Latisse® is a relatively new product, used to stimulate eyelash growth. It is applied directly to the upper eyelash area on a nightly basis, with results (longer, thicker eyelashes) in two to three months. Latisse® actually belongs in a category of medications used to treat glaucoma, and therefore may have side effects of lowering the pressure within the eyes. In addition, this type of drug has been shown to darken the color of the iris over time. Other side effects include red eyes and itchiness (due to allergies to the drug) and it should not be used by pregnant or nursing women. Latisse® is a prescription drug and those that take it must be regularly monitored by an eye doctor.

Permanent eyeliner is actually a tattoo that is injected with a needle beneath the skin. This procedure is not recommended by our eye doctors due to the risk for injury to the eye during the procedure, the risk of scarring and allergic side effects that may cause redness or swelling. A few years ago there was a problem with specific shades of ink that were associated with higher levels of adverse effects.

Eyelash extensions are applied directly to the eyelashes with an adhesive. They range from the do-it-yourself kits you can get from the pharmacy to semi-permanent professionally applied products. The application process puts your eye health at risk due to injury. Red, itchy and irritated eyes may develop from the adhesive that is used, and make the eye more vulnerable to eye infections, which in their most severe form can permanently affect vision. There is also evidence that the regular use of eyelash extensions may permanently weaken the hair follicles, causing damage to the eyelashes and permanent eyelash loss. For these reasons our doctors do not recommend eyelash extensions.
-Dr. W

Katrina measured me up using our new iTerminal – this technology measures exactly how a frame sits on your face to get subtle dimensions like tilt angles and distances from lens to eye – no more drawing little dots on lenses and using outdated instruments. She analyzed the data and told me that I have a slight head turn to the left during most viewing conditions. I had no idea I had this although we have picked this up on many other patients – this helps us design their lenses with the greatest possible precision. She also adjusted the frames perfectly prior to taking the measurements. I chose an Etnia frame (purple, believe it or not) for my Nikon Seemax Power progressives, and an OGA frame (bit more conservative) for my Zeiss Individual progressives. I added Transitions to both pairs of course for auto-darkening and UV protection. The benefits of the digital lens technology that Nikon and Zeiss pioneered are too numerous to list here, however, I trusted them to deliver me a superior result as I have observed in so many of my patients.

The verdict? The OGAs with the Zeiss lenses came in from the lab first. My first experience upon putting them on – ZERO eyestrain while looking up close, but a hint of distortion off to the side. I did notice that my distance viewing zone was somewhat smaller than what I was used to, and it was a bit difficult to “find the zones” which required me to do some head bobbing to establish clear vision. To say I was completely comfortable with the glasses within the first few days would be a stretch. Night driving was also a little off compared to what I was used to. My optical staff observed that a slight adjustment was needed to the tilt of the frame – once this was done it really helped a lot.

So, as I have advised many of my patients to do, I persisted. After the first week I was driving home from a particularly long and busy day at the office, and I suddenly noticed that the road signs were crystal clear! My brain (the part of me that actually does the “seeing”) had figured out how to interpret the new signals and had adapted. Right around this time I got my Etnias with the Nikon lenses. Totally different frame with a longer “corridor” (the part from where my eye sits to the bottom rim) and even though the lens design was different from the Zeiss lenses, I adapted within about two days.

I now enjoy clarity of vision and top vision performance at all distances with absolutely no distortion. I now also completely understand what all my “40+” friends have been going through. It may take a little longer in some to learn the new way of seeing but the outcome is well worth it. I had a bit of an unfair advantage though – I knew from experience that accurate measurements, superior products and cutting edge technology would deliver the best result (any one of these variables can significantly affect the outcome if not done correctly) . With this winning combination we have the best chance of enjoying the visual experience of life in true HD quality.

