We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, but did you know that UV exposure can also have serious consequences for your eyes? Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancer. Fortunately, there are simple ways to protect your eyes from UV damage and maintain long-term eye health.

Why UV Protection for Your Eyes is Crucial

UV radiation from the sun is invisible but highly damaging to the delicate tissues of the eyes. Here are some of the most common eye conditions linked to UV exposure:

• Cataracts: A leading cause of vision loss, cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens. UV exposure accelerates their development.
• Macular Degeneration: A condition that affects central vision and can lead to blindness. UV rays can contribute to its progression.
• Photokeratitis (Sunburned Eyes): Excessive UV exposure can cause painful inflammation of the cornea, similar to a sunburn on the skin.
• Pterygium: Also known as “surfer’s eye,” this growth on the eye’s surface can affect vision and may require surgery.
• Eye Cancer: Prolonged UV exposure increases the risk of developing melanoma and other eye-related cancers.

How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

The good news is that protecting your eyes from UV radiation is easy with the right precautions:

1. Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses

• Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Choose wraparound styles to prevent rays from entering from the sides.
• Opt for polarized lenses to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water and roads.

2. Wear a Hat for Extra Protection: A wide-brimmed hat provides additional shade, reducing the amount of UV rays that reach your eyes.

3. Avoid Peak Sun Hours: UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. If possible, limit sun exposure during these hours.

4. Use UV-Protective Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, ask your optometrist about UV-blocking options for added protection.

5. Never Skip Eye Protection in Winter: Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, increasing exposure to harmful radiation. Sunglasses or ski goggles with UV protection are essential in snowy environments.

Regular Eye Exams: Key to Long-Term Eye Health

Protecting your eyes from UV rays is just as important as protecting your skin. By wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, using hats, and being mindful of sun exposure, you can significantly reduce your risk of serious eye conditions. Routine eye exams with your optometrist can help detect early signs of UV-related damage and other vision problems. 

Have questions about UV protection or need help finding the right sunglasses? Book an appointment online, or contact us at (587) 755-6060 or frontdesk@tamaseyecare.com! Make UV protection a daily habit and keep your eyes healthy for years to come!

Did you know that children ages 0-18 are covered by Alberta Health Care for their eye exams and our office doesn’t charge any additional co-pay for your child’s eye exam? Alberta health recommends a yearly eye exam for children, as a child’s vision can change very fast during the developing months.

The Importance of Yearly Child Eye Exams: A Key to Healthy Vision and Development

As parents, we want the best for our children—whether it’s in their education, physical health, or overall well-being. One area that is sometimes overlooked, but crucial for their development is their eye health. Vision plays a significant role in a child’s ability to learn, explore the world around them, and interact with their peers. A yearly eye exam is not only important for detecting potential issues early on, but is essential for ensuring that children can thrive in every aspect of their lives.

Here’s why yearly eye exams for children are so important:

1. Early Detection of Vision Problems

Many eye conditions in children develop gradually, often going unnoticed until they begin to interfere with their learning or daily activities. Conditions like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism can make it difficult for children to see clearly, leading to problems in the classroom and beyond. Straining to see can also cause headaches, fatigue, and even behavioral issues. A yearly eye exam helps detect these conditions before they affect your child’s ability to learn or play.

Moreover, some serious eye conditions, such as lazy eye (amblyopia) or crossed eyes (strabismus), may not be noticeable until they have become more advanced. Catching these issues early can prevent long-term vision problems and ensure that children have the best chance at normal, healthy vision.

2. Affects Learning and Academic Performance

Vision and learning are deeply connected. It’s estimated that 80% of a child’s learning occurs through visual input. Children with undiagnosed vision problems may struggle with reading, writing, or paying attention in class. They might not even realize they are seeing differently, assuming that what they are experiencing is normal. As a result, they might fall behind in school, develop frustrations, or even be misdiagnosed with learning disabilities when the root cause is simply an untreated eye problem.

Regular eye exams can help identify any visual issues early, allowing for timely intervention, whether it’s glasses, vision therapy, or other treatments. Ensuring that your child has the best possible vision will support their academic success and help them excel in the classroom.

3. Detecting Other Health Conditions

Eye exams don’t only assess vision—they can also provide valuable insights into a child’s overall health. Optometrists and pediatric ophthalmologists can detect signs of systemic health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or even brain tumors, by examining the blood vessels in the eyes. Sometimes, eye problems may be linked to other health conditions that require immediate attention. A comprehensive eye exam can be an early warning system for potential health problems that could otherwise go unnoticed.

4. Prevention of Future Problems

Children’s eyes are developing rapidly during their early years. Regular check-ups help ensure that their vision is developing properly. For example, if a child has a condition like strabismus (where the eyes don’t align properly), early intervention can prevent permanent vision issues such as amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” which could affect the child’s sight permanently if left untreated.

