Eye Care Services
The Best Available Tailored Eye Care Solutions
At Vedelago Optometrists, we pride ourselves on providing our patients with tailored, comprehensive eye care to suit your individual vision and lifestyle needs.
It is important to us that you feel at ease in our optometry practice, and we are more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your eye health and vision.
Speak to us first if you are concerned about the cost of an eye test or whether your eye test will be Medicare funded.
Optometric Services
In addition to routine comprehensive eye tests, the team at Vedelago Optometrists provide a range of eye care and vision support services to the local community of Browns Plains and surrounds:
- Behavioural optometry
- Paediatric eye care
- Optometric vision therapy
- Contact lenses
- Orthokeratology (corneal reshaping lenses also known as Ortho-k)
- Myopia control management (Spectacles, contact lenses, Atropine eye drops)
- Aviation (CASA) eye examination for pilots
- Dry eyes
- Prescription glasses, sunglasses and safety glasses
Our optometrists are certified to prescribe medications to treat specific eye conditions, as they are therapeutically qualified. If you are interested in laser refractive surgery, the team at Vedelago Optometrists can assess your suitability for laser surgery and refer you to an experienced refractive eye surgeon.
Eye Examination
Our Optometrists play an important role in your eye health.
If you have not had your eyes examined for quite some time you may not be aware of all the tests involved in a comprehensive eye examination. If it has been more than two years since your last eye test, we generally allow 45 minutes to complete a comprehensive consultation.
Our team of experienced Optometrists detect, diagnose, and treat eye health and vision conditions that affect vision including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, lazy eye and cataracts.
They can also identify general health conditions that are first detected via an eye exam, provide referrals to eye surgeons (ophthalmologists) and often help manage post-eye-surgery health.
The majority of our services attract a Medicare rebate.
Every consultation and eye examination is with an experienced Optometrist using the latest and most advanced eyecare procedures. With our full eye health examination (45 minutes), comprehensive internal and external eye testing is standard and includes:
- Field of vision
- Eye muscle control
- Visual acuity
- Ability to focus
- Ability to see colour
We request you bring the following to your eye examination
- Your medicare card
- Your latest pair of prescription glasses
- Your latest pair of prescription sunglasses
- Any contact lenses you may use
- Previous prescription details or Optometrist’s reports if you are new to our practice
Colour Vision
At Vedelagoo Optometrists, we believe in helping individuals unlock the full spectrum of colours through our innovative colour vision treatment. Designed for those with colour vision deficiencies, our specialized therapy enhances colour discrimination and perception, opening up a world of vibrant hues.
How does colour vision treatment work? Through a series of targeted exercises and activities, our experienced team stimulates and trains the visual system to improve colour perception. These tailored techniques aim to break down barriers in colour vision and empower individuals to see the nuances and richness of the world around them.
The benefits of our colour vision treatment are remarkable:
- Improved colour Discrimination: Experience a heightened ability to distinguish between different colours, allowing for a more accurate and nuanced perception of your surroundings.
- Enhanced colour Perception: Witness the true beauty of colours as your visual system becomes more attuned to subtle variations and shades.
- Tailored Treatment Approach: Our experts create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs, ensuring targeted exercises and activities that address your specific colour vision deficiencies.
- While colour vision treatment cannot completely cure colour blindness, it can significantly improve your ability to perceive and differentiate colours, leading to a richer visual experience. Our qualified optometrists and vision therapists specialize in this area, providing guidance and supervision throughout the treatment process.
Take the first step towards embracing the vibrant palette of life by booking a consultation.
Sports Vision
Sports Vision: Improve Your Performance on the Field
Sports vision is a field of optometry that focuses on improving visual performance in sports. Sports vision therapy can help athletes of all ages and skill levels improve their eye-hand coordination, depth perception, visual tracking, and other visual skills that are important for success in sports.
Why is sports vision important?
Good sports vision can give you an edge in competition. It can help you:
- See the ball more clearly and track it better
- Make faster and more accurate decisions
- React more quickly to changes in the environment
- Stay focused and avoid getting distracted
- How can sports vision therapy help?
