Guides and tips Archives - Eye Braces Clinic

Tips and Tricks for Healthy Eyes

admin — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 16:44:21 +0000

Eye health is vital to our overall well-being and quality of life. However, maintaining good eye health often gets overlooked.

Don’t worry Eye Braces Clinic is here to help!

This article will explore essential tips and tricks to keep your eyes healthy and sharp, helping to prevent common vision problems and eye diseases.

Nutrition and Eye Health

A balanced diet goes a long way in preserving eye health.

Foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can help ward off age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.

Are you incorporating enough fruits, vegetables, and fish into your diet?

The Importance of Regular Check-ups

Did you know that eye or vision problems aren’t always immediately obvious? Regular eye exams with an eye doctor are critical, as they can detect issues early and address them accordingly.

A comprehensive dilated eye exam can provide a thorough check of the optic nerve and retina and identify any potential risks of vision loss.

Your Health Conditions Can Affect Your Eyes

Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can have a significant impact on your eye health.

For instance, high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the retina, the area at the back of the eye where images focus. This condition, known as hypertensive retinopathy, can lead to blurred vision or even complete loss of sight.

Similarly, diabetes can also lead to a number of eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, this can lead to vision loss.

Regular medical check-ups are essential to manage these conditions effectively. By keeping these health conditions under control, you not only improve your overall health but also protect your eyes from potential harm.

Digital Eye Strain and Your Vision

With our increasingly digital lifestyles, computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain, has become a prevalent issue. Extended screen time can lead to tired, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches.

This is due to the high visual demands of screen viewing, which makes our eyes work harder.

The 20-20-20 rule is a simple but effective method to alleviate digital eye strain. It means that every 20 minutes, you take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps to relax the focusing muscle inside the eye and reduce fatigue.

The Right Eye Gear Matters

Did you know that not all sunglasses are created equal?

Sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation can protect your eyes from sun damage.

When engaging in sports or home improvement projects, don’t forget to wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from injury.

Contact Lens Care

For contact lens wearers, cleanliness and diligence can prevent most potential eye issues. Always handle contact lenses with clean hands to prevent bacterial transfer.

Don’t overuse lenses and follow the replacement schedule provided by your eye doctor to prevent oxygen deprivation in your cornea, leading to eye infections or blurred vision.

Remember to regularly replace your lens case to avoid bacterial contamination and always remove your lenses before sleep, unless designed for overnight use.

Other Lifestyle Habits

Lifestyle choices like smoking can significantly impact eye health, increasing the risk of developing conditions like age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and damage to the optic nerve.

Furthermore, maintaining a healthy weight plays a critical role in preventing systemic health issues like diabetes, which can lead to vision loss.

Regular physical activity and a balanced diet are essential in controlling weight and promoting overall eye health.

Eyes Braces Clinic is the solution to all your eye concerns!

In conclusion, these simple, daily practices can significantly impact your eye health. Still, regular visits to the eye doctor remain the cornerstone for maintaining good vision health.

At Eye Braces Clinic, we provide comprehensive eye exams and personalised advice for maintaining and improving your eye health.

Ready to take the first step towards better eye health?

Schedule an appointment with us today!

The post Tips and Tricks for Healthy Eyes appeared first on Eye Braces Clinic.

What Is High Myopia? Complications, Symptoms & more

admin — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 16:22:32 +0000

Navigating the intricate world of vision health can be tricky.

Have you ever wondered, “What exactly is high myopia?” or “How is it different from mild or moderate myopia?”

At Eye Braces Clinic, we’re committed to demystifying and solving eye health problems.

Let’s explore the world of high myopia, its potential complications, and the available treatment options.

Understanding High Myopia

High myopia, also known as severe myopia or degenerative myopia, is a refractive error characterized by a high degree of nearsightedness.

It’s more severe than mild or moderate myopia, and thus, its symptoms are also more profound.

People with high myopia often have significant difficulty seeing objects at a distance, with their visual acuity severely impacted.

Moreover, they may experience additional symptoms like headaches and eye strain due to the continuous effort to focus on distant objects.

Symptoms of High Myopia

The symptoms of high myopia often extend beyond what is typically experienced with milder degrees of nearsightedness. These symptoms may include:

Blurred Distance Vision

The most common symptom, and essentially the defining feature of myopia, is blurred vision when looking at distant objects. Individuals with high myopia may find this symptom particularly pronounced.

Frequent Squinting or Partial Eye Closure

Those with high myopia may find themselves frequently squinting or closing their eyes partially to see distant objects more clearly. This is an unconscious attempt to momentarily improve focus and clarity.

Eye Strain or Fatigue

Due to the continuous effort to focus on distant objects, individuals with high myopia may frequently experience a feeling of strain or fatigue in their eyes.

Headaches

Frequent headaches can occur due to the constant straining of the eyes and the effort to focus.

Difficulty with Night Vision

High myopia can make it more difficult to see clearly in low light or at night, often described as “night myopia.”

Needing Frequent Prescription Changes

If you find your prescription changing frequently, it could be a sign of myopia progression. High myopia can progress rapidly, requiring more frequent changes in the power of your glasses or contact lenses.

How is High Myopia Different from 'Normal' Myopia?

While both ‘normal’ and high myopia involve difficulty seeing distant objects, there are key differences:

Degree of Nearsightedness

High myopia presents a more severe level of nearsightedness, causing significant difficulty in viewing distant objects compared to mild to moderate myopia.

