It can be exciting to see stories of real people getting the care they deserve and finding hope again.
Whether you have a friend or loved one who struggles due to illness, or you enjoy hearing about innovations in medicine, a lot of work has taken place before it makes the news.
This month, we’re celebrating International Day of Girls and Women in Science.
We spoke to Felix Sugiarto and Damon Ezekiel about women who inspire them.
Felix:
Anne Sullivan inspires me:
I admire Anne Sullivan, an American teacher for Helen Keller. Anne was widely recognized for her achievement in educating to a high level a person without sight, hearing, or normal speech.
She patiently taught Helen Keller a manual alphabet and painstakingly spelled out the lectures to Hellen Keller for hours.
A local Woman in Science:
In late 2021, I met a person at Vision Australia who has a vision disability.
Despite her condition, and with the help of Vision Australia, she was able to obtain a university degree. She now works part-time as an assessor at the university.
Her passion to succeed and the number of people and guide dogs who have helped in her journey were amazing.
Damon shares how Prof Stephanie Watson inspires him:
Prof Watson is an amazing lady who is very successful in a male-dominated environment.
She has risen to the top of the ophthalmology field, and in 2021, was awarded a place in the Global Top 100 Women in Ophthalmology.
She is not just an amazing surgeon but also an incredible researcher.
I think the adversity she would have been up against as a female in a male dominated profession would have been enough for some people to give up, however she was determined to excel.
We celebrate these women for their contribution to the lives of many people.
Due to the detail and costs associated with this instrument, it is more for an ophthalmologist or researcher to utilise than an optometrist.
However, it was great to see it in action and know what is available for patients.”
What do you enjoy about visiting Fremantle?
Damon: “Fremantle is a great funky town that offers so much for everyone -from cafes, restaurants, art galleries, movies, the famous Fremantle Markets, and the general bohemian vibe.”
Any other comments about your Conference?
Damon: “I am very keen to attend my next presentation or conference in person.
It is such a great vibe and I loved seeing what I have missed over the past two years by learning through the virtual world.”
Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Damon. You can see that they enjoy staying up to date with their knowledge and skills, right?
You’re not alone! Increasingly people are finding that life is too busy, and it’s hard to keep all the balls in the air and find time to stop and smell the roses.
Surviving one day can feel like a miracle.
Did you know that a recent survey of Australians found that the most common symptoms of dry eyes were actually….tired or blurry eyes.
Around 77% of Australians have suffered symptoms of dry eyes. Since Covid, this number has risen to 85% of Australians.
You may have heard of Ken Jeong (American actor, comedian, and doctor). Ken said that his dry eye symptoms were due to “long days on set” or “extended use of contact lenses”.
July is Dry Eye Awareness Month. So we’re excited to share our new technology for diagnosing dry eyes.
Have a look at our new infrared camera for diagnosing dry eyes.
Allergies are very common, with around 1 in 5 people in Australia experiencing an allergy during their lives.
The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis.
When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular substance as harmful, even though it isn’t.
These are usually everyday items such as:
Peanuts
Animal hair
Pollen
Fish
Mould
Dust mites
Medications
When you come in contact with the substance, your immune system’s reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system, typical of an allergic reaction.
When do allergies feel like a cold?
A cold is an infection caused by a virus. Allergies are your immune system’s reaction to a substance like pollen.
Because the two conditions cause similar symptoms, like sniffles and stuffiness, many people get them mixed up.
The only ache you may feel with allergies is a headache from all that congestion.
Allergies can cause sore throat if there’s enough irritation from post-nasal drip and coughing, but if you’re experiencing a sore throat or mild body aches, they’re more likely a sign of a bad cold.
Here’s a breakdown of common symptoms of a cold vs allergy:
Symptoms of Cold vs Allergies
Are allergies genetic?
Not exactly. The tendency to develop allergies is often hereditary, which means it can pass down through genes from parents to their kids.
It could be eczema, hayfever or asthma, or all three of these conditions.
But just because a parent has allergies doesn’t mean that their kids definitely get them.
And someone usually doesn’t inherit a particular allergy, just the likelihood of having allergies.
Some kids have allergies even if no family members are allergic.
Experts think other factors come into play, like your environment, air pollution, respiratory infections – even diet and emotions.
How do allergies affect eyes?
Image: iStock used with permission
The nose, eyes, sinuses and throat are affected by substances that are inhaled.
During an allergic reaction, these areas can become swollen, inflamed or itchy, with extra mucus produced in the nose and fluid in the eyes.
The symptoms of eye allergies can vary greatly in severity and presentation from one person to the next.
Your eyes may become increasingly red and itchy.
Most people will present with at least some degree of irritation or foreign-body sensation and clear, watery discharge.
What happens if I rub my eyes?
Rubbing your eyes may seem like a relatively harmless thing to do.
Most of us do it regularly, whether we’re suffering from hayfever or a common cold, or are just feeling tired and groggy.
Rubbing stimulates tears to flow, lubricating dry eyes and removing dust and other irritants. Rubbing your eyes can also be therapeutic.
Pressing down on your eyeball can stimulate the vagus nerve, which slows down your heart rate, relieving stress.
However, if you rub your eyes too often or too hard, you can cause damage in a number of ways…
Rubbing your eyes may cause tiny blood vessels to break, resulting in bloodshot eyes or dark undereye circles.
When you rub your eye, germs are easily transferred from your hands, which can result in infections like conjunctivitis. Read more about conjunctivitis.
Sometimes people get a foreign body stuck in their eye and the natural instinct is to rub it to try and remove the object. However, rubbing against the object can very easily scratch and damage the cornea.
