Your Eyes and Health

I remember the old song and dance from when I was a kid.

“The foot bone’s connected to the shin bone, the shin bone’s connected to the thigh bone...”

If you had asked me back then what the eye bone was connected to, I would have said “not much, eyes are boring” and then continued to dream about my inevitable future as the best NHL player ever. Now, as my thoughts tend to be slightly more grounded in reality, I have learned that while the tibia is indeed connected to the femur at the knee, there are a lot of other important connections within the body that aren’t as straightforward. The eye is no exception. A large number of diseases can affect the eye, including quite a few common ones that might affect you or somebody you know.

Diabetes currently affects more than one out of every 15 Canadians, and that number is on the rise. A potential long-term complication of diabetes is damage to the body’s smallest blood vessels known as capillaries, and this can cause bleeding inside the eye. Capillaries in the eye provide nutrients to the retina, the light-sensing area at the back of the eye. A damaged or starved retina can’t perform its job properly, leading to blurred vision, double vision, and loss of peripheral vision. On top of that, unbalanced sugars can change a person’s prescription over even just a few weeks. Nobody wants to buy a new pair of glasses every month!

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own joints, causing pain and the progressive loss of both flexibility and motility. In addition, the lungs, heart, nervous system and eye can also be affected. The most common ocular problem is a severely dry eye, which can cause discomfort, blurred vision and sensitivity to light. Ocular health management plays an important role in the care of people with RA, not only to preserve vision but also to gauge the progression of RA throughout the entire body. It is important to remember that dry eye can be caused by a long list of things, some of which you can read about in our Eye Library.

Lastly, multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the nervous system in which nerves lose the protective barrier that wraps around them; known as a myelin sheath. When nerves going to muscles are affected, the strength of that muscle is gradually reduced. If the optic nerve, which carries information about what we’re seeing from the eye to the brain, is damaged it can lead to double vision or even loss of vision in one eye. In fact, vision problems can be the first symptom of MS and optometrists, in conjunction with a general practitioner and/or a neurologist, are often involved in making the diagnosis.

As you can hopefully see, the eye is a complex organ that can act as a barometer for your general health. With each of these diseases, not only are regular eye exams important in maintaining good vision and assessing the health of the eye, they play a key role in identifying problems that may be rooted elsewhere in the body before other signs have appeared. In fact, it is the only place in the body where a doctor can get a good view of blood vessel and nerve health without having to cut you open. I’ve only listed a few examples here today, and if you’re curious for more information, I’m sure your Optometrist would be more than happy to answer any questions during your next eye exam.

P.S. I have just been notified that there is no such thing as an “eye bone”. That explains my anatomy grade.




Cody van Dijk is studying optometry at the University of Waterloo.  We had the pleasure of working with him at Village Optical during the past 2 summers.

Amazing Animal Eyes

You have learned quite a bit about human eyes on our blog so far...but what about other animals?
Let's take a look at 5 of the most amazing animal eyes!

First up we have the tarsier! This little critter is found in the rain forests of South Eastern Asia. Undoubtedly, the most incredible feature of the tarsier are its rather large eyes. Indeed, the tarsier's eyes weigh more than it's brain!

If a human had the same proportion of eyes to brain as the tarsier, our eyes would be the size of grapefruits - just imagine that!

With eyes this big, the tarsier has remarkable eyesight and night vision - and some scientists speculate that the tarsier can also see ultraviolet light. With all this in consideration, it is especially odd that the tarsier actually has poor vision when it comes to seeing colour.

Now these are some eyes! The dragonfly's eyes cover a large portion of it's head, allowing for a 360 degree field of vision - ideal for aerial hunting.

The dragonfly's large eyes are made up of ommatidia - which are visual units that each contain a lens for detecting colour and light. As there are over 30,000 of these units, the dragonfly is very sensitive to movement  and is able to hunt in low-light conditions.

You will notice immediately that this creature's eyes are quite unlike humans because of the rectangular shape of the pupil.

The goat's pupils allow it to see at a 330 degree angle rather than the approximately 185 degree angle that humans can see at. If you're planning on trying to sneak up on a goat...Good luck! Goats can nearly see behind them due to their unique eyes.

Good news, dog lovers, huskies also made the list of amazing animal eyes!

Huskies are known for having stunning eyes. Almond in shape, their eyes can be ice blue, dark blue, golden brown or a mixture of the two - as seen in the photo above!

Beauty isn't the only reason that huskies eyes are incredible. Their cold eyes are built to spot movement on the cold steppeland.

