Glebe Eyewear
George Amaro Optometrist
Most people aren’t aware that common health problems can affect your eyes: Hypertension, Diabetes, and other chronic disorders often damage circulation within the eye and require preventative care and monitoring.
Some patients who have had cataract or retinal surgery, or laser vision-correction treatments require close monitoring of their condition as their eyes heal. Prescription drugs can cause side-effects or discomfort to the eyes also.
These are the types of problems which can often be treated if they’re examined during a routine optometric consultation. Such check-ups can also uncover any hereditary eye problems, as well as those disorders which are caused by environmental factors such as computer use, exposure to ultraviolet light and subjection to smoke or vapours.
If your working environment is hazardous to your eyesight, George Amaro Optometrists can advise you on how to best manage your risks.
Optometry Services
Pterygium
When the conjunctival tissue in the front part of the eye thickens. It can grow across the cornea and eventually the pupil, causing blindness if it is not surgically removed.
Conditions we look for include:
With regular eye tests, you can ensure early detection of any potentially harmful eye conditions. Eye examinations are quick, harmless and relatively inexpensive... an investment in your future health. Eye testing can detect eye conditions caused by exposure to the environment.
Eye Testing
Age Related Maculopathy
Macular Degeneration is the damage or breakdown of the eye macula, which is located at the back of the eye. The macula is a very small part of the light sensitive tissue called the retina.
While damage caused macular degeneration is usually permanent and irreversible, it won't cause blindness because some side vision will remain.
The Macular Disease Foundation has videos and brochures with more information about Macular Diseases. More information about Macular Degeneration
Cataracts
These cause cloudiness in the lens of the eye that can result in blindness. Fortunately these can be easily removed with surgery.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes irreversible vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve. The loss of sight is usually gradual and a considerable amount of peripheral (side) vision may be lost before there is an awareness of any problem. Early detection and treatment can save sight. More information from Glaucoma Australia
Children's Vision
Myopia in Children
Vision is our most important learning sense. Eighty percent of the information we gather from our surroundings is drawn in through what we see.
A child who can see 20/20 can still have a vision problem. Parents and educators often assume, incorrectly, that if a child passes a school screening, then there is no vision problem. However, many school vision screenings only test for distance visual acuity, lazy eye (amblyopia) or ‘turned’ eye (strabismus)*. The vision skills needed for successful reading and learning are much more complex.
Even if a child passes a vision screening, they should receive a comprehensive optometric examination if:
They show any of the signs or symptoms of a vision problem
They are not achieving up to their potential
They are minimally able to achieve, but have to use excessive time and effort to do so.
Short sightedness or myopia in children is an increasingly prevalent condition in Australian children. By 2050 it is predicted that more than half of the world’s population will have myopia (short-sightedness) and 10% will have high myopia.
A 2022 report published by www.childmyopia.com recommends three key actions that parents/carers can take:
1. Have children’s eyes tested regularly by an optometrist
2. Be aware that myopia can be managed
3. Know the questions to ask and start a conversation with the optometrist
Understanding the early signs of myopia may help delay its onset and slow its progression.
Evidence-based myopia management options range from:
certain soft contact lenses featuring a special optical design which are worn during the day,
contact lenses which reshape the front surface of the eye during overnight wear and are then removed during the daytime,
through to certain spectacle lenses featuring a special optical design
and low-dose atropine eyedrops varying concentrations which are usually applied at night before bed.
Optometrist and fellow founding member of the working group, Margaret Lam writes, "It's important to be aware of the different management options now available, because slowing the progression of myopia in children may prevent the development of high myopia. High myopia can cause serious eye health problems later in life.”
Vision changes can occur without your child or you noticing them. Therefore, your child should receive an eye examination at least once every two years - more frequently if specific problems or risk factors exist
Regular Check Ups
Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
People with diabetes usually see their optometrist for eye examinations which detect changes that may lead to non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and vision loss if not treated. For more information about diabetes and eyehealth go to Diabetes Australia.
Now here’s another reason why diabetes patients should see their optometrist – they can help prevent foot amputations. Optometrists already use OCTs in diabetes patients to examine the retina - the nerve layer at the back of your eye that senses light and sends images to your brain. They can use OCTs to detect thinning of nerve fibres in the retina."
The thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer is a signal that the person could have nerve damage elsewhere in their body including the arms and legs.
Queensland University of Technology research by shows that retinal nerve fibre thinning is a very early marker of loss of fine nerve fibres around the body occurring at the same time as in the eye. Loss of fine nerve fibres in the feet could lead to loss of sensation.
Source: Helen Carter Optometry Australia
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Shop 8/ 131 - 145 Glebe Point Rd
Glebe NSW 2037
Australia
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