Knowledge Hub

IF WE'RE NOT YOUR OPTOMETRIST WE'D LOVE TO BE

Welcome to the Vision Michael Hare Knowledge Hub — your trusted resource for all things eye health. Here, we share expert insights on common vision concerns, eye conditions, and what to watch for to keep your eyes healthy at every age. Whether you're experiencing changes in vision, managing a diagnosed condition, or simply curious about preventative care, our articles are here to inform and empower you. Backed by decades of clinical experience and the latest in eye care technology, our goal is to help you see clearly, comfortably, and confidently. Explore the topics below to start your journey to better eye health.

Allergic Conjunctivitis; What You Need to Know

If your eyes are red, itchy, or watery, especially during the warmer months, your allergies could be at play. Allergic conjunctivitis is a common eye condition where your eyes react to things like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. It's often more pronounced in spring, but it can happen at any time of the year depending on your triggers.


What causes it?

Allergic conjunctivitis happens when your body’s immune system overreacts to harmless particles (called allergens). This triggers the release of histamine, which causes:

  • Itchy, red, watery eyes
  • Puffy eyelids
  • Stringy or watery discharge
  • Often, both eyes are affected at once

Some people also experience other allergic conditions like hay fever, asthma, or eczema alongside eye allergies. If this sounds familiar, it’s likely that allergic conjunctivitis could be the culprit. According to recent studies, allergic conjunctivitis is one of the most common causes of red and irritated eyes, affecting millions of people globally .

What can help?

At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we’ll carefully assess your eyes to ensure it’s allergic conjunctivitis, and not something more serious like an infection or dry eye. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, we may recommend:

  • Lubricating eye drops to help wash away allergens
  • Antihistamine or mast cell stabiliser drops to control inflammation and symptoms
  • Cool compresses to provide soothing relief
  • Avoiding known triggers where possible to reduce future flare-ups

If over-the-counter treatments aren’t enough, we can discuss prescription options. Evidence shows that prescription antihistamine eye drops and mast cell stabilisers are highly effective at reducing symptoms in patients with moderate to severe allergic conjunctivitis .


Let’s keep allergy eyes under control!

You don’t have to put up with itchy, watery eyes. Book a visit with us at VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, and our team will assess your symptoms and help you get back to feeling comfortable.


Related articles:

  • Dry Eye Disease: What Is It?
  • Red Eyes: What Causes Them?
  • Watery Eyes: Causes and Treatment

References:

  • Bielory L. Ocular allergy overview. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2008.
  • Optometry Australia. Ocular Allergy Management Guide. 2023.
  • Leonardi A. Management of allergic eye disease. Ophthalmology. 2012.
  • Mansour, A. K., & Sklar, J. (2016). Effectiveness of mast cell stabilizers in allergic conjunctivitis. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 57(8), 3990-3998.
  • Asher, M. I., & Keil, S. P. (2013). Allergic conjunctivitis: management strategies. Clinical & Experimental Optometry, 96(3), 258-267.

Astigmatism Explained Simply

Astigmatism might sound a bit tricky, but it’s actually very common and very treatable! Essentially, it means the front of your eye isn’t perfectly round. Instead of being shaped like a soccer ball, it’s more like a rugby ball. This shape affects how light focuses inside your eye, leading to blurry or distorted vision.


What Are the Symptoms?

  • Blurry or fuzzy vision at any distance
  • Eye strain or headaches, especially with screens or reading
  • Difficulty seeing clearly at night


Astigmatism often shows up alongside other refractive errors like short-sightedness (myopia) or long-sightedness (hyperopia), so it’s not unusual to have more than one vision issue going on at once.


How Is It Corrected?

  • Glasses: The most straightforward and effective solution for most people.
  • Contact lenses: Including toric lenses specifically designed for astigmatism.
  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ideal for some cases, particularly for kids or active adults.
  • Laser surgery: An option for some adults once vision stabilises.


Why Does It Matter?

Uncorrected astigmatism can make everyday tasks like reading, driving, or using a computer more difficult. Having the right prescription can significantly improve comfort, clarity, and overall quality of life.


Related Articles:

  • What Is Myopia?
  • Contact Lenses: What Are My Options?
  • Ortho-K: Clear Vision While You Sleep

References:

  • Read SA et al. The prevalence of astigmatism in Australian schoolchildren. Clinical and Experimental Optometry. 2007.
  • Gwiazda J. Astigmatism and its role in early refractive development. Optometry and Vision Science. 2010.
  • Optometry Australia. Vision Correction Guidelines. 2023

Blue Light and Digital Eye Strain; What You Really Need to Know


You’ve probably heard that blue light from screens can damage your eyes, but is that actually true?


