Did you know everybody gets cataracts?

A cataract is a condition where the lens of our eye becomes cloudy over time.  As we age, some of the proteins that make up the structure of our lens begin to clump together, causing the cloudy appearance.  Cataracts tend to grow larger over a period of time.  As a result, the clouding effect gets larger and more opaque, making it more difficult to see clearly.   Most studies agree these changes occur in the lens due to ultraviolet light damage from the sun.  Some other causes may include cosmic radiation, diabetes, steroids, high intake of salt and smoking. In addition, researchers also believe that hormone replacement therapy may increase a cataract formation by 14% (Ophthalmology March 2010).

Everybody gets cataracts eventually because we are all exposed to the one or more of the cataract causing agents mentioned above over our lifetime.  However, you may never need surgery for your cataract if the cloudiness remains minimal into your senior years.  I recommend UV protection and maintaining good general health to all patients who want to decrease their chances of requiring surgical intervention.  Annual eye exams are recommended to detect and monitor the progression of cataracts.

Dr. Sherman Tung, OD FAAO drtung@avenueeyecare.com
Vancouver Kerrisdale Optometrist

Did you know people can have more than 1 type of cataract?

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I had a patient come in yesterday wanting an eye exam to have her cataract checked because she remembered her last eye doctor mentioned she had one.  She was experiencing some decline in her vision and was curious to see if her cataract had gotten worse.  When I dilated her eyes, I noticed she had both anterior cortical and nuclear sclerotic cataracts.  I took a picture of it for her to see and I explained to her that the reason why her vision was so blurry was because she had to look through both a yellowish filter (as a result of the nuclear sclerotic cataract) and linear opacities (as a result of the anterior cortical cataract).  These “obstructions” can also cause problems with glare, especially with night driving.  She was surprised to learn that a lens could have multiple types of cataracts, but I’m glad I had the chance to educate her with pictures of her own eye.

For those who are curious, here are some examples of the most common types of age-related cataracts based on the part of the lens affected:
1.  nuclear sclerotic (affecting the central portion of the lens)
2.  cortical (affecting the outer layer of the lens)
3.  subcapsular (affecting the outer capsule of the lens)

Some patients will have one type which may progress to multiple types of cataracts.  Each type of cataract also causes blur and glare to different degrees and they also tend to progress at different rates.  Depending on the type(s) and severity of your cataract, your eye doctor may recommend follow-up visits every 3, 6, or 12 months.

Dr. Jessica Chang OD drchang@avenueeyecare.com
Vancouver Optometrist

Did you know your eyes are like an egg?

Eyes are made up of proteins, just like eggs.  What happens if you cook an egg for breakfast?  Its texture becomes cloudy and white.  Similarly, over time, sunlight will “cook” our eyes and cause eye diseases such as pterygium, cataracts and even macular degeneration.  It is important to wear sunglasses when you are outdoors to protect your eyes from the harmful UV light to slow down the “cooking” process over our lifetime.  There are many sunglasses that provide us with different levels of UV and glare protection.

We are excited about a new product which, for the first time, combines both polarized lenses with Transition technology (they turn dark outdoors and become clear indoors). This unique product will be available next month.

If you are not sure what type of sunglasses to buy to protect your eyes, come by Avenue Eyecare and we’ll help you select the best option for you!

Dr. Sherman Tung, OD FAAO drtung@avenueeyecare.com

Vancouver Optometrist

Kid’s Rayban Sunglasses!

I’m excited to finally get our kid’s Rayban sunglasses in!  We decided to bring them into our dispensary because the lens quality is exceptional and their frames are stylish and durable.

Rayban sunglasses for kids have 100% UVA/UVB/UVC protection.  The lenses are made to the Australian UV protection standards which requires protection up to 420 nm  in the light spectrum whereas North American standards only requires up to 380 nm.  The reason why Australian standards are higher is because the sun is stronger in that area of the world.

Children get most of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18.  It’s a great idea to get children used to wearing sunglasses while they’re young so they will have the habit of protecting their eyes, keeping them healthy for years to come.

Dr. Jessica Chang, OD drchang@avenueeyecare.com
Vancouver Optometrist

1 Year Anniversary Party

It’s hard to believe we had our 1 year anniversary this past weekend.  Thank you all for coming out to celebrate with us and for your support, we couldn’t have made it through the year without you.  This year has really flown by!  We look forward to many more anniversary celebrations in the years to come.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our friends and partners who donated great door prizes:

Odenza Homes www.odenzahomes.com/
Dr. Randall Trester  www.drrandalltrester.com/
Dr. Eyal Lebel www.drlebeltcm.com/
Dr. Robin Mak www.kitsfamilydental.com
Ted Loo Fitness www.tedloofitness.com
Izumi Eyewear  www.izumi-eyewear.com/
20/20 Accessories  www.2020as.com/
Safilo  www.safilo.com/en/
Essilor www.essilor.ca

Dr. Jessica Chang, OD drchang@aveneueeyecare.com
Vancouver Kerrisdale Optometrist