Eye Structure

High myopia often associates with an excessively elongated eyeball or a very curved cornea, leading to a higher refractive error.

Complication Risks

High myopia carries a higher risk of complications like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, which are less common with mild myopia.

Vision Correction Options

‘Normal’ myopia can usually be corrected with glasses or standard contact lenses. In contrast, high myopia may require more advanced vision aids, such as specially designed contact lenses or refractive surgery.

Complications Associated with High Myopia

There are several risks and complications associated with high myopia:

Myopic macular degeneration: a condition that can cause irreversible damage to central vision.
Retinal detachment: the retina at the back of the eye peels away from its underlying layers.
Pathological myopia: where structural changes in the eye can lead to permanent vision loss.

Those with high myopia are also at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, which, if left untreated, can lead to vision loss.

How to Slow Myopia Progression

The process of myopia control aims to slow the elongation of the eye, a critical factor in myopia’s advancement. This approach proactively manages the condition instead of merely focusing on vision correction.

There are several ways to slow down the progression of high myopia, particularly in children and adolescents whose eyes are still developing.

Atropine eye drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to slow down myopia progression. The drops work by temporarily paralyzing the eye’s focusing mechanism, reducing the “stress” and stimulus for further myopia progression.
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses: These specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, helping slow myopia progression and improving vision.
Speciality contact lenses: Certain types of soft contact lenses, such as multifocal lenses, have been designed to control myopia progression. They work by changing the way light focuses in the peripheral retina, reducing the stimulus for the eye to grow and become more myopic.

Remember, the best approach will depend on individual circumstances.

Eye Braces Clinic: Your Vision Care Partner

At Eye Braces Clinic, our dedicated team of eye care professionals is here to assist you on your journey through the world of high myopia.

Whether it’s a routine eye check-up or a specific vision correction plan, we’re committed to providing the most comprehensive care and advice.

High myopia might be a challenging condition, but with proactive management and appropriate vision aids, it doesn’t have to dictate your vision quality.

Our professionals at Eye Braces Clinic are dedicated to crafting personalised vision correction plans best suited to our patients’ needs.

Embrace the power of clear sight and step towards a brighter visual future.

Schedule an appointment with us at Eye Braces Clinic today because your vision is our priority.

The post What Is High Myopia? Complications, Symptoms & more appeared first on Eye Braces Clinic.

When to Change Glasses: 7 Signs You Should Watch Out For

admin — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:49:06 +0000

Understanding your eyes’ needs is crucial in the complicated world of vision correction.

Questions such as “When should I consider getting a new prescription?” or “How often should I schedule an eye exam?” are quite common.

At Eye Braces Clinic, we’re committed to assisting you through this journey.

Let’s get you started with this easy guide to identify the signs indicating that it’s time to update your glasses prescription!

Warning Signs It's Time to Change Your Glasses

1. Blurred Vision

If you’re having difficulty seeing clearly and your vision seems blurry even when you wear glasses, this could be a sign your prescription has changed, and you need a new pair.

2. Frequent Headaches

Regular headaches, particularly those that concentrate around the forehead or eyes, are more than just an inconvenience. They are your body’s SOS signal, indicating that your eyes are straining to focus and that it’s time for an updated prescription.

3. Eye Strain or Fatigue

After a long day of reading or being in front of computer screens, you might feel a familiar heaviness in your eyes, often accompanied by soreness or irritation.

While this might seem like typical tiredness, if it’s a regular occurrence, it could be a sign that your glasses aren’t providing the right support.

4. Squinting

Remember squinting to see the board at school? It’s a natural response when our eyes struggle to focus.

If you find yourself constantly squinting even with your glasses on, this is a not-so-subtle nudge that your current prescription might not be up to par.

5. Difficulty Seeing at Night

Another less noticeable but critical indicator is the difficulty in seeing or driving at night. If the once familiar night-time landscape turns into a challenging obstacle course, it’s likely a sign of your vision changing.

Your old prescription may not be equipped to handle these changes in your vision, and you should consider seeing your eye doctor.

6. Age-Related Changes

If you’re over 40, presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) can begin to set in. You may find it difficult to read small print or focus on close objects.

In such cases, a pair of reading glasses or progressive lenses might be needed.

7. Physical Damage

Beyond just your prescription, if your old glasses are damaged (e.g., scratched lenses, bent frames, the special coatings are peeling), it can impede your vision and cause discomfort, indicating a need for new glasses.

Importance of Wearing the Right Prescription

An outdated or incorrect prescription can lead to blurry vision, eye strain, and frequent headaches, ultimately affecting your quality of life and productivity. The right prescription is crucial for:

Clear Vision: The main reason for wearing glasses is to correct your vision. This could be for nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hypermetropia), astigmatism, or age-related vision changes (presbyopia). The correct prescription will help you to see clearly and sharply.
Reducing Eye Fatigue: If you’re not wearing the correct prescription, your eyes may need to work harder to focus, resulting in symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, and fatigue.
Long-Term Eye Health: Over time, squinting and straining your eyes can lead to long-term problems and conditions. The right prescription glasses can help protect your long-term eye health.
Quality of Life: Overall, the right prescription glasses can significantly improve your quality of life. You’ll be able to do things more comfortably and safely, boosting your productivity as well.

