Back to Blog

Vision and Concussion – Understanding the Connection

A concussion isn’t just about headaches and dizziness—it can also significantly impact vision. Since the brain processes most of our visual input, a concussion can disrupt eye movements, focus, depth perception, and balance.How Concussions Affect VisionAfter a concussion, many experience:✅ Blurry vision and difficulty focusing✅ Double vision from poor eye teaming✅ Tunnel vision and peripheral awareness issues✅ Sensitivity to light and motion✅ Dizziness due to visual-vestibular dysf...

Understanding and Managing Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a critical eye condition that everyone should be aware of, especially if you have a family history of it. The risk of developing glaucoma can be almost 80% higher if a direct family member has the condition. This highlights the importance of regular eye examinations to protect your vision. Your comprehensive eye examination at Ashburton Eyecare is designed to detect glaucoma early. Glaucoma involves the gradual loss of nerve fibers in the ...

Discover the Benefits of OrthoK: A Reversible Alternative to Laser Surgery

This innovative treatment reshapes your eyes using rigid contact lenses while you sleep, similar to how a retainer works. The best part? It's reversible, allowing for flexibility without the permanence of laser surgery.OrthoK is particularly effective in slowing down myopia progression and is not limited to just myopia management. Interestingly, the same principle used for myopia control can later aid in correcting presbyopia, allowing you to enjoy clear vision at both distance and near without ...

Understanding Myopia at Ashburton Eyecare

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is often viewed as just a condition causing blurry distance vision. However, it’s essential to understand myopia as a disease of eye growth. This condition tends to develop during the teenage years, but earlier onset can lead to more significant eye growth at a rapid rate, which raises serious concerns.Excessive eye growth stretches the delicate neural tissues of the retina, potentially leading to issues at the optic nerve head, damage to the macula�...

📣 What is Astigmatism? 🤓

Astigmatism occurs when one curve of the eye is steeper than the other—think rugby ball vs. soccer ball! 🏉⚽ This causes multiple focal points, leading to blurry or distorted vision.In our Instagram Reel, we demonstrate how a -6.00 Toric lens shows the effects of astigmatism and how proper lenses correct it—bringing everything into sharp focus! 👓✨Don't let astigmatism cause confusion—nearly 45% of people have it, and it’s easily corrected with the right lenses.👉 Watch the de...

Understanding Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, occurs when light focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it. When we’re young, our eyes can adjust by flexing the crystalline lens, but as we age, this flexibility diminishes, making near and distance vision more challenging.Even if vision seems clear, hyperopic eyes work harder to maintain focus—leading to strain, especially with tasks like reading, using a phone, or working on a computer. That’s why glasses help relieve the extra effort, from neutr...

Myopia, Presbyopia, and Finding the Right Lens for Your Vision

Understanding how our eyes work is key to maintaining clear vision throughout life.What is Myopia?Myopia, or short-sightedness, occurs when the eye grows excessively, causing the focus of distant objects to land in front of the retina instead of on it. Glasses, contact lenses, or Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) adjust the focus to align with the retina, neutralizing the eye’s power and restoring clear distance vision.What Happens as We Age?As we get older, our eye's lens naturally loses flexibility....

Demystifying Refractive Errors: A Guide to Clear Vision

At Ashburton Eyecare, we're committed to helping you understand the purpose of glasses and contact lenses. These corrective measures address refractive errors, which occur when your vision isn't quite right.The main types of refractive error include:Myopia (Short Sightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly due to an elongated eye.Hyperopia (Long Sightedness): Struggle with concentrated vision tasks, especially at near, as the eye doesn't have enough power for its length.Astigmatism: ...

What is a therapeutic optometrist?

In New Zealand, optometry has undergone significant changes over the years to expand the scope of practice for optometrists. These changes have involved the introduction of new qualifications and the inclusion of diagnostic tools and therapeutic practices such as the use of diagnostic eye drops and the ability to prescribe medications. Below is an updated look at the development of optometric qualifications in New Zealand, including the role of diagnostic drops and how accreditation was obtained...