Eye testing is an important part of our eye care service that enables us to thoroughly assess your vision, check the health of your eyes as well as measure your visual prescription.

Another test we can perform is a visual field screening that can detect any visual defects in your visual pathway.

Retinal photography provides a baseline for the condition of your eye. This makes future changes much easier to monitor

This technology is especially valuable in detecting and monitoring slow developing, sight threatening conditions such as Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration and the eye-related effects of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Retinal images are kept on file to monitor future changes allowing direct comparisons to be made at future visits.

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of sight threatening eye diseases in which the optic nerve at the back of the eye is slowly destroyed. The optic nerve is responsible for relaying the visual information of what you are seeing, back to the brain.

With Glaucoma, the destruction of the optic nerve can occur gradually over time and if left untreated can lead to blindness. Glaucoma has been dubbed \\\'the silent thief of sight\\\' due to its gradual development, with some people unaware that they are losing vision. The best way to detect glaucoma early is with regular eye examinations by an Optometrist. It is critical that glaucoma is detected early in order to prevent any sight loss. Glaucoma can occur at any age and you should be screened no later than at the age of 35 to 40 if you have a family history of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is more likely to develop in a patient with diabetes than a patient without diabetes.

If undetected or left untreated, diabetic eye disease can lead to severe vision loss or even blindness. Diabetes and diabetic eye disease is an alarming concern.

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that may develop as a complication of diabetes including diabetic retinopathy, cataract and glaucoma. Diabetic retinopathy is characterised by changes in the blood vessels of the retina, the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that relays visual information to the brain. In some cases, the blood vessels swell and leak fluid and abnormal blood vessels may grow on the surface of the retina causing vision loss.

With regular eye examinations using digital retinal photography at Meyer Optica- Balmain Optometrist, early signs of diabetic eye disease may be identified and managed appropriately to avoid sight loss.

Cataract a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye, can develop at an earlier age in people with diabetes. When sight begins to deteriorate due to cataract, vision may be improved through the use of new glasses and/or contact lenses, or an up-dated prescription in your existing glasses/contact lenses, magnification, appropriate lighting or other visual aids. In more advanced cases, cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision.

Cataracts develop gradually therefore many people are unaware that they are developing them. Cataracts generally develop as we age. Many studies also suggest that the development of cataract is also associated with ultraviolet light, therefore wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes is highly recommended. Meyer Optica – Balmain Optometrist has all the specialised equipment required to detect cataract, manage your vision appropriately and refer you to a specialised cataract surgeon in more advanced cases.

Macular degeneration is a progressive degeneration of the macular tissue of the eye, resulting in loss of central vision. The macula is the central part of the retina, found at the back of the eye, that is responsible for processing central visual images. Right now you are using your macula to read this information.

One can have Macular Degeneration in its early stages without knowing. Early detection of Macular Degeneration is vital. If detected early, treatment can be given for Macular Degeneration in an effort to prevent vision loss. Certain changes can even be made to your diet and supplements can be prescribed to support your macula.

Using the latest in cutting edge technology we offer a comprehensive screening for Macular Degeneration. We are one of very few Optometry practice’s in Australia that screens for Macular Degeneration using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a specially designed instrument that analyses the nerve fibres of the macula for any early sign of degeneration.

The Macular Degeneration Foundation have recently launched the new booklets to ensure your diet keeps your eyes healthy. Call Meyer Optica – Balmain Optometrist to receive your own free copy of this.

During your examination, we will also undertake Retinal Imaging, where an image is taken of the macula and then analysed by one of our highly trained Optometrists for early signs of Macular Degeneration. Retinal imaging not only screens for Macular Degeneration it also detects the early signs of glaucoma, cataracts and the eye related effects of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Don’t risk damage to your eyesight. Phone Meyer Optica- Balmain Optometrist today to arrange an eye exam on 02 9810 4605

Eye strain is eye discomfort caused by the overuse of the eye muscles and usually occurs during or after prolonged periods of reading, close work, computer work or watching television.

When concentrating on these tasks for long periods of time, the inner eye muscles tighten up resulting in various symptoms of discomfort.

Computer Vision Syndrome is the combination of eye and body muscle strain that occurs after prolonged amounts of computer use.

If left untreated the symptoms of Eyestrain and Computer Vision Syndrome can worsen. These conditions can negatively affect your productivity at work or school and your overall well-being.