That said, while glasses seem like a straightforward situation, you might find contact lenses preferable.

Contact lenses today are more versatile and comfortable than ever before. They are designed with advanced materials and technologies that can cater to a wide range of vision needs and lifestyles.

Take Orthokeratology, or “ortho-k,” for example, which offers unique benefits compared to traditional glasses or regular contact lenses.

Ortho-k lenses are designed to reshape your cornea overnight while you sleep, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for daytime eyewear.

Not only do they offer freedom from glasses or contact lenses during the day, making them particularly beneficial for athletes and those engaging in outdoor activities, but they also slow the progression of myopia, especially in children and young adults.

The Importance of Regular Eye Checks

According to the American Optometric Association, regular eye exams are a cornerstone of proactive eye care. In fact, optometrists recommend an eye exam once every 1-2 years.

You might believe that routine eye exams are unneeded if your eyesight is clear and you’re not having any issues.

However, because your eyes are intricate structures, routine examinations offer a view into your general health and are essential for both the early detection of vision abnormalities and the discovery of concealed disorders.

Exams of the eyes can detect early warning symptoms of diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, hypertension, and even diabetes.

Additionally, they are essential in addressing concerns like digital eye strain and preventing hidden vision disorders from impairing children’s academic achievement.

Eye Braces Clinic: Your Vision Care Partner

Your vision is integral to your quality of life.

Being aware of the signs indicating that it’s time to change your glasses, understanding the consequences of wearing an outdated prescription and appreciating the importance of regular eye checks are crucial steps toward proactive eye care.

Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive eye examination, or expert advice on the best prescription that suits your lifestyle, our expert team at Eye Braces Clinic is committed to supporting your visual needs.

Don’t let blurry vision or eye strain compromise your quality of life.

Embrace proactive eye care and better vision with Eye Braces Clinic today!

The post When to Change Glasses: 7 Signs You Should Watch Out For appeared first on Eye Braces Clinic.

Contact Lenses vs Glasses: What is Best for You?

admin — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:21:38 +0000

To wear contact lenses or to wear glasses?

It’s a choice that goes beyond mere vision correction and extends into lifestyle preferences, comfort, and aesthetics. But how exactly are you supposed to make a choice based on these factors?

That’s where our expert team at Eye Braces Clinic can help.

We guide you in navigating these concerns, providing professional guidance to make the best decision for your unique vision requirements. Keep reading to learn more!

Contact Lenses: The Direct Path to Clear Vision

Contact lenses provide the advantage of direct contact vision correction.

As they rest directly on the eye, they offer an unobstructed and natural field of view, including enhanced peripheral vision. This feature makes contact lenses an attractive choice for athletes and those with generally active lifestyles.

There are also options such as extended wear contacts, offering greater flexibility for users. However, it’s worth noting that contact lens wearers may face challenges, particularly those with dry or sensitive eyes.

Furthermore, the risk of eye infection could potentially increase with improper lens care.

Learn about proper lens care here!

Glasses: The Dependable Solution

Glasses, on the other hand, are a long-standing, reliable solution for vision correction. They come in an array of styles and designs, enabling wearers to express their unique personalities.

Moreover, wearing glasses provide an element of eye protection, reducing direct contact with airborne irritants and potentially decreasing the risk of eye infections.

They’re also available with special coatings that can protect your eyes from blue light exposure, making them a good option for those who spend extensive time on screens.

However, glasses may limit peripheral vision, and scenarios such as fogging or slipping can occasionally cause blurry vision. It may also be a hassle for those with an active lifestyle.

Making an Informed Decision: Factors to Consider

Vision Needs

For myopia, both contacts and glasses can provide effective correction. Soft contacts are the typical choice for daily wear, providing a balance between comfort and clear vision.

Furthermore, some vision problems cannot be corrected with glasses and require speciality contact lenses:

Ortho K Lenses: Specially designed lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea, suitable for high myopia and people with keratoconus as glasses cannot adequately correct the irregular astigmatism caused by the disease.
Scleral Lenses: Typically correct vision problems caused by corneal irregularities by effectively resurfacing irregular corneas to achieve a smooth optical surface.
Toric Lenses: People with a high degree of astigmatism often find that they achieve better vision correction with toric contact lenses than glasses, as the contacts can conform to the eye’s specific shape.

Lifestyle

Consider your daily activities. If you’re sports-inclined or outdoorsy, wearing contact lenses may be a better fit.

For extensive screen time or desk-bound jobs, glasses, particularly with blue-light filtering lenses, can offer comfort and protection. It also reduces the possibility of having dry or sensitive eyes throughout the day.

Aesthetic Preferences

If eyewear is an important part of your personal style, the array of glasses designs could be more appealing.

On the other hand, contact lenses provide a ‘natural’ look that leaves your facial features unobstructed. There are also increasing varieties of coloured contact lenses to express your unique self.

Convenience

Glasses are generally easier to take care. You can quickly put them on or take them off without needing a mirror. They don’t require as much cleaning and maintenance as contacts, and you don’t need to replace them as often.

Contacts require more commitment. You have to clean them regularly and, depending on the type of lens, replace them daily, weekly, or monthly.

Remember, you don’t have to choose exclusively between one or the other. Many people use both, depending on the situation.

Always consult with an eye doctor before making your decision.