Our list wouldn't be complete without the hypnotic and sometimes haunting eyes of the owl.

With eyes located on the front of the face, an owl's eyes allow them to possess depth perception. This skill is especially useful when it comes to hunting in low light.

Have you ever seen an owl turn its head around a tad more than humans would be able to? Owls eyes are locked in place in their sockets, making a flexible neck necessary for survival.

Don't forget to LIKE Village Optical on Facebook and FOLLOW on Twitter!

Sources: Environmental Graffiti, List Verse 

Say hello to our new team members!

Village Optical would like to say a big warm welcome to the newest members of our team!

We sat down with them and got to know them a little better so that you can get to know them too.

First up, say hello to Doug Jones! He's a certified contact lens optician.

What made you want to work at Village Optical?

It's an exciting new venture. The atmosphere is awesome, the dispensary is great, and it's very good for serving the clientele.

How was your first week?

Very good. Even better than my expectations.

What are some of your hobbies?

Horseback riding, walking my dog, and biking.

Next up, say hello to Nicole Shewel! She's joined the team as a licensed optician.

What made you want to work at Village Optical?

I heard good things. It has nice people, a laid-back atmosphere, and new digs (she gestures to the finished construction behind her).

How was your first week?

Busy, but good!

What are some of your hobbies?

I do wire jewellery, jewellery wrapping, photography, art, painting--stuff like that.

Last but not least, Wendy Danish, our receptionist, returns to us after 6 months--and we couldn't be more pleased to have her back!

What made you want to work at Village Optical?

The atmosphere is very friendly. It's just nice to be able to help people. 

How was your first week back?

It's all coming back to me now so it's much easier.

What are some of your hobbies?

Animals--I like to play with my dog a lot--and I play a lot of piano.

Do you see what EYE see?

Congratulations to the 2013 Best Illusion of the Year contest winners, who were announced at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples, Florida last week!

The contest started in 2005 as a way to encourage and showcase some of the world's most ingenious and innovative optical illusions. The judging panel is made up of university professors from across the US, the UK and Australia. The contest accepts donations in support of vision science and research discoveries. You can donate by clicking here. 

The concept of optical illusions first appeared in Greek architecture. The roofs on their temples were built slanted to give the illusion of upright, straight temples.

But since human beings are so clever, new illusions are developed all the time. One example is the rotating snakes illusion, which was invented by Japanese psychologist Akiyoshi Kitaoka in 2003. He took the peripheral drift illusion concept, which was first formally acknowledged in a scholarly journal in 1999, and threw his own spin on it for a more visually exciting experience. 

Check out this quirky kitten trying to figure it out!

Optical illusions are tricky because they aren't actually related to your eye's optical performance. They affect how your brain perceives things your eyes see. The size of your brain's visual cortex determines how you perceive optical illusions, which means the effects could vary slightly from person to person, or person to cat. 

This one gives you a natural hallucinogenic experience that lingers. Try it out.

What was the first optical illusion you ever experienced? Share with us on Facebook or Twitter!

EYEWEAR TREND: Cat Eye Glasses

The latest eyewear trend is the cat's meow! These horn ribbed, retro frames are making a major comeback. Although primarily seen in sunglasses, this trend is making its way to everyday/reading eyeglasses.

Cat eye glasses first began to trend in the 1950's, worn by style icons such as Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. The glasses were  primarily small, slick and angular, as seen in the photo above, although the most stylish women of the era also dappled with the larger and rounder variety.

The cat eye glasses trend that has re-emerged today includes the more retro style of a thinner frame, as well as the larger variety that usually features a large frame that end in corner points, the definitive feature of these iconic glasses. The glasses are often larger with a thicker frame and a rounder shape while still keeping the distinctive upper points that make the cat eye glasses what they are.

source: lookbook

There are many varieties within the cat eye trend, allowing the trend to span across different styles.

Cat eye glasses can be worn in a casual, feminine way as seen above, or in an edgy and retro way as seen below.

source: lookbook

Here at Village Optical, we are excited for these styles to roll in for summer and spring. Check out some of the pairs we currently have on our shelves.

If you need to find your perfect cat eye frame, be sure to stop by Village Optical - our Construction Sale is still on! Get $50.00 off select frames and sunglasses, restrictions apply.

Sources: Huffington Post, Lookbook

Jeanne Beker & Dress for Success

At Village Optical, we are now carrying Jeanne Beker's signature collection: FYSH Urban Kool Eyewear. Jeanne Beker is a Canadian TV personality who is well known for her work in the fashion industry. As an expert on business attire, Jeanne Beker has designed a frame line that is both work appropriate and fashionable.