Sports vision therapy is a customized program of exercises and activities that are designed to improve your visual skills. The exercises are tailored to your individual needs and goals, and they can be done at home or in the office of an optometrist or vision therapist.
What are the benefits of sports vision therapy?
Sports vision therapy can help you improve your:
- Eye-hand coordination
- Depth perception
- Visual tracking
- Visual reaction time
- Visual focus
- Visual memory
- Visual attention
Who can benefit from sports vision therapy?
Sports vision therapy can benefit athletes of all ages and skill levels, from recreational players to professional athletes. It can also be helpful for people who participate in activities that require good visual skills, such as driving, golfing, and hunting.
If you are an athlete who is looking to improve your performance, talk to our Optometrist about sports vision therapy. They can assess your visual skills and recommend a program that is right for you.
Therapeutics
Therapeutic treatments for eye conditions can include:
Medications: Eye drops or eye ointment may be prescribed to treat infections, inflammation, allergies, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, or other eye-related conditions.
Therapeutic Contact Lenses: Specially designed contact lenses may be used for therapeutic purposes, such as managing corneal irregularities or promoting healing in certain eye conditions.
The specific therapeutic approach depends on the diagnosis and the underlying eye condition being treated. It is important to consult with an optometrist, to determine the most appropriate therapeutic treatment for an individual's specific eye condition.
Other therapeutic treatment options may be required for your eye conditions. Our optometrist will thoroughly assess your visual needs and provide a referral to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) to carry out further assessment and necessary treatment:
Laser Therapy: Laser treatment may be used for various purposes, such as correcting refractive errors (LASIK or PRK), treating glaucoma, or managing certain retinal conditions.
Intraocular Injections: In some cases, medications are directly injected into the eye to treat conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or retinal vein occlusion.
Surgical Interventions: Therapeutic eye surgeries are performed to address specific eye conditions, such as cataract surgery to remove a cloudy lens, corneal transplant surgery to treat certain corneal disorders, or retinal surgery to repair retinal detachments or tears.
Optos Retinal Imaging
Optos retinal imaging is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses a handheld scanner to capture a 200-degree image of the retina. This allows eye care professionals to view a wider area of the retina than traditional imaging techniques, which can help to detect eye diseases earlier and more accurately.
Optos retinal imaging is used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of eye conditions, including:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Retinal detachment
- Uveitis
- Coats' disease
Optos retinal imaging is also used to monitor the progression of eye diseases and to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
The procedure is safe and painless, and it is typically done as part of a routine eye exam. The scanner is held close to the eye, and a flash of light is used to capture the image. The entire procedure takes just a few minutes.
The images captured by Optos retinal imaging are stored in a computer and can be reviewed by the eye care professional. This allows the Optometrist to see a detailed view of the retina and to diagnose any potential problems.
Optical Coherence Tomography
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to create detailed images of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. OCT can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of eye conditions, including:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Retinal detachment
OCT can also be used to measure the thickness of the retina and to assess the health of the optic nerve. This information can be used to track the progression of eye diseases and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
OCT treatment is typically done in a practice. The patient will sit in a chair and rest their head on a chin rest. The Optometrist will place a contact lens on the patient's eye and then use the OCT machine to scan the retina. The scan takes a few minutes and is painless.
The images created by OCT are stored in a computer and can be reviewed. We can use the images to diagnose eye diseases, to track the progression of eye diseases, and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
OCT is a safe and effective imaging technique. There are no known side effects associated with OCT treatment.
If you are concerned about your eye health, talk to our Optometrist about OCT treatment. OCT can be a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring eye diseases.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a condition that causes progressive damage to the macular, the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Australia and will affect 1 in 7 people over the age of 50 and the incidence increases with age*. Those with early macular degeneration may have no noticeable symptoms but the disease can cause central vision loss if not treated early.
Early detection of macular degeneration is aided by having regular eye tests. At Vedelagoo Optometrists we utilise Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a non-invasive imaging test to detect macular degeneration. OCT uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of your retina. OCT allows the Optometrist to see each of the retina’s distinctive layers and pick up early signs of macular degeneration, which can include fatty deposits known as drusen, pigment cell disruption or leaking blood or fluid.