Eye Braces Clinic: Your Vision, Our Mission

Our team at Eye Braces Clinic is dedicated to ensuring the health and clarity of your vision.

Our eye doctors are experienced in managing all aspects of eye health, from prescribing glasses or contact lenses to managing and preventing eye infections.

We provide comprehensive eye exams and prescription fitting to help you make the most informed decision for your eye health.

Don’t allow uncertainty to cloud your path to optimal vision.

Schedule an appointment with us at Eye Braces Clinic and let our experts guide you towards a clear and bright visual future. After all, your vision is our mission.

The post Contact Lenses vs Glasses: What is Best for You? appeared first on Eye Braces Clinic.

Try Out These Eye Exercises for Eyesight Improvement

admin — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 06:23:53 +0000

In a digital age where sitting in front of screens is part of our everyday lives, maintaining good eye health is crucial.

One of the ways we can preserve optimal vision is through eye exercises.

Unlike optometric vision therapy, eye exercises enhance accuracy and letter recognition but not reaction time. They also do not cure astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia, and other eye conditions.

Instead, they work to optimise our visual system – reduce eye strain, ease eye movements, strengthen eye muscles, and even address eye movement disorders, helping improve focus and enhance cognitive performance.

So, if you’re looking for eye exercises to improve your eye health, here are simple ones to try today!

5 simple eye exercises for healthy eyes

Palming Exercise

Palming is a yogic relaxation technique that helps reduce eye fatigue and relax the muscles around the eyes.

To begin, sit comfortably and rub your palms together vigorously until they feel warm.

Close your eyes and place your warm palms gently over them, avoiding pressure on the eyeballs. Relax, breathe deeply, and empty your thoughts while covering your eyes.

Repeat the exercise for several minutes to allow your eyes to rest and rejuvenate.

Near and Far Focus Exercise

This exercise helps improve the flexibility of the eye muscles and enhances the ability to shift focus between near and distant objects.

Start by choosing a distant object (such as a tree or building) and focus on it briefly. Then, shift your gaze to a closer object (e.g. your finger held at arm’s length) and focus on it for a few seconds.

Repeat this process by alternating your focus between distant and near objects. Continue the near-far focus exercise for several minutes, gradually increasing the speed and distance of the objects.

If you are wearing glasses or contact lenses, remember to remove them before practising!

Figure Eight (8) Eye Exercise

The figure 8 exercise promotes eye coordination, flexibility, and peripheral vision. It involves tracing the shape of figure 8 (infinity symbol) with your eyes.

Imagine an imaginary figure 8 (infinity symbol) placed horizontally before you. Trace the figure 8 shape with your eyes, following the path smoothly and without moving your head. Perform the exercise in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

As your eye muscles become more comfortable with the movement, you can slowly increase the size and speed of figure 8.

Blinking Exercise

Blinking is a simple yet effective exercise to reduce digital eye strain, moisturise, and refresh your eyes.

Start a blinking exercise with your facial muscles and shoulders relaxed. Then, looking straight ahead, slowly blink your eyes ten times, paying attention to a full, complete blink with each repetition. After the first ten blinks, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax.

Repeat this exercise several times throughout the day to keep your eyes adequately lubricated and prevent dryness!

This exercise is particularly helpful for those who spend most of their time in front of a computer screen because their blink rates slow down considerably, causing their eyes to dry out.

Focus Change Exercise

This exercise is ideal for people with lazy eye as it promotes better eye coordination.

Before you begin, choose two objects of different sizes and place them at varying distances from you.

Start the exercise by focusing on the closer object for a few seconds, and then quickly shift your vision to the farther object. Maintain a clear focus on the distant object for a few seconds before shifting back to the closer object.

Repeat this focus-shifting exercise multiple times, increasing the speed and distance between objects.

Still experiencing vision problems? Don't hesitate to seek the advice of a professional eye doctor today!

Helpful as they are, you may need professional help if your symptoms persist.

Our eye health specialists at Eye Braces Clinic have the training and experience to see beyond your poor vision.

Whether you already wear glasses and would like to explore other eye devices or are looking for more effective ways to manage your condition, we can help!

We offer a range of eye care services, from comprehensive eye examinations to corrective specialty lenses, to help you improve your vision.

Book a consultation via WhatsApp @ +65 8299 2413 today!

The post Try Out These Eye Exercises for Eyesight Improvement appeared first on Eye Braces Clinic.

Can You Cure Myopia Permamently?

admin — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 05:59:48 +0000

What is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye that affects the ability to see distant objects.

People with myopia experience clear vision when looking at objects up close, such as reading a book or smartphone, but distant objects appear blurry or out of focus.

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is slightly elongated, causing the light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

The exact cause of myopia is unclear, but experts believe it to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as excessive near-work or limited outdoor activity during childhood.

If one or both parents have myopia, there is an increased likelihood that their children developing myopia.

There is no known cure for myopia. However, there are several management strategies you can do to slow down its progression.

What are the symptoms of myopia?

Blurry vision for distant objects
Difficulty seeing signs or objects far away
Squinting to see
Eye strain-induced headaches
Eye fatigue after prolonged visual tasks
Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions
Holding objects closer to see clearly

If you or your child exhibits any of the above signs, immediately make an appointment with an eye doctor to eliminate more serious conditions.

What myopia management options are available?

Myopia management aims to slow myopia progression from further deterioration. Effective management can reduce the risk of developing serious eye diseases and complications.