Jeanne's collection consists of 6 models with 4 colour variations. In addition, the collection features Jeanne's signature black and white frame. Each frame has a unique style. The frames draw inspiration from the latest runways, whether it be bold colour blocking in 'rustic tangerine' or the ethereal lines in 'purple teal'.

The line is connected to a not-for-profit organization chosen by Jeanne - Dress for Success. The organization provides professional attire for disadvantaged women in addition to networking, career and business education support.
A portion of the sale of each frame in the collection is donated to Dress for Success. 

Visit dressforsuccess.org for more details, and come into Village Optical to shop for these stylish frames.

I Love To Read!

February is truly the month of love, and not only because of Valentine's Day. Across North America, February represents the I Love To Read Month. People everywhere are invited to celebrate the joy of reading by participating in various reading events and challenges.

If you would like to participate in the month of reading, there are many helpful guides and calendars to get you started. The Government of Manitoba created a fun and easy calendar with daily activities that foster all types of reading.

Good vision is essential for reading well. Reading is a complex task for the eyes and requires eight different visual functions.

Eye strain from reading can result in eye fatigue, burning, irritation and difficulty focusing. Lighting must be carefully controlled to avoid eye strain. Wearing the correct lenses with anti-reflective coating prevents glare that can strain your eyes and make it difficult to enjoy reading.

In addition, posture, viewing position and contrast of reading materials must be adjusted to avoid eye injury while reading. Text should be big enough to prevent the reader from leaning forward and straining their body. Black text on white is generally the best option for reading materials.

If you have problems reading, your Optometrist can help. Since reading is complex and problems associated with reading are vast, Optometrists must run a variety of tests. The solution to your reading problem could be a number of things, such as a prescription for corrective spectacles or the implementation of eye exercises.

A visit to the Optometrists at Village Optical will get you on the right track to participating and enjoying I Love To Read Month.

Source: Village Optical, Government of Manitoba, Medcan

Glasses Chains: The Comeback?

Not too long ago, glasses chains were only associated with Golden Girls and in general, the 50’s, and the older end of the population. 

It was not until recently when glasses chains for both eye glasses and sunglasses begun to gain popularity amongst those who enjoy a vintage, eclectic or quirky style. Whitney Port's glasses chains took a feminine and vintage approach with strands of pearls.

 Edgy styles have also begun to emerge, as seen on pop singer Rihanna. 

As an added bonus, glasses chains work great for people who only use their glasses for reading or driving and need somewhere handy to keep them. Keeping them on a chain around your neck makes them easily accessible.

EYEWEAR TREND: Browline Glasses

Browline glasses date back to the 1950's and 60's. In these periods, the browline style eyeglasses were all the rage. Browline glasses are characterized by a bold upper frame in a shape that resembles eyebrows, hence the name of the style. The bottom frame is most commonly completely absent or clear.

Lookbook.nu

While a number of eyeglass brands carry browline glasses, Ray-Ban gets much of the credit for browline style reappearing and popularizing. In the 1980's, Ray-Ban produced the line of sunglasses and eyeglasses, known as the Clubmaster.

Browline glasses have continued to be popular today for both men and woman, adored by fashion-saavy individuals who gravitate towards vintage fashion.

Browline glasses are primarily found in black or brown, while other colours such as white, cream and red have emerged as a popular choice. 

Lookbook.nu

Optometrists Without Borders

Contributing to local and international communities gives us a chance to give back and go beyond the office.

Internationally, we are proud to support Optometry Giving Sight. Every year on October 10th we participate with the charity in World Sight Day, where our optometrists offer free eye examinations.
Within the Optometry Giving Sight charity, we are able to better the lives of people in countries who do not have easy access to eye care. By setting up the resources to keep an eye care infrastructure running, we offer a sustainable solution to people with otherwise minimal options for their eye health.

Our international efforts continue with Eye Care Missions, run through Canadian Vision Care. In 2011 and 2012, our own Dr. Loewen travelled to Jamaica to aid in giving eye care to people who urgently required it, but who had not been able to gain access to any treatment in their regions.

Our work within Canada extends across the country with the  Canadian National Institute for the Blind. For the past two years, we at Village Optical have donated money to this case for every eye examination we received during May, the Eye Health Month. In 2012 we raised our support and gave $2.00 per examination, rather than $1.00.

