The importance of diet for eye health and vision has been known for a long time. Vitamin deficiencies are not uncommon, and it is known that deficiencies in certain vitamins can affect the health of your eyes.  Before we begin, it’s important to know one thing:  The human body is able to store certain vitamins and minerals, whilst others are...

Restasis is a prescription medication that can treat chronic dry eye disease. The active ingredient in Restasis is cyclosporine, which is an immunosuppressive agent that works by reducing inflammation in the eyes. Chronic dry eye disease is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It has a variety of causes; including ageing, hormonal changes, environmental factors, and certain...

IPL stands for “Intense Pulsed Light”. IPL is a medical technology used to treat a number of skin conditions. It is also used by ophthalmologists and optometrists as an effective treatment for dry eye. Plastic surgeons, cosmetic doctors and beauty therapists all use IPL to treat a number of skin conditions, such as:  Ophthalmologists and Optometrists can use the same device...

Many of us have had an occasion where we drank enough alcohol to alter our vision, at times this might be humorous, but it can also be distressing and dangerous. But why does it happen? And can alcohol have permanent effects on our eyesight? Alcohol is classified as a Central Nervous System Depressant, meaning that it slows down brain activity. By...

Since the launch of Optimel Mānuka Honey eye care products in 2015, the use of honey-based products in eye care has been gaining momentum and creating a buzz. Honey has been documented for medicinal uses for centuries. It has been used to treat a range of ailments including wounds, infections, eye diseases, and gastrointestinal problems. It is only more recently...

We know that getting enough sleep is important for our physical and mental health. But getting enough shut-eye is also crucial to your eye health and promoting clear and comfortable vision. It is especially important for anyone who suffers from dry eye. How much sleep do we need? Health experts recommend adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each...

Mask wearing is a day to day reality for most medical professionals. Now the general population of New Zealand is becoming accustomed to it too. For the bulk of Kiwis, wearing a mask is a small personal inconvenience but one with a much greater purpose. For some, that inconvenience could be the onset or worsening of Dry Eye symptoms. Dry Eye...

Have you been caught short over lockdown and have run out of your eye drops? Or maybe the eye drops you normally use aren’t on the shelves in your supermarket or pharmacy? To help you navigate this we have outlined some options below. Prescription eye drops For those of you using prescription only eye drops, for example for the treatment...

One of our previous articles looked at the importance and function of our eyelashes. And it might have you wanting to rush out to find ways to accentuate your lashes… Obviously to increase your UV protection and apparent fertility. But before you do, consider the impact these interventions may have on your eye health. This blog is about false eyelashes,...

As you get out winter coats, scarves and hats it’s also time to think about your eyes! The cooler weather has some downsides for eye health but some bonuses for those considering laser vision correction surgery. Dry Eye And Winter Time If you suffer from dry eye, you will probably be aware of what environmental triggers make your symptoms worse....

Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) is a common condition affecting the skin on the front surface of the cornea. Normally the layer of skin is very adherent to the underlying tissue, called the stroma. However, in RCES the skin fails to attach securely to the underlying tissue. Making it easily moved or torn by movement of the eyelids. The condition...

We know that eating a balanced diet is one of the best things we can do for our bodies and minds. However our modern busy lives make it tricky, so we often augment our diets with dietary supplements. Well the health of the eye is also dependent on our diet. There is significant evidence that omega-3 oils are beneficial for...