Patient FAQs

Dr. Karla Reimer answers your eyecare questions:

What’s the best way to look after my eyes while I’m travelling?

Dr. Reimer: Breaking your glasses or losing a contact is annoying at the best of times. But if it happens while you’re on vacation, the consequences can be devastating. Prepare yourself:

• See your optometrist, update your glasses prescription and keep a written copy with you.
• Order a supply of daily disposable contacts to last your trip – a new pair every day, and no solution required. Never sleep in your contacts.
• Bring sunglasses that offer UV protection.
• Pack a spare pair of glasses, contact lenses and lubricating eyedrops in your carry-on.
• Avoid swimming with your contacts as ocean or pool water can be contaminated.
• If you develop an eye infection, stop wearing your contacts and switch to glasses. See a local optometrist or doctor immediately.

Enjoy your trip!

Is it true that eating carrots will improve your eyesight?

Dr. Reimer: While eating carrots won’t reduce your need for glasses, a diet rich in carrots and other vegetables is great for the long-term health of your eyes. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for night vision and helps prevent dry eye syndrome, cataracts and macular degeneration. It is found in many colorful fruits and vegetables such as apricots, papaya, and tomatoes as well as in fortified milk, beef, chicken, cod liver oil and eggs. Research suggests that obtaining a combination of nutrients from a variety of food sources provides the best results for slowing the progression of eye diseases. So do your eyes a favor and ensure that your diet includes a rich assortment of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and healthy oils.

Why not start annual summer eye exams for you and your children?

Dr. Reimer: Given that 80 percent of all learning happens visually, an eye exam is a very small step parents can which can potentially have a massive impact toward ensuring their children thrive at school and play. September will be busy enough – beat the back to school rush and book your child’s annual eye exam today. Eye exams for children under 18 are covered by the Medical Services Plan of BC every year.

During the summer, remember that it’s also important for children to wear hats and UV blocking sunglasses when outdoors. This protects their developing eyes from the cumulative UV damage that can cause cataract and age related macular degeneration later in life. See you this summer!

Sun Protection Starts in Childhood

Dr. Reimer: More than just a fashion accessory, sunglasses protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. Children’s eyes are actually more susceptible to damage from UV because their eyes are not fully developed and their lenses transmit more UV than an adult’s lens. And because children tend to spend more time outdoors than most adults, it’s estimated nearly half of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV rays can take place before age 18.Sun damage to the eye accumulates year after year, so unprotected children are at an increased risk of eye-related disorders such as macular degeneration and cataracts later in life. The good news is that sun protection in the form of sunglasses and hats can reduce damage and these conditions. Providing protection and developing that habit at a young age helps maintain healthy eyes over the years. That’s why it’s a good idea for everyone – young and old – to wear UV absorbing sunglasses.

Why buy a second pair of glasses?

Dr. Reimer: When faced with the question of whether to buy a new frame or re-use their old one, people will often think only of the immediate cost savings and use their old frame again. However, being dependent on one pair of glasses can put you in an awkward position if you lose or break them and there are many practical reasons why you should consider owning more than one pair.

1. Task-specific pairs of glasses optimized for activities such as golfing, computer, crafts, or reading make both work and play more enjoyable.

2. All professional drivers should have a spare pair of glasses with them when on the road.

3. Many people enjoy having a choice of frames – for different activities, or just for different “looks”.

4. Anyone who wears reading glasses will tell you an extra pair(s) is worth the cost.

5. Being forced to buy a new pair of glasses in a hurry may mean limited choices while imposing the expense on you when you least expect it.

So next time you consider replacing your glasses, keep these things in mind. And always keep your most recent pair in case of emergency!

Is it true that eating carrots will improve your eyesight?

Dr. Reimer: While eating carrots won’t reduce your need for glasses, a diet rich in carrots and other vegetables is great for the long-term health of your eyes. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for night vision and helps prevent dry eye syndrome, cataracts and macular degeneration. It is found in many colorful fruits and vegetables such as apricots, papaya, and tomatoes as well as in fortified milk, beef, chicken, cod liver oil and eggs. Research suggests that obtaining a combination of nutrients from a variety of food sources provides the best results for slowing the progression of eye diseases. So do your eyes a favor and ensure that your diet includes a rich assortment of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and healthy oils.