Preventing eye problems in childhood can reduce the likelihood of needing corrective procedures or treatments later in life. In fact, treating vision problems early is often much more effective than waiting until the condition worsens.

5. Promoting Healthy Habits

Yearly eye exams also promote healthy habits for your child. As they get older, they will learn to value their eye health and understand the importance of protecting their vision. A pediatric eye exam can also encourage kids to adopt habits such as wearing sunglasses to protect their eyes from UV rays, practicing good screen time habits, and making healthy dietary choices that support eye health.

By establishing a routine of annual eye exams, parents can teach their children the importance of taking care of their eyes, which can lead to a lifetime of healthy vision.

6. The Ideal Age for Eye Exams

The American Optometric Association recommends that children have their first eye exam at 6 months old, another exam at age 3, and then every year thereafter. Even if no vision problems are apparent, these early exams help track the child’s eye development and ensure that they are growing properly. After that, yearly check-ups are key in maintaining optimal eye health throughout childhood.

7. Peace of Mind for Parents

For many parents, taking their child to the doctor for an annual eye exam provides peace of mind, knowing that their child’s vision is being actively monitored. It’s easy to assume that if a child isn’t complaining, they’re seeing well, but children often lack the ability to articulate what’s wrong or even recognize that their vision is impaired. Annual exams give parents the reassurance that their child’s vision is developing as it should and that any concerns are addressed early.

Conclusion

The importance of yearly child eye exams cannot be overstated. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that children can see clearly, succeed in school, and develop healthy habits. Regular eye check-ups allow for early detection of vision problems, provide a comprehensive view of overall health, and promote long-term eye health. By making eye exams a priority, parents can give their children the best possible start in life—both academically and socially.

Make sure to schedule your child’s yearly eye exam and help set them up for success with healthy, clear vision.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that affects how the eye focuses light. Individuals with myopia can see nearby objects clearly but struggle to see objects in the distance. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. As a result, distant objects appear blurry.

Myopia is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, especially among children and young adults. Factors such as genetics, excessive screen time, prolonged near work (e.g., reading and using digital devices), and limited outdoor activity have been linked to the rise in myopia cases. Left uncorrected or unmanaged, myopia can progress over time, increasing the risk of eye diseases like retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy later in life.

Myopia Control: Managing Progression

Although myopia cannot be reversed, several myopia control strategies can help slow its progression, particularly in children and teenagers. At Tamas EyeCare, we consider your child’s lifestyle and specific needs to tailor the most appropriate myopia management plan.

1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K lenses are specialized rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while sleeping, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. This option is particularly beneficial for children with active lifestyles (soccer, swimming, etc). Since the lenses are worn overnight and removed in the morning, kids can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without worrying about losing or breaking glasses during sports or outdoor activities. Additionally, Ortho-K eliminates the need for daytime contact lenses, reducing the risk of eye irritation from dust, sweat, or water exposure during play

2. Myopia Control Glasses

Myopia control glasses are designed to slow myopia progression by modifying peripheral light focus. One of the most innovative options are MiyoSmart lenses. These lenses look and function like regular glasses but contain a unique lens design that helps control how light focuses on the retina, encouraging the eye to grow at a slower rate. MiyoSmart lenses are a great option for children who prefer glasses over contact lenses and want a simple, non-invasive way to manage myopia progression.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

Environmental factors play a significant role in myopia development. Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors (at least 2 hours per day), limiting screen time, taking regular breaks from near work, and maintaining proper lighting while reading or using devices can help reduce the risk of myopia progression.

Why is Myopia Control Important?

Managing myopia progression is crucial in reducing the long-term risks associated with high myopia. Severe myopia increases the likelihood of serious eye conditions that can lead to vision loss later in life. As the eyeball elongates excessively, the retina and other structures within the eye become stretched and thinner, making them more vulnerable to damage. By implementing myopia control strategies early, individuals can maintain better eye health and reduce future complications.

If you or your child has myopia, it’s essential to consult an optometrist to determine the most suitable myopia control approach. With advancements in eye care technology, several options are available to help slow myopia progression and protect long-term vision health. For more information or to schedule an eye exam at Tamas EyeCare, book online, call (587) 755-6060 or email frontdesk@tamaseyecare.com. Taking proactive steps today can lead to clearer vision and healthier eyes for the future!

Tamas EyeCare: Partnering with Calgary Police and RCMP for Comprehensive Eye Exams

At Tamas EyeCare, we believe that vision is a critical aspect of overall health and safety, especially for those who serve our communities. That’s why we are proud to offer specialized eye exams for the Calgary Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). These comprehensive assessments are designed to ensure that our dedicated law enforcement officers can perform their duties effectively and safely.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Law Enforcement

For police officers and RCMP members, sharp vision is essential. Whether they’re in high-pressure situations, driving at high speeds, or needing to assess their surroundings quickly, clear vision can make all the difference. Regular eye exams help to detect vision issues early, ensuring that any problems are addressed before they become serious.

