Millennials, Presbyopia, and the Sudden Need for Longer Arms
You’re not old. Let’s be clear about that.
But lately, your phone seems easier to read when held further away. Menus in dim restaurants are a challenge. And somehow the “larger font” setting on your phone has quietly become permanent. If this sounds familiar, welcome to presbyopia — a completely normal change in vision that typically begins to affect you in your early-to-mid 40s.
At CapitalEyes in Karori, this is one of the most common reasons millennials visit us for an eye examination.
What is presbyopia (and why is it happening now)?
Inside your eye is a natural lens that adjusts focus depending on where you’re looking.
When you’re younger, this lens is flexible and easily focuses on your phone, laptop, or a book. Gradually through your life, the lens gradually becomes less flexible, more noticeable from age 40 onwards. This makes focusing on close objects more difficult.
Common early signs include:
Holding your phone further away
Difficulty reading small print
Needing brighter light to read
Increasing font sizes on devices
Eye strain with screen use
It’s not your imagination. It’s not screen damage. And you didn’t cause it.
It’s simply a normal part of how eyes age.
Why millennials often notice presbyopia sooner
Millennials are the first generation to spend most of the day switching between multiple screens — phones, laptops, tablets, and desktop monitors.
This constant near focus makes even small changes in focusing ability more noticeable. You might find yourself adjusting screen distance more often, increasing font sizes, or feeling more visual fatigue at the end of the day.
Many people initially assume this is just “screen strain” or tired eyes. But often, early presbyopia is the underlying reason.
The good news is that the right glasses can make screen use comfortable again, reducing strain and restoring clear, relaxed vision throughout your workday.
“I’m just using cheap reading glasses — and they work fine”
This is something we hear every day from patients in Karori and across Wellington.
Ready-made reading glasses from pharmacies or discount stores can help because they provide extra magnification. They’re often the first step once presbyopia begins.
But they’re a compromise, because they:
Assume both eyes are identical (they rarely are)
Don’t correct astigmatism
Aren’t tailored to your working distances
Can cause eye strain or fatigue
Make distance vision blurry
They can be helpful occasionally, but they’re not designed for comfortable, all-day use.
Most people are surprised by how much clearer and more comfortable properly prescribed glasses feel.
Why an eye exam matters — especially after age 40
Presbyopia is normal. But age 40+ is also when eye health becomes more important.
Many eye conditions, including glaucoma, develop without obvious symptoms early on. Vision can be permanently affected before you notice anything is wrong.
A comprehensive eye examination at CapitalEyes is not rushed and includes:
Accurate prescription testing
Eye health assessment
Retinal imaging
Eye pressure measurement
Personalised recommendations
Time to answer your questions and understand your options
This ensures both clear vision and long-term eye health.
Modern solutions are much better than you might expect
Many people remember bifocals with a visible line. Fortunately, lens technology has improved enormously.
We regularly prescribe lenses that allow clear, comfortable vision for:
Phone use
Computer work
Reading
Driving
Everyday life
Options include:
Custom reading glasses
Multifocal lenses (with no visible lines)
Office and computer lenses
Multifocal contact lenses
The right solution depends on your eyes, your work, and your daily activities.
Our job is to help you find what works best for you.
Why choose CapitalEyes in Karori for presbyopia care
Presbyopia affects everyone differently, which is why personalised care makes such a difference.
At CapitalEyes, we take the time to understand how you use your eyes every day — whether that’s working on screens, meetings, driving, reading, or all of the above. We carefully measure your prescription and explain your options clearly, so you can make confident decisions.
Many of our patients from Karori and across Wellington tell us they didn’t realise how much easier life could be with the right lenses.
Clear, comfortable vision reduces fatigue, improves productivity, and makes everyday tasks enjoyable again.
Contact lenses and surgery — are they options?
For many people, multifocal contact lenses work extremely well and provide freedom from reading glasses.
Some people also explore laser surgery or blended vision correction. This isn’t suitable for everyone, and careful assessment is essential before considering it.
We can guide you through these options and help you understand what’s possible.
The good news — presbyopia is easy to manage
Presbyopia is not a disease. It’s a normal stage of life.
With the right correction, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision again — without constantly adjusting your phone distance or searching for better light.
Most patients tell us they wish they had come in sooner.
Book an eye exam in Karori, Wellington
If you live in Karori or the wider Wellington area and are noticing changes in your near vision, a comprehensive eye exam is the best next step.