Now, if only Dr. Michele needed them too…we’ll see, she’s due for an eye exam soon.
-Dr. W

Regular eye exams are crucial for individuals of all ages. Those with diabetes or at risk for diabetes are of special concern, as earliest signs of eye problems often occur without warning. Diabetic retinopathy is actually the leading cause of blindness in adults 20-74 years of age. If you are over 40 years of age, you should be tested for Type 2 diabetes at least every 3 years, according to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Additional risk factors include being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or having had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).

The latest technology to help in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy and other types of eye disease is the optomap® Retinal Exam. Your doctors at Mountain View Optometry recommend this test every one to two years depending on your age and risk factors, as it provides them with clinically useful information about the health of the retina (inside the back of the eye). The optomap® also provides the ability to monitor changes in the retina and compare images over time, a valuable tool when monitoring patients with diabetes related eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy.

For more information about diabetes, see the Canadian Diabetes Association website. Learn more about the optomap® Retinal Exam by clicking here.
-Dr. W

“It could happen to anyone!

I am young, healthy and I have a mild eyeglass prescription. During a routine eye exam with Dr. Michele the optomap photos showed a problem in my right eye – a small hole in my retina, the tissue that lines the inside of the eye. I was surprised to hear this! I hadn’t noticed any change in my vision, no pain, no symptoms at all. With further testing Dr. Michele determined that this would need treatment and referred me to an eye surgeon. I was seen the very next day and the retinal hole was repaired with a laser procedure. I was told that this problem, if left untreated, could have worsened and led to detachment of my retina with possible permanent vision loss.

I am happy to report that my vision is back to 20/20. I feel very fortunate to live in a time where such amazing technology exists – Dr. Michele said that without the optomap retinal exam my problem would not have been detected. While I am relatively new at Mountain View Optometry Dr. Michele has told me that similar problems have been picked up in healthy patients even younger than me! I don’t know why everyone would not make sure they are getting the best care possible – make sure your doctor is proactive with your eyes, you only have 2 of them. Early detection is critical! You never know, it could save your vision, too.”

Thanks, Lyndsey for sharing your experience. We’re happy it turned out so well.

For more information on the optomap retinal exam click here.
-Dr. W

The Sydney Myopia Study was performed to assess the link between levels of myopia and outdoor activities. The study involved 1765 six year olds and 2367 twelve year olds. The split between girls and boys was almost equal. Ethnic background was separated into European, Caucasian, and East Asian. The results showed that there was a statistically significant decrease in the levels of myopia among the older children who spent more time outdoors. This result was found after correcting for genetics and other factors such as the amount of time spent reading or using a computer.

The exact reason for the link is not clear. It may be related to the different focusing conditions of the eye while performing outdoor activities such as sports. Or it may have something to do with a smaller pupil size under natural lighting conditions.

So now we have evidence to support the common parental concern of their children spending too much time indoors playing video games or watching TV. This is not because these activities directly damage vision, but because they likely take away from time outdoors playing sports or engaging in other activities. According to the Sydney Myopia Study this could lead to a greater dependence on corrective eyewear.

-Dr. W

1.         The Measurements

            Prescription eyeglasses are custom made medical devices.  Who is taking the necessary measurements, and how accurate are they?  Here’s a primer on some of the data we look at carefully during your eyewear selection and measurement process:

The pupillary distance, (PD) is the distance between the very centers of each of your pupils.  It’s impossible to make glasses accurately without this.  Depending on the nature of your prescription, we may also need an optical centre height, which is the distance of the centre of your pupils to the bottom rim of the glasses frame ultimately chosen.  We also look at the face form tilt, or the curvature of your eyeglass frame as seen from above.  Certain prescriptions work well in a higher face form tilt while others need one much lower.  The new high-technology digital progressive lenses also require vertex distance (measurement from the back of the lens to the front of your eye) and pantoscopic tilt (amount by which the bottom of your frame tilts inward towards your cheekbones). 

Many of our patients look through their glasses every waking hour.  The costs of just one critical measurement being off even slightly can result in vision problems, distortion, eyestrain, headaches and poor visual efficiency.