In Winnipeg we focus organizations such as the Siloam Mission. At the downtown location, Dr. Dillon and Dr. Loewen volunteer their time and expertise to provide eye care for the less fortunate.

Source: Village Optical

What goes around, comes back around

Eye glasses, or spectacles as we now call it, date back to the Roman Empire. Glass was used to improve vision during sporting events. They give clear vision to those who weren't blessed with 20/20 vision.

Riveted spectacles were invented in the 1300s, the V-shape was not for looks by any means, they were made to balance on the nose. These first appeared in Italy in the early 1200s.

Throughout the centuries, corrective eye wear was not only made for the rich, it was eventually possible for the less fortunate to purchase. The nose bridge was introduced to the frame in the 1600s, still not a stylish pair but definitely more practical. Then the temple glasses were constructed and made way for the frames as we know today.

In the mid 1900s, the fashionable frames started to make their appearance. What were the most popular you ask? Cat's-eye frames for women, and thick rectangular frames for men, in black of course. Plastic lenses were not made until 1962, and in the 1970s, plastic frames took over as a preference over metal and the bigger the frame the better.

The coke bottle glasses were almost obsolete when the polycarbonate thin lens became available in the 1980s.

In the 90s to present day, glasses were and are made eco-friendly with recycled or sustainable materials; we wear the same shape of frames our grandmothers wore in their time; and glasses are made adjustable for any face shape.

Just like style has a way to come back around, vision frames are no exception. Thankfully, frames and lenses are made more affordably and visually appealing - no pun intended.

Food for Sight.

From a nutritional standpoint, it has been shown that there are several nutrients that help protect our eyes. The most important ones being those rich in the antioxidants beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin! Herbalife is a global nutrition company that has helps people pursue healthy, active lifestyles. They recently release the following video that talk more about what kinds of foods are good for your eyesight!

Next time you eat fruits and vegetables go for a mix of colorful produce like carrots, tomatoes and leaf greens. These are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C that help protect your eyes against damaging sun light. - Herbalife

Bionic Contacts: A Close Reality

The human eye is an amazing thing. "It can see millions of colors, adjust easily to shifting light conditions, and transmit information to the brain at a rate exceeding that of a high-speed Internet connection."  But as technology evolves so does the scientific and medical ability of health-aiding products like the contact lens. 

Contact lenses with built-in electronics capabilities are becoming much more marketable than we might even know. The article from  IEEE Spectrum: "Augmented Reality in a Contact Lens" talks about how close we are to this reality. Check it out for yourself and tell us what you think!

And although we don't carry bionic lenses as of yet, we do encourage you to stop by Village Optical and talk to us about your eye care concerns and interests! We love what we do and you'll be able to see the difference!

Eyewear by Hair Colour

The hair colour eyeglasses concept is not set in stone. In the end it is all about how you feel when you put on your frames that will help you decide if they are the perfect fit! However, it's always fun to learn about what can compliment your individual look. So here's the latest word on hair colour and eyewear...

Blondes...

Those with a fair and rosy complexion and natural to bright hair should choose frames that are subtle if they are choosing to play it safe. Honey, pink, pale blue, pale green and any of the various pastel shades will compliment the face without drawing attention away from your eyes and bone-structure.

Now, if you're looking to take a walk on the wildside"contrast" is the name of the game. Shoot for thick black or tortoise-coloured frames to add texture to your look!

Brunettes & Ravens...

While it may be an extreme move for your blonde friends, tortoise shell frames are your go-to! Earthtones like plum and maroon bring out brown, hazel and green eyes. Also consider deep reds, coral, warm green, gold, copper, peach, or khaki frames to complement warm-toned hair.

If you have black hair you just may be lucky enough to wear whatever you'd like. Just like black clothing is so versatile, so can black hair.

Redheads...
Consider rusty red or a deep forest green,or a dark shade of blue. If you're feeling adventurous go big, bright and vibrant for some fun.As far as frames go, the cat-eye shape will bring a vintage flare to your look.

What does your eyewear say about you?

Finding the right pair of glasses is important.

Your optometrist will help make sure you have the right prescription in place to provide the best possible vision and clarity with your new pair of glasses. Your optician will help you find the right pair of glasses that meets your prescription and suits your style; but what is your style!?

A large component of face-to-face communication involves reading people's eyes. With a fancy pair of specs resting comfortably in front of your peepers, it's quite clear that your style eyewear will make a statement on your behalf. At Village Optical, we put a high value on that statement and consequently, we are passionate about ensuring each client finds the right pair of glasses. We've gained some insight about styles as they relate to people via personality types, occupations, face shape, demographics and more. We invite you to read a little bit about what type of glasses you might be interested in based on your style.

