long been recognised as the key benefactor of health and well-being; however, people tend to turn a blind eye to its critical role in maintaining eye health. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet can help protect your vision and prevent or delay common eye conditions. Some conditions that can be affected by diet include:

  • Cataracts: This occurs when proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together, causing cloudiness in the lens of the eye. They typically present in blurry vision and night blindness.
  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Aging can cause damage to the macula, the central part of the retina, impairing the ability to see in detail or focus. 
  • Dry eye disease: This disease can be temporary or chronic. Dry eyes occur when there is improper lubrication on the eye’s surface. There are many reasons why this can occur, most of them relating to lifestyle factors, such as increased exposure to windy climates, medications, screen time, and more. 

If you have developed any of the symptoms listed above, contact an eye specialist near you or visit your local Eyecare Plus affiliated clinic.

Understanding Eye Health and Nutrition

A balanced, healthy diet, active lifestyle and regular eye examinations are key components in ensuring long-term healthy eyes. Our eyes rely on specific vitamins and minerals to function correctly and remain healthy. Nutrients like vitamins, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to lower risks of AMD, cataracts, dry eyes and potentially other eye conditions.

The role of antioxidants in eye health

Antioxidants are needed for fighting free radicals (unstable molecules produced naturally in the body). Free radicals can also be introduced via lifestyle factors such as pollution, cigarette smoke, and UV radiation. These molecules are significant aging and damaging cells, including eye cells. Free radicals are associated with both AMD and cataracts.

How do antioxidants work?

Antioxidants are substances that can stabilise and prevent free radicals from causing cellular damage. This process helps protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress and inflammation. Every eye is susceptible to oxidative stress, as it is primarily caused by excessive exposure to light and UV radiation. Antioxidants minimise oxidants and, thus, are beneficial in preventing certain eye diseases. 

This guide explores the six most important antioxidants for eye care. Keep reading for helpful food recommendations and eye health tips so you can make informed dietary choices.

For more information about eye care, contact an optometrist near you or visit Eyecare Plus. 

Eye health and nutrition

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is an antioxidant that maintains the retina’s health and controls the eye’s central vision. To ensure clear vision for as long as possible, or if you’re already struggling with vision problems, try to incorporate more of these foods into your diet:

  • Leafy green vegetables: kale, broccoli, spinach
  • Orange vegetables: carrot, sweet potatoes, pumpkin
  • Dairy products: whole milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter
  • Fish: clams, trout, tuna, salmon, mackerel

If you’re looking for a boost in Vitamin A levels, try out a few recipes that include a handful of the items listed above. A silky sweet potato and kale soup with coconut milk or a simple smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich are some easy and delicious recipes that take you that extra step closer to healthy eyes. 

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. As people age, however, Vitamin C levels naturally decline, making the eye more susceptible to oxidative stress. This can be counteracted by eating foods high in this antioxidant. Citrus fruits, berries and some vegetables are particularly helpful in preventing vision loss:

  • Citrus fruits: oranges, grapefruits, lemon
  • Berries: strawberries, blackberries, raspberries
  • Other fruits: kiwi fruit, tomatoes, papaya
  • Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts

Many of these ingredients can be enjoyed independently or combined into a vibrant fruit salad rich in Vitamin C. For example, placing some broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts on the side of a nice roasted lean meat with some gravy is another easy alternative to increase your veggie intake and help prevent cataracts and AMD.

3. Vitamin E

This antioxidant is highly important for protecting cells, including eye cells, from oxidative damage. Vitamin E is also simply a key component in managing healthy tissue across the whole body, with Vitamin E CREAM being a common antidote for scars and burns. A healthy alternative to prevent age-related decline and support eye repair is to eat more of these certain foods:

  • Nuts and seeds: hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds
  • Oils: wheat-germ oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil
  • Leafy greens: spinach, turnip greens, swiss chard
  • Fish: salmon, rainbow trout, anchovies

You can make some substitutions in your cooking to better incorporate Vitamin E into your diet. For example, by swapping out olive oil for sunflower oil; you would save money and invest in good vision. Choosing a handful of nuts instead of chips is another great substitution.

4. Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants found in high concentrations in the retina. They are the only two carotenoids found in the retina, hence they play a vital role in central vision. Carotenoids are the antioxidants that give yellow, orange and red produce their pigment. These nutrients are specialised in maintaining vision by absorbing harmful blue light and neutralising free radicals. 

By improving the pigment in the eye, these foods enhance the eye’s ability to filter out damaging light:

  • Dark leafy greens: kale, spinach, swiss chard
  • Other vegetables: broccoli, asparagus, corn, pumpkin
  • Fruits: kiwi, grapes, oranges, capsicum
  • Other foods: egg yolks, pistachio, corn chips

A great way to start your day is with a filling, nutritious breakfast that contains high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. Fry up a tasty omelette mixed with wilted spinach and corn, and eat that with a side of freshly squeezed orange juice, and you’re all set. For a snack, bring back the kale chip recipe that was trending a couple of years ago, or if you want a quick fix, a handful of corn chips will satisfy your salty craving whilst also providing eye protection from any harmful light.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are vital for retinal health. These fatty acids, which the body cannot produce independently, have anti-inflammatory properties that prevent AMD and dry eye syndrome. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include:

  • Seafood: salmon, mackerel, tuna, shellfish
  • Nuts and seeds: flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds
  • Plant oils: flaxseed oil, soybean oil, canola oil

Health experts recommend incorporating fish into your diet at least twice a week to help ensure adequate intake of these necessary fatty acids. Getting creative can also be a good way to include more omega-3s in your diet. Preparing some chia seed puddings in little mason jars is a fun idea for a tasty breakfast or a healthier dessert. Mixing in a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter will add that extra flavour kick when fueling your body.

6. Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that plays a significant role in maintaining retinal health. It helps transport vitamin A from the liver to the retina to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes. Zinc deficiency can lead to poor night vision and other eye problems. Maintaining adequate zinc levels can help prevent macular degeneration and other eye conditions associated with aging. Good dietary sources of zinc include:

  • Legumes: beans, lentils, and chickpeas 
  • Meat and Seafood: oysters, beef, pork, poultry
  • Dairy Products: milk, cheese, yoghurt, dark chocolate

The Mediterranean diet has the perfect blend of ingredients that are rich in zinc. Hummus is a simple but delicious dip that you can make yourself. With chickpeas as the primary ingredient, it is also infused with garlic, tahini, and olive oil to ensure maximum flavour and texture. You can combine this perfectly with a succulent kafta skewer on a Lebanese wrap with some cucumbers, and you have yourself a flavourful and nutritious meal.

Supplements

Although supplements are available, taking nutrients and antioxidants through whole foods is more beneficial, as supplements may not provide the same protective effects and can deter good eating practices needed for overall health.

Lifestyle and eye health tips:

Although it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to prevent and prolong age-related eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eyes, many lifestyle factors can also hinder eye health. Here are some practical eye care tips:

  1. Screen time: Staring at screens for long periods of time can cause irritated eyes, blurred vision, and headaches behind the eyes. Keep an arm’s length distance between you and the screen to alleviate eye strain, take regular breaks, and wear blue-light glasses. Choose your blue-light frames from Eyecare Plus.
  2. Excessive light exposure: Long-term UV radiation exposure can harm eye cells as it increases oxidative stress. Reduce this by wearing sunglasses when outdoors; polarised sunglasses can better reduce strain and glare. 
  3. Neglecting eye examinations: Eyes should be checked regularly, every 1-2 years, depending on age. An optometrist can spot early signs of eye conditions and degeneration, which is key in prolonging symptoms as long as possible. If you suspect your vision has degenerated, contact a local optometrist for examination as soon as possible.

Consult with your local eye specialist

Maintaining good nutrition is vital for eye care at all ages. While vitamins and supplements do not cure eye diseases, they play a significant role in preserving vision and preventing further deterioration. It is important to have regular check-ups with an eye specialist near you to monitor your eye health and address any concerns promptly.

Visit Eyecare Plus if you want to learn more about maintaining your eye care or to find an eye specialist near you. Eyecare Plus is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care services and ensuring that your vision remains in top condition throughout your life.