For optimum eye health, it’s recommended that everyone over the age of 40 have their eyes tested every two years.
* Source: Macular Disease Foundation
Behavioural Optometry
Behavioural optometry is neuro developmental, preventative and rehabilitative vision care. It takes a holistic view of your visual performance and visual problems. Vision is regarded as an experience that involves the whole body.
Behavioural optometrists assess and treat functional and perceptual vision disorders in both children and adults of all ages. A variety of treatment methods are used, such as stress- relieving lenses, therapeutic lenses, tinted lenses (not Irlen lenses), prismatic lenses, patching therapy, and vision therapy. We also provide advice on ways to reduce visual stress and how to take better care of your vision.
We offer Visual Information Processing assessments for children with learning- related vision problems and individually tailored vision therapy programs to treat various visual conditions. Further assessment can be recommended where necessary, by referral to other allied health professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists and kinesiologists etc. depending on the needs of the child. We strive to help each, and every child reach their full visual potential and enhance their overall capacity for learning.
For more information on behavioural optometry, click here.
Childrens Vision - Optometric Vision Therapy
Vision Therapy (VT) is an important part of behavioural optometry devoted to developing, improving, and enhancing a patient’s visual performance when spectacles alone are inadequate. It is used to improve the functions, co-ordination and processing of the visual system with other sensory processing skills.
In general, there is not an instant cure for a visual problem. Developing good vision and visual perceptual ability requires therapy tailored to the individual. It is important to develop the skills that may have been missed during development or have been affected due to other causes, e.g. Illness/ head injury/ trauma. Vision therapy is not “done” to an individual, but rather the individual gets to experience and develop their own skills through the guidance of a vision therapy program.
Vedelago Optometrists can provide you with individually tailored home based vision therapy programs to suit your lifestyle needs. We provide optometric vision therapy for:
- Eye focusing problems
- Eye teaming/ co-ordination difficulties
- Eye tracking problems
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Strabismus (turned eye)
- Learning- related vision problems
- Computer-related visual problems
- Sports vision needs for athletes
Click here to read more about vision therapy.
Children's Vision- Myopia/Amblyopia/Strabismus
If your child has 20/20 or 6/6 visual acuity (eyesight), this is only a small part of having good vision. Your child must also have efficient eye teaming and focusing skills, good eye movement control, good eye-hand co-ordination, good eye health and normal visual perception.
At Vedelago Optometrists have a special passion for treating visual problems in children. Conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia), turned eyes (strabismus), myopia and paediatric eye disease are best detected at a very early age.
Download:
- Strabismus
- Amblyopia
- Myopia
- Hyperopia
- Astigmatism
- Muscle Inco-ordination
- Colour Vision Defects
- Visual Perceptual Deficits
Some of these are very obvious and are picked up early in childhood and others are much less obvious.
Strabismus is a condition that interferes with binocular vision because it prevents a person from directing both eyes simultaneously to align with each other at the same spot. This is often known as a squint. Strabismus is present in about 4% of children. Treatment should be started as early as possible to ensure the development of the best possible vision.
Amblyopia (also called lazy eye) is a disorder of sight. It results in decreased vision in an eye that otherwise appears normal. Whenever the brain does not receive visual signals from an eye for a long period of time, there is a risk of amblyopia. It also can occur when the brain “turns off” the visual processing of one eye to prevent double-vision. It is common in children with strabismus.
Detecting the condition in early childhood increases the chance of successful treatment; this disorder has been estimated to affect 1–5% of the population.
Myopia is a condition of the eye where the light that comes in does not directly focus on the retina but in front of it, causing the image that one sees when looking at a distant object to be out of focus, but in focus when looking at a close object. It also known as short-sightedness.
Hyperopia is a defect of vision causing difficulty focusing on near objects, and in extreme cases causing a sufferer to be unable to focus on objects at any distance. Children with hyperopia can experience blurred vision, headaches, accommodative dysfunction, binocular dysfunction, amblyopia, and strabismus. Most school age children are in fact slightly hyperopic and therefore must exert an extra effort to bring their vision into sharp focus for both far and near tasks. For some children it will interfere with their ability to do schoolwork.