Rubbing is most dangerous in people with certain pre-existing eye conditions. People with progressive myopia (a type of short-sightedness caused by a lengthened eyeball) may find that rubbing worsens their eyesight. Similarly, those with glaucoma may find that the spike in eye pressure caused by rubbing the eyes can disrupt blood flow to the back of the eye and lead to nerve damage and, ultimately, permanent loss of vision.
Studies have shown that continuous eye rubbing in susceptible individuals can also lead to thinning of the cornea, which is weakened and pushes forward to become more conical. We write about various topics that might affect your sight and vision. As certified optometrists in Perth who have been serving for three generations, we care about your health.
This is known as Keratoconus, and is a serious condition that can lead to distorted vision and possibly the future need for a corneal graft. Read more here
If you’re like most people, glare can happen anywhere.
Glare can affect you when you:
Drive, watch kids sport, go to the beach or just step outside.
If you forget you sunglasses, you can struggle to function. You get tiredness, eyestrain or fatigue.
Glare can get in the way of normal life, right?
What can you do about glare?
You may have heard of polarised sunglasses.
These give the best glare protection for your eyes. Maui Jim are one of our favourite brands of polarised sunglasses.
What are Maui Jim Sunglasses?
First of all, if you have never worn a pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses, you don’t know what you’re missing.
They are the lightest, most comfortable and superbly optically correct sunglasses you will ever find anywhere.
The glare reduction through their amazing polarization process is without equal. You truly do get what you pay for.
Watch Damon’s interview with Jade from Maui Jim
Check out the moments in this video:
1:06- Watch a cool demo of how polarisation instantly gives more detail
2:16- check out Damon’s blue mirrored lenses
5:26- can you get prescription lenses in these?
6:12- can you get distance or multifocal lenses?
If you struggle with glare, or want to protect your eyes thoroughly, come and try on a pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses today!
Bob’s shares how his eyesight Improved:
“For the last ten to twelve years since the second Pterygium (skin growth on the coloured part of the eye) removal to my right eye and afterwards laser treatment to the eye, scar tissue has stopped me seeing clearly in fact my sight was not unlike looking through a frosted glass window, with more serious consequences with driving at night where each light source included a smudge to the right.
Damon Ezekiel was brilliant in sorting the problem, scanning the topography of my eye, fitting that eye with a correctly curved lens with appropriate sighted correction enabling me to improve the eye sight chart by seven lines, incredible !!!
The other improvement was the removal of the “flare” effect so nighttime driving eye sight is now perfect, now that’s brilliant.
The other point of interest for me was how clear the full moon is and all the perfect pin pricks of light from the stars, what have I been missing for all these years.
So thank you Damon for the life change it’s made for me.”
Thank you for sharing your comments, Bob!
Let’s all work to protect our eyes from sun and damage.
Happy January and we hope you had a great festive season!
Did you get away on a break? Tap reply and let us know.
Visiting Malaysia
My family and I were fortunate enough to visit our favourite place in the world, Malaysian Borneo.
This is the place where we as a family can unwind and relax – read a book, splash in the pool,play tennis, eat wonderful food and hang out as a family.
Here are some photos from our visit:
A great photo of Mt Kota Kinabalu by Damon
The hotel had some amazing Christmas Decorations
Ezekiel Family Time
What is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism makes it harder to see street signs, read sport scores or recognise faces far away. It also increases glare when you drive at night.
Astigmatism is a common eye condition that affects the shape of the cornea, the lens of the eye or the overall shape of your eye (it is like an egg shape).
(Image: Dean McGee Eye Institute)
I’ve been told that I have an Astigmatism and due to this I was informed that I cannot wear contact lenses. Is this correct?’
We hear this all the time at Ezekiel Eyes. Yes, you can get contact lenses that correct for astigmatisms….
Most patients with an astigmatism can wear contact lenses.
These are called toric contact lenses and they are designed to correct astigmatism by having different powers in different areas of the lens.
Today, we’re covering more about Severe Dry Eye, including symptoms, causes and treatments. Plus a special contact lens that can give significant relief from severe dry eye.
Ever had something in your eye? If so, you’ll know how sore it is.
Severe dry eye can make every day uncomfortable
What are the symptoms of severe dry eye?
Severe dry eye can cause symptoms like:
Severe or disabling pain
Episodes of stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes.
Frequent red eyes and red-rimmed eyes
Constant blurred vision or eye fatigue
Ongoing problems and reduced quality of life
Severe dry eyes can have bad days and not-so-bad days. Your environment can play a role in how your eyes feel.
You may experience constant watery eyes in an air-conditioned room . You may have staring at a computer screen for a few hours. Dry eyes can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as reading, driving or watching television.
Why don’t I have enough tears?
Your tears are a complex mixture of water, fatty oils and mucus. This mixture helps make the surface of your eyes smooth and clear, and it helps protect your eye from infection.
For some people the cause of dry eyes is increased tear evaporation and an imbalance in the makeup of your tears.
For others the cause of dry eyes is decreased tear production.
The tears protect the surface of the eye from infection. They also help things to stay in focus. Without adequate tears, you may have eye inflammation, abrasion of the corneal surface and if left untreated lead to corneal ulcer and vision problems.
Are there any auto-immune connections?
Autoimmune diseases such as:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Behcet disease
Lupus
Multiple Sclerosis
Reiter’s syndrome,
Diabetes type 1
These are some of the autoimmune diseases that affect the eye and contribute to severe dry eyes. They can cause symptoms like:
Filminess
Cloudiness
Blurriness
Pain
Dryness
Light sensitivity
In this article, we’ll discuss two medical conditions in more detail.
What is Stevens Johnsons Syndrome?
