Latest news with #CanadianAssociationofOptometrists
National Post
01-05-2025
- Health
- National Post
Don't Let Your Eye Health Become a Game of Red Flags
Article content The Canadian Association of Optometrists releases a new 'GetEyeWise' public campaign to raise awareness about eye health, and prompts all Canadians to take proactive steps to preserve their vision Article content Article content OTTAWA, Ontario — During Vision Health Month, the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) is committed to raising awareness about eye health and vision care. With an aging population, increased near-work, and a growing myopia epidemic, the integration of vision care into the healthcare routine for all age groups, from toddlers to seniors, is crucial. Several provincial associations of optometrists ( New Brunswick Association of Optometrists, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists, Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists, and The Prince Edward Island Association of Optometrists) and sponsors from the industry – Alcon and CooperVision – support this campaign. Don't let your eye health become a game of red flags. The Canadian Association of Optometrists releases a new 'GetEyeWise' public campaign to raise awareness about eye health, and prompts all Canadians to take proactive steps to preserve their vision. Article content More than 8 million Canadians are currently living with eye disease including Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), cataracts, and glaucoma. Uncorrected refractive error and corneal disease (specifically dry eye) are also major contributors to vision loss. Several factors can impact vision such as family history, age, environmental causes, lifestyle choices, and prolonged use of digital devices. Article content The incidence of vision impairment is increasing with many cases stemming from conditions that are treatable. In Canada, it is estimated that 90% 1 of vision loss can be treated or prevented if detected early. Article content Many people are not familiar with the role of optometrists, the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams, and often overlook them until they notice obvious symptoms. Because many serious eye conditions do not present obvious symptoms initially, waiting for red flags can expose individuals to significant risks. Article content 'Optometrists are at the forefront of vision care, and as primary care health professionals, they support ensuring better health outcomes for all Canadians,' says Dr. Martin Spiro, President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists. 'They diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and disorders affecting the visual system (the eye and related structures). Comprehensive eye exams can also uncover underlying and life-threatening health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, some cancers, brain tumour, and neurological conditions.' Article content The CAO recommends 2 comprehensive eye exams for children starting at six to nine months, then again between the ages of two and five years, and annually thereafter to age 19. Article content After 19, eye development usually stabilizes, allowing check-ups every two years for healthy adults with no known eye or other health conditions. However, after age 65, yearly exams are recommended once again due to the increased risk of eye disease. Article content Eye health is not a game of red flags Article content The new 'GetEyeWise' campaign highlights the importance of prevention and proactive steps Canadians can take when it comes to eye health. By showcasing relatable, everyday scenarios, the campaign raises awareness about the crucial role of regular eye exams in detecting potential issues early. It underscores optometrists as essential primary eye care providers, helping Canadians achieve better overall health outcomes. It will run throughout May on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest and Spotify in both English and French. Article content The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) is the national voice of optometry. Optometrists are independent primary health care providers and represent the front line of vision health. Optometrists practice in a range of settings: most work in private practice, others work in clinics, hospitals, community health centres, corporate optometry, research, teaching, and administration. Recognized at home and internationally as a leading advocate for the profession, CAO is dedicated to providing leadership and support to its +8,400 members (Optometrists, Students, and Optometric Assistants) to enhance the delivery of healthy eyes and clear vision for all Canadians. For more information, visit Article content Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at Article content About CooperVision Article content CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (NYSE:COO), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of contact lenses. The company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly soft contact lenses that feature advanced materials and optics, and premium rigid gas permeable lenses for orthokeratology and scleral designs. CooperVision has a strong heritage of addressing the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia, childhood myopia, and highly irregular corneas; and offers the most complete portfolio of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Do blue light glasses work? I asked an optometrist about the benefits and how they can affect sleep quality
Since becoming a writer, I spend several hours a day (we're talking up to 14!) staring at screens. I've worn blue light glasses for a while, and they've gotten me through several school assignments and writing projects. I rarely stare at a screen without them. Blue light glasses help relax my eyes, and I like that when I wear them, I can look at brighter settings without squinting. While I personally swear by them, I wanted to get an expert take on the matter: Are blue light glasses worth it? To answer that question, I spoke to Dr. Abraham Yuen, the director and lead optometrist of Downtown Vision in Toronto, Ont. Yuen says blue light can result in eyestrain, fatigue and sleep disruption without protection. 'It can keep us awake,' he tells Yahoo Canada. He explains that excess digital screen exposure acts similarly to artificial sunlight, affecting our usual sleep-wake cycle. Yuen advises being mindful when shopping for lenses. 'Some [lenses] may have anti-scratch and anti-reflective features, while some may not block blue light due to improper coatings." Blue light is one of several colours in the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, natural blue light comes from the sun. It helps maintain our circadian rhythm and boosts our mood, memory and cognitive focus. Blue light is also extremely common — it's in fluorescent lighting and the screens of our electronic devices. Simran Bains from the Canadian eye care brand KITS adds that excess exposure to blue light could lead to health implications. 'My sleep was affected before I started wearing it,' she says. According to Bains, exposure to blue light suppresses melatonin production, which could result in a weakened immune system. 'It's useful to start [wearing blue light glasses] if you aren't already,' she adds. 'The less you wear them, the more your eyes will eventually become dried out.' According to the Canadian sleep clinic Sleep Therapeutics, blue light can significantly impact sleep quality. Overexposure to blue light before bedtime can not lead to trouble falling asleep but may decrease overall sleep quality by suppressing melatonin production. What is it: IBOANN Blue Light Blocking Glasses What they offer: 3-pack of glasses with UV400 protection Reviews: 12,000+ Average rating: 4.2 stars These affordable blue light glasses from Amazon Canada have been my go-to pair for years. I love that you get three pairs for $20. They're lightweight, come in three different colours and several style options. While I love them, smudge marks can be hard to wipe off, and the coating doesn't last very long. Sadly, I've experienced some eyestrain and a slight twitch in one eye. They're great for light reading or answering a few emails but not for hours staring at a screen. What is it: KITS Zircon Blue Light Glasses What they offer: 1 pair of lenses with UV420 protection It's been a month since I got my first pair of glasses from the Canadian brand KITS. And so far, I have little to no complaints. My eyes haven't felt strained, the twitching stopped, and I like that they had sizes available for all face shapes. I'm wearing a large, and it fits my face like a glove. They're not as lightweight as Amazon's, but I actually prefer that. They don't feel flimsy, and you can tell they won't break easily or wear out in a few months. I also got slightly thicker frames, and I like that they feel less rigid than the other ones I've had. It's easier to wipe off smudge marks than with the Amazon pair, and I like the overall feel and quality of the lenses. Blue light glasses are a must for me. When I wear them, I can work for hours, scroll my phone without worry and watch TV for as long as I want. I also find that I'm more focused and can work without eye strain — my eyes don't feel nearly as dry or as tried as they do without blue light glasses. If you're considering buying a pair, both sets from Amazon and the Canadian brand KITS are worth trying. The Amazon glasses are affordable and lightweight, and KITS's blue-light glasses are high-quality with a crystal-clear blue-light coating. Between the two, I prefer the pair from KITS, but overall, any blue light protection is better than none. These made-in-Canada blue light-blocking glasses are "incredible" and come in several colourways. Warby Parker's popular Esme glasses come in five colourways and progressive, blue-light-filtering, and anti-fatigue lenses. These stylish Ray-Ban glasses are built with blue-violet light filtering lenses. These "Amazon's Choice" blue light glasses help with eye fatigue, blurred vision and headaches. Shop these stylish blue light-filtering glasses in two frame options.