Corrective lenses

The most popular option for addressing myopia is corrective lenses, such as glasses and contact lenses.

Corrective lenses work by refracting light to compensate for the eye’s elongation, allowing clear vision at various distances.

However, they do not address the underlying cause of progressive myopia. They are also incompatible with certain lifestyles and certain activities.

Eyeglasses can fog, limit peripheral vision, and get in the way when playing sports. On the other hand, contact lenses may cause dryness, irritation and require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Atropine eye drops

Atropine eye drops are used in ophthalmology to dilate the pupils and temporarily paralyse the eye’s focusing muscles. They contain the active ingredient atropine sulfate derived from the belladonna plant.

Low doses of atropine eye drops can help slow down myopia progression in school-aged children and adolescents.

However, these eye drops can also have long-lasting effects such as temporary blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, and difficulty with near vision.

It is also possible to develop allergic reactions, such as redness, itching, eye irritation, and even systemic effects, if the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgeries, such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), are surgical procedures that reshape the cornea to correct myopia.

These surgeries can provide significant and long-lasting vision correction, but they are not suitable for everyone.

They are also irreversible, costlier, and have higher potential risks and complications than other options, including glare, dry eyes, under- and overcorrection, double vision, and other visual fluctuations.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K is a non-surgical vision correction aid that gently reshapes the cornea to temporarily correct myopia progression by wearing custom-designed rigid gas permeable lenses overnight.

The option has shown specific potential among children and teenagers, with several scientific results indicating its promise in slowing down the axial elongation of the eye, which is associated with myopia progression.

It offers the advantages of contact lenses and glasses in terms of freedom and convenience, along with the long-lasting benefits of eye surgery, all achieved without the need to go under the knife.

Additionally, unlike eye surgery, its effects are reversible, so if a person decides to discontinue Ortho-K, their cornea can gradually return to its original shape.

Be on top of your myopia and eye health with Eye Braces Clinic

Eye Braces Clinic offers several myopia management strategies.

From comprehensive eye examinations and prescription lenses to Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), our team of highly-trained and certified eye specialists have the right solution for every budget and need.

We also offer a Childhood Myopia Management Program to give children the optimal chances of controlling childhood myopia progression and other refractive errors.

Book a consultation via WhatsApp @ +65 8299 2413 today!

The post Can You Cure Myopia Permamently? appeared first on Eye Braces Clinic.

The Importance of Preventive Eye Care and Good Eye Health

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 19:38:57 +0000

80% of what we perceive comes from our sense of sight, making it one of our most important senses.

Although many people believe their vision is excellent, once they wear their first pair of glasses or contact lenses, everything—from small text to street signs—becomes clearer.

It’s easy to overlook your general eye health, but our eye doctors at Eye Braces Clinic strongly recommend going for regular eye exams to protect your eyes.

But how exactly do eye exams do so? Let’s take a look at how we can take care of our eyes and prevent vision loss.

Spotting Common Eye Diseases

Early intervention is crucial to avoid permanent vision loss or blindness from eye diseases or vision degeneration.

Some common eye diseases to look out for are :

Cataracts (clouding of the lens)
Diabetic retinopathy (causes damage to blood vessels in the back of the eye)
Glaucoma (a group of diseases that damages the optic nerve)
Age-related macular degeneration (gradual breakdown of light-sensitive tissue in the eye)

Since most eye diseases have no symptoms, it’s very important to keep going for regular checkups, as an eye doctor is trained to spot developing eye diseases in the early stages.

An early diagnosis of an eye condition makes it easier to address and increases your likelihood of successful vision correction.

How Often Should You Go for Eye Exams?

It is advised that you get eye tests based on your age even if you have no symptoms or visual issues.

Adults between the ages of 20 and 39 should get a thorough eye exam at least every two to three years since they are less prone to lose their eyesight.

Adults between the ages of 40 and 64 should undergo a thorough eye exam at least once every one to two years because their eyes are constantly changing at this time.

Finally, those 65 and older should have annual exams because they are more likely to acquire eye problems, reduced vision, or even go blind.

More Eye Care Tips

The importance of eye care is not limited to just a regular eye exam. There are multiple ways to maintain your eye health.

Explore some eye care tips below!

Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Having a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids will improve your vision.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Being overweight or having obesity increases your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.

Wear sunglasses.

Sun exposure can raise your risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Protect your eyes by using sunglasses that block out 99 to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Wear protective eyewear.

To prevent injuries to the eyes, you should wear eye protection when playing certain sports, working in jobs such as factory work and construction, and doing repairs or projects in your home.

Know your family history.

Some eye diseases are inherited, so it is important to find out whether anyone in your family has had them. This can help you determine if you are at higher risk of developing an eye disease.

Give your eyes a rest.

If you spend a lot of time using a computer, you can forget to blink your eyes and your eyes can get tired. To reduce eyestrain, try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.

Keep Your Vision Problems at Bay with Eye Braces Clinic Today!

As previously mentioned, eye health is frequently disregarded since eye diseases take time to manifest.

However, your quality of life today and tomorrow can be significantly impacted by eye health and the importance of eye care.

It’s imperative that you take action now to protect your vision in the future.

Book a consultation with Eye Braces Clinic today to protect your eyes!

The post The Importance of Preventive Eye Care and Good Eye Health appeared first on Eye Braces Clinic.