How can Eyestrain and Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) be treated?
Meyer Optica – Balmain Optometrist has successfully treated thousands of patients suffering from Eyestrain and Computer Vision Syndrome.

Keratoconus
Keratoconus is characterised by the thinning of the central part of the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye). As a result of this thinning, the normally rounded cornea develops a cone-like bulge causing distortion of the vision. Abnormalities of the cornea can severely affect the way we see the world, including simple tasks such as driving, watching TV, or reading a book.

Myopia (Short-sightedness)
Myopia, or more commonly known short-sightedness, is a vision condition in which close objects are seen clearly, but objects in the distance appear blurred. Hyperopia (Long-sightedness)
Hyperopia, or more commonly known long-sightedness, is a vision condition in which distance objects are generally seen clearly, but close objects appear blurred.

Astigmatism (rugby ball shaped eyes)
Astigmatism is a vision condition that can cause blurred vision at any distance. Astigmatism is due to either the irregular shape of the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye, or the irregular curvature of the lens inside the eye.

Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a vision condition where by the natural lens inside the eye loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. The loss of flexibility in the lens takes place over a number of years and usually becomes noticeable in the early to mid-40’s. Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process of the eye.

Vision may be improved through the use of new glasses or contact lenses to help aid the above situations - so call Meyer Optica -Balmain Optometrist now to make an appointment with one of our highly qualified and professional and friendly optometrists on 02 9810 4605.

A stye also known as a \\\'sty\\\' or cyst, is a pimple like lump that can develop on the inside or ouside edge of the eyelids. Styes occur when the meibomian glands of the eyelids become blocked resulting in a build up of sebum (oil and mucus produced by the meibomian glands). They may also arise as a result of infection in the meibomian glands.

Styes can occur at any age. The signs of a stye are generally redness, swelling and tenderness of the affected area. Styes generally do not affect the vision.

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation and/or infection of the thin layer of skin that covers the white of the eye situated underneath the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by an allergic reaction or a bacterial or viral infection. It is usually characterised by redness, irritation and watering of the eye and sometimes discharge.

Floaters
You may sometimes notice spots moving across your vision and these are known as \\\'floaters\\\'. They are often easily seen when looking at a plain white background.

Floaters can appear as spots, strands or other shapes in your vision. Floaters are actually clusters of cells in the vitreous, the clear gel-like substance in the centre of the eye that gives the eye its round shape. These clusters of cells cast a shadow on the retina and therefore appear as floaters in your vision. Floaters are generally not sight-threatening, however if you notice the sudden appearance of a number of floaters, especially if they are accompanied by flashes of light, or the appearance of a shadow or a curtain coming down over your vision, this could indicate a retinal detachment. Floaters may look like spots, threads or little cobwebs in your vision that float around. You may also notice flashes in your vision caused by the vitreous tugging on the retina.

Vitreous detachment is a common condition and usually occurs in people over the age of 50. Also referred to as a posterior vitreous detachment, this condition is not usually sight-threatening but in some cases can lead to a more serious eye condition if not treated in time. The centre of the eye contains a gel-like substance called vitreous that helps the eye to maintain its round shape. As we age, the vitreous becomes more liquified and slowly shrinks, and the fibres within the vitreous start to pull away from the retina (the back inner surface of the eye that relays visual information to the brain). The vitreous separating from the retina is known as a vitreous detachment.

Retinal detachment is a much more serious and sight-threatening eye condition. The retina cannot function and relay visual information to the brain when it is detached from its supporting tissue. It is critical that the retina is reattached within a short period of time otherwise permanent vision loss may result. The retina is the back inner surface of the eye that relays visual information to the brain. When the retina separates from its supporting underlying tissue, this is known as a retinal detachment.

If you notice the sudden appearance of a number of floaters or black spots in your vision, especially if they are accompanied by flashes of light, or the appearance of a shadow or a curtain coming down over your vision, this could indicate a retinal detachment. Call 02 9810 4605 immediately should you think you are experiencing this

Suffering from dry, irritated eyes? Meyer Optica- Balmain Optometrist can advise you on a lubricating eye drop or gel to suit your needs and keep your eyes comfortable, white and bright, with clear vision.

It is as important to look after your eyes from the inside as well as from the outside. Our diets have changed significantly over the past few decades and virtually all of us don\\\'t get the nutrients we need to maintain healthy, comfortable eyes. Speak to one of our optometrists about diet and how this may affect your vision