Astigmatism is a refraction error of the eye in which there is a difference in degree of power in different meridians. Astigmatism causes difficulties in seeing fine detail. Astigmatism can be often corrected by glasses with a lens that corrects for the difference in power.
Muscle Inco-ordination occurs when the complex muscle system for co-ordinating the two eyes to work as a team are not properly balanced. They often occur together with other vision problems and if left untreated contribute to a worsening of the vision problem.
Colour Vision Defects occur in about 9% of boys and 0.5% of girls. They are almost always inherited but can be the result of disease or injury. Almost all people with colour vision defects see most colours but due to the imbalance of their colour receptors they see them slightly differently to the way someone with normal vision sees them. They will therefore have difficulty in identifying some colours and will confuse some colours.
Visual Perception is the ability to analyse and understand what the eyes are seeing. Children with vision problems are more likely to have difficulty with their visual perception; however these problems can occur with otherwise normal vision. If this problem does exist, the underlying vision problem is treated first and then a program of visual perceptual therapy is administered.
We offer Visual Information Processing assessments for children with learning- related vision problems and individually tailored vision therapy programs to treat various visual conditions. Further assessment can be recommended where necessary, by referral to other allied health professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists and kinesiologists etc. depending on the needs of the child. We strive to help each, and every child reach their full visual potential and enhance their overall capacity for learning.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It can cause vision loss, and in some cases, blindness.
There are two main types of diabetic retinopathy: non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).NPDR is the milder form of diabetic retinopathy. It is characterized by the growth of small blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can leak fluid, causing swelling of the retina.
PDR is the more advanced form of diabetic retinopathy. It is characterized by the growth of new blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels are fragile and can bleed easily. Bleeding in the retina can cause vision loss.
There are a number of treatments available for diabetic retinopathy. The type of treatment that is best for you will depend on the severity of your retinopathy.Laser treatment is a common treatment for NPDR. Laser treatment can help to seal off leaky blood vessels and prevent them from growing.
Injections of medications called anti-VEGF drugs can also be used to treat NPDR and PDR. These medications help to shrink new blood vessels and prevent them from leaking.Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that can be used to remove blood from the retina or to remove scar tissue that is causing vision loss.
If you have diabetes, it is important to have regular eye exams. Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can help to prevent vision loss.Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is the fitting of specially designed gas permeable contact lenses (RGP) that you wear overnight. While you are asleep, the lenses gently reshape the front surface of your eye (cornea) so you can see clearly the following day after you remove the lenses when you wake up. Ortho-k lenses are prescribed for two purposes: To correct refractive errors To slow the progression of childhood myopia
Eye Care Services
At Vedelago Optometrists, we’re focused on bringing you the very best clinical eye care.
Our Optometrists play an important role in your eye health.
If you have not had your eyes examined for quite some time you may not be aware of all the tests involved in a comprehensive eye examination. If it has been more than two years since your last eye test, we generally allow 45 minutes to complete a comprehensive consultation.
Our team of experienced Optometrists detect, diagnose, and treat eye health and vision conditions that affect vision including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, lazy eye and cataracts.
They can also identify general health conditions that are first detected via an eye exam, provide referrals to eye surgeons (ophthalmologists) and often help manage post-eye-surgery health. Our team of Optometrists at can help you maintain good vision for life.
The majority of our services attract a Medicare rebate.
Every consultation and eye examination is with an experienced Optometrist using the latest and most advanced eyecare procedures. With our full eye health examination (45 minutes), comprehensive internal and external eye testing is standard and includes:
- Field of vision
- Eye muscle control
- Visual acuity
- Ability to focus
- Ability to see colour
We request you bring the following to your eye examination
- Your medicare card
- Your latest pair of prescription glasses
- Your latest pair of prescription sunglasses
- Any contact lenses you may use
- Previous prescription details or Optometrist’s reports if you are new to our practice
Vedelago Optometrists is pleased to offer a simple, non-surgical alternative to blepharoplasty to relieve vision impairment that is caused by heavy, drooping eyelids.