At CapitalEyes, we take the time to:
Understand your vision needs
Explain everything clearly
Provide tailored solutions
Help you see comfortably again
Clear vision makes everyday life easier — and your eyes deserve expert care.
Book your eye exam with CapitalEyes in Karori today.
Kids & Screens – Finding the Right Balance for Growing Eyes
Parents often ask us at Visique CapitalEyes Optometrists in Karori about screen time for children. It can feel like a daily battle — and as with most things in parenting, it’s really about finding the right balance. (Just like too much chocolate isn’t ideal either!)
Screens are now part of everyday life for families. Smartphones, iPads, laptops and school devices are normal for our kids, and technology brings real benefits — learning, creativity and connection. At the same time, it’s sensible for parents to think about how screen use affects their child’s vision and eye health, especially while young eyes are still developing.
How does screen time affect children’s eyes?
It’s no secret that prolonged screen use can strain our eyes. Children’s eyes are more vulnerable than adults’ because they are still growing and adapting. Extended screen time can lead to symptoms such as:
Sore, dry, itchy or red eyes
Blurry vision
Headaches
Difficulty focusing
Some of these symptoms are temporary, but certain habits — particularly long hours of close work with limited outdoor time — can increase the risk of myopia (short‑sightedness) in children.
Large international studies have shown that the risk of myopia rises sharply after more than one hour of screen time per day, while spending around two hours outdoors daily helps protect young eyes. Simply put: if kids are on screens for several hours, they’re usually not outside — and outdoor time is incredibly important for eye development.
Common questions parents ask us
“My child spends so much time on devices — is it bad for their eyes?”
Potentially, yes — especially if screen time replaces outdoor play and regular breaks. Balance is key, along with good habits and regular eye checks.
“How close should my child hold a phone or iPad?”
Just like reading a book, devices should not be too close. A simple rule is the knuckle‑to‑elbow test:
Place your knuckle on your chin
The screen should sit roughly at your elbow
It’s an easy distance for children to check themselves — and for parents to ask “Is that too close?”
For watching a movie, choose the TV screen across the room, rather than the closer hand held device.
“Will screen time cause sore eyes?”
Quite possibly. Any prolonged, concentrated visual task can lead to eye strain. Regular breaks help, but it’s also important to rule out other causes such as:
Astigmatism or long‑sightedness (hyperopia)
Dry eye
Focusing or eye‑teaming difficulties
A comprehensive eye exam can identify whether anything else is contributing.
“What about blue light and blue‑light glasses?”
Screens emit blue light, which can interfere with sleep — especially if devices are used before bedtime. While there is no strong evidence that blue light causes permanent eye damage, it can contribute to visual discomfort and disrupted sleep patterns.
Ways to reduce blue light exposure include:
Adjusting screen settings or night mode
Reducing screen time, especially in the evening
Prescription glasses with blue‑light filtering (when clinically appropriate)
For younger children, reducing screen time is usually the healthiest option. There isn’t sufficient evidence to recommend non‑prescription blue‑light glasses for all children.
Screen time guidelines for children
Based on recommendations referenced by the New Zealand Paediatric Society, general guidance includes:
Under 2 years: no screen time
Ages 2–5: minimal screen time, with sessions up to 15 minutes
Ages 6–12: limited classroom use, sessions up to 20 minutes, and no more than one‑third of the school day
Ages 13–18: regular eye breaks every 20 minutes and frequent task changes
How parents can protect their child’s eye health
Follow the 20‑20‑20 rule
Every 20 minutes of screen use, take a 20‑second break and look at something about 6 metres away (the rule says 20 feet — it really just means “look far away”).
Encourage outdoor play
Spending time outdoors every day helps reduce the risk of developing and progressing myopia. Parks, bike rides, sports, walks — it all helps young eyes.
Create a screen‑free wind‑down before bed
Aim for no screens at least one hour before bedtime. Reading, drawing or quiet play helps sleep quality by allowing natural melatonin production.
Adjust screen settings
Use night mode or blue‑light filters, especially in the evening, to reduce visual strain.
Schedule regular eye checks
Routine eye examinations are essential for children. If you notice squinting, headaches, difficulty reading, or blurred vision, an eye exam can make a big difference — especially when issues are picked up early.
Why screens aren’t all bad
We’re not aiming for “no screens” — there are real positives when technology is used well:
Educational learning: Apps and online tools can support literacy, maths and curiosity
Social connection: Older children stay connected with friends and family
Creativity: Digital drawing, music and creative apps can spark new interests
The key is balance.