The Lifesaving Importance of Regular Eye Exams: Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Miss Them

Posted on by thien

Regular eye exams are just as important as any other type of medical check-up, such as visiting your dentist or your GP. “But I don’t even need glasses or contact lenses,” you may think. “My eyesight is perfect!” Alternatively, you may already have glasses or contact lenses, and don’t see the need to book an eye exam when you’re satisfied with your current prescription. While this may be the case, eye exams actually do more than check your eyesight—the secondary purpose of eye exams is to also monitor for signs of broader health issues. Early detection of these issues could even save your life.

The vital role of routine eye examinations

By making regular eye exams a part of your year-round health routine, you’re not only protecting your vision, but proactively maintaining your overall health. Here’s how routine eye exams can help you maintain your eye health.

1. Spotting early signs of vision problems

Optometry professionals are trained to spot the early signs of vision problems, which can affect various aspects of your visual function, including distance vision and peripheral vision. Through a routine eye examination, optometrists can identify issues that might not yet be obvious to you. Early detection allows for prompt management, helping to maintain your quality of vision and prevent further deterioration.

2. Tailored solutions for vision correction

One of the key benefits of regular eye exams is the opportunity for timely updates to your prescription glasses and
contact lenses. As your vision changes, which it inevitably does over time, these adjustments are crucial for maintaining optimal vision. Regular eye exams mean that you have the best prescription for your glasses or contact lenses.

3. Early detection of eye conditions and diseases

Identifying and assessing eye conditions at an early stage through routine eye examinations is crucial for the effective management and treatment of various conditions. These examinations allow optometry professionals to detect signs of conditions that, without timely intervention, could lead to significant and irreversible vision loss. Early detection is key to managing these conditions effectively, as it can allow for timely treatment and help prevent or slow down the progression of vision loss. Below are key eye conditions that routine examinations can help prevent or mitigate:

  • Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, critical for good vision, and often associated with a buildup of pressure inside the eye. Early detection treatments for glaucoma lower eye pressure and prevent significant optic nerve damage.
  • Macular Degeneration: A disease that causes blurring or loss of vision in the centre of the visual field, which is important for activities like reading and driving. Early intervention cannot stop this issue, but it can significantly slow its progress.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy: A diabetes complication that affects the eyes, caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Diabetic retinopathy can be managed more effectively when caught early, potentially preventing severe vision loss.
  • Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens that leads to a decrease in vision, which can develop slowly and affect one or both eyes. Cataracts are identified during routine exams, and their progression can be monitored for potential surgical removal when they significantly impact vision.
  • Dry Eye Syndrome: A common condition that occurs when the tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for the eyes. Dry eye syndrome can be managed with various treatments once identified, improving comfort and preventing potential damage to the eye’s surface.

How eye exams can save lives

Did you know that many common diseases first present indicators within the eye? This means that early detection—and therefore, early intervention—is possible through a simple, routine eye exam. This reduces the risk of severe complications and emphasises the importance of regular eye exams. The following common diseases can be detected early during a routine check-up.

Diabetes

Early signs include changes in blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to diabetic retinopathy. Identifying diabetes in its initial stages allows for immediate management strategies to be put in place, such as blood sugar control and lifestyle modifications.

Hypertension

Blood vessel damage in the eye may indicate high blood pressure, often without any other symptoms. Early detection of hypertension can be managed effectively through medication and lifestyle adjustments. This not only helps in preserving eye health, but also reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems, significantly enhancing life expectancy.

High cholesterol

Indicators include changes in the blood vessels of the eye or the presence of plaques in the retina. Early detection of high cholesterol through signs in the eye vessels can prompt dietary and lifestyle changes alongside medical treatment to lower cholesterol levels. This can prevent more severe cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Autoimmune disorders

Certain eye conditions, such as uveitis, can suggest an underlying autoimmune disorder. The early identification of autoimmune disorders through eye symptoms allows for timely immunosuppressive therapy, which can control inflammation and prevent tissue damage. In the long run, this can help to reduce the severity of the disorder and the risk of complications, improving the patient’s quality of life.

Thyroid diseases

Eye symptoms, such as bulging eyes or Graves’ ophthalmopathy, can indicate thyroid issues. The early, effective management of thyroid function can alleviate eye symptoms and prevent the progression to more severe conditions, such as vision loss or thyroid storm—a life-threatening state of hyperthyroidism.

The potential risks of neglecting regular eye exams

Nobody really likes going to the dentist. But you book yourself in for regular appointments because you know that checkups can prevent much larger problems later on down the track—such as an expensive crown or even an extraction.