2.         The Adjustments

            Eyeglasses, by nature, are subject to lots of wear and tear.  Are they sitting properly so that the weight is evenly distributed?  Sometimes just the right amount of bend in the temples, nosepads or bridge can make all the difference in the world.  Make sure these are being done by trained professionals with the right equipment.  Certain frames may actually feel good on your face without prescription lenses, then feel totally off once the lenses are added in.  A trained optical professional knows when to place the order and adjust for the differences later, or move on to the next frame selection.

3.         The Professional Advice

            What options are absolutely critical for you to get in your eyewear, and what could you do without?  Are you being advised on the right type of anti-glare coating, UV protection, anti scratch, Transitions, polarized or high index?  Would an aspheric lens give you better results than a non-aspheric lens?  What colour and shape of frame looks the best on you, complements your features, suits your professional attire and (very important) works with your prescription?  We use our eyes every single day, the advice of a professional is important when selecting eyeglasses you may be wearing for the next year or two.

4.         The Product

            If something seems like too good a deal, be careful.  All eyewear products are not the same.  There have been many changes in lens and frame technology that most people are not aware of, as well as huge differences in factors such as error tolerance during lens grinding, verification processes, anti-glare and anti-scratch quality, presence of aberrations (poor quality images) and safety profiles.  Where is the product coming from, who made it, and are they willing to back it up with a no-hassle warranty?  As the saying goes, time is money.  Packaging an unsatisfactory product and mailing it back repeatedly in hopes of finally getting a favorable outcome can be costly.

5.         The Service

            Are the people you are dealing with interested in selling as many pairs of glasses to as many people as possible?  Or, are they committed to providing their customers with a purchasing experience that is second to none, resulting in eyewear that is comfortable, accurate, looks great and fits their needs perfectly?  Your prescription eyewear is a highly customized medical device with complex elements – let us simplify it for you.  Our job is to collect all the relevant data and information (including what is most important to you) and provide you with the best eye and vision care solution available.

For an interesting article on this topic from www.allaboutvision.com (which includes a story from a secret shopper who attempted to purchase glasses online)

click here

-Dr. Wilk

There has not been any way to alter the increase of myopia, until recently.  A new spectacle lens from Zeiss called MyoVision has been developed that has been shown to slow myopia progression by an average of 30% in children!  This lens is a unique and patented design that changes the way light focuses on the back of the eye (retina).  Conventional spectacle lenses only provide sharp focus on the very centre of the retina.  The MyoVision is designed to allow images to be clearly focused on the peripheral part of the retina as well.  This increased clarity stops the “signal” that directs the eye to keep getting more nearsighted over time.  

The main force behind myopia progression seems to be eye elongation.  That is, the eyes of nearsighted people are longer from front to back.  A strategy to increase the clarity of the retinal image peripherally as well as centrally removes any blurring from the image and is thought to actually slow the growth of the eye.

In a study involving 210 Asian children age 6 through 16 with myopia, the MyoVision was shown to decrease the progression of myopia by an average of 30%.  An additional study is underway with non-Asian children. 

This is exciting news as we now have an answer to the frequently-asked question “isn’t there anything you can do for my child’s worsening vision?”.  The MyoVision lenses are now available at Mountain View Optometry.  A projected 56% of the world population will be nearsighted by the year 2020 (no pun intended) so this new technology may be the beginning of a whole new direction in the field of optometry and vision correction.   For more information click here

-Dr. Wilk

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can lead to blindness and is one of the leading causes of vision loss in North America. The risk of AMD increases with age, and the number of people affected by it is expected to double by the year 2020 due to the aging population. Many studies have shown that smoking can increase the risk of developing AMD by two to three times!

Other eye problems associated with smoking exist as well. Dryness, redness and irritation from smoke can alter the cornea’s clear surface, making it more vulnerable to infection and potentially leading to vision loss. A cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye) may also be accelerated from smoke exposure, which in some studies is thought to be responsible for as many as 1 in 5 cataracts. Pregnant women who smoke, in addition to inducing greater learning problems and lower birth weight, expose their unborn babies to a 25% greater risk of developing an “eye turn” or lazy eye.