Steven Johnsons syndrome is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes triggered by medication, an infection or both.
It usually starts with fever, a sore mouth and throat, fatigue and burning eyes.
As the condition develops, it includes widespread skin pain, a red or purplish rash that spreads.
Blisters may form on your skin and mucous membrane of the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals and shedding of the skin within days after blisters form.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a medical emergency that usually requires hospitalisation.
Treatment for Stevens Johnsons Syndrome
Treatment focuses on removing the cause (i.e. ceasing the medication), caring for wounds, controlling pain and minimising complications as skin regrows. It can take weeks to months to recover.
During this stage, artificial tears or topical steroid is used to reduce inflammation of the eyes and mucous membrane.
Another autoimmune condition that affects the eyes is Sjogrens Syndrome.
What is Sjogrens Syndrome?
Sjogren syndrome is a disorder of your immune system identified by its two most common symptoms – dry eyes and a dry mouth.
The condition often accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Sjogrens Syndrome affects the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth first. This causes decreased tears and saliva.
Treatment for Sjogrens Syndrome
Treatment for Sjogren syndrome depends on the parts of the body affected. Many people manage the dry eye and dry mouth of Sjogren’s syndrome by using over-the counter lubrication eyedrops and drinking water more frequently.
However, some people need prescription medications to reduce inflammation, such as:
Cyclosporine (anti-inflammatory drops)
Autologous serum
What is autologous serum?
Autologous serum is customised eyedrop made from patient’s own blood diluted in sterile saline or hyaluronic acid.
It serves as lacrimal gland substitute to provide lubrication and its composition of the serum resembles that of tears.
It’s composed of a mixture of naturally occuring things in the body like:
Vitamin A,
Lysozyme
Transforming growth factor B (TGF-B)
Fibronectin
Immunoglobulin A (IgA)
Epithelial growth factor (EGF)
Vitamin C which promote healing of the ocular surface.
Autologous serum typically made in a concentration of around twenty percent. This is based on the concentration of biological factors in actual tears, although higher concentration have been used.
Research has shown autologous serum is more effective than over-the counter lubrication in patients with severe dry eye, This is because the serum is composed of a complex mix of growth factors, proteins, antioxidants and lipids which are not found in over-the counter lubrication eyedrops.
Some people may even need surgical procedures, to seal the tear ducts and help preserve tears on the eyes (i.e. punctal cauterisation).
Preservative vs preservative-free eye drops for severe dry eye
A variety of lubrication eyedrops are available over-the counter. Eyedrops with preservatives can be used up to four times a day. Preservatives help the eyedrop bottle to last longer.
However, preservatives drops more often can cause eye irritation in people with dry eye syndrome.
If you rely on eyedrops more than four times a day or allergic to preservatives, non-preservative drops are safer.
Lubricating eye ointments coat your eyes, providing longer lasting relief from dry eyes but are thicker than eyedrops and can cloud your vision.
Scleral lenses can provide significant pain relief for people with severe dry eye.
Regular soft contact lenses sit on the cornea, which can be extremely irritating and act as sponges soaking up moisture on the surface of the eye.
Scleral contact lenses help trap moisture around the front of the eye (dark blue area)
Scleral lenses, on the other hand, sit on the sclera, the white part of the eye and vault over the cornea.
These lenses do not touch the corneal surface at all, making this a very comfortable option.
Furthermore, when inserting a scleral lens into your eye, you first apply a saline solution which fills the gap between the cornea and the lens.
This provides moisture for the irritated eye and promotes healing by ensuring consistent hydration of the eye and shielding the cornea from external irritants, such as blinking from the eyelids and environmental irritants.
Scleral lenses significantly reduce discomfort, eye redness and simultaneously provide clear, crisp vision.
Ezekiel Eyes has a keen interest in Scleral Contact Lenses. Book an appointment with us now to discuss Scleral Contact Lenses.
During our long experience as Perth optometrists, we’ve seen people like you get significant relief from severe dry eye. We look forward to meeting you!
During this time of social distancing, can you still wear contacts?
Damon Ezekiel is current President of the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists (ISCLS). He is also a member of the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia (CCLSA).
Here’s a position statement from CCLSA about Coronavirus and Contact Lenses.
Position Statement
Contact Lens Wear & COVID-19
There’s currently no evidence to suggest an increased risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes the disease known as COVID-19, through contact lens (CL) wear.
For decades contact lens practitioners have advised thorough, correct hand-washing and strict hygiene practices for CL wearers in order to decrease the risk of eye infections.
There is however a history of a significant degree of non-compliance with proper hygiene techniques among CL wearers, and the general public at large.
Now more than ever it is critically important for a CL wearer to pay great attention to proper hygiene and for practitioners to strongly reinforce sound practices. This can be done at the time of consultation, or via Social Media, webinars, text messages, websites, email etc.
Contact Lens Wear is a safe activity with low rates of infections or other serious complications, despite poor compliance with safe practices.
Contact lenses, solutions and eye drops (where applicable) should be used, worn and replaced as prescribed by your eye care practitioner and according to manufacturer recommendations and expiry dates.
Storage case hygiene and care practices should be followed for reusable lenses.
Where possible, Daily Disposable Contact Lenses are advised as they improve compliance and reduce risks of complications in lens wear.
Cease Contact Lens Wear if Sick.
Practitioners have long advised against the wear of contact lenses if a wearer is unwell. This applies in particular to any signs or symptoms of colds and flu, respiratory tract infections, red sore eyes, discharge and so on.
Basically, if someone is feeling unwell they should terminate contact lens wear.
For healthy individuals, normal contact lens wear can be maintained. This advice has been around since long before COVID-19 but is even more critical now.