You should treat eye exams in the same way. Regularly booking a routine eye exam can help in the early detection of various eye diseases as well as broader health issues, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, raised blood pressure, auto immune conditions, or even sleep apnoea. If these health issues are not detected early, then they can progress to a point where treatment options become more limited.

How often should you see your optometrist?

At Eyecare Plus, we recommend that adults have an eye test at least once every two years. For those over 50, an eye test should be booked at least once every year. When it comes to young children, we recommend testing them at ages 1, 3 and 5. At the very least, children should be tested before they start school. This ensures that any disadvantageous vision problems are detected before your child enters the classroom.

If you have further questions about eye tests and what to expect at an Eyecare Plus eye exam, then make sure you check out our eye test FAQ page.

Book an eye exam today with Eyecare Plus

The optometry professionals at Eyecare Plus are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of customer service. We are committed to delivering clinical excellence, which is why we offer Checkup Plus™ eye examinations. These exams generally last for 30 to 45 minutes, and will test for a range of issues, including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and general physical health.

Find your local Eyecare Plus optometrist and book an eye exam today

Daily Contact Lenses vs Monthly – Pros and Cons

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

There are so many types of contact lenses on the market today, choosing the right kind can be difficult. After receiving your prescription, one of the first things a contact lens wearer must decide is what type of contact lens is right for me, dailies or monthlies?

As their names indicate, dailies are worn as daily disposable contact lenses, whereas a monthly disposable contact lens can be used for up to 30 days before being replaced. Each offers different advantages, and both have pros and cons. The choice you make should be based on your prescription, your lifestyle, and the recommendations of your optometrist.

To get the process going, Eyecare Plus has put together a head-to-head comparison of monthlies vs dailies.

Upkeep: cleaning, disinfecting, and storing

The main difference between dailies and monthlies is the amount of care they need. Monthlies require a daily cleaning routine, and they need to be stored in a little contact lens case each night.

Many eye infections can be prevented with proper contact lens wear and care. Cleaning your monthlies gets rid of debris and protein deposits from your tears that build up and can make the contact lenses uncomfortable and cause potential eye infections.

There is no maintenance for daily disposable lenses.

Advantage: dailies

Durability

Both daily disposable contacts and monthly contact lenses are soft contact lenses, though dailies are made of a slightly thinner material because they don’t have to last as long. The material to make most contact lenses these days is either hydrogel or silicone hydrogel.

Because monthly contact lenses are designed to last up to 30 days, they are slightly thicker than dailies, and are more resistant to rips or tears. Monthlies also usually offer more moisture retention so are more resistant to drying out.

Advantage: monthlies

Cost

Monthly lenses are usually considered the cheaper option because you buy fewer of them. It takes 24 monthly lenses (12 per eye) to supply a years’ worth of monthly disposable contacts, while a year’s worth of dailies is 720 lenses (or 360 pairs a year).

So, monthlies are cheaper. But the price difference is not as big as it seems. Monthly contact lenses need storage cases, travel supplies, and contact lens solutions too, and these items can add up. Still, even with these costs factored in, everyday contact lens wearers will usually get a slightly better value out of monthlies.

Advantage: monthlies

Performance

Because daily contact lenses are changed each new day, they don’t have time to wear out, as monthlies do. And there is no time for build-up to develop on daily lenses. Even with proper care, protein and lipid deposits can develop on monthly contact lenses, affecting the sharpness of vision.

Advantage: dailies

Young wearers

For first time contact lens wearers, especially teens or young people, most optometrists recommend daily disposable contact lenses. New users sometimes tear or lose their contact lenses, so for practical and economic reasons, daily disposables are preferable.

Teens (who are not usually known for their exacting standards of hygiene) are usually prescribed dailies.

Advantage: dailies

Overnight wear

Many people wrongly assume ‘monthly contact lenses’ means they put them in at the beginning of the month and take them out at the end of the month. But that is not how they work.

Leaving your contact lenses in can lead to irritation or an infection and deprive the eyes of oxygen.

During the day, eyes open, we are getting oxygen to our eyes constantly. However, when we sleep, the blood vessels in our eyelids are the only way to get oxygen to the surface of our eyes.