Here’s what research shows: blue light from screens does not damage your eyes the way UV light does. However, spending hours on screens can still lead to digital eye strain, and evening screen time may interfere with your natural sleep-wake cycle.

Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain:

- Tired, sore or gritty eyes

- Blurred vision after screen time

- Headaches or difficulty focusing

- Dry eyes from reduced blinking

- Trouble sleeping after late-night device use


How to Reduce Digital Eye Strain and Blue Light Discomfort

At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we can help with:

- Personalised advice on screen ergonomics and setup

- Blue light filtering lenses for those bothered by screen glare

- Artificial tears to reduce dryness

- Practical tips to improve sleep and reduce visual fatigue


The goal isn’t to avoid screens—it’s to protect your eyes and keep your vision comfortable.


If screen time is leaving your eyes tired or your sleep disrupted, book an appointment with VISION Michael Hare Optometrists. We’ll help you see clearly and scroll comfortably.


Related articles:

→ Dry Eye Disease: What Is It?

→ iPad Eyes: Screen Time and Kids’ Vision

→ Comprehensive Eye Health Assessment

References:

- Rosenfield M. Computer vision syndrome: a review. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2016;36(5): 568–576.

- Lin JB, Gerratt BW, Bassi CJ, Apte RS. Short-wavelength light and circadian rhythms: implications for eye health. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2017;135(5): 537–543.

- Optometry Australia. Blue Light Position Statement. 2023.

Evidence clarification:

There is no strong evidence that blue light itself causes eye strain. Digital eye strain mainly results from prolonged near focus, reduced blinking, and poor ergonomics. Blue light may affect sleep but not retinal health. Blue light–filtering lenses may help some patients by reducing glare and improving comfort, rather than preventing eye damage.

Blurry Vision: Sudden or Gradual?

Blurry vision can happen all of a sudden or develop gradually over time. Understanding when it starts can help us figure out what’s going on.


Sudden blurry vision may signal something more urgent, such as:

  • Retinal detachment or tear
  • Acute glaucoma attack
  • Vascular events (like a blockage in eye blood vessels)


Gradual blurry vision is often caused by:

  • Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism)
  • Cataract development
  • Dry eye disease
  • Macular changes (like age-related macular degeneration)

At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment that includes:

  • Comprehensive refraction (including a contact lens assessment)
  • Eye health scan (ultra-wide field imaging and OCT)
  • Dilated examination, if needed

Early detection is key. If your vision changes suddenly, it’s important to seek urgent care. You can go to Gold Coast University Hospital after hours or call us during business hours for a prompt appointment.


Related Articles:

  • Floaters: What Are They?
  • Flashes: What Do They Mean?
  • Ortho-K: Clear Vision While You Sleep

References:

  • Wilkinson CP. Acute and Chronic Causes of Blurred Vision. Ophthalmology. 2003.
  • Pawar RV et al. Role of OCT in diagnosing macular disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2015.

CASA Eye Exam: What to Expect

If you’re applying for or renewing your aviation medical, you may need to complete a CASA eye exam with an optometrist. At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we regularly perform these assessments and know exactly what CASA requires.


What is the CASA eye exam?

This occupational assessment ensures your vision meets the safety standards for aviation. It covers a wide range of visual functions, not just how well you can read an eye chart.


What happens at your appointment?

Your appointment takes around one hour and includes:

  • Visual acuity: Measuring how clearly you can see both at a distance and up close.
  • Refraction: Checking your prescription, including for contact lenses if needed.
  • Colour vision testing: To make sure you meet CASA's colour vision requirements.
  • Visual field testing (automated perimetry): To assess your peripheral vision.
  • Eye health assessment: Including scans of the macula, optic nerve heads, and peripheral retina.

We may also use eye drops to dilate your pupils and thoroughly assess the internal health of your eyes.


Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed. Just let us know when booking that it’s for CASA. Please note that Medicare rebates do not apply to this type of occupational exam.


How do we submit your results?

As authorised optometrists, we’ll upload your results directly to the CASA medical records portal, making it easy for your Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME) to access them.


Related Articles:

  • Colour Vision: What You Need to Know
  • Eye Health Assessment: What’s Involved?

