Primary Eye Care news:

Latest news in contact lenses

Derek Chu, Optometrist, Burwood & Mona Vale.

There has never been a more exciting time to be a contact lens wearer.
Whether they are needed for that special occasion or to match the visual demands of the digital world, the latest innovations in contact lens optics and materials means that long lasting comfort and clear vision is achievable in any prescription.

Contact lenses can be specially built and professionally fitted to include:

At Primary Eye Care, we are equipped with corneal topography to build and customize specialty hard lenses for purposes such as myopia control and keratoconus.

Please speak to your optometrist at Primary Eye Care for more information or to organise an appointment to see what contact lens options are available to you.

Vision correction while you sleep!

Orthokeratology or Ortho-K as it is commonly called, is a hard contact lens that you wear at night and remove in the morning.
While you sleep, the specially designed lens gently reshapes the front surface (cornea) of your eye to correct your vision throughout the day.
Scientific research since the 1960s continues to reaffirm Ortho-K lenses having a positive effect on controlling myopia progression with the added benefit of not having to wear correction during the day.
To date, over one million patients have used the procedure and unlike surgery, the procedure can be safely discontinued or reversed at any time.
The infection risk of Ortho-k is very similar to that of your everyday soft contact lenses.

Ortho-K can also benefit those who:

Ortho-K is available at both Burwood and Mona Vale.
For more information, contact the Primary Eye Care Ortho-K practitioner Derek Chu.

Myopia control in children

Myopia, also known as near-sightedness, is a common type of refractive error where close objects are seen clearly, but distant objects are blurry.
A 2010 estimate of the number of myopes worldwide was approximately two billion, and that figure is estimated to increase to the overwhelming figure of five billion, or 50% of the world's population by 2050.

There are two main causes of myopia:

The most recent review paper by the International Myopia Institute in 2019 has continued to establish the link between higher degrees of myopia and sight-threatening conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataract and macula degeneration.
Research has also shown that the use of various specialised lenses (glasses and contact lenses) can aid in myopia control.
Based on this we recommend to all parents whose kids are myopic to ensure they have their eyes checked regularly.
The practitioners at Primary Eye Care will customise the management plan on a case by case basis.

Lacritec - Available at Primary Eye Care

Caroline Kwan, Optometrist, Mona Vale.

Approximately 20% of Australians suffer from dry eyes, with common symptoms including stinging, burning, pain, itching, redness, blurred vision, gritty feeling and light sensitivity.
Conventional treatment includes both artificial tears and punctal occlusion; however there is great news for dry eye sufferers with the introduction of Lacritec.
Lacritec is a supplement which uses a propriety blend of DHA and EPA Omega 3 essential fatty acids from fish oil, ALA Omega 3 essential fatty acids from Flaxseed Oil, and GLA Omega 6 essential fatty acid from Borage Oil.
These substances reduce lacrimal gland inflammation, resulting in improved tear production and reduced tear film surface tension.
Lacritec is made in Australia in an approved pharmaceutical facility, using only the highest quality ingredients, and is 100% Australian owned.
The ingredients in Lacritec have been specifically chosen and formulated to maximise the effectiveness of the product.
The UNSW School of Optometry will soon be initiating advanced clinical trials to test its effectiveness.
The recommended dosage is 3 tablets a day for 1 month, thereafter 2 tablets.
After 4 months it can be cut back to 1 tablet ongoing if symptoms have subsided.
A comprehensive eye examination is first recommended before starting lacritec.

Blue Shield Multicoat

In today's high-technology driven world we are increasingly exposed to light emanating from TV screens and computers, a variety of mobile screens, road signs, headlights, lamp posts and more.
Unlike natural light, the spectrum of artificial light is skewed towards High Energy Visible (HEV) light, also called blue light, which is potentially harmful to the human eye, mainly the retina.
Primary Eye Care offers the latest anti-reflective coating made in Australia called "Blue Shield multicoat".
The benefits of blue shield multicoat include:

Blue Shield multicoat reflects five times more HEV light than any other existing conventional lens coating.
It is easy to clean due to its hydrophobic and anti-static characteristics, is highly durable and its improved anti-reflection enhances visual comfort.
Ask our staff for blue shield coating at your next visit to our clinic.

Dry eye - a multi-factorial condition

Derek Chu, Optometrist, Burwood & Mona Vale.

Dry eye is a multi-factorial condition that affects the anterior surface of the eye.
Currently, millions of people worldwide suffer from this condition and experience symptoms such as grittiness, burning sensation, redness and intermittent blurred vision.
Pharmacists supply a variety of ocular lubricants which have been the conventional treatment for mild level dry eye for many years.
We recommend patients consult an eye care professional to specifically tailor a management plan according to the severity of their dry eye.

Large clinical trials have continued to support the use of the specialised heat masks and lid hygiene to promote expression of natural tears as an adjunct therapy to ocular lubricants.
The latest research supports the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy which acts on the structures within the eyelid to assist in severe levels of dry eye.

Primary Eye Care optometrists are experts in providing a comprehensive eye examination with a subspecialty interest in dry eye management.