Non smokers who are exposed to second hand smoke on a regular basis face similar risks as smokers when it comes to these harmful effects.

It’s never too late to quit – the research shows that quitting now greatly reduces the chances of vision loss as well as cancer. Let’s talk to our friends and family about the risks to eye health and vision from smoking. This information might just encourage the smokers among us to quit, and discourage would-be smokers (especially our teens and young adults) from starting.
- Dr. Wilk

Recently, several staff from Mountain View Optometry visited St. Sylvestre Elementary school in NW Calgary to talk to kids and teachers about the program. The program mascot – “Fribbit” – is a great way to make eye care fun for kids.

The “Eye See Eye Learn” program is designed to ensure that vision and/or eye health problems are not barriers to a child’s success in school. 80% of learning is visual, so an undiagnosed vision problem can have significant consequences to a child’s performance in school. We can’t rely on a child’s ability to “tell us” when they have a vision problem – the way they see is normal for them. Similarly, we can’t rely on our own observations of the child’s visual behavior to decide whether or not a vision problem exists. A comprehensive eye exam from an optometrist is the best way to ensure your child’s eyes are healthy and functioning normally.

Alberta Education, our industry sponsors and optometrists of Alberta have joined forces in this initiative to help kids in school. Last year, 36% of kindergarteners received an eye exam. Of those examined, 8% received complementary prescription eyeglasses as a result of the Eye See Eye Learn program.

We need the help of parents and teachers to spread the word about preventive eye care, if we succeed, one day 100% of kindergarten children will get the eye care they need prior to entering elementary school.

-Dr. Tom Wilk

Douglas Anderson of Dunfermline, Scotland, remembers the day well. His son Leif had suffered a spontaneous retinal detachment at age 5, despite going in each and every year for comprehensive eye exams. Douglas recalls speaking with the eye doctor at follow up, and being reassured that Leif was receiving state-of-the-art eye care, but at the same time hearing from the doctor how difficult it was to get a good look inside his eyes. Children have a hard time sitting still during medical procedures, and unless general anesthesia is used (not practical for most eye exams) often only a fleeting glimpse of the inside of the eye is possible. Leif unfortunately went blind in his left eye from complications related to the retinal detachment.

“The eye examination seemed intrusive, crude and – most importantly – ineffective,” says Anderson. “The thought struck me that there was nothing to stop me from trying to provide a better solution.” He soon put his company, Crombie Anderson Design Consultants, to work. The goal was to develop a product capable of producing a single, high resolution, ultra-widefield image of the retina. It would have to do this through an undilated pupil and be so easy and quick to use that a 5 year old could be easily imaged.

The first prototype was developed in 1994. Called the Panoramic200 it enabled eye doctors to visualize 200 degrees of the retina (compared to 15-20 degrees with typical office equipment) with the click of a button. Soon after, Anderson formed a new company to manufacture the Panoramic200 – his son Leif, 9 years old at the time, named the company Optos after the Greek word for vision.

Today, proactive eye doctors use the Panoramic200 during routine eye exams to screen children and adults alike for diseases such as melanoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal holes and detachments. Most diseases internal to the eye have no symptoms in their early stages, therefore, seeing as much of the retina as possible is essential to ensure the eyes are healthy. In May, 2011, Optos announced that 30 million optomap procedures had been performed worldwide since the company’s inception.

About the success of Optos, Anderson says “With the Panoramic200…I’m thankful to be able to – hopefully – help other families avoid unnecessary and avoidable vision loss.”

At Mountain View Optometry, we have had the Panoramic200 at each office since October 2008. It has certainly increased our confidence that we are seeing all there is to see, and in doing so providing the most advanced eye care available for our patients. It has helped us diagnose a variety of conditions that would have been difficult if not impossible to spot without it. We recommend an optomap scan at every regular adult comprehensive exam and every second comprehensive exam for children 18 and under.
- Dr. Tom Wilk