Vision and Learning – How Eyes Affect the Classroom

Amblyopia, also known as "lazy eye," is a common childhood vision condition where one eye does not develop normal visual clarity. While the eye often appears healthy, the brain uses the stronger eye and begins to suppress the weaker one. This condition affects around 2-3% of children and can lead to permanent vision impairment if not treated early. Causes of Amblyopia Strabismus (eye turn): Misalignment of the eyes causes the brain to suppress one eye to avoid double vision. Unequal refractive error: One eye is significantly more long- or short-sighted than the other, leading to imbalance. Visual deprivation: Conditions like cataracts can block vision in one eye and prevent proper development.

Short-sightedness, or myopia, means distant objects look blurry while near ones are clear. It’s becoming more common—especially in kids—and can get worse over time. Why Does Myopia Happen? Myopia often starts in childhood or the teenage years. Genetics play a role, but lifestyle factors contribute too—like lots of near work (reading, study, or screen time) and limited outdoor activities. What Are the Signs? Blurry distance vision Squinting to see the board or TV Headaches or tired eyes after close-up tasks 

Watery eyes might seem like the opposite of dry eyes—but they’re often caused by the same underlying issue: your tears aren’t working as they should. If your eyes are constantly tearing up, feel irritated, or you’re always reaching for a tissue, it might be time to get things checked out. What Causes Watery Eyes? Excessive tearing can happen for a few common reasons: Dry Eye Syndrome – If your tear film isn’t up to scratch, your eyes may produce more watery tears to compensate for irritation. Blocked Tear Ducts – When the drainage system isn’t working properly, tears can’t flow into your nose and overflow instead. Ingrowing Eyelashes – More common as we get older, these can scratch the eye and trigger constant watering. Foreign Bodies – A speck of dust or grit stuck under the eyelid can cause reflex tearing. Allergies or Irritants – Wind, smoke, or pollen can set off excess tearing. Infections or Eyelid Problems – Conditions like blepharitis or a turned-in eyelid (entropion) can irritate the eye’s surface. 

Vision therapy is a structured program designed to improve how your eyes and brain work together. It’s not just about seeing clearly, it’s about how effectively your visual system functions and how your eyes work in coordination with each other. Who Might Benefit? Vision therapy can help both children and adults. It’s often recommended for people who experience: Eye coordination difficulties (like convergence insufficiency) Focusing problems or visual fatigue Amblyopia (commonly known as “lazy eye”) Eye movement issues that affect reading and tracking Visual processing delays that impact learning Even if someone has clear vision on a standard eye chart, they might still struggle with how their eyes work together or how well they focus over time. 

In Australia, the sun doesn’t take a season off and neither should your eye protection. UV exposure is a leading cause of several serious eye conditions, including pterygium, cataracts, and macular degeneration. And it’s not just about those bright sunny days; UV rays can be just as harmful when it’s cloudy or overcast. What Can UV Damage Do to Your Eyes? Accelerates cataract development Increases the risk of macular degeneration Causes pterygium (aka “surfer’s eye”) Can lead to photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye) May worsen dry eye symptoms What Makes Good Sunglasses? At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we recommend sunglasses that offer: 100% UV protection (look for category 3 or 4 lenses) Wraparound designs to block peripheral light Polarised lenses to reduce glare, especially when driving or near water High-quality optics , like Maui Jim lenses with colour-enhancing and anti-glare features We also offer Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses , which combine built-in eye protection with wearable tech. Ask us about our low vision training sessions too!

We all know that sunglasses not only make you look fantastic, but they're also essential for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists, we pride ourselves on helping you find the perfect pair that balances both style and long-term sun safety. Why UV Protection Matters Just like your skin, your eyes can suffer serious damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Long-term exposure increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and growths like pterygium, especially in sunny places like Australia. That’s why choosing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays is key for safeguarding your vision in the years to come. 

If you’ve ever wondered why one pair of glasses costs more than another, you’re not alone. At VISION Michael Hare Optometrists , we believe in transparency, so here’s a summary of what affects the price of your specs. 1. Your Prescription This is often the biggest factor. Higher prescriptions usually require thinner , more complex lens designs or materials, like high-index lenses, to keep them light and comfortable. So, the stronger your prescription, the more you might pay for your lenses. 2. Lens Material Lenses come in various materials, and each affects the price: Standard plastic: Affordable, but can be thicker for strong prescriptions. Polycarbonate: Lighter and impact-resistant , ideal for kids or safety wear. High-index: Ultra-thin for strong prescriptions, offering a more refined look. Choosing the right material impacts not only the price, but also the weight, durability, and safety of your lenses. 3. Lens Coatings & Options Coatings play a big role in performance and cost: Anti-reflective: Ideal for night driving or computer use, reducing glare. Photochromic: Transitions lenses that darken in sunlight, perfect for those on the go. Blue light filters: Great for screen-heavy lifestyles, reducing eye strain. Multifocals: For those needing both distance and reading correction. The more advanced the lens, the higher the cost, but also the better the performance. 4. Frame Style & Brand Designer frames or premium materials, like titanium , will naturally come at a higher price, but we also offer great-value options that look stylish and are built to last. Whether you’re after something high-end or budget-friendly, there’s a frame for everyone. 5. Sunglass Options Prescription sunglasses come in various styles, including tints, mirror coatings, and polarised lenses . Brands like Maui Jim offer lenses that reduce glare and improve colour contrast , especially helpful for driving or time on the water. These options will add to the price, but they’re an investment in both your eye health and style. We also offer Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, combining prescription lenses with smart tech features. A perfect fusion of fashion and function!

Eye discomfort can happen suddenly, like after a splash of cleaning product, or gradually, such as dry, scratchy sensations over weeks. Sudden Sore Eyes Sudden soreness may be caused by: Foreign bodies (dust, sand, metal) Chemical exposure Infections like conjunctivitis If you experience severe pain , vision changes , or suspect a chemical injury , seek immediate care . 

Most people know smoking affects the lungs and heart, but did you know it’s also a major risk factor for serious eye disease? Smoking restricts blood flow, increases oxidative stress, and reduces the availability of protective antioxidants in the eye. This increases your risk of developing vision-threatening conditions. Eye Conditions Linked to Smoking: Macular degeneration: Smokers are up to 4x more likely to develop AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration). Cataracts: Smoking doubles your risk, especially for nuclear cataracts . Dry eye disease: Worsened by toxins and reduced tear film stability. Retinal vascular damage: Higher risk of diabetic retinopathy and blood vessel changes. Delayed healing: After eye surgery or injury. Even passive smoking increases the risk for children developing eye problems like strabismus and allergic conjunctivitis .