Public health organisations and government health officials are releasing information to ensure that people receive the right advice, care and support regarding COVID-19.
There are those with severe eye conditions who cannot function without contact lenses and cannot see with spectacles or while unaided. These wearers should liaise with their practitioner if unwell and seek specific advice to reduce risk of complications.
Please follow our latest updates via our Facebook page.
Advice for Contact Lens Wear & Care
In summary current advice is:
Contact lens wear is safe and can be maintained by healthy individuals.
Contact lens wear does not appear to increase the risk of developing COVID-19, compared to spectacle lens wearers, or those with normal vision who do not need any corrective devices. To date there is no known research suggesting any such link or risk.
It should also be noted that contact lenses provided by leading manufactures are manufactured in sterile conditions and the lenses are safe to wear. The majority of contact lenses provided on the market are in a state ready for wear. Customised lenses should be disinfected before use.
Contact Lenses obtained from dubious sources, including counterfeit lenses and those offered through unlicensed premises and providers should be avoided as these may not be sterile or safe to wear. Always seek professional advice and consult with your eye care provider. In these troubled times it may be best to call ahead before making an appointment.
In case of emergency visit your nearest eye hospital or clinic.
Avoid touching your eyes, face, nose and lips as far as possible and avoid eye rubbing.
There are a few basic messages we can apply to contact lenses.
Your eyes should ‘Look Good’, ‘See Good’ and ‘Feel Good’.
If in doubt, take them out and seek professional assistance.
Proper Handwashing: A Cornerstone of Safe Contact Lens Wear
Thoroughly WASH HANDS before:
Handling Contact Lenses and CL cases.
Applying contact lenses, even for brand new lenses direct from the pack. The aim is to prevent spreading any nasty pathogens (bugs, bacteria, fungi, viruses etc) from hands or fingers to the lens and therefore the eye.
The same applies to removing contact lenses from the eye.
Whether an optometrist, ophthalmologist, dispensing optician, assistant, technician or contact lens wearer, the importance of basic hand washing and hygiene with contact lenses is critically important and cannot be stressed enough!
There are many strong messages from numerous health organisations around the world that support our aforementioned guidance and advice urging people to properly wash their hands to help prevent infection or spread of novel coronavirus.
The US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued COVID-19 guidance stating that eyes should not be touched with unwashed hands.
Advice provided by the CCLSA in this communication, is current at the time of dissemination, but may not be best practice as circumstances change and the knowledge base and understanding surrounding the COVID-19 crisis develops. The CCLSA provides this information in good faith with the intent of improving safety, best practice and ultimately saving lives. Opinions expressed via links or otherwise, do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCLSA.
Please stay up to date by consulting the resources conveyed in this document, elsewhere through reliable sources, and via our CCLSA newsletter, Facebook page and communications.
How would you celebrate the end of the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Ms Sonia Nolan, Head of Communications and Giving at Royal Flying Doctor Service Western Australia, smiles and says:
“I think we would all probably want to give each other a really big hug”.
Ms Sonia Nolan, Head of Communications and Giving at Royal Flying Doctor Service Western Australia
She says that the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in WA is a service of professionals working together in sometimes stressful and unique circumstances.
Every day, they save lives and provide emergency and community healthcare across the vast and remote regions of WA.
We cover more than 2.5 million square kilometres – the world’s largest health jurisdiction.
Ms Sonia Nolan, RFDS
They’re the mobile intensive care units of the sky with a fleet of 18 aircraft and five aeromedical bases in WA (Broome, Port Hedland, Meekatharra, Kalgoorlie and Jandakot).
RFDS “Intensive Care Unit in the Sky”
However, coronavirus has brought unprecedented challenges. How can you contain a global virus that could threaten wide parts of WA?
Over nine weeks have elapsed since RFDS WA first transferred its first patient with COVID-19 and many more suspected and/or confirmed patients have been cared for since then.
The service has invested in being response ready to ensure protocols, equipment, aircraft and logistics are in place to ensure the safety of all patients and the doctors, nurses and pilots on board.
While the clinicians and pilots are on the frontline, the behind the scenes teams supporting the emergency response are also working tirelessly – including the communications team which Sonia leads.
“This will be a marathon rather than a sprint,” Sonia said.
The keys to success to date have been clear for her already. They include strong leadership from her CEO, cohesive teamwork and an “amazingly supportive” family.
Like for many others across the state, the hours have been long for Sonia, both at the office and at home. She has seen her team at RFDS do what might be “two months’ worth of work in a week”.
“Everyone is just rising to the professionalism that they need to show.”
Ms Sonia Nolan, RFDS
Yet, each team member respects one another’s time. This includes checking in with one another for self-care.
As a team, they have quickly adapted to the challenges of working from home. This includes streamlining their process of setting priorities, working diligently and sharing results.
What are the most important messages for WA families? Sonia encourages people to follow reputable sources of information and all the public health messages.
“It really does make a difference if we have good hand hygiene and cough etiquette, use social distancing and self-isolation. I would stress though that we must keep in touch with one another and keep the community and friendship spirit alive.”
What will RFDS teamwork look like at the end of Coronavirus Pandemic?
“I think the world has changed significantly and the experience of COVID-19 will be with us for a while to come,” Sonia said.
“Without a doubt, technology has been an important tool. It has enabled my team to explore in-office and remote work options and I think going forward there may be a hybrid of the best of the old and the best of the new”.
The RFDS frontline teams are working with upgraded Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and stricter protocols and they are responding to the healthcare needs across WA as they always have done.
When we look to the future, we’re confident that the coronavirus pandemic will be managed and little by little we will be able to enjoy some of the simple pleasures we once took for granted.