How to Find a Good Optometrist: Things to Look Out For

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 19:16:11 +0000

Your eyes are one of the major organs of your body; hence taking care of your eye health is vital to your overall wellbeing.

However, that does not mean you can just walk into any spectacle shop and expect a comprehensive and accurate eye exam.

When seeking a suitable eye doctor, you must pay attention to several things.

There may be many eye specialists in your vicinity that offer various services that set them apart (e.g. cutting-edge equipment, excellent qualifications, one-on-one consultation or a wide choice of fashionable frames).

So how do you pick the right eye doctor for you? Keep reading to find out!

1. Understand what kind of eye doctor you need

The term ‘eye doctor’ is a colloquial term used for eye specialists.

Therefore, if you require a professional eye doctor, it is worth remembering that there are two types of ‘eye doctors’:

An optometrist is someone who specialises in testing and examining your eyes. They can diagnose and treat eye diseases and conditions and prescribe vision-correcting devices.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specialises in eye and vision care. They can diagnose and treat complex conditions and perform surgeries when needed. Requirements for ophthalmologists are higher than for optometrists.

The difference is exactly why you need to be specific about your eye care needs.

Are you looking to test your vision and get the right glasses or contact lenses? Or do you want to get a comprehensive assessment of your ocular health?

Be aware of your needs before selecting.

2. Ask for recommendations from trusted friends and family.

The easiest way to find a credible eye doctor is to ask for direct referrals.

If you want to see an optometrist, you can ask for recommendations from your friends and family members.

However, beware that their ideal eye doctor may not be the same for you, and that’s ok! There are many other eye doctors out there, this just means you have to do a little more research.

If you’re already seeing an optometrist and want to see an ophthalmologist instead, kindly ask them to refer you – they would be happy to do so!

3. Find Out What Services They Offer

New technology for eye doctors has advanced significantly. However, not all eye doctors have the same type of cutting edge services and facilities across the board.

It is a good idea to confirm whether your eye doctor’s clinic has the best technology for your specific needs since different eye doctors specialise in specific conditions.

At Eye Braces Clinic, we specialise in specialty lenses and fittings for it.

Specialty contact lenses serve a special purpose and not all optometrists are qualified to fit these types of contact lenses.

If you are looking for Ortho-K lenses or scleral lenses, we have the technology and experience needed to do a lens fitting to perfectly fit your vision needs!

4. Read the reviews.

Don’t ignore those reviews on Google and social media!

Knowing what other people say about the eye doctors you choose to go with is extremely important.

Read up on positive and negative feedback to set yourself up for a realistic experience.

Customers’ insights may give you a better understanding of what to expect from the clinic, as different optometrists have different practices, operations and equipment.

5. Check their credentials and experience.

Always do your research on an optometrist’s work and education history!

Knowing whether an optometrist or ophthalmologist has the necessary training and skills to address a variety of vision and eye problems will give you better assurance.

Try looking for an eye doctor with plenty of experience, especially one who excels in “bedside manner” – interpersonal and communication skills.

While their years of field experience will guarantee the safety of your eyes, excellent communication skills will significantly relieve your mental stress.

The best optometrist is often knowledgeable with experience, excellent communication and interpersonal skills to back up their credentials.

6. Find out their price.

It’s no use going to a clinic outside your budget.

Hence, always check their prices and choose a good one you can afford. If you have an insurance plan, check what clinics are covered in your plan to save some money!

Keep in mind that many plans do not cover a regular eye exam or a pair of glasses, so it is a good idea to call the eye doctor’s office and ask how much the appointment will cost.

It might be better to invest in something a little pricier to ensure the quality of your eye care products and services.

For example, the cost to replace cheaper eyeglasses might end up costing more than buying a more expensive pair in the first place.

Eye Braces Clinic may be just the right fit for you!

Established in 2014, Eye Braces Clinic has become one of Singapore’s leading eye care practitioners dedicated to specialty lenses and comprehensive eye exams.

Our team strives to deliver honest, accurate and well-educated advice founded on evidence-based eye care to all our patients.

The best part about our practice is you can enjoy the highest quality service with our state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and eye care equipment without any fear of hidden costs!

So what are you waiting for?

Book an appointment with us today.

The post How to Find a Good Optometrist: Things to Look Out For appeared first on Eye Braces Clinic.

Contact Lens Guide: How to Put On Contact Lens

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 18:57:25 +0000

Convenience, comfort, and the freedom to pursue any lifestyle you want—switching to contact lenses can be a life-changer.

But as with any medical device, wearing contact lenses can also pose risks and all sorts of problems for your eyes if not handled or used properly.

There’s also the fact that putting in contact lenses and getting them out for the first time is simply nerve-wracking if you’re a first-time user!

At Eye Braces Clinic, we make it a point to walk our patients through the process of using contact lenses so they can avoid risks and improve their confidence.

Here’s a handy, step-by-step guide for first-time contact lens wearers like you.

Is there a 'best way' to put in and remove contact lenses?

There’s no ‘best’ way to put on and remove your contact lenses.

The ‘best’ and ‘easiest’ way to use contact lenses will depend on what you are used to and your eyes’ condition at the time, amongst other factors.

Fortunately, while there is no one way to go about putting in your contact lenses, there are many proper and safe ways to do so.

Is there a difference between putting on hard or soft contact lenses?