When conditions such as Bell’s Palsy, strokes, accidents or just ageing of the skin around the eyes cause excess loose skin to hang over the eyelashes, Lids By Design offers an affordable, painless solution without the inconvenience or cost of blepharoplasty.
Results are immediate and full vision is restored, with the added benefit of a brow lift, bringing a more youthful appearance to the eyes.
Here’s how it works.
Lids By Design are correcting strips, made of medical grade material, that work instantly to reshape the eyelid and control the excess skin that is impairing vision.
The disposable strips are simply positioned above the eye and are held in place by adhesive for the duration of wearing. Tested by dermatologists, they are hypoallergenic and latex-free and, more importantly, their skin-like technology makes them almost completely invisible.
Comfortable and easy to wear, Lids By Design eyelid strips lift and correct droopy eyelids with the benefits of:
- promoting a more youthful look
- offering an alternative to surgery
- reducing or eliminating vision impairment
This wearable technology is a great confidence booster and is easy to apply and wear all day, with no messy glues, .
Used by Professionals – here are some Testimonials:
“We have been using LIDS BY DESIGN in our office for several months. We have some people who use it as a bridge until they saved up or are ready for surgery. We have had multiple people schedule their blepharoplasty immediately after wearing them home to show their spouse. This is a great product.”
– Dr. Brian J Eichenberg, Renuance Cosmetic Surgery Center
“I like how it gives my patients a sneak preview of how they may look following a procedure. It basically provides patients with a “real-life surgery simulator,” as opposed to a morphing tool…I would recommend it to them for a quick lift if they want a refreshed look for a major event or on any given day. ”
– Dr. Paul Nassif, “Botched”
“As a professional make-up artist, this will not only change my life but also my clients’ lives.”
– Nikol Johnson, Beauty Blogger & Makeup Artist“I have had very hooded eyelids for many years and have considered cosmetic surgery. I tried the LIDS BY DESIGN as a last resort and wow! They are amazing! After a little practice I have conquered the application process and my self confidence is lifted (as well as my eyelids). Thank you”
– Barbara, 56, Lids By Design user“As a guy I certainly like the refreshed look I get. It’s a win win!”
– Stuart May, New York
Try Lids By Design – non-surgical blepharoplasty – today at Vedelago Optometrists – just ask our friendly staff for a demonstration.
If your child has 20/20 or 6/6 vision, this is only a small part of having good vision. Your child must also be focussed in each eye, must have good eye movement control, good eye-hand co-ordination, good eye health and normal visual perception.
At Vedelago Optometrists we have a special interest in making sure that your child develops the best possible vision. We test all the visual skills necessary develop good vision.
There are many vision problems that children can have. They include:
- Strabismus
- Amblyopia
- Myopia
- Hyperopia
- Astigmatism
- Muscle Inco-ordination
- Colour Vision Defects
- Visual Perceptual Deficits
Some of these are very obvious and are picked up early in childhood and others are much less obvious.
Strabismus is a condition that interferes with binocular vision because it prevents a person from directing both eyes simultaneously to align with each other at the same spot. This is often known as a squint. Strabismus is present in about 4% of children. Treatment should be started as early as possible to ensure the development of the best possible vision.
Amblyopia (also called lazy eye) is a disorder of sight. It results in decreased vision in an eye that otherwise appears normal. Whenever the brain does not receive visual signals from an eye for a long period of time, there is a risk of amblyopia. It also can occur when the brain “turns off” the visual processing of one eye to prevent double-vision. It is common in children with strabismus.
Detecting the condition in early childhood increases the chance of successful treatment; this disorder has been estimated to affect 1–5% of the population.
Myopia is a condition of the eye where the light that comes in does not directly focus on the retina but in front of it, causing the image that one sees when looking at a distant object to be out of focus, but in focus when looking at a close object. It also known as short-sightedness.
Hyperopia is a defect of vision causing difficulty focusing on near objects, and in extreme cases causing a sufferer to be unable to focus on objects at any distance. Children with hyperopia can experience blurred vision, headaches, accommodative dysfunction, binocular dysfunction, amblyopia, and strabismus. Most school age children are in fact slightly hyperopic and therefore must exert an extra effort to bring their vision into sharp focus for both far and near tasks. For some children it will interfere with their ability to do schoolwork.
