The Eye Practice

1. Have your eyes examined at least once every 2 years

Eye exams at The Eye Practice are extremely thorough and can detect early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes and cataract before you are even aware of any symptoms. 

The Eye Practice is always at the forefront of technology and has the specialised equipment to thoroughly assess your eye health and even pick up other underlying health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Your eyes should be examined at least once every 2 years and if you are a contact lens wearer, once every 12 months.

2. Eat a nutritious diet

New research has indicated that improved nutrition could help to retard the loss of visual sensitivity with age.  The Schepens Eye Research Institute at the Harvard Medical School, have found that macular pigment in the retina – an accumulation of yellow compounds from fruits and vegetables – may prevent age-related vision loss. 

The scientist’s findings suggest that fruits and vegetables that are high in lutein and zeaxanthin should be a regular part of our diet to maintain healthy eyes.  These compounds can be found in dark green and orange foods such as spinach, broccoli, green beans, corn and peaches.  Basically if you eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, you will be getting a lot of these compounds.

Omega-3 (found in fish oil) has also been identified as being essential in keeping our eyes healthy and is particularly effective in treating dry eyes.  The Eye Practice is one of very few to stock TheraTears Nutrition, a specially formulated dietary supplement that works to keep your eyes healthy from the inside.  TheraTears Nutrition contains organically-grown flaxseed oil; mercury-free fish oil; and vitamin E. 

3. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese can seriously increase your risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol which can in turn lead to sight-threatening eye complications.

To maintain a healthy weight and healthy eyes, eat a balanced diet including lots of fruit and vegetables and foods rich in Omega-3’s.  If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, speak to your Doctor.

The Eye Practice has the technology and expertise to pick up signs of underlying health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol so these conditions can be treated before they affect your sight.

4. Don’t smoke

Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for your lungs.  Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing macular degeneration, cataract and optic nerve damage.  All of these conditions can lead to vision loss.

If you are having trouble quitting smoking, please visit your Doctor for further advice and book an eye exam with The Eye Practice to check if smoking is affecting your eye health.

5. Protect your eyes from the sun

Protection from UV-light is critical as these rays can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium and cancer.  The Eye Practice’s entire sunglasses range meets the Australian Sunglasses Standard for UV protection.

Many of our designer sunglasses can be fitted with your prescription lenses to ensure that you enjoy clear, comfortable vision whilst staying fashionable.  Our expert frame stylists are here to help you choose sunglasses that suit your individual personality and lifestyle.

For people who wish to enjoy the convenience of wearing the same pair of glasses for both indoor and outdoor activities, The Eye Practice offers transition lenses that darken to reduce glare when outdoors.

6. Protect your eyes when playing sport

If you play sport, make sure you shield your eyes with protective sports glasses/goggles.  Racquet sports such as squash are a leading cause of serious sports related injuries such as orbital fractures and retinal detachment. 

The Eye Practice offers protective glasses/goggles for sports such as squash and swimming and can have them made up to your prescription.  The Eye Practice can also prescribe you with specialty lenses for sports such as golf, shooting and many more.

7. Consider your eye health at work

With longer working hours and an increase in the use of technologies such as computers, our eyes are being put under more and more strain.

To avoid eyestrain take regular breaks.  Breaks will not only relax the eyes but the whole body as well.  A good rule to follow is the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes of looking at the computer screen, turn your head and try to look at an object placed greater than 20 feet (6 metres) away. This changes the focal length and relaxes your eyes; a must for tired eyes.

You may also try to blink for 20 times in succession, to moisten eyes and walk 20 paces every 20 minutes of sitting in front of the computer. This will not only focus the eyes at different distances as you move around but also help with blood circulation for the entire body.

If your job requires you to wear protective eyewear never go without it.  Your employer should provide the protective eyewear.

8. Take care of your contact lenses

If you wear contact lenses, regular aftercare eye examinations are vital to ensure your prescription is still suitable, that lenses are still fitting comfortably and that your eyes remain healthy.

To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing your contact lenses.  If you wear fortnightly, monthly or extended wear contact lenses, ensure you clean them properly after every wear and replace them appropriately.

If you eyes are dry with contact lens wear, don’t forget to ask one of our friendly team about lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable.

9. Know your family’s eye history

It is important that you know your family’s eye history as various eye conditions, for example Glaucoma, are often hereditary.

This will help the Optometrists at The Eye Practice to determine if you are at a higher risk of developing an eye condition.

If you have a family history of any eye conditions it is essential that your eyes be examined at least once every 2 years so that early signs of an eye condition can be detected in an effort to prevent sight loss.

10. Don’t ignore eye signs and symptoms

If you notice any changes in your vision, headaches or pain in or around your eyes, or any other signs or symptoms don’t ignore them.  Book an eye appointment as soon as possible with one of The Eye Practice’s friendly Optometrists to determine the cause of the signs or symptoms in an effort to prevent any sight loss.

Contact The Eye Practice for an appointment today on  (02) 9290 1899 .