Archives for Eye Problems

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Facts About AMD AMD causes damage to the macula and can gradually destroy your central, sharp vision. AMD, or age related macular degeneration, is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss among people age 55 and older. It is the most common cause of legal blindness in this age group. (Legal blindness means that a person can see 6/60 or less with glasses.)  The macula is made up of millions of light-sensing cells. It is the most sensitive part of the retina and is smaller than the size of a pinhead. The macula allows us to make
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Categories: Eye Conditions and Eye Health.

Treating Dry Eyes

Are your eyes dry, red, irritated or watering? You may be one of the many New Zealanders who suffer from dry eye syndrome. Dry eye is a debilitating, common condition, particularly in older adults. The two most common causes of dry eye are oil glands getting clogged and inflamed or glands not producing enough lubricating tears. Tear production tends to diminish with age or as a side effect of certain medications. Environmental conditions, such as wind, air-conditioning, smoke, dust, dry heat and low humidity, can also affect tear volume. Intense concentration associated with close or computer work, which affects blink
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Categories: Eye Conditions and Eye Health.

Makeup and Eye Health

Healthy Eyes Are Beautiful Eyes Beauty is timeless, but unfortunately, beauty products are not. For many women, putting on makeup can be a part of their daily routine, but when makeup is not used properly, cosmetics can cause infections, allergic reactions and even injuries. Our eye specialists also see patients coming into our optometrists with eyeliner and mascara residue stuck to contact lenses or trapped in tear films and tear ducts. Some of the most common causes of eye infection come from dirty sponges and old cosmetics: mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow. In fact, according to a Reuters news article
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Categories: Eye Health.

Blepharitis Treatment

Treating Blepharitis This is a stubborn eye disorder requiring  systematic, on-going treatment; not only to eliminate redness and irritation but to prevent further blepharitis outbreaks. Blepharitis symptoms are similar to other more serious eye diseases, which is why it is vital that you get a professional diagnosis of your condition from one of our optometrists. If you do suffer from blepharitis it is very important you understand the type you have so we can provide the correct blepharitis treatment. The most common form, seborrhea blepharitis, is caused by small oil glands on the eyelid becoming clogged, causing waxy, greasy scales
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Categories: Eye Health and Eye Tests.

Blepharitis

What is Blepharitis? At John O’Connor eye care, we provide a wide range of optometry services, including the treatment of eye infections such as blepharitis. Are your eyelids red, itchy, swollen or irritated? Do you get flaky eyelid skin? Do you get a sticky discharge along your eyelashes? Are you losing your eyelashes? Do you wake up with crusting along your eyelids? Is your vision sometimes blurry between blinks? Are your eyes watery? Do your eyes sting or feel gritty? Are your eyes sensitive to light? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have an ocular condition called blepharitis.
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Categories: Eye Health and Eye Tests.

Do I Need a Test For Glaucoma?

Glaucoma Test Safeguarding Your Vision: Priceless Do I need a test for glaucoma? The short answer: Yes! Worldwide, it is estimated that about 66.8 million people suffer from poor vision due to glaucoma, with 6.7 million suffering from blindness. Optometrists estimate that half of those affected may not even have been aware they initially had glaucoma; symptoms often do not appear during the early stages of the disease. This is why glaucoma screening and treatment is so very important; without treatment glaucoma can simply creep up and steal your vision. While there is no current cure for glaucoma, treatment can be
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Categories: Eye Health and Eye Tests.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts – the most common cause of blindness What are cataracts? Is your vision cloudy when you’re watching television? Are your eyes sensitive to light and glare? Does sunlight or indoor lighting seem too bright? When you’re driving, do oncoming headlights have a “halo” around them? Do colours seem faded or are you having trouble differentiating between certain colours? If you have any of these symptoms, it is possible you have cataracts on your eyes. You’re not alone. This eye disease is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. 5,000 out of 100,000 people aged 52–62 are affected by cataracts. 46% of people aged
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Categories: Eye Health and Eye Tests.