A contact lens is a barrier between the cornea (front of the eye) and the nourishing eyelids. While it certainly isn’t dangerous, it is not an ideal situation.

 

While there are several ‘extended wear’ contact lenses for overnight use, most eye care professionals agree: you should avoid sleeping with your contact lenses in, unless you have specially prescribed orthokeratology contact lenses.

Since contact lens wearers throw away their lenses at the end of the day, there is no temptation to keep them in overnight.

Advantage: dailies

Environmental impact

We all want to do our part, and with any disposable product, many people are concerned about the environmental impact of wearing contact lenses.

First off, contact lenses weigh about 30 micrograms, and it has been calculated that contact lenses only comprise about 0.5% of the total environmental waste. Probably more surprising, when you compare the environmental impact of dailies or monthly contact lenses to glasses, the contact lenses come out way ahead.

A year’s worth of daily disposables (365 pairs) would add up to about nine grams of plastic – a little less than the amount that goes into two credit cards.

At the same time, monthly contacts require plastic contact lens case, plastic bottles of multi-purpose solution throughout the year.

When the packaging and blister packs are properly recycled, and the contacts are properly disposed of (never flush contacts down the toilet or throw them down the drain), dailies are the surprise winner.

Advantage: dailies

Convenience

Dailies are not only more convenient than monthlies, they are also more convenient than almost anything, ever.

One time wear, put them in in the morning and throw them away at the end of the day. There are no solutions to buy, carry around and use.

Dailies also free you up to wear glasses one day and contacts the next.

Advantage: dailies

Dailies vs Monthly contact lenses: pros and cons

Monthly Contact Lenses PROS

  •       Great value for money, especially if you wear your contacts everyday
  •       Durable
  •       Lower annual cost on average than daily disposable contact lenses

Monthly Contact Lenses CONS

  •       Performance goes down the longer they are worn
  •       Wearers need to adhere to a replacement schedule
  •       Need to be cleaned daily

Daily Contact Lenses PROS

  •       Hassle free. No need to clean and store
  •       No need for contact lens solutions
  •       A fresh pair every day
  •       Great for new contact lens wearers and young people

Daily Contact Lenses CONS

  •       More upfront costs than monthlies

Talk to your Eyecare Plus optometrist

No matter what you decide, there are plenty of daily and monthly contact lens options. When it comes to choosing the right contact lens types for you, it is important to see a well-trained and qualified optometrist.

Book an appointment with your local Eyecare Plus optometrists who will make sure you choose the right contact lenses in terms of the fit, size and material that matches with your lifestyle and are healthiest for your eyes.

 

How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

Typically, your eye check schedule depends on two things: your overall health and your age. While advice on specific health conditions can vary, there are general guidelines for the frequency of your eye checks based on your age that we all should follow…. 

Infants

It is recommended that a child’s first eye exam should take place at six months. Children rarely report vision problems because they just assume everyone sees the same way they do.

An eye exam for an infant (up to three years of age) is different from that of adults and older children, there are a series of tests adapted to suit the age of the young patient. (The charts are different, obviously, they include shapes instead of letters or numbers).

Pre-schoolers

The second eye exam for a child should take place at age three. Getting your child’s eyes tested before school starts gives a child the best chance of success in school, sports, and their young social lives.

Vision problems can affect a child’s behavior, learning and confidence. Frequently, a child’s struggle with reading and learning is traced back to a simple inability to see the teacher’s whiteboard. In the same way, a child who struggles to see objects at distance may be excluded from sports or group activities simply because they can’t see well enough to participate. With early detection, these problems can be prevented.

eyecare-plus-optometrists-child-eyes-checked

School-age children

Eye Test: annually

In general, children (aged 5 to 17) who are prescribed corrective eyewear or who have been diagnosed with vision problems should have annual eye exams, especially if they wear contact lenses. 

Adults

Eye Test: once every two years

Adults (aged over 18) who wear glasses or contacts should visit their optometrist at least once every two years. Usually, your prescription will expire in this length of time, and it is important for your optometrist to perform a comprehensive eye exam for any evidence of eye diseases. Frequent eye exams can help prevent eye disease and vision degeneration, particularly if you have High blood pressure. Routine eye examination is the only way to tackle the eye.

During pregnancy is also a good time to visit your local Eyecare Plus optometrist as the fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to dry eyes, blurry or distorted vision, or spots and floaters. 