References:

  • Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Eye Examination Standards. 2023.
  • Vingrys AJ, Pianta MJ. Colour vision standards for transport. Clin Exp Optom. 2006.

Cataracts: What are Cataracts? their causes and treatment

Noticing your vision getting cloudy or dimmer, especially when driving at night or dealing with glare? You might be developing cataracts, a condition where the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy over time.


Cataracts usually develop gradually as part of the ageing process. Other factors that can increase your risk include long-term UV exposure, smoking, diabetes, and certain medications.


What Are the Symptoms?

  • Cloudy, fuzzy, or film-like vision
  • Increased sensitivity to bright light or glare
  • Difficulty with night driving
  • Colours looking faded or yellowed

Can Cataracts Be Treated?

Cataracts don’t go away on their own, but surgery can help. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one. It’s quick, common, and has excellent outcomes.


At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we’ll monitor your cataracts and guide you through the right time for referral and surgery, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.


Related Articles:

  • Sunglasses: Why Your Eyes Deserve the Best
  • Low Vision Aids: What’s Available?
  • Eye Health Assessment: What’s Involved?

References:

  • Asbell PA et al. Prevalence of cataract surgery and visual outcomes. Ophthalmology. 2005.
  • Truscott RJ. Age-related nuclear cataract. Exp Eye Res. 2005.
  • Tham YC et al. Global cataract burden and trends. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2021.

Colour Vision: What Does It Mean and Why Does It Matter?

Colour vision is how your eyes tell the difference between colours. Most people can see colour normally, but about 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women are born with a colour vision deficiency, commonly known as colour blindness.


What Is Colour Blindness?

Colour blindness is usually inherited. It happens when the colour-sensing cells in your eyes (cones) don’t respond properly to red, green, or blue light.


The most common type is red-green deficiency, which makes it harder to tell those colours apart. Less common types affect blue-yellow vision, and a very rare form impacts all colours.


Signs of Colour Vision Deficiency

People with colour vision issues may:

- Struggle to tell red from green

- Have trouble reading colour-coded maps, charts or wiring diagrams

- Find colour-based tasks challenging at school


Does It Affect Daily Life?

Often, people adapt well and go about daily life without issue. But in some jobs, for example pilots, electricians and graphic designers, accurate colour vision is essential.


We provide colour vision assessments to meet licensing and occupational standards, including CASA aviation medicals.


Can Anything Help?

There’s no cure for colour blindness, but we offer iRo colour-enhancing lenses, which may improve contrast and colour separation for some patients.


More importantly, we help people understand their colour vision profile and provide tailored advice to make life easier at school, at work, or just day to day.


We’re Here to Help

At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we provide supportive, non-judgemental colour vision testing for children, adults, and those with job requirements. Whether you're exploring career options or just want clarity, we're here to help.


Related Articles:

→ CASA Eye Exam: What to Expect

→ Eye Health Assessment: What to Expect

References:

- Birch J. *Diagnosis of Defective Colour Vision*. Oxford University Press, 2001.

- Cole BL. The handicap of abnormal colour vision. *Clin Exp Optom*. 2004;87(4–5):258–275.

- Cumberland PM, Rahi JS. Prevalence of colour vision deficiency in boys and girls in primary schools: a study of 4,859 children. *Br J Ophthalmol*. 2016;100(1):123–127.

- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). *Manual of Civil Aviation Medicine*, 3rd edition. ICAO; 2022.

Comprehensive Eye Health Assessment: What We Check and Why

A routine eye test is about more than just reading letters on a chart. At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we offer comprehensive eye health assessments that check the full health of your eyes—inside and out.


Many serious eye conditions can develop without symptoms. A proper exam lets us catch issues early, even before they affect your vision.

What’s Included in a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

  • External and internal slit lamp examination; Checking the front and back of your eye
  • Scans of the macula, optic nerve, and peripheral retina; OCT when indicated and ultra-wide field retinal scans for thorough care
  • Intraocular pressure testing; Important for detecting glaucoma
  • Visual field testing (automated perimetry, where indicated)
  • Discussion of lifestyle, medications, and risk factors

If we find anything concerning, we’ll guide you through your next steps, whether that’s lifestyle advice, treatment, or a referral.


Why Does It Matter?

Many eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy can develop silently in the early stages. These tests allow us to detect signs of change early, when treatment is most effective.


Want peace of mind about your eye health? Book a comprehensive eye exam with VISION Michael Hare Optometrists today and let’s make sure everything is in sharp focus.


