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We are deep into the winter Olympics and Canada is doing great! We are very proud of our athletes.
This month's newsletter features a story about a visually impaired Olympic athlete from our neighbours to the South, a video blog on safety eyewear, kids in contact lenses and how to deal with puffy eyes.
Have a great February and we'll see you next month,
Dr. Tom Wilk, Dr Michele Naruszewicz and Associates
In case you didn't get a chance to read our last newsletter, click here to view it.
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OLYMPIC BOBSLEDDER RECOVERS FROM VISION LOSS TO MEDAL AGAIN AT SOCHI
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Most of us would be devastated if we gradually started to lose  our vision early in life. Imagine what it must be like for an Olympic athlete whose career is focused on piloting a 1,200 pound bobsled down an icy track at upwards of 150km/hr?
For Steven Holcomb, a member of the 4-man US Olympic Bobsled team, no imagination was necessary - he lived it.
Diagnosed with keratoconus (an eye disease involving a progressive thinning and distortion of the cornea) at an early age, Steven battled depression and even survived a suicide attempt as the prospect of losing his place on the American Olympic team loomed closer. While not every case of keratoconus leads to blindness, Holcomb had a particularly aggressive form of the condition. As his eyesight worsened he tried everything and visited several specialists, none of which could do anything to improve his vision. To avoid getting cut from the team he kept his condition hidden, and memorized eye charts to be able to pass the mandatory vision tests for athletes. Eventually his vision...
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There are many reasons for puffy eyes. The skin of the eyelids is the thinnest in the body. For this reason any swelling underneath the lids or discoloration may be quite obvious.
What causes this?
- Overconsumption of salt, which causes fluid retention
- Allergies/infections that can cause inflammation and swelling
- Sinus problems
- Dehydration
- Fatigue and lack of sleep
- Stress
- Crying
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WHEN CAN MY CHILD START WEARING CONTACT LENSES?
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Here's a very common question often asked of our eye doctors: "at what age can my son or daughter start wearing contacts?"
While there is no minimum age at which the eye becomes "ready" to be able to handle a contact lens, the answer to this question will vary depending on the situation. Factors we consider include the following: what the lenses will be used for, the type of prescription your child has, and his or her maturity level.
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