Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do allergies directly affect the eyes?

A: Chronic allergies may lead to permanent damage to the tissue of your eye and eyelids. If left untreated, it may even cause scarring of the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the inner eyelid that extends to the whites of the eyes. Ocular allergies can make contact lens wear almost impossible and is one of the many causes of contact lens drop-out. Most common allergy medications will tend to dry out the eyes, and relying on nasal sprays containing corticosteroids can increase the pressure inside your eyes, causing other complications such as glaucoma.

Q: What is blue light and why is it dangerous?

A: Blue light is part of visible light and close to UV on the light spectrum. It is naturally produced by the sun, used in fluorescent light bulbs and emitted by LED screens on computer monitors, tablets, and smartphones. The eyes’ natural filters do not block blue light and chronic exposure can cause age – related macular degeneration. Evidence also shows that blue light exposure can lead to sleep problems.

Q: What causes my eyes to water when I exercise?

A: When our eyes water this is often a sign of dry eyes. If the tear film is off balance, this can cause excessive tearing. The cause of dry eyes is multi-factorial: It is possible you are dehydrated or sometimes it can be the environment you are exercising in. Air from a fan can be drying, or if you are outside exercising that may cause dryness. If your vision also becomes blurred when you are exercising, this may be a sign of a more serious condition. It is important to have a regular examination to ensure your eye are healthy, and we can recommend some dry eye treatments if that appears to be the cause of the excessive tearing.