The main difference between hard and soft contacts is their material.

Silicone hydrogel is typically used for soft contacts, while rigid gas-permeable plastic is used for hard contacts.

As a result, soft contact lenses are easier and more comfortable to use than hard contact lenses.

Despite these differences, putting them on or removing them is pretty much the same.

How to prepare for using contact lenses

You have to prepare both your eyes and lenses before wearing contacts. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Double-check that you have the correct prescription. It’s normal to have different eye grades, so make sure that you know which grade belongs to which eye.
Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Choose a non-perfumed, antibacterial liquid soap to minimise the risk of irritation.
Dry your hands using a lint-free towel to avoid getting fibres in your lenses.
Check that your contact lenses aren’t inside out. Hold it up to the light. If the edges flare out when you put the lens on the tip of your finger, gently turn them inside out so they are in the correct position.
Ensure your eyes don’t feel uncomfortable or dry. You can use eye drops to add moisture to your eyes before putting contact lenses in.
Identify your dominant hand and non-dominant hand. You will use the dominant hand to fish out and put in your contacts, while your non-dominant hand will serve as the ‘receptacle’ as you clean and check your lenses for lint.

How to put on contact lenses

Now that you have both your contact lenses and eyes ready, it’s time to put in your contact lens.

Follow these steps:

Using your clean and dry hands, hold your lens with the non-dominant hand and rinse it using a contact lens solution.
Put the lens on the top of your dominant hand’s index finger or middle finger.
Hold the lens up to the light. Check your contact lens for any tears and damage. Also, make sure that it isn’t inside down. Discard the lenses if there are any signs of damage.
Look in the mirror. Using fingers from your non-dominant hand, hold your upper eyelid and lower eyelid open. Your index finger from your dominant hand will put in your contact lenses.
Decide whether looking in front of the mirror or upwards at the ceiling is more comfortable for you, then gently place the lens in your eye.
Close your eye slowly and get the contact lens to settle into place. You may slowly roll your eye around or rub the eyelid gently to do so.
Blink your eyes open and assess your comfort. Adjust for comfort if needed. You might need to take it out and start again. Just be gentle and patient! Your eyes and lenses are delicate.
Repeat the process on your other eye.

How to take out contact lenses

Great job on getting your contact lenses on! Here’s how to remove them safely:

Just like putting your contact lens in, you need to wash your hands thoroughly and dry them well before removing your lenses.
Gently pull down your lower eyelid using the middle finger of your dominant hand, and then use your index finger to move the lens to the white part of your eye.
Remove your contacts by pinching the lens using your thumb and index finger. It might be easier if you have short nails to prevent scratching your eyeball or lens.

How to clean your contact lenses after removal

After successfully getting your contact lens out of your eyes, you must clean and disinfect them thoroughly for storage.

This step is only necessary if you use weekly, monthly, or yearly contact lenses.

For dailies, the last step ends with getting them out and disposing of them properly.

Clean your contact lens case using a saline solution or contact lens solution. Do not use regular water.
Put the lens on the palm of your non-dominant hand. Add the saline solution and gently rub it on your palm for about 30 seconds to get rid of dirt, lint, or oil. Then, hold the lens with your thumb and index finger and rinse it with solution again.
Put the contact lens in the lens case and fill it with the solution until the indication line. The lenses must be fully submerged and covered by the solution.
Repeat the process for your other lens.

Caring for your contact lenses: Some do's and don'ts

To keep your eyes safe and healthy while you wear contacts, you need to follow their care instructions properly.

Here are some important reminders to keep in mind:

Do’s

If you use reusable lenses, mark the date that you opened the lenses, so you know when it’s time to discard them.
Store your contact lenses in disinfecting solution, and use only fresh contact solution when cleaning, rinsing, and storing your lenses.
Replace your contact lens case every 3 months.
Handle your contact lenses with the utmost care. Avoid having long nails, especially if you’re not used to using contact lenses.

Don’ts

Don’t try to extend the life of your lenses. Chuck them out when they expire.
Don’t use tap water to clean, store or disinfect your lens.
Don’t sleep, bathe, or go underwater in your contact lenses.

What else should you consider?

Using contact lenses for the first time can require a steeper learning curve before becoming second nature, so it helps to know more about it.

Here is more of what you may be concerned about when wearing lenses from our resident eye doctor:

Wearing eye makeup with contact lenses

It’s possible to wear lenses with eye makeup so long as you take care not to transfer any oils to the lenses.

Always put your contacts on before your makeup, and wash your hands before handling them.

You can still get fungal eye infections, even with proper contact lens care

The risk of developing an infection is still present even with proper care.

So if your lifestyle allows for it, it is better to use daily disposables instead of lenses on extended wear.

Contact lenses and UV light

Excessive ultraviolet exposure can result in photokeratitis or ‘snow blindness.’

Ask your eye doctor for contact lenses with UV-blocking agents to lessen your exposure to UV light.

Still having trouble putting on your contact lenses or removing them?

Any new activity can be daunting—even wearing contact lenses.

So don’t force it; stressing out will only make putting contact lenses and removing them more difficult.

With that said, be sure to consult your eye doctor for the most suitable contact lenses for your condition and lifestyle to eliminate the risks of adverse reactions from the wrong prescription, type, size, or fit.

Eye Braces Clinic offers professional lens fitting and assessment for anyone looking to use contacts to address their vision problems.