Astigmatism is a refraction error of the eye in which there is a difference in degree of power in different meridians. Astigmatism causes difficulties in seeing fine detail. Astigmatism can be often corrected by glasses with a lens that corrects for the difference in power.
Muscle Inco-ordination occurs when the complex muscle system for co-ordinating the two eyes to work as a team are not properly balanced. They often occur together with other vision problems and if left untreated contribute to a worsening of the vision problem.
Colour Vision Defects occur in about 9% of boys and 0.5% of girls. They are almost always inherited but can be the result of disease or injury. Almost all people with colour vision defects see most colours but due to the imbalance of their colour receptors they see them slightly differently to the way someone with normal vision sees them. They will therefore have difficulty in identifying some colours and will confuse some colours.
Visual Perception is the ability to analyse and understand what the eyes are seeing. Children with vision problems are more likely to have difficulty with their visual perception; however these problems can occur with otherwise normal vision. If this problem does exist, the underlying vision problem is treated first and then a program of visual perceptual therapy is administered.
Many spectacle wearers spend years unaware that they are suitable for contact lenses. At Vedelago Optometrists, our qualified Optometrists will fit you with the most appropriate contact lenses for your prescription and lifestyle.
Contact lenses are available to correct both distance, near and multifocal prescriptions, as well as for patients with astigmatism. We will help you find the right contact lens to suit your specific needs.
Approximately 1.7 million Australians are estimated to be living with diabetes . Diabetes affects vision and eye health. Every person with diabetes is at risk of diabetic retinopathy, where the tiny blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye become damaged and begin to leak blood and other fluids. Diabetic retinopathy can seriously affect vision and in some cases may even cause blindness. So, diabetics must pay special attention to their eyecare. All diabetics are recommended to have annual assessments.
At Vedelago Optometrists we utilise Digital Retinal Imaging (DRI) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to detect diabetic retinopathy. Digital retinal imaging photographs the surface of the retina looking for signs of haemorrhages, lipid exudates or micro-aneurysms. OCT is a non-invasive imaging test, which uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of the retina. OCT allows the optometrist to see each of the retina’s distinctive layers allowing them to detect leaking blood or fluid beneath the surface of the retina.
Speak to one of our Optometrists to learn more about managing your eye health if you are living with diabetes.
Diabetes Australia, Diabetes in Australia, 2015, www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/ diabetes-in-australia (accessed March 2017)
Glaucoma is an eye condition which is characterised by damage to the optic nerve and retina, causing progressive vision loss. Glaucoma develops gradually, without pain or any noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose until it has begun to permanently damage your vision. Right now, 50% of people with glaucoma remain undiagnosed.*
The good news is that glaucoma can be detected early as part of a standard eye test. At Vedelago Optometrists we utilize Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a non-invasive imaging test to detect glaucoma. OCT uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of your retina. OCT allows the optometrist to see each of the retina’s distinctive layers, which can be used to map and measure their thickness. The retinal nerve fibre layer thickness measurements help with the diagnosis of glaucoma. Studies have shown that OCT technology can detect glaucomatous damage up to 8 years before vision loss .^
For optimum eye health, it’s recommended that everyone over the age of 40 have their eyes tested every two years.
* Tunnel Vision. The economic impact of Open Angle Glaucome, Centre for Eye Research Australia, 2008
^ Kuang TM et al. Ophthalmology 2015. Oct;122(10):2002-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2015.06.015. Epub 2015 Jul 18.
For some of us, refractive surgery can be a great option. It’s important that laser surgery is undertaken by an expert who understands your eye health history. Our Optometrists have a great relationship with your local ophthalmologists and will make sure you get the right referral with a surgeon who suits your needs. We can also provide aftercare, following your surgery.
Macular degeneration is a condition that causes progressive damage to the macular, the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Australia and will affect 1 in 7 people over the age of 50 and the incidence increases with age*. Those with early macular degeneration may have no noticeable symptoms but the disease can cause central vision loss if not treated early.
