Interview with Dr. Nadia Malik, Optometrist based in Victoria, British Columbia
Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
All About Contact Lenses
DWL: Can my child wear contact lenses during sports activities?
Dr. Malik: Contact lenses are great for sports. However, they do not provide protection from injury in contact sports, so for certain sports, additional eye protection is highly recommended and often required.
DWL: Do contact lenses prevent nearsightedness (myopia) from getting worse?
Dr. Malik: No there is no evidence to suggest that contact lenses prevent myopia from getting worse.
DWL: Can I use my eyeglass prescription to buy over-the-counter contact lenses?
Dr. Malik: No, because an eyeglass prescription does not have the necessary lens parameters in order for you to buy over the counter contact lenses. Contact lenses come in many different diameters, base curves and materials and therefore one should always be properly fitted by a professional to make sure the contact lenses you are wearing is the best one for you and your needs.
DWL: Is it safe for me to clean my contact lenses with a homemade solution?
Dr. Malik: The best way to clean contact lenses is through commercial contact lens solutions. Homemade solutions could potentially cause infections.
The Impact Computers, TVs, Lighting and Glasses Have on Eyes
DWL: Will working at a computer screen hurt my eyes?
Dr. Malik: Working at a computer screen is not damaging to the eyes. However, it could cause eye fatigue, dryness, and other symptoms that could cause eye discomfort. If you do work at a computer and are experiencing some eye discomfort, it is best to be evaluated by an eye care professional.
DWL: Why have I gradually found it harder to read without glasses
Dr. Malik: Usually, around the age of 40, people find it harder to read without glasses. This is because their ability to focus on near objects decreases with age making it difficult to see things close up. This is called presbyopia and it is a normal age related change and can easily be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.
DWL: Are sunglasses good for my eyes?
Dr. Malik: Everyone should wear sunglasses including children. Do keep in mind though, your sunglasses should have good UV protection to prevent your eyes from the harmful uv rays.
DWL: How often do I need to get my prescription changed? When should everyone have an eye exam?
Dr. Malik: There is no predetermined schedule for how often you need to change your prescription. However, you should have your eyes checked regularly to make sure the prescription you have is adequate. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that infants (birth – 24 months) have their first eye exam between 6-9 months (or sooner if the parents have concerns). Preschool children should have one eye exam between the ages of 2-5. Children between the ages of 6-19 should have their eyes checked annually. Adults between 20-39 should have an eye exam every 2-3 years and between 40-64 it should be every 2 years. Over the age of 65, you should be having annual eye examinations. These are only guidelines and certain conditions may require more frequent visits.
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