EyeMark Newsletters

When your eye twitches, does it mean you will receive riches or bad news, someone is saying something bad or something complimentary about you? Superstitions and myths around eye twitching exist in many cultures around the world. They range from predicting an unexpected visitor to needing to pay a debt, and vary depending on whether they are experienced by a male or a female, in the left or right eye, what time of day they happen, and even in which part of the eye they occur. Whether one believes there is a meaning behind them or simply feels that they are an annoyance, everyone experiences eye twitches at one time or another. An eye twitch or eyelid spasm is a repetitive, involuntary contraction of the eyelid muscle. Episodes of twitching are unpredictable, typically occurring every few seconds and stopping on their own after a few minutes. They may appear on and off for a day or two and then not for weeks or months, although occasionally chronic twitching could be experienced all day for weeks. The upper eyelid is affected more often than the lower lid, but twitching can occur in both or either. Strong spasms could cause the eyelids to close completely and then reopen rather than twitching. Most twitches are painless and harmless, and will resolve without intervention, but in rare cases eyelid spasms may be an early sign of an underlying health condition.       The exact causes of eyelid twitching are unknown, but certain lifestyle factors...

Each season brings with it changes in nature which in turn have an impact on us and our health. Winter brings a unique set of challenges for our eyes. In winter, we are vulnerable to illnesses which often affect our eye health, and seasonal eye problems occur frequently during the winter months. The air is drier, the days are shorter, and we spend more time indoors, which can affect the quality and comfort of our vision. By taking a few simple steps, we can protect our eyes from the elements in winter. COLD DRY AIR       Dry eye is one of the most common problems in winter. Coupled with the lower humidity levels in cold winter air and the dryness of heated air indoors, the eyes feel sore, itchy, gritty and uncomfortable. Some people suffer from dry eye only in winter, but for people who suffer from the condition year-round it seems to worsen during the cold winter months. Use eye drops or artificial tears to help lubricate the eyes and ease the discomfort. If you already use eye drops to soothe dry eyes, you may have to use them more frequently in winter. Set up a humidifier in the home or working environment, and open the windows, even briefly, to introduce fresh air into the room. Alternatively, place a bowl of water near to heaters or air conditioners to humidify the air. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water which is essential for overall as well as eye...

As shortsightedness, myopia, continues to rise significantly and occur in younger and younger children, vision correction in children has become increasingly necessary. In recent years, frames have become trendy and attractive, and children are more comfortable and less self-conscious about wearing glasses. However, for a variety of reasons, contact lenses are often a more popular alternative to glasses. Understandably, parents have questions about this option for their young children. HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG FOR CONTACT LENSES? Your optometrist will need to assess the suitability of contact lenses for your particular child. Most eye care professionals agree that children as young as 8 years old can safely wear them. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), approximately 14.5 percent of all children under 17 years of age wear contact lenses, 2% of these are 9 years or younger, 7% are 10-12 years, 13% are 13-14 years and 19% are 15-17 years old. More important than the age of the child are factors such as the prescription, daily activities, personal hygiene habits and ability to handle responsibility, particularly the responsibility of contact lens care. A child’s motivation, as well as their maturity level, are generally reliable indicators of their readiness to wear contact lenses. WHICH CONTACT LENS OPTION IS BEST FOR MY CHILD?       The two general categories of contact lenses are soft and rigid gas permeable. Soft contact lenses are the most common contact lenses worn. They are made of soft, flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through...

Our eyes reveal our inner state whether we want them to or not. They play a critical role in communication, conveying emotions, intentions, and thoughts, often communicating far more than words can and offering valuable insights for which words may be inadequate. The subtle movements and changes in the eyes convey micro expressions and messages which we are unable to manipulate and are often unaware of, because they are involuntary and out of our control. The eyes are powerful tools that shape understanding and connection, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers, adding depth to verbal and non-verbal communication.       Eye contact is one of the fundamental components of non-verbal communication. The purpose of eye contact is to create a give-and-take relationship. Direct eye contact conveys mutual respect between individuals, shows that the individuals are interested and engaged in the conversation, establishes empathy and creates bonds between people. It helps us understand and learn more about each other, conveys confidence and professionalism, helps establish trust and credibility, and enhances the effectiveness of the message. Avoidance of eye contact, on the other hand, may reveal discomfort, anxiety, irritation, disinterest, or a sense of intimidation or threat. While eye contact is important, it is equally important to be aware of factors such as the setting, the relationship between the individuals and cultural variations. Knowing the appropriate amount of eye contact can be challenging. What is regarded as acceptable in some cultures may be interpreted as confrontational or disrespectful in others. The appropriate amount...

To many South Africans, April represents a glorious string of public holidays - or the most frustratingly unproductive month of the year. But if we look back into the history books, it’s way more than that. For example, the first modern Olympic Games were held in April 1896 after the ancient Olympians took a bit of a break... 1500 years, to be precise. 280 athletes - all male - were in attendance, representing 12 countries. When it was all over, the United States topped the medal table with 11 golds. Apollo 13 was launched on 11 April 1970, launching with it the catchphrase to be quoted by everyone forever: “Houston, we have a problem.” We also have a blockbuster with Tom Hanks at his most heroic, but that only came in 1995. Another less than successful voyage, the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. Again, the movie took decades to reach us. And like the unstoppable “Houston” catchphrase, once it arrived there was no getting rid of it. Also on the space front, Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space on 12 April 1961. His Space Race victory was followed by America’s first man in space less than a month later - and JFK’s declaration that a man would walk on the moon before the end of the decade. (But did it happen? That’s another debate for another time...) Speaking of the U.S., the first dictionary of “American-style English” was published by Webster in April 1828. Almost two centuries later,...