Let’s celebrate our Perth Health Heroes!
Imagine the smiles, warm handshakes and hugs when the pandemic is over. Can you think of a better team to look after you?
Sonia is part of the Ezekiel Eyes Community in Perth. She wears contact lenses prescribed by Damon Ezekiel.
Sonia says that Damon is “genuinely interested in you as a person and he’s genuinely interested in finding the right solution for you”.
Our doors might be closed but we are still happy to see you!
At Ezekiel Eyes, we want to ensure that we can continue to look after our patients’ vision during these challenging times.
We have temporarily closed our practice for the majority of the time, however Damon and Felix are still ready, willing and able to help you. We can arrange specific consultations at any time, so please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone call or SMS as follows:
Damon Ezekiel 0417 862 886 Felix Sugiarto 0421 182 552
You can also contact us through Facebook Messenger (tap button below)
Ezekiel Eyes is committed to helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please be assured that we are doing all we can to implement the highest levels of hygiene and cleanliness at the practice.
We truly appreciate your patience and support during this uncertain period. We are closely following the advice of the Australian Government and will update you if anything changes.
Optometrist Kok Kai Kang (Kai) served patients in Perth from 2012-2019
Damon Ezekiel, Principal Optometrist and Owner at Ezekiel Eyes:
“It is with regret that I announce that Kai, my colleague optometrist, has left Ezekiel Eyes to move back to Singapore.
Kai will return to his family and continue his optometry career in a Singapore Hospital eye clinic.
Kai was with us for seven years and was a much valued member of our team.
I would like to thank him for his great work and in particular for being the instigator of our Intense Pulse Light (IPL) for our many Dry Eye patients.
I have no doubts that Kai will succeed in whatever endeavours he undertakes, and I wish him all the very best on his new start in Singapore.
Meanwhile, I am on the look-out for another colleague to join me and help to continue the amazing things we do at Ezekiel Eyes to improve the quality of life of our patients. Stay tuned for news on that front.
You’ve been told in the past that you need corrective lenses. You’ve chosen to go with contacts but the ones that you’ve been given are so uncomfortable and don’t seem to be helping with your condition at all. You’ve elected to just not wear any corrective lenses because of this which is only making your situation worse.
If this sounds like you then you should talk to your doctor about scleral contact lenses. Scleral contacts are comfortable as well as help with many of the rarest eye conditions. You can also get special effect ones that can grant you vision while your cosplay.
To help you decide if you’re ready to talk to your contact lens specialist optometrist about these contacts, here is a complete guide on these benefits and more.
1. They’re More Comfortable
There are many patients who look at scleral lenses and get more than a little intimidated by their size. They’re meant to cover the user’s entire eye which is where they got their name.
It’s for this reason that potential users are afraid that they won’t be very comfortable but this fear is unwarranted. Sclera lenses are custom made for the patient so they’re actually way more comfortable than other lenses.
The lenses don’t move around too much because they’re made to fit your eye perfectly. This means you’ll never have to worry about them becoming painfully dislodged.
They’re also a fairly gentle fit. There is little to no pressure or compression to the tissues in your eye.
2. They will Work When Nothing Else Will
If you have a certain eye issue that none of your other contacts or glasses seems to solve, then sclera lenses may be the thing that you need. For one, they’re custom made to not only fit your eyes but also to deal with your condition.
For another, they create a fluid layer which not only keeps your eyes hydrated all day long without the need for drops but also helps regulate the shape of your cornea. You’ll immediately notice a positive difference.
A lot more work goes into scleral lenses than other contacts. This is because again, scleral lenses are custom made to fit your eyes and deal with any conditions that you have.
What price would you put on your eyesight? Scleral lenses can help you to see again, giving you the freedom to have a job, drive a car, and live the life you want.
Private Health Insurance applies to scleral lenses just like other contact lenses. They normally last for two years with normal use.
If you’re thinking of investing in scleral lenses, you’ll find that the benefits outweigh the money that you spent on them.
4. Promote the Healing of the Ocular Surface
Scleral contacts protect the surface of your eyes while also correcting your vision. They do this by opening your eye to an oxygen permeable fluid chamber. This keeps any irritants from getting into your eyes.
To this end, the lenses allow the ocular surface of your eyes to heal because nothing can get in and scratch it. This will be a huge help if you’ve had a corneal transplant or have suffered through some sort of chemical damage. Your eyes will be able to heal and adjust.
5. Keratoconus
If you have keratoconus you’ll need contacts that won’t move around too much when you blink. To this end, if you get regular contact lenses when you have this condition they may be too uncomfortable to deal with or worse, damage your eyes.
Scleral lenses are traditionally prescribed to people who have hard-to-fit eyes. They will be the only contacts that will be able to centre correctly on your eyes if you have keratoconus.
6. Other Eye Issues
Keratoconus isn’t the only eye condition that these contacts can help with. Again, they’re the perfect thing to protect the surface of your eyes if you’ve had a corneal implant or chemicals have gotten into your eyes.
They also help if you have uncomfortably dry eyes from conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or Sjogren’s syndrome. These lenses even combat severe cases of astigmatism.
7. Special Effects
You don’t have to have some sort of eye condition or bad vision to be prescribed scleral contacts. Some choose to get them for purely cosmetic purposes.
They can drastically change the look of your eyes so that makes them perfect for theatrical and cosplay purposes. Keep in mind that these contacts are usually only for aesthetics. They usually don’t have the same benefits as normal scleral lenses.
8. Caring for Them
You would think that because the lenses are special that the caring instructions would be a little more complex than regular contacts but this isn’t the case. For the most part, the caring instructions are the same. You take them out at the end of the day, don’t put them under tap water, and don’t swim, sleep or take a bath with them in.