Get fitted today, and come give us a visit!

The post Contact Lens Guide: How to Put On Contact Lens appeared first on Eye Braces Clinic.

What to Expect at Eye Braces Clinic’s Contact Lens Fitting

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 18:24:54 +0000

So you’ve made up your mind and done the research—now all that’s left is getting your very own pair of contact lenses at Eye Braces Clinic.

As a first-time contact lens wearer, having as much detailed information as you can is always a good thing.

Thus, we’re giving a detailed account of what you can expect during your very own contact lens fitting.

Is fitting contact lenses necessary?

Can’t you just walk in, buy them at the counter, and try them on at home?

It’s a misconception that many people have, considering that contact lenses are fairly common.

The truth is, using ill-fitting contact lenses can cause vision problems that may severely compromise your eye health and even lead to blindness.

The dangers of wearing ill-fitting contact lenses

Using contact lenses without a proper contact lens exam may lead to potential eye and vision problems.

Some of the most common dangers associated with ill-fitting contact lenses include:

Corneal Abrasions

A corneal abrasion occurs when your cornea is scratched.

A damaged cornea can be difficult to mend, and a corneal abrasion can become rather serious; it can develop infections and result in corneal ulcers or vision loss if neglected.

Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms after using contacts lenses:

Eye pain
Eye redness
Watery eyes
Light sensitivity and headache
A gritty feeling in the eye

Tight Lens Syndrome

Tight lens syndrome happens when your contact lens fits too tightly. It can stop your cornea from getting the necessary oxygen and nutrients it needs to function, causing discomfort and serious eye problems.

Some of the signs and symptoms of tight lens syndrome to watch out for include:

Eye irritation and redness
Eye infections
Contact lens intolerance
Corneal ulcers
Loss of vision

Contact Lens Intolerance (CLI)

Contact lens intolerance describes a point where the eye can no longer tolerate contact lenses, and the eye begins to show signs of rejection.

This intolerance is usually due to the contact lens material itself, the cleaning solution, or the bacteria and fungus that grow on the lenses.

Among the signs and symptoms of CLI include:

Redness, burning, stinging, dry eyes, grittiness, and other forms of eye irritation
Eye infections
Corneal abrasions
Corneal ulcers

You Need a Contact Lens Exam and Contact Lens Fitting to Prevent These Issues!

Fortunately, there is a way to avoid all these and safely correct your vision through a professional contact lens exam and contact lens fitting.

Your First Fit: What to Expect During Your Contact Lens Exam

Contact lenses are an effective, comfortable, and convenient way to correct your vision. They keep your features free from frames while giving you the freedom to pursue a more active lifestyle.

Here’s what to expect during your contact lens evaluation and the assessments after:

Contact lens eye exam

The exam is designed to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for contact lenses.

Here, your eye’s optical prescription, unique corneal shape, curvature, size, and even your tear quality and tear-film stability will be obtained.

The exam will also help determine what type of lens will be best for your needs and lifestyle.

Common types of contact lenses

Soft contact lenses

These lenses are made from silicone hydrogel that allows more oxygen to pass through, allowing for a more comfortable fit.

Rigid gas permeable lenses (RGP)

These lenses are made of firm silicone compounds. This makes them more difficult to get used to than soft contacts but also allows them to correct minor corneal irregularities.

Specialty

These lenses are designed to address your eye’s special needs. Common speciality contact lenses include:

Orthokeratology or Ortho-K: Temporarily changes the curvature of the cornea with specially constructed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. Commonly used to address myopia (nearsightedness).
Scleral contact lenses: large-diameter, rigid gas permeable lenses used to resurface misshapen corneas and are specially designed to vault over the entire irregular corneal surface.
Toric lenses: Creates different refractive powers on the vertical and horizontal orientations to correct astigmatism issues that arise from a different curvature of the cornea or eye lens.

Contact lens fitting and trial period

During contact lens fitting and trial, your eye doctor will place ‘trial lenses’ on your eyes to evaluate your comfort and visual acuity as well as examine how your tears and cornea interact with your lenses.

Contact lens education

Contact lenses are medical devices, so they require special eye care and proper handling.

During this part of your exam, your doctor will teach you how to properly insert and remove the lenses and care for them. This is also the perfect time to ask any questions or raise concerns.

Follow up exam

A follow-up appointment is necessary to maintain your ocular health and detect any changes caused by your new lenses.

This usually takes place about a week after getting used to wearing your lenses.

Regular eye exams

Your contact lens journey does not end with your follow-up visit.

Regular eye exams are crucial to ensure that your contact lenses continue to provide you with clear and comfortable vision.

Making sure to get regular eye exams also give you a chance to maintain a friendly relationship with your eye doctor.

Wearing contact lenses can be a pleasant experience for you too, with Eye Braces Clinic!

Secure a professional contact lens exam and contact lens fitting before ordering and wearing your new contact lenses to avoid preventable problems.

Our contact lens exam and fitting procedure at Eye Braces Clinic is designed to give you maximum comfort and visual acuity.

You can expect to undergo a detailed refraction test and examination of your eye health to ensure the most perfect fit.

Don’t compromise your eye health and get clear vision without the hassle of eyeglasses.

Book a consultation with us today!

The post What to Expect at Eye Braces Clinic’s Contact Lens Fitting appeared first on Eye Braces Clinic.