Early detection of macular degeneration is aided by having regular eye tests. At Vedelago Optometrists we utilize Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a non-invasive imaging test to detect macular degeneration. OCT uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of your retina. OCT allows the Optometrist to see each of the retina’s distinctive layers and pick up early signs of macular degeneration, which can include fatty deposits known as drusen, pigment cell disruption or leaking blood or fluid.
For optimum eye health, it’s recommended that everyone over the age of 40 have their eyes tested every two years.
* Source: Macular Disease Foundation
Optometrists are able to diagnose and manage a number of ocular conditions including age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Our practice is equipped with state of the art equipment such as optical coherence tomography which allows us to diagnose these conditions earlier and monitor them more effectively. Many of our Optometrists are also therapeutically endorsed which allows them to treat a number of infective and inflammatory eye conditions with topical medications such as antibiotics and steroids.
What is Ortho-K?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is the use of rigid contact lenses to mould the shape of the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye). Ortho-K is used to reduce or correct myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea).
Orthokeratology is a non-surgical alternative to laser surgery and is akin to using braces to straighten teeth. While teeth usually hold their new position once straightened, the cornea is easily moulded and will always return to its original shape once the moulding forces have been removed. As a result, the Ortho-K lenses are required to be worn every night, to maintain the ideal corneal shape.
Why use Ortho-K?
Orthokeratology is an excellent treatment option for children due to its ability to slow down the progression of myopia. Studies have found that Ortho-K lenses slow the progression of myopia by up to 63%iii.
Orthokeratology allows those normally requiring glasses to be free of both spectacles and contact lenses during waking hours. Ortho-K is ideal for athletes, swimmers and those who work in dirty or dusty environments.
iii Charm J, Cho P. High Myopia-Partial Reduction Ortho-k: A 2-Year Randomized Study. Optom Vis Sci, 2013. 90(6):530-9.
Can anyone have Orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology is able to correct myopia prescriptions of up to eight dioptres and two dioptres of astigmatism.
When using Orthokeratology, the speed of the moulding process varies, based on an individual’s corneal shape and rigidity.
What does Ortho-K involve?
Initial examination
During your initial examination, your Vedelago Optometrist will assess the general condition and health of your eyes. During this examination, the Optometrist will determine whether Orthokeratology is the best option for you.
Fitting
Using a computerised corneal mapping system, the Optometrist will measure the shape of your cornea and will order your Ortho-K lenses. Your Optometrist will also schedule your delivery appointment.
Delivery
Your Ortho-K lenses will arrive at our Practice and your optometrist will show you how to insert, remove and clean your Ortho-K lenses.
How long will Ortho-K take to reshape my cornea?
The Ortho-K lenses are designed to be worn for at least 6 hours at night and are removed soon after waking. Your cornea will begin changing shape the very first time you wear the lenses. Generally, 50% of reshaping is obtained on the first night of use and 100% of corneal reshaping is achieved within 10 days.
Follow up appointments
A number of follow-up appointments will be scheduled to assess the effectiveness and fit of your Ortho-K lenses. If the lenses are not fitting well, your optometrist will re-order the lenses, taking into account any adjustments that may need to be made. Orthokeratology is a precise science and changes as small as one-hundredth of a millimetre can affect the final result.
Long term care
Your Optometrist will also determine the most appropriate wearing schedule for your lifestyle. You may be required to wear the lenses every night, every second night or in some cases every third night. If your Ortho-K lenses are not worn regularly, your eyes will return to their original prescription.
Your Ortho-K lenses will have a prescription which enables you to see clearly while wearing them, allowing you to continue wearing the lenses if you are forced to wake earlier than expected. The lenses may then be removed after the normal wear time.
Vision training is a course of prescribed activities, tailored for the individual and designed to improve poorly developed vision and visual processing skills. Your Optometrist will prescribe a vision training plan to help improve things like eye movement control, eye focusing, eye coordination and visual analysis skills. At Vedelago Optometrists many of our Optometrists use vision training as part of their treatment plans.
In many workplaces, keeping your eyes healthy and protected requires special procedures, techniques and eyewear. All Vedelago Optometrists are qualified to assess your workplace safety needs. They will work with you to create a plan which ensures maximum protection and safety for your eyes in the workplace.