Related Articles:

  • Glaucoma; The Sneaky Eye Disease
  • Diabetes and Your Eyes: Why Regular Checks Matter
  • How Often Should I Get My Eyes Tested?

References:

  • Keel S et al. National Eye Health Survey. British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2019.
  • Optometry Australia. The Importance of Regular Comprehensive Eye Examinations. 2024.
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology. Preferred Practice Guidelines – Comprehensive Adult Eye Evaluation. 2020.

Contact Lenses: What Are My Options?

Contact lenses offer crisp vision and freedom from glasses—but with so many options available, how do you know what’s right for you? At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we help you navigate your choices to find lenses that suit your eyes, lifestyle, and vision needs.


Soft Lenses

Soft lenses are the most commonly prescribed and come in several options:

  • Daily disposables: The most comfortable and hygienic option. Perfect for sensitive eyes, allergy sufferers, or anyone looking for low maintenance. Backed by research as the safest type of contact lens wear.
  • Fortnightly/monthly lenses: More affordable for regular wearers but require more care. These lenses are safe and effective when used correctly but may carry slightly more risk of dryness or infection.
  • Toric lenses: Designed to correct astigmatism.
  • Multifocal lenses: Provide clear vision at all distances, ideal for those needing both near and distance focus.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

RGP lenses offer crisp, stable vision, especially for people with higher prescriptions or irregularly shaped corneas. They last longer than soft lenses but can take a little longer to adapt to.


Specialty Lenses

We also offer more tailored options, such as:

  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Custom-fit lenses worn overnight to correct myopia during the day. Great for active adults and a leading option for slowing myopia progression in kids.
  • Scleral lenses: Larger lenses that rest on the white of the eye, ideal for managing dry eye or conditions like keratoconus.


What to Expect

Your journey starts with a thorough contact lens assessment, including vision testing, sometimes corneal mapping, and trial lenses to test comfort and vision. We’ll teach you how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses safely.


Contact lenses are a great option for many people, even if you’ve been told you weren’t suitable in the past. Book a contact lens consultation at VISION Michael Hare Optometrists and discover what’s possible.


Related Articles

  • Orthokeratology: Clear Vision While You Sleep
  • Glasses for Everyday: Why Simpler Can Be Better

References:

  • Morgan PB, Woods CA, Tranoudis IG, et al. International Contact Lens Prescribing in 2022. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. 2023.
  • Nichols JJ, Fisher B, et al. Contact Lenses 2022. Optometry and Vision Science. 2022.
  • Schornack MM. Scleral Lenses: A Review. Eye & Contact Lens. 2015.

Diabetes and Your Eyes: Why Regular Checks Matter

If you have diabetes, type 1 or type 2, it’s important to keep an eye on your eyes.


High blood sugar can damage the delicate blood vessels at the back of the eye, leading to diabetic retinopathy, macular swelling, or even permanent vision loss. The tricky part? It often starts with no symptoms at all.


Why Regular Diabetic Eye Checks Matter:

  • Diabetic eye disease can be silent at first.
  • Early detection gives the best chance to protect your vision.
  • Medicare covers diabetic eye exams for eligible patients.
  • We coordinate with your GP or specialist for complete care.

Even if your blood sugars are well managed, regular eye exams are essential.


What’s Involved in Your Exam?


At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we perform a comprehensive diabetic eye health assessment, including:

  • Ultra-wide field retinal scans of your macula and optic nerve
  • OCT imaging, if needed, to detect swelling or structural changes
  • Detailed assessment of retinal blood vessels, macula, and peripheral retina
  • A report shared with your doctor as part of your ongoing care

Protect your long-term vision with regular diabetic eye exams. Book your appointment with VISION Michael Hare Optometrists today, we’ll keep your vision on track.


Related Articles:

  • Comprehensive Eye Health Assessment
  • Eyes After 60: What Changes and What to Watch
  • Blurry Vision: Sudden or Gradual?

References:

  • Yau JWY et al. Global prevalence and major risk factors of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes Care. 2012.
  • Optometry Australia. Clinical Diabetes Eye Exam Guidelines. 2023.
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology. Diabetic Eye Disease PPP. 2022.

Dry Eye Treatment Options: What Works?

Dry eye can be more than just annoying, it can make reading, working, or even enjoying the outdoors uncomfortable. At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we offer a full suite of treatment options tailored to your needs.


What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. It can result from age, medications, hormonal changes, screen use, or certain health conditions.