The only difference is they need to soak in a particular type of solution but your eye doctor will provide this for you or at the very least, tell you what solution to use.
Talk to Your Optometrist About Scleral Contact Lenses
If your regular contact lenses aren’t cutting it anymore, (or if they never did) try talking to your eye doctor about scleral contact lenses. They will be custom made to fit your particular condition while not being too much more expensive than the lenses you have now. Start seeing in comfort.
Are you ready to get yourself into a new pair of lenses? Contact us today to make yourself an appointment.
Vision problems are on the rise for kids in Australia. In fact, one in four Australian children is living with an undiagnosed eye problem.
With so many children beginning to struggle with vision problems, there’s also an increase in the need for glasses and contact lenses.
Are you considering getting contact lenses for your child? Are you a little nervous about whether they’re a good fit for them?
If you’re on the fence about contacts for kids, keep reading.
Listed below are eight things you ought to consider before you buy them.
1. Some Kids are Better Candidates than Others
It’s a misconception that contact lenses are only for teenagers and adults.
There are plenty of children who do just fine while wearing prescription contact lenses. At the same time, though, some children are better candidates for contacts than others.
If you’re not sure if your child is ready for contact lenses, ask yourself the following questions:
Do they have good personal hygiene habits?
Do they keep their room and bathroom clean?
Do they follow through with their other responsibilities (schoolwork, chores, etc.)
Do they need frequent reminders to keep up with everyday tasks?
If your child has good personal hygiene and doesn’t have trouble keeping up with everyday responsibilities, they can likely handle the responsibility of wearing contact lenses.
If they’re a bit careless or irresponsible, you may want to work with them on these things before you purchase contacts for them.
2. Contacts are Great for Sports
If your child plays sports or is generally active, contact lenses are a great option to consider.
Contact lenses provide them with a lot of flexibility and will save them from having to continually push a pair of glasses up the bridge of their nose while they’re playing sports, dancing, or participating in other extracurricular activities.
Contact lenses can reduce injury risk, too. If their glasses are struck and break while playing, they could end up with a serious eye problem.
Contacts improve your child’s vision without creating any kind of discomfort or safety issue.
3. Contacts Can Boost Self-Esteem
In a perfect world, your child would feel confident while wearing glasses to correct their vision problems. That’s not always the case, though.
Some kids simply feel better and more like themselves when they’re wearing contacts instead of glasses.
If your child regularly complains about wearing glasses, or if they conveniently “forget them” when they leave for school each day, contacts might be a good option to try instead.
4. Parents Need to Teach Healthy Habits
As a parent, it’s important to understand the key role you play in ensuring your child becomes a successful contact lens wearer.
You will need to work with them and teach them how to keep their contacts clean and well-maintained.
You may also have to remind them to take their contacts out, clean them properly, or store them in their case for the first few days or weeks after they get them.
Before you purchase contacts for your child, make sure that you are up to the task of getting them in the habit of caring for them first.
5. Kids Must See an Eye Doctor First
Before your child gets contact lenses, they need to see the optometrist first.
An optometrist will ensure that your child gets the right pair of contact lenses for their specific needs.
The optometrist can also provide you with tips to help your child get used to wearing contacts and get in the habit of caring for them the right way.
Always buy your child’s contact lenses from a registered optometrist. Don’t try to purchase discounted lenses, even if you’re shopping for a non-prescription pair.
6. A Slow Transition Works Best
If your child has been wearing glasses for a long time, it’s best to transition them slowly from glasses to contacts. They don’t have to throw them away and wear contacts all the time right from the start.
When they get their first pair of lenses, continue to use their glasses as their primary vision correcting method. Then, they can try wearing contact lenses on the weekends so they can practice in a low-stakes way.
Once they’re comfortable with that, they can try wearing their lenses at school or during the week, too.
7. Daily Disposables are a Good Option
If you’re worried about your child’s ability to keep their contact lenses clean and in good shape, you may want to start them with daily disposables.
Daily disposables eliminate the need for cleaning and the need for specific storage practices.
They’re much more convenient and are great for your kids and those who don’t have the best track record when it comes to keeping things clean.
8. Contact Lenses Can Slow Nearsightedness Progression
There is some research that suggests that wearing contact lenses can also slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children.
Vision problems, in general, are on the rise among Australian kids, but nearsightedness is increasingmore than other vision issues.
A certain type of contact lenses, known as orthokeratology, help to change the shape of the cornea, which is the clear front portion of the eye.
These lenses are meant to be worn at night. They change the shape of the cornea while the wearer sleeps, and then the wearer doesn’t have to worry about wearing lenses or glasses during the day.
Order Contacts for Kids in Perth Today
In a lot of cases, purchasing contacts for kids can be a great option.
Contact lenses give them the flexibility they need while playing sports or engaging in other activities, and there’s no risk of them losing them or breaking them — which isn’t always the case when you’re dealing with regular eyeglasses.
Are you ready to buy contacts for your kids? Before you go ahead and order them, be sure to schedule an eye exam.
If you live in or around the Perth area, come see us at Ezekiel Eyes today.
We make it easy and convenient for you to schedule your kids’ exam and order their first pair of contact lenses.
Ever heard of Multifocal Lenses? Getting the right ones is very important!
Without the right lenses, you can struggle to see at work for reading and looking at a presentation. Or you may be caught without your reading glasses, and have to borrow some from a friend.
Listen as Damon Ezekiel explains how to get the right Multifocal Lenses in this short video:
https://youtu.be/4fd3cDE0BY8
Here is the full text from the video:
(Leigh) Welcome, everyone. I’m here with Damon Ezekiel, owner of Ezekiel Eyes. Welcome, Damon.