Seniors

Eye Test: annually

For seniors, annual eye checks are often the only way to identify eye problems and intervene before they get worse.

It is especially important for people aged 60 and over to schedule annual eye exams. Age brings changes to your vision and to your eyes.

People over the age of 60 are susceptible to a range of age-related eye disorders, those being:

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)  is a disease that affects the back of the eyes (the macula). It develops gradually, and, if left untreated, can cause the loss of central vision. You may have a family history of AMD, but also the older you get, the more likely you are to get AMD.

In the early stages of the disease, vision is unaffected, which is why it is so important to schedule a comprehensive eye check every year.

Approximately one in seven Australians over the age of 50 have some evidence of AMD.

eyecare-plus-optometrists-eyes-checked-AMD

Cataracts

Cataracts are the clouding of the lenses of the eyes. As the cloudiness increases, it becomes more and more difficult to see at night and to drive. The risk of cataracts increases as you age – while approximately 30% of people over 50 have cataracts, almost 80% of people over 80 have them. 

During a scheduled annual eye check, the optometrist will be able to check for cataracts and discuss treatment options before vision is lost. 

It is crucial to take part in regular eye checks to avoid any eye problems and check your risk of developing eye problems in the future.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure in the eye which causes damage to the optic nerve. It’s known as ‘the sneak thief of sight’ because, in the early stages of the disease, there are no symptoms.

The only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to have a comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrists may do a visual field test which determines whether you have difficulty seeing anywhere in your overall field of vision. Eye tests are regular general health checks, they are important to our overall well being.

eyecare-plus-optometrists-eye-test

No matter what your age, family history or general health scheduling a routine eye examination with your local Eyecare Plus optometrist is an important part of staying looking after your eye health and staying healthy and active in order to help you live your life to the fullest.

Contact your local Eyecare Plus Optometrist today as we recommend at least a bi-annual comprehensive eye exam. Getting your eyes tested regularly is vital to your overall eye health and general health.

 

 

How to Choose Contact Lenses: Which Type is Right for You

Posted on by ecp_super_admin

We live in the golden age of contact lenses. But with all these innovations and styles, it is easy to get overwhelmed. If you are wondering which contact lens type is right for you and why, read on and let us make things clearer for you.

Ever since German Ophthalmologist Dr Adolf Fick made the first pair of contact lenses in 1888, contact lenses have been getting better and better. Dr Fick would be amazed at the wide range of styles and materials for contact lenses available now: daily disposable contact lenses (‘dailies’), monthly contacts (‘monthlies’), hard contacts, soft contacts, extended wear contacts, multifocal contact lenses and many more.

There are two main categories of contact lenses: hard and soft. Both contact lenses are made of plastic, and both can correct near-sightedness and farsightedness.

Hard contact lenses are made of ‘rigid gas-permeable’ plastic and soft contacts are made of silicone hydrogel.

Hard Contact Lenses

At first, hard contacts were the only kind you could get, but today, hard contact lenses are usually chosen by people who have eye conditions that won’t allow them to wear a soft contact lens. If your optometrist determines that you have an irregular-shaped eye or a condition called ‘keratoconus,’ hard contacts will be recommended.

In general, hard lenses last longer and are less expensive in the long run. They tend to suit wearers who are more comfortable with a daily cleaning regimen. With proper care, hard contacts can be worn for up to a year without being replaced. 

Soft Contact Lenses

There are many great contact lens types but soft contact lenses are the most comfortable and the most popular. Soft contact lenses are typically thinner and lighter than hard contact lenses; they’re also easier to care for and they have less risk of infection.

Soft contact lenses come in three main varieties…

Daily disposables or ‘dailies’ are made for one-time wear and are the most convenient contacts. 

Fortnightly disposables are soft lenses worn for up to two weeks (taken out each night). They must be cleaned and stored in solution overnight.

Monthly disposables can be worn for 30 days. Although you need less lenses, you need to ensure they are cleaned and stored in contact lens solution overnight.

It is important to care for your contact lenses. Our contact lens guide provides you with the best ways to care for your contact lenses.

Which type of contact lens is right for me?