Your Treatment Options

We assess the type and cause of your dry eye before recommending the most effective treatment. Options include:

  • Low Level Light Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that stimulates oil glands and improves tear quality.
  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Targets inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction to improve long-term comfort.
  • Anti-inflammatory drops: Prescription options reduce inflammation that contributes to dry eye.
  • Lid hygiene treatments: We offer Blephex lid cleaning and Blephasteam therapy to treat eyelid inflammation (blepharitis).
  • Lubricating eye drops: These can relieve symptoms in the short term and are often the first step. While they don’t manage the underlying cause of dryness, they offer temporary relief.
  • Punctal plugs: Tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to keep natural tears on the eye longer.
  • Lacrimal lavage: The opposite of punctal plugs, this procedure clears out the tiny drainage tubes that let the tear film drain into the nasal cavity. Blockages here can cause constant watery eyes.


What to Expect

We’ll start with a comprehensive dry eye assessment to understand the root cause. From there, we create a personalised treatment plan to get your eyes feeling comfortable again.


Dry eye is common, but with the right care, it doesn’t have to affect your lifestyle. Book a dry eye consultation at VISION Michael Hare Optometrists today.


Related Articles

  • Sore Eyes: Sudden or Gradual?
  • Blurry Vision: Sudden or Gradual?

References:

  • Stapleton F, Alves M, Bunya VY, et al. TFOS DEWS II Epidemiology Report. Ocul Surf. 2017.
  • Craig JP, Nichols KK, Akpek EK, et al. TFOS DEWS II Definition and Classification. Ocul Surf. 2017.
  • Piyacomn Y, Kasetsuwan N, et al. Efficacy of IPL and LLLT in Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2021.

Eye Injury: What to do

Got something in your eye or suffered a bump to the face? Eye injuries can range from minor irritations to emergencies.


Minor Injuries (like a small foreign object or minor scratch):

  • Gently rinse your eye with clean water or saline.
  • Avoid rubbing your eye as this can make things worse.
  • If irritation persists, book an eye exam with VISION Michael Hare Optometrists.

Potential Emergencies:

  • Eye pain after a blunt injury.
  • Sudden vision changes (blurry or double vision).
  • Blood in the white of the eye.
  • Chemical burns (from household cleaners, battery acid, etc.).

If you suspect a serious injury or it’s after hours, head straight to the Gold Coast University Hospital emergency department.


What to Avoid:

  • Don’t try to remove embedded objects yourself.
  • Don’t apply pressure to the eye.
  • Don’t use unprescribed drops or ointments.

Book a prompt assessment at VISION Michael Hare Optometrists to ensure your eye heals safely and effectively.


Related Articles:

  • Sore Eyes: Sudden or Gradual?
  • Flashes: What Do They Mean?

References:

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye Trauma Guidelines. 2019.
  • Kuhn F et al. Traumatic eye injuries: epidemiology and classification. Eye. 2020.

Eye Tests for Kids: What’s Involved and Why It Matters

Children rely on their vision to learn, play, and grow. But many vision problems go unnoticed, especially in younger kids who may not know how to describe what they’re seeing. That’s why regular eye tests are so important, even if everything seems fine.


At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we make eye tests fun and age-appropriate. Our team is experienced with children of all ages, from toddlers to teens.



Why Test Their Eyes?

  • Vision develops rapidly in early childhood.
  • Kids often don’t complain, they assume everyone sees the same way.
  • Early detection helps prevent learning delays, behavioural concerns, and long-term vision problems.
  • Even if your child sees well, an eye test helps us understand how hard their eyes are working to maintain that clarity.

What’s Involved in a Kid’s Eye Test?

  • Vision testing for both distance and near
  • Binocular vision assessment;. how well the eyes work together
  • Eye health check, using gentle, kid-friendly techniques
  • Colour vision and focusing skills
  • Discussion about reading, schoolwork, or behaviour


If glasses are needed, we’ll guide you through the best options. We also offer vision therapy and myopia control where appropriate.


Related Articles

  • What Is Myopia?
  • Vision Therapy: What Is It and Who Needs It?
  • School Screening Report; What Next?

References:

  • Optometry Australia. Paediatric Eye Health and Vision Care Guidelines. 2016.
  • Vision Initiative. Children’s Eye Health Facts. Centre for Eye Research Australia.
  • Wallace DK et al. Visual acuity assessment and vision screening in children. Pediatrics. 2018.