Vision is a cornerstone of success in sport for both professional and recreational players, enabling them to react quickly, make precise movements, and strategise in the moment during the game. Whether it’s tracking a fast-moving ball, maintaining balance, or anticipating an opponent’s next move, a range of dynamic visual skills is as vital to peak performance as strength, speed, and endurance. VISUAL SKILLS FOR SPORTS PERFORMANCE Visual Acuity Visual acuity is the sharpness or clarity of a person’s vision over certain distances. Dynamic visual acuity is crucial for recognising small details with precision and for identifying fast-moving objects. Eye Tracking Eye tracking allows a player to keep the eyes fixed on a moving object without moving the head, enabling him to maintain balance and respond quickly to a situation. Eye Focusing The ability to change focus quickly and accurately between two distances is essential for sports that require looking at a goal in the distance while maintaining focus on what is up close Peripheral Vision While focusing on a target is crucial, being able to see “out of the corner of the eye” enables players to be aware of what is going on around them and to alert them to opportunities and unexpected changes at the edge of their field of vision. Depth Perception Depth perception is the ability to quickly and accurately judge the speed and distance of objects, allowing a player to estimate the location of a ball, boundary lines and other players on the field. Spatial Awareness Spatial...

While prescription glasses might seem like something of the recent past, the idea of correcting poor vision has been around for centuries. Some experts believe that in one form or another, glasses have been around since the beginning of time, with ancient Egyptians thought to have used them as early as 2000 BC. Over the centuries, correcting vision has evolved from simple correction via glass manipulation to full correction with specialty lenses crafted using advanced technology. Today, more than just a tool for correcting vision, glasses are a reflection of personal style, fashion trends and technological innovation. THROUGH THE CENTURIES       Salvino D’Armate is generally accredited with the invention of glasses in the 13th century. The early version of glasses did not have a specific corrective power but did help people with poor vision to see better. Glasses as we know them today began appearing in the late 1800s. Since then, there have been numerous transformations ranging from the monocle and pince-nez through glasses held up to the eyes and the introduction of new materials for frames. The 18th century was the Golden Age of glasses, a time of the flourishing of the arts and consequent demands of society for vision correction. New materials for frames continued to advance and in 1868 with the invention of celluloid, affordability and durability of frames made glasses accessible to a broader spectrum of the population. It was during the 20th century that glasses were no longer considered solely for vision correction but...

In recent years, the amount of time people spend on all types of digital devices has significantly increased, leading to computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain, and affecting over 50% of people, including both children and adults.       Computer vision syndrome is not one specific problem, but rather a range of symptoms of eye discomfort that occur after focusing on a screen for a prolonged period of time. Many of the visual symptoms experienced are temporary and will decline after stopping or taking a break from computer work or use of the digital device. However, some individuals may experience continued reduced visual abilities and if nothing is done to address the cause of the problem, the symptoms will continue to recur and perhaps worsen with future screen use. With prolonged time spent on a computer or digital device, the eye movements required place increased demands on the visual system and the eyes need to work harder to perform effectively. Moving back and forth, looking down at papers then back up to the screen, reacting to changing moving images, they are constantly shifting focus and sending rapidly varying images to the brain. Added to that, there is flicker and glare from the screen and incorrect viewing angles and distances. We tend to blink less frequently when staring at screens, causing the eyes to become dry. Over time, the eyes begin to feel tired, dry and itchy, there may be excessive watering, blurred or double vision, and associated headaches, neck...

It has been said that eye health begins on the plate. The same foods that maintain heart and general health will help keep the eyes healthy. The eyes rely on tiny arteries for oxygen and nutrients, just as the rest of the body relies on much larger blood vessels. While some nutrients keep the eyes healthy, others have been found to reduce the risk of eye diseases. Carrots have long been celebrated as the quintessential eye food, but there is a whole world of other foods that promote and support eye health. ANTIOXIDANTS Oxidation is among the causes of cell aging. Antioxidants are nutrients that play a critical role in eye health, by slowing down the process of oxidation and removing potentially damaging oxidising agents from the body. Among the nutrients that fall into the category of antioxidants are lutein and zeaxanthin which accumulate in the retina and protect the macula against oxidative stress, vitamin C which supports the health of blood vessels, vitamin E which promotes the health of the cells, and vitamin A which is vital nutrient for the photoreceptors in the eyes and helps maintain moisture on the surface of the eyes. Foods rich in antioxidants include Swiss chard and other green leafy vegetables, avocados, citrus fruits and brightly coloured fruits, goji berries, pistachios, black currants, sweet potatoes, almonds and sunflower seeds. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS       Chronic inflammation is a contributor to many eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. Turmeric has been called the “golden...

From the moment we open our eyes as newborns to the challenges of age-related visual decline in later years, the journey of eyesight is a remarkable testament to the complex sense of sight. Vision evolves and changes throughout our lives, adapting to the needs and challenges of each life stage and shaping how we perceive the world around us. Understanding how our eyesight changes over time can help us protect and optimise it, ensuring clear vision and eye health at every age. INFANCY       Newborns enter the world with limited vision. They are able to focus on objects only about 20 to 30 centimetres away, just enough to see their caregiver’s face during feeding and bonding. In the first few weeks the baby appears to be cross-eyed as the eyes learn to work together. Over the first few months of life, the visual system develops rapidly. By 6 months of age most babies have achieved visual acuity, eye coordination, depth perception and the ability to track moving objects, skills that are crucial for the development of hand-eye coordination. Newborn babies are unable to perceive colour, and it takes a few months for colour vision to develop. Infancy and early childhood are critical periods for eye health. If not detected and treated early, eye problems at this stage can lead to developmental problems. An eye examination at six months of age involves observing how the eyes react to light, work together and are able to follow a moving object, ensuring...