I am an Optometrist, Ask me Anything.

[Knut]

Originally Posted by stampsx2

Is there any way to reduce floaters? During the spring they are most noticeable with all the bright daylight? Is there something specific that causes them? Sometimes they are worse and sometimes it’s like they aren’t even there.

Nothing that does not involve surgery (vitrectomy). That carries a risk of detached retina, so it is not recommended unless it is interfering with day to day life.

As we age the gel of our eye (the Vitreous) starts to clump together creating age related floaters. They can also be caused by injury and auto immune issues, but those are more rare. Higher prescriptions get more as well.

They move and the lighting will impact them differently. On bright days they are more noticeable just due to more internal light reflection.

Get your eyes checked if you have new floaters or flashes of light accompanying the floaters.

[MoneyGuy]

I had laser eye surgery 20 years ago and a few years ago had cataract surgery in both eyes. I’m not a professional but the cataract surgery gave me 20-20 vision and if you have developing cataracts I’d do the cataract surgery instead of laser surgery. Consult your practitioner.

[Bill Bumface]

Is the glass half full? Or half empty?

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by jonesy

Don’t you get tired of always being so positive? How are you able to stay in that frame of mind?

It's made easier because they don't have to deal with pessometrists refuting their worldview.

BTW, there's no such thing as a pessometrist; they call themselves realomists.

[calgaryrocks]

Is black screen with white text better for the eyes than white with black text during the day?

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[calf]

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

Is the glass half full? Or half empty?

Are you looking at glass one...or two?

[RichieRich]

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

Is the glass half full? Or half empty?

Neither.
The glass is, obviously, twice as large as it needs to be.

[Knut]

Originally Posted by calgaryrocks

Is black screen with white text better for the eyes than white with black text during the day?

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

It is actually a personal preference. Some percentage (I think 8-10%) actually find it easier to see white text on a black background. Those with uncorrected Astigmatism tend to like it better as well as they lose contrast with the black on white.

[Aeneas]

Hey Knut,
Good to see you again after a couple years.
Thanks for taking such good care of the kids.
Great service, and really like the new location. Mayfair much more convenient for me!

[t0rrent98]

What exercises can I do for a lazy eye. Would prefer not to wear the patch.

[stampsx2]

Do some people’s eyes let in more light than other people? I find i can read quite well in the dark and always squint on a sunny day. Forgetting my sunglasses at home is dreadful on a bright day especially if there’s any new snow.

Do bright lights or a bright sunny day trigger migraines?

I have all my backgrounds black with white text. So much easier on the eyes.

[RichieRich]

Originally Posted by stampsx2

Do some people’s eyes let in more light than other people? I find i can read quite well in the dark and always squint on a sunny day. Forgetting my sunglasses at home is dreadful on a bright day especially if there’s any new snow.

Do bright lights or a bright sunny day trigger migraines?

I have all my backgrounds black with white text. So much easier on the eyes.

great question. I also find the outdoors sometimes to be overwhelmingly bright. For long drives I gotta wear shades cos, well, the futures so bright. But yeah some buildings downtown Calgary are so highly reflective I have problems such as the courtyard area of the Bow Tower.

[photon]

Well there IS a giant nuclear explosion in the sky, I prefer to stay inside.

[Knut]

Originally Posted by t0rrent98

What exercises can I do for a lazy eye. Would prefer not to wear the patch.

Patching wont work great if you are an adult. You could look into Vision Training though. My Colleague, Dr Penny, does it here at Mayfair Eye Care. You need a referral from your Optometrist though.

It is very involved and requires a lot of time and patience. Also, you may not be a good candidate for it.

The ideal time to do it is as a child but it never hurts to look into it.

[Knut]

Originally Posted by stampsx2

Do some people’s eyes let in more light than other people? I find i can read quite well in the dark and always squint on a sunny day. Forgetting my sunglasses at home is dreadful on a bright day especially if there’s any new snow.

Do bright lights or a bright sunny day trigger migraines?

I have all my backgrounds black with white text. So much easier on the eyes.

Genetics plays a big role there. Same with pigmentation of the retina. Your retina generally matches your hair/skin tone. So if you a pale redhead your retina is pale too (ie. less pigment to absorb light).

Sometimes it is just preference.

Finally, uncorrected astigmatism/Myopia can lead to more light sensitivity just due to the fact that the light is more diffuse when it hits the retina.

[Wormius]

So…. trying out some multifocal contacts. How long does it take to get used to them? They feel so weird trying to get close up things into focus; it’s almost like trying to focus on those 3d stereograph posters. Occasionally up-close text will come into focus, but then, poof, it’s gone. Is this something I need to pay attention to, or will this all happen naturally on it’s own without me in trying to will things into focus?

[Knut]

Originally Posted by Wormius

So…. trying out some multifocal contacts. How long does it take to get used to them? They feel so weird trying to get close up things into focus; it’s almost like trying to focus on those 3d stereograph posters. Occasionally up-close text will come into focus, but then, poof, it’s gone. Is this something I need to pay attention to, or will this all happen naturally on it’s own without me in trying to will things into focus?

It takes a few days to adapt for sure, however, sometimes our brains are just unable to photoshop out the blur. Your brain is receiving near focus and far focus information at the same time and has to process the image.

There is always some trial and error with Multifocal contacts. It often takes 4-5 visits to the office to really hone in on the best option. The prescription in the contact lens does not always line up with that for glasses, especially with multifocal Contacts. We also often have to compromise something to achieve something else. For example you may get the near vision you want, but night driving is poor. You may get a good range of vision @ near/computer but have bad depth perception. Different brands have different focal zones as well, so one brand may work better for you vs another.

Stick with it, but be prepared to have to go multiple times in office to find the right fit for you.