For your Information
Optical Extras?
Use them, don’t lose them!
If you’ve invested in private health insurance, you’ll want to make the most of your cover.
A clear way is to use your annual optical extras before they expire on December 31st (for most funds).
At Riverland Optical, we’re here to help you to see value from your extras with new prescription eyewe
Optical Extras?
Use them, don’t lose them!
If you’ve invested in private health insurance, you’ll want to make the most of your cover.
A clear way is to use your annual optical extras before they expire on December 31st (for most funds).
At Riverland Optical, we’re here to help you to see value from your extras with new prescription eyewear for a specific purpose, or for everyday wear!
We accept all health funds and offer on-the-spot claiming! So if you’ve got optical extras available, simply contact us to make an appointment and claim your new eyewear without wearing the full cost!
Beyond a fashion accessory, sunglasses play a vital and necessary role in protecting our eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.
However, you may be wondering if you should opt for polarised lenses or tinted. Truthfully, there are benefits of both! Here's how they work;
POLARISED LENSES
- Have special filters that reduce horizontal reflectio
Beyond a fashion accessory, sunglasses play a vital and necessary role in protecting our eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.
However, you may be wondering if you should opt for polarised lenses or tinted. Truthfully, there are benefits of both! Here's how they work;
POLARISED LENSES
- Have special filters that reduce horizontal reflection of light commonly known as a “glare”
- Minimise eye strain and fatigue
- Improve colour saturation and contrast.
- Reduce the effect of UV-A and UV-B rays by 100%
TINTED LENSES
- Have a pigmented dye in them. However, it's important to note the density of the tint as lighter densities will not offer as much protection as darker densities
- Help reduce glare when there is excess light
- Improve contrast and image resolution (brown lens)
- Help reduce and minimise eyestrain (amber lens)
- Give more precise and relaxed vision (green lens)
Whichever way you're leaning, it's always important to talk to your optometrist to ensure you're opting for the one that's right for you!
So... What does an optometrist test for?
Our answer - a very wide range of eye conditions! But today we thought we'd break down the main three that we are looking for when you come in for a comprehensive eye checkup!
A CATARACT is a clouding of the clear lens in the eye and is one of the leading causes of vision impairment. Early symptoms
So... What does an optometrist test for?
Our answer - a very wide range of eye conditions! But today we thought we'd break down the main three that we are looking for when you come in for a comprehensive eye checkup!
A CATARACT is a clouding of the clear lens in the eye and is one of the leading causes of vision impairment. Early symptoms include glare and sensitivity to bright light. However, as cataracts worsen more symptoms can arise.
GLAUCOMA is a group of eye diseases in which there is progressive damage to the optic nerve which carries vision information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma is often associated with fluid pressure inside the eye resulting from a problem with the drainage system of the eye. Early detection and treatment are crucial to minimise vision loss.
AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION is a degenerative eye condition caused by changes at the back of the eye (retina). It is the leading cause of severe vision impairment in people aged over 40 years in Australia. AMD can affect abilities in reading, writing, close-work and watching TV.
If it has been a while since your last eye exam, or you have been noticing some differences in your vision, call us and get ahead of your eye health before it's too late.
On average, Australians spend over 6 hours a day staring at screens! This amount of time can be very damaging to our eyes, as the eye muscles are immensely strained when looking at a fixed distance for a long period of time.
While we're sure you have picked up some of the symptoms already if you utilise computers or digital devices daily
On average, Australians spend over 6 hours a day staring at screens! This amount of time can be very damaging to our eyes, as the eye muscles are immensely strained when looking at a fixed distance for a long period of time.
While we're sure you have picked up some of the symptoms already if you utilise computers or digital devices daily, digital eye strain can cause eye discomfort and fatigue, dry eye, blurry vision, and headaches.
OUR TIPS
- Remind yourself to blink while working
- Adjust your computer screen so it’s one arm’s length in front of your face
- Reduce the amount of overhead and surrounding light that is competing with your device’s screen
- Ensure you have the appropriate vision correction for you
- Have eye tests annually
Glaucoma is known as the 'silent thief of sight', and more than 300,000 people in Australia are living with it!