Customized Eye Care for Officers

At Tamas EyeCare, we understand that law enforcement professionals have unique needs when it comes to their vision. Our eye exams are tailored to assess not only visual acuity but also other aspects of vision that are critical for police work, including depth perception, color vision, and peripheral awareness. We also provide specialized tests to evaluate how vision impacts their performance in various scenarios, from day-to-day duties to emergency response situations.

What to Expect During the Exam

During the eye exam, our experienced optometrists will conduct a thorough evaluation, including:

• Visual Acuity Tests: To measure how well officers can see at various distances.
• Refraction Tests: To determine the appropriate prescription for glasses or contacts if needed.
• Binocular Vision Assessments: To evaluate how well both eyes work together, which is crucial for depth perception.
• Color Vision Tests: To ensure the ability to distinguish colors accurately, important for recognizing signals and hazards.
• Peripheral Vision Checks: To assess the field of vision, which is vital for situational awareness.

Eye Health Education

In addition to providing eye exams, we also prioritize education about eye health. Our team offers valuable resources on maintaining eye health, the importance of protective eyewear, and tips for reducing eye strain, especially during long hours on duty or in front of screens.

A Commitment to Our Community

At Tamas EyeCare, we are proud to support those who protect our communities. By offering specialized eye care to the Calgary Police and RCMP, we are helping ensure that our officers can see clearly and serve effectively. We are dedicated to providing high-quality care and a personalized experience for every individual who walks through our doors.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you are a member of the Calgary Police Service or RCMP or are applying to the Calgary Police Service or RCMP and need a vision assessment completed, we invite you to schedule your eye exam with us. Your vision is crucial to your role, and we are here to help you maintain it. Contact Tamas EyeCare today to book your appointment and take the first step toward ensuring your vision is at its best.

By partnering with local law enforcement, Tamas EyeCare is not just providing a service; we are investing in the safety and health of our community. Clear vision leads to safer streets, and we are honored to play our part.

Light must be properly focused onto the retina—the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye in order to see clearly using a process called refraction. When the eye does not refract light correctly, it results in a “refractive error,” causing blurred vision. Nearsightedness (myopia),  farsightedness (hyperopia) and presbyopia are common types of refractive errors that affect how clearly an individual can see objects up close or at a distance.

Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Nearsightedness, or myopia, occurs when a person can see nearby objects clearly but has difficulty seeing objects in the distance. This happens when light is focused in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The two primary causes of myopia are:

• The eyeball is too long, preventing light from reaching the correct focal point.
• The cornea is too curved or strong, bending light too soon before it reaches the retina

Myopia can develop at any age and often worsens over time.

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is the opposite of myopia. Individuals with hyperopia can see distant objects clearly but struggle with near vision, such as reading or working on a computer. This occurs when light is focused behind the retina instead of directly on it. Hyperopia is typically caused by:

• The eyeball is too short, preventing light from focusing properly.
• A cornea that is too flat or weak, leading to inadequate focusing power.

People with hyperopia may experience eye strain, headaches, or discomfort when performing close-up tasks due to the extra effort their eyes must exert to focus.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is an age-related condition in which the eye gradually loses its ability to focus on close objects. It typically becomes noticeable around the age of 40 and continues to progress over time.

This occurs because the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to adjust focus between near and distant objects. Common symptoms include difficulty reading small print, eye strain, headaches, and needing to hold reading materials at arm’s length.

Treatment Options for Myopia, Hyperopia and Presbyopia

Myopia, hyperopia and presbyopia can be effectively corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, which help direct light onto the retina for clear vision. If an individual experiences both near and distance vision difficulties, multifocal lenses are available to assist with seeing at various distances.

At Tamas EyeCare, we offer a premium selection of high-quality lenses to ensure you enjoy the sharpest, most comfortable vision possible – including the world-renowned Zeiss lenses. As a global leader in optics, Zeiss, based in Germany, is known for its precision engineering, durability, and cutting-edge technology, delivering customized clarity like no other. We also provide top-tier lens options from trusted brands like Hoya and Nikon, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your vision needs. 

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Blurry vision is not always caused by refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia or presbyopia, which is why regular eye exams are essential. An optometrist can diagnose the root cause of vision problems and recommend the best corrective solution based on your lifestyle and vision needs. For more information or to schedule an eye exam, book online, or contact Tamas EyeCare at (587) 755-6060 or email frontdesk@tamaseyecare.com.