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📣 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...