Glaucoma is when the main nerve in your eye thins, causing loss of your side vision. If left untreated it can cause tunnel vision/blindness.
Diabetes is a risk factor for developing glaucoma, however anyone can fall prey to th
Glaucoma is known as the 'silent thief of sight', and more than 300,000 people in Australia are living with it!
Glaucoma is when the main nerve in your eye thins, causing loss of your side vision. If left untreated it can cause tunnel vision/blindness.
Diabetes is a risk factor for developing glaucoma, however anyone can fall prey to this disease!
It's estimated that over 50% of people who develop the condition don’t know they have it until it’s too late! So it's important that you look after your eyes and prevent vision loss as much as possible.
Here are some important habits to implement to look after your eye health;
- Have your eyes checked regularly to pick up early signs of damage (at least once every two years)
- Control your blood glucose levels
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- If your vision has been affected, seek treatment from your doctor to stop it from getting worse
When was the last time you had your eyes checked? Don't wait until it's too late. Call us to book in a consult!
Did you know that many Australians lose all or part of their sight as a result of diabetes?
There are a number of reasons for this. Managing diabetes can be difficult and requires a range of different health checks, and regular eye checkups are no exception!
If you have diabetes, it is likely that you will develop some changes to your eye
Did you know that many Australians lose all or part of their sight as a result of diabetes?
There are a number of reasons for this. Managing diabetes can be difficult and requires a range of different health checks, and regular eye checkups are no exception!
If you have diabetes, it is likely that you will develop some changes to your eyes, such as;
- Weakened focusing ability of the eye (which can ease when blood glucose levels are stable)
- Vision loss due to Diabetic Retinopathy (damage to the very small blood vessels on the back of the eye).
- Diabetic Retinopathy can occur regardless of the type of diabetes you have, your age, or even the control you have over your blood-glucose levels. It’s best to have regular eye examinations so that changes can be detected and treated early.
- Outside of your regular eye checks, here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Blurred, distorted or patchy vision that can’t be corrected with prescription glasses
- Problems with balance, reading, watching television and recognising people
- Being overly sensitive to glare
- Difficulty seeing at night.
Get in touch with us to organise your regular eye checkup to make sure you’re staying on top of your eye health.
Did you know that eye strain is one of the biggest reasons we experience headaches?
Eyestrain often occurs from improper focusing within our vision - something that can easily be addressed by looking after the health of our eyes!
Come and visit us, and book in a comprehensive eye checkup - it's time to put your health first!
Is your UV protection up to scratch?
UV damage can occur whether it's clear or cloudy outside and the negative impact of not protecting your eyes can be severe and long lasting!
UV radiation from the sun can increase the likelihood of cataracts, growths on the eye, possible macular degeneration, as well as skin cancer and premature ageing!
T
Is your UV protection up to scratch?
UV damage can occur whether it's clear or cloudy outside and the negative impact of not protecting your eyes can be severe and long lasting!
UV radiation from the sun can increase the likelihood of cataracts, growths on the eye, possible macular degeneration, as well as skin cancer and premature ageing!
This is particularly important for children who spend majority of their time outside enjoying the sunshine - the risk of damage is much higher at a young age as the lens of the eyes cannot block as much UV radiation.
With the weather warming up, use this as your reminder to sort your UV protection (before it's too late)!
Have your children had their eyes checked?
Children often assume their vision is just like everyone else's, which is why vision problems can go easily undetected!
If you have noticed your child;
- Struggling at school
- Avoiding ball sports
- Squinting when watching TV
- Holding a book up close
- Having difficulty learning to read
...It could be their eye
Have your children had their eyes checked?
Children often assume their vision is just like everyone else's, which is why vision problems can go easily undetected!
If you have noticed your child;
- Struggling at school
- Avoiding ball sports
- Squinting when watching TV
- Holding a book up close
- Having difficulty learning to read
...It could be their eyes!
Children rely on their eyes for 80% of their learning in their first 12 years, so it's important to ensure their vision is developing as it should be!
Book your child in for a thorough eye test with our optometrist(s) for peace of mind!