Conservative: Go for non-flashy, classic colours like black, silver, brown or gold. If you want to add more colour, darker hues are preferred. Conservative means you're looking for traditional lens shapes and thin frames. If you're a business-type, you may likely find yourself into this category. Your glasses don't need to make a big statement, cause you do. 

Funky: Trendy people enjoy glasses that express a similar feeling. Even if you're interested in something with a more retro feel, always ask to see the latest, most 'forward' models. The frames you're likely interested in will focus on exciting colours rather than heavy patterns. Perhaps you like hanging out in the Exchange District? You will likely be drawn in by unconventional lens shapes. When you look in the mirror, ensure you're wearing eyeglasses that say "FUN"!

Bold: You're confident and your eyewear follows suit. Explore thicker-framed options and interesting patterns. Your glasses will make a statement and practically dare people to comment on them. Many women looking for a standout pair will opt for the soft cat-eye lens shape. You're not as worried about finding your favourite designer brand as you are choosing something that is unique and that won't be seen anywhere else. "You said you only have one pair of these? Perfect."

We invite you to stop by a consult one of our wonderful opticians to find the best style for you.

Contact Lens Care

While many people agree that eyewear is a fantastic opportunity to communicate an individual's style and flair for fashion, contact lenses are preferable for certain instances or environments. It is often the occasional contact lens users who are less informed about caring for their lenses. In this post, we will discuss the basic steps of maintaining healthy contacts.

At Village Optical, we're contact lens experts, and it's important to note that most of today's lens products are produced as part of a contact lens care system. The term system is used to remind people of how the different functions interact together to provide longevity and cleanliness to your reusable contacts. It is important to note that Rigid Gas Permeable lenses require more specific products due to the difference in lens construction materials.

1. Cleaning - washing away everyday debris with an isotonic saline solution. This includes  lubricating drops to provide comfort in dry conditions or during prolonged lens use
2. Disinfecting - kills bacteria, fungi and other unwanted microorganisms on the lens (saline is not enough!).
3. Rinsing & Storing - washing with an isotonic saline solution to wash and maintain contact lens. This includes lubricating drops to provide comfort in dry conditions or during prolonged lens use
4. Protein Removal - prevents/removes unwanted protein accumulation that can irritate eyes and  obscure vision.

The best person to consult concerning your contact lenses is your optometrist. They will direct you to assist in finding the right type of products to make ensure a comfortable lens experience. Concerning specific products, we recommend talking to other contact lens users. Remember that your are unique eyes and what might be right for some isn't right for all!

You can even reorder you contact lenses online through our website! Just click here.

Info Source: http://opto.ca/your-eye-health/what-is-an-eye-exam/contact-lense/

Analyzing Astigmatism

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is one of a group of eye conditions known as refractive errors. Refractive errors cause a disturbance in the way that light rays are focused within the eye.

Astigmatism is not a disease nor does it mean that you have ‘bad eyes’. It simply means that you have a variation in the shape of your cornea. Not all corneas are perfectly curved, just as sets of teeth are seldom perfectly aligned. There are many variations that might occur in the corneal surface. The degree of variation determines whether or not you need corrective eyewear.

The tendency to develop astigmatism is inherited; for that reason, some people are simply more prone to develop astigmatism than others are

Astigmatism is diagnosed through the process of a comprehensive eye health examination.

Your Optometrist will recommend corrective eyewear to help the eye focus in a more effective manner.Your Optometrist will perform precise tests during your comprehensive eye health examination to determine precisely the ideal lens prescription.

Eye Care Facts and Myths

MYTH

1. Reading in dim light is harmful to your eyes.
2. It is not harmful to watch a welder or look at the sun if you squint, or look through narrowed eyelids.
3. Using a computer, or video display terminal (VDT), is harmful to the eyes.
4. If you use your eyes too much, you wear them out.
5. Wearing poorly-fit glasses damages your eyes.
6. Wearing poorly-fit contacts does not harm your eyes.
7. You do not need to have your eyes checked until you are in your 40s or 50s.
8. Safety goggles are more trouble than they are worth.
9. It is okay to swim while wearing soft contact lenses.
10. Children outgrow crossed eyes.
11. A cataract must be ripe before it can be removed.
12. Cataracts can be removed with lasers.
13. Eyes can be transplanted.

Normal anatomical structures of the human eye.

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