The right contact lenses depend on the level of your eye health. There are plenty of contact lens types to suit every individual. An example is toric contact lenses, these contact lenses are designed to help people with Astigmatism. Also choosing contact lenses to suit an active lifestyle is best as it is the common choice for active people. Although the best answer to this question will come from your Eyecare Plus optometrist. A consultation with an Eyecare Plus optometrists will make sure you choose the contacts with the fit, size and material that match your lifestyle and are healthiest for your eyes.

What contact lens type is right for you? Here are five questions to consider:

There are many innovative contact lenses on the market so which is right for you?

The two main categories of contact lenses are hard and soft. These are both made of plastic, and they can both can correct near-sightedness and farsightedness.

Hard contact lenses are made of ‘rigid gas-permeable’ plastic and soft contacts are made of silicone hydrogel.

Your Eyecare Plus optometrist (eye doctors) will conduct contact lens fittings as part of every standard eye examination for contact lens wearers.

During the fittings, they will determine the correct size and fit for your contact lenses. That said, your local Eyecare Plus optometrist will still rely on you to ensure that your contact lenses fit you best. It is crucial to pick the best contact lenses to suit your lifestyle.

Here are a few questions to consider to help your optometrist to determine the contact lenses that will work best for you…

  1. Do you suffer from allergies?

Daily disposable contact lenses are the best for people with allergies and are the usual recommendation.

Because daily disposable contact lenses are replaced each day (instead of cleaned and stored), there is no chance of any allergen build up on the surface of your contact lenses. This reduces the chance of infection and alleviates the symptoms of eye allergies.

  1. What sports do you participate in?

Contact lenses are a common choice for active people, but the type of lens you choose will differ based on your favourite way of staying fit. Daily-wear contact lenses are the best option for weightlifting and yoga as well as on-field activities like soccer, rugby, or footie.

Hikers or mountain climbers might find extended wear lenses a better choice. Swimmers, on the other hand, are encouraged to wear goggles, not contact lenses.

  1. How often will you wear your contact lenses?

Many people who wear glasses like to have the option of wearing contact lenses occasionally – for a night out or special events. Soft contact lenses (daily, extended or disposable) are usually recommended for glasses wearers who like to change it up from time to time. Rigid gas permeable lenses are more durable than soft contact lenses, they are also more breathable, this type of lenses will suit a daily contact wearer who prefers to wear contact lenses than frames.

  1. Be honest: will you follow the recommended care routines?

Will you clean, rinse, and store your contacts each night using the recommended cleaning regimen? Don’t forget to clean your contact lens case too!

Remember that proper lens care takes time, so it is best to choose the lens that fits your life rather than try to change your life to fit the contact lenses.

  1. Are you approaching 40?

As we age, we inevitably begin to lose the ability to focus up close. It is a natural part of getting older, and it’s called presbyopia Like most other vision problem, presbyopia can be managed.

Multifocal contact lenses or bifocal lenses, provide vision correction for both near and far and are available in a range of options: hard or soft, extended wear and daily disposable.

Collaboration with your optometrist means you will make the best possible choice of contact lenses.

Eyecare Plus optometrists will prescribe the contact lens that fixes your vision problem and will fit your contact lenses for maximum comfort.

It is up to you to follow the recommendations and replacement schedules that will preserve your eye health and help you get the most out of your contact lenses.

Do I need a contact lens fitting?

Yes. Contact lenses fit on the cornea (the clear, domed window in front of your eye). Your corneas need oxygen from the air to stay healthy, so when a contact lens is fitted on the cornea, it’s important that the cornea is still getting the oxygen it needs.

Contact lenses today are ‘oxygen permeable.’ That is, they allow oxygen to reach the cornea while you wear them. But without a proper fitting, you may get a contact lens that is too tight, which could limit the oxygen flow and lead to problems. On the other hand, if your contact lens is too loose, it will feel like you have a constant eyelash stuck on your eye and could cause an abrasion.

When it comes to choosing the right contact lens types for you, it’s important to see a well-trained and qualified optometrist.

When your Eyecare Plus optometrist fits you with your contact lens prescription, they will ensure that your corneas are getting the oxygen they need and the lenses you select will not lead to complications.

Book an appointment with your local Eyecare Plus optometrists who will make sure you choose the right contact lenses in terms of the fit, size and material that match your lifestyle and are healthiest for your eyes.

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