(Damon) Thank you very much.
(Leigh) Tell me a bit about the way that you approach glasses and getting them right for patients.
(Damon) Leigh, I’m very lucky that I have an optical dispenser who’s been in the optical world for, I think Tom’s been in it for like 25 to 30 years. Very similar to myself. He’s old-school technical trained as an optical technician dispenser. He is very clever at what he does.
A lot of patients come in and they’re like, I’ve tried multifocals and it’s nightmare but multifocal spectacles don’t have to be a nightmare!
There’s a couple of combinations. We need to get the right prescription and that’s what Kai, my colleague, and I do at Ezekiel Eyes.
But then Tom takes his expertise and makes sure that we’ve got the right frame for your face to match that prescription.
There’s no good getting a great looking frame but this prescription’s not gonna fit into it.
Then the important thing is to get these optical centres exactly where we need them. Tom will do that.
We’ll make sure we get the distance between your pupils right but also the height. Unless everything marries together, we’ve got the right frame for your shape to marry in with the prescription and then we get the heights and the distance between your pupils right.
The next thing is we need to get the right type of lens ’cause there’s a stack of different type of lenses, if you’re a:
first time wearer of multifocal lenses,
if you’re an experienced wearer,
what do you need them for?
Do you need them more for distance or computer reading?
We’re going to tailor make what you need. There’s a whole combination and that’s what we do at Ezekiel Eyes.
Whether it’s Kai, my colleague optometrist, or myself, and then we bring Tom in, who’s the optical dispenser, to get that right frame and combination. It’s not a matter of, oh this’ll do, good luck. It’s a matter of getting all these aspects married together. That’s on the glasses side.
(Leigh) Absolutely.
(Damon) You can get Multifocal Contact Lenses too
We can give you contact lenses that are multifocal, bifocal, and there’s lots of different combinations.
It’s a matter of getting the right prescription, working out the curve on the front of your eye, and then trying to work out what do you want.
Leigh, you might just want contact lenses for sport or social, or you want contact lenses full time.
It’s a matter of working out when you want them and what do you want them for:
Do you need them, you just want them in a work environment for distance, computer, and reading?
You just want them when you’re playing indoor cricket?
We need to know what you want. There’s lots of different options in the contact lens world.
We try to marry everything into what your desires are and then we can see what is available for you.
If you’re a contact lens wearer, you’ll always need glasses as a backup. Depending on your age and what you need, we’d run with a multifocal pair of glasses.
That’s where you spend the time to get to know me and my needs and you can recommend the best solution.
There’s lots of different labs out there, whether they’re in the contact lens world or in the spectacle world and same again, exactly as you said, Leigh, finding out what do you need.
What are your wants and then we can go, all right, this lab, that’s an option, but this lab will really make exactly what we need for your particular needs in your glasses or in the contact lens world.
(Leigh) We value our eyes. Our eyes are so important so why not get the best for our eyes?
(Damon) Absolutely. Unfortunately, we see patients who have gone off and had surgery or things have gone astray.
It’s not until things have gone the wrong way that then they go, “I’ve only got one pair of eyes”. Why didn’t I do this, that, or the other? Yes, they are very valuable!
I don’t think enough of us realise how valuable their eyes are. If you can imagine if something had gone wrong or something’s gone astray, I have patients who come in who just say, “Oh my goodness, what would happen if I lost my vision?” A lot of us don’t value what we have until we lose it.
That’s where we like to treat you as an individual and work out what do you need, Leigh? What are your desires? What do you want?
You want contact lenses socially but I’m happy with my glasses during the day. That’s great. We’ll work out what’s gonna work for you. That’s a matter of finding the right type of frame, the right type of lens for your prescription and for you.
(Leigh) You can really help me to get over the line, to be able to work the way that I want to, to function the way that I want to.
(Damon) Absolutely. There’s more than one option.
We will show you all the options and explain why this lens is thinner and lighter than this one and the advantages of that. Is that good for you? It might not be, you might want to look at a different option, great. Let’s look at it and we’ll find out what is out there for you.
We do a lot of different options. Tom’s fantastic at going to various labs and finding out, you know, we’ve got this prescription, what can we do? Can we do thinner and lighter? If so, how much thinner and lighter? Then we can present you with all the different options and the cost options.
Some of the lenses we do buy in will come from overseas. They’ll take two or three weeks in the spectacle lenses because they’re gonna be super duper thin and light but it’s worth it if that’s what you desire and that’s what you need.
(Leigh) That’s great. I like how you go to the nth degree to help people.
(Damon) We don’t mind doing that. That’s what we do. We’re happy to spend another three or four weeks finding out what our options are instead of going, here you go, you’ve only got one option. The lenses are gonna be excessively thick and tough. It’s like, now hang on a minute, let’s see what we can do. As long as you’re not in a hurry, we prefer to take the time.
(Leigh) Yeah, that’s really good. Fantastic. Thanks very much, Damon, for talking to us about your philosophy.
(Damon) Thanks for your time.
(Leigh) Yeah. Thanks everyone for watching. Please like and share this video. Stay tuned for more. Thanks.
What is the next step?
Make an Appointment for an eye test now and talk to Damon or Rhiannon about Multifocal Lenses!
Looking for the best eye drops for Dry Eyes in Perth?
There are two eye drops that we love to recommend to our patients.
Hylo-Forte is a preservative-free eye drop. This means that there are no chemicals that can make your eyes irritated.
The other benefit is that you can use these drops with contact lenses. This includes soft contact lenses, hard contact lenses, rigid gas permeable contact lenses, orthok lenses and scleral contact lenses.
