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Most stroke survivors experience some degree of visual dysfunction following a stroke. Here are the 4 main types of visual complications that may result from a stroke and ways neuro-optometry can help.

  A traumatic brain injury occurs as a result of forces from impact disrupting the functioning of brain cells and their ability to effectively transmit signals. As a result, changes in physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects may be observed. Physical symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and sensitivity to...

By: Yi Zheng, Optometry Intern, Class of 2016 Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) such as concussions, strokes and whiplash injuries frequently result in oculomotor dysfunction and visual disturbances. Common vision disorders associated with TBIs include deficits in accommodation, version, vergence, visual field, and photosensitivity.1 The intimate interactions between these visual systems can...

By: Evelyn Zhang, University of Waterloo Senior Optometry Intern Vision therapy may be a foreign concept to many. What is it? How does it work? Will I benefit from it? Vision therapy is used to improve eye movement control and eye coordination. It is often used to treat strabismus (eye turn),...

  By: Paul Harris, OD, FCOVD, FAAO, FABCO Home activities have been an integral part of our vision therapy program. The pioneer clinicians in the field noticed that when home practice was done on a regular basis, more profound and lasting changes in behavior were noted. This was passed on...

By Amanda Duffy More than 300 children in the U.S. suffer from Retinoblastoma, an eye cancer affecting one or both eyes of the children. 95 percent of these cases occur in children ages five years and below according to the National Cancer Institute which is why early diagnosis is important....

There is much controversy when it comes to whether Irlen/Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (IS or SSS) exists or not and if its proposed treatment of coloured filters is effective for treating reading difficulties. Irlen Syndrome is described as a perceptual condition where individuals experience sensitivity to certain wavelengths of light thus...

 

Gift suggestions from your OD?

This time of year many patients are considering sports-related gifts, which could include visors and protective eye wear.  Dr. Debbie Luk has put together an excellent summary to help ODs introduce the safety aspect with patients.

Consider the impact of visors on eye and orbital.

Eye trauma, often occurring through physical activity, is the leading cause of noncongenital monocular blindness in children.  An optometrist has a crucial role in reinforcing eye safety in sports-related activities. This is especially because over 90% of ocular injuries are preventable with appropriate eye protection. However, studies show low rates of use among athletes.1

A recent article revealed amongst NHL hockey players, 34 out of 640 are without a visor. Vancouver defenceman Erik Gudbranson is one of them.  After suffering from a broken orbital bone, he continues to play without proper protection and explains that his decision is unwise, but is due to being comfortable. According to a 2014 retrospective study, a total of 149 eye or orbital injuries over the last 10 seasons in the NHL. Most injuries were a result of being hit by a deflected or direct puck (37%) followed by being struck by a high stick (28%).2

Visor use among NHL players grew from 32% in 2002-2003 to 73% in 2012-2013 as the NHL Players’ Association made it mandatory for inexperienced players to wear visors.  In Canada, the evolution of facial protection and implementation of mandatory full-face shields in minor hockey led to a significant decline in ocular injuries. Mandatory helmets and facial protection reduced the number of ocular injuries in 1974–1975 to half of that in 1983–1984. Additionally, hockey players were 10 times more likely to sustain an ocular injury with no facial protection and four times as likely with partial facial protection, whereas no injuries were found with full-face protection. Implementation of mandatory full-face protection for minor hockey players has led to a decline in ocular injuries.1,2

In the United States, 84.6% of children do not wear protective eyewear despite engaging in a sports that risk eye injury.1 As part of a comprehensive eye examination, optometrists should discuss hobbies, including sports and therefore have the opportunity to discuss the importance of eye protection. One of these discussions could save an eye.

1. Luong M, Dang V and Hanson C. Traumatic hyphema in badminton players: Should eye protection be mandatory? Can J Ophthalmol. 2017; 4: 143-6.

2. Micieli JA, Zurakowski D, Ahmed II. Impact of visorts on eye and orbital injuries in the National Hockey League. Can J Ophthalmol. 2014; 49:243-8.

Why use dilating eye-drops in a child's eye exam? It may be performed to detect vision disorders, especially in young children who cannot verbally provide a clear and accurate description of their vision problems, and are frequently unaware of the presence of those problems. The following article is geared towards...

  By: Debbie Luk We had the wonderful opportunity to participate at an empowering and inspiring hockey event for girls. This special weekend is the dream come-to-life of six-time Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser. Hayley is pleased to host her seventh festival in this exciting city and venue, in partnership with Girls Hockey...