Ever had to throw out drops because they’ve been open for 28 days?
Hylo-Forte has a use-by of six months! This means that you can safely use it as much as you like. Keep one at work near your computer. Keep one at home for the end of a long day. Your eyes will feel refreshed by Hylo-Forte!
Nova Tears is a brand new eyedrop for dry eyes that doesn’t sting! The drop is so small, that you’ll hardly feel it when you put a drop in.
There’s a unique way to put a drop in, without having to squeeze the bottle. Damon or Kai can show you how to do it.
Here’s your bonus!
When you purchase Hylo-Forte or Nova Tears at Ezekiel Eyes, buy five bottles and get the sixth free! Get your card stamped each time to earn your free bottle!
So if you’re looking for the best eye drops for dry eyes in Perth, buy your eye drops from us!
What to Consider When Buying Contact Lenses in Perth
Advancements in eye care have made contact lenses more versatile than ever before. Read this guide on what to consider when buying contact lenses in Perth.
Approximately 50 per cent of all Australians wear eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct various vision impairments. Are you one of them?
It doesn’t matter if you’ve always worn contact lenses or are interested in switching from glasses to contacts.
Either way, there are some important things you need to keep in mind when you’re shopping for the perfect pair.
Read on to learn how to go about buying contact lenses so that you can choose the perfect ones for yourself and your needs.
Types of Contact Lenses
One of the first things you need to recognize when you start shopping for contact lenses is the fact that there are different types of lenses from which you can choose.
The following are some of the most common styles of contact lenses:
Soft Contact Lenses
These types of lenses are made of special non-silicone hydrogel and plastic polymer materials.
These materials allow oxygen to pass through the lens and reach the eye. Soft lenses come in a variety of styles, including daily wear, disposable, and extended wear.
They also provide better and sharper vision than many types of soft contact lenses. These lenses only need to be replaced once every two years, too.
Scleral Contact Lenses
Scleral contact lenses can be beneficial to those who have experienced damage to the surface of the eye (the cornea).
These lenses rest on the white part of the eye, the sclera, and create space over the cornea. That space is then filled with artificial tears and can improve the vision. The fluid compartment also protects the cornea from air exposure and irritation that can come from blinking.
X-Chrome Contact Lenses
An X-Chrome contact lens is a special red contact lens. It’s worn in just one eye and is used to help those who suffer from red-green colour vision problems.
Monovision Contact Lenses
Monovision contact lenses are a good option for individuals who suffer from presbyopia (farsightedness). Presbyopia often affects middle-aged individuals in the 40-45-year-old age range. For those who don’t want to wear reading glasses, monovision contact lenses are a viable alternative.
Tips for Buying Contact Lenses
Many people have a hard time shopping for contact lenses. They don’t realise what they need to be on the lookout for and what kinds of practices they need to avoid.
Here are some tips that will make the process of buying contact lenses much easier:
Buy the Right Type
As you can see, there are tons of different types of contact lenses out there. If you want to have a positive experience while wearing contact lenses, you need to make sure you’re buying the right type for your vision needs.
Make sure you’re buying contact lenses that suit your lifestyle, too.
For example, do you think you will remember to take your lenses out every single day? If not, you might not want to buy daily wear contacts. Extended wear styles might be more appropriate for you.
Don’t Buy Without a Prescription
There are lots of online sites that will allow you to buy contact lenses without a prescription. No matter how appealing they might seem, do not trust these sites. You should only wear prescription contact lenses.
Wearing contact lenses without a prescription can increase your risk of damaging your cornea. You also increase your risk of developing eye infections and contracting diseases like pinkeye. You could even damage your eyesight or go blind.
Getting the Correct Prescription
In addition to avoiding buying contact lenses without a prescription, you also ought to avoid buying contact lenses with an old prescription.
Make sure you get your eyes examined before buying contact lenses and make sure your prescription is up to date.
Remember, your vision can change over time. Just because a prescription once worked for you, that doesn’t mean it always will. Your vision problems could have progressed without you even realizing it.
If you don’t get your eyes checked before buying contact lenses, you might not see the results you’re looking for. You could also end up dealing with issues like chronic headaches or eye strain as a result.
Buy the Right Contact Lens Solution
It’s essential that you buy the right contact lenses for you and make sure you’re buying them with the correct prescription. You also need to make sure you’re buying the right contact lens solution.
Your eye doctor should recommend a specific type of contact lens solution for you to use. Be sure to only buy that solution. Remember, your doctor recommended it for a reason.
Learn to Maintain Them Properly
Make sure you’re maintaining your contact lenses properly, too. Many people don’t realize when they’re first buying contact lenses the amount of maintenance required to keep them clean and your eyes healthy.
Some maintenance tips you’ll need to keep in mind include:
Washing and drying your hands before handling them
Removing contacts before going to sleep (or according to the schedule laid out by your doctor)
Minimizing contact with water or saliva
Always use fresh contact lens solution in contact lens cases (dump out the old solution in between uses)
Replacing contact lenses and cases as recommended
Over time, these maintenance steps will become second nature to you and you won’t have to think about them.
If you’re not willing to take a lot of steps to keep your lenses in good shape, you ought to be sure to choose a low-maintenance style, such as extended wear lenses.
Buy Contact Lenses Today
Now that you know what to do (and what kinds of mistakes to avoid) when you’re buying contact lenses, it’s time to do the fun part and start shopping.
If you live in Perth or Western Australia and need to buy contact lenses, we can help at Ezekial Eyes.
Make an appointment for your contact lenses today (along with spectacle frames and lenses).
Check them out today to find the lenses that work best for you!