Our practical advice as optometrists (and parents)
For primary‑aged children, we generally recommend around one hour per day of recreational screen time outside of school. Interestingly, when screen time is limited, kids often focus more deeply on what really interests them.
Helpful household habits include:
Turning off home Wi‑Fi overnight
Keeping phones out of bedrooms
No phones at the dinner table
Parents leading by example (kids notice everything!)
Screen balance works best when it’s “do as I do” rather than “do as I say”.
Outdoor time with children can be fun for the whole family — gardening, watching sport, walking to a café, or bouncing on a trampoline. We really can have both digital time and outdoor time — and it’s good for everyone.
If you’d like personalised advice or a children’s eye examination, our friendly team at Visique CapitalEyes Optometrists in Karori is here to help.
Seeing Out 2025 with CapitalEyes
At CapitalEyes we’ve got flair to spare,
Five stylish staff with frames to wear.
Karori’s crew with vision and fun—
Keeping eyes sharp for everyone!
Leith
Leith strides in style, bold and black,
Tom Ford frames on a confident track.
Hoya progressives that shift with the light,
Diamond-coated lenses—sharp, crisp, and bright.
Kevin
Kevin’s Moscots sit clever and clean,
Essilor lenses built for the screen.
Prevencia sheen taming blue-light glare—
A modern optometrist’s thoughtful flair.
Simon
Simon wears weightless Monoqool blue,
3D printed, sleek through and through.
Essilor lenses sharpen his view—
A perfect match to his eyes’ own hue.
Juliana
Juliana’s style is timeless grace,
Tom Ford tortoiseshell framing her face.
Hoya diamond coat adds shimmer and shine—
Classic and polished, beautifully refined.
Seth
Seth in Garrett Leight—crafted just right,
Now made in Japan, a meaningful sight.
With Hoya lenses—heritage aligned—
A frame and story neatly intertwined.
So as the year wraps up, we cheer with delight—
Thanks for keeping us busy from morning till night.
To clients and suppliers—you're simply the best,
Enjoy the Kiwi summer, relax, refresh, and rest!
Credits (with a wink 😎)
✨ Our fabulous front team: Juliana, Simon & Seth – keeping things running with style and smiles
👓 Our optometrists – Leith and Kevin, who truly care about your eyes
🌏 Our wonderful clients – from Karori and everywhere beyond
📦 Our trusty suppliers – always there when we need them
📝 Poetry magic courtesy of ChatGPT – for making our words sparkle
Life is Short, choose the new glasses
There’s an old saying that goes, “Life is short.” While it’s often used to remind us to cherish the fleeting moments, make memories, and live with purpose, another view is —so why not choose the new glasses?
If you've been considering an update, now is a great time to visit Visique CapitalEyes Optometrists in Karori and find the perfect pair that suits your style and enhances your vision.
At CapitalEyes, we understand that glasses are more than just a functional accessory—they’re a key part of how you look and how you see the world. Whether you're upgrading your eyewear or visiting us for a comprehensive eye test, our Karori team are here to ensure that your glasses are the perfect fit for both your lifestyle and your vision needs.
A Stylish Reflection of Your Personality
When you choose new glasses, you're not just upgrading your vision; you're upgrading your style. Glasses have become a statement piece in fashion, and the right pair can express your personality, elevate your look, and make a lasting impression.
Whether you opt for bold, contemporary frames or something more classic, your glasses should reflect who you are. With the latest trends and a wide variety of frame styles and brands at Visique in Karori, you’re sure to find a pair that suits your style. Life is short, and what better way to embrace change than by wearing glasses that give you confidence and make you feel good every day?
Experience Clear Vision with Expert Optometrists in Karori, Wellington
If your current glasses aren’t providing the clarity you need, it might be time for an update. So with our expert eye care services, including comprehensive eye tests to help determine your current prescription. Our team of experienced optometrists will ensure that you have the best possible vision for all aspects of your life. Clear vision is important for both everyday tasks and enjoying the beauty around you. Whether it’s reading, driving, or simply seeing the world in vibrant detail, new glasses can make a huge difference..
A Small Change, Big Impact on Your Confidence
You may be surprised at how a new pair of glasses can completely change your outlook. A simple upgrade to your eyewear can refresh your entire appearance, boosting your confidence and making you feel more ready to take on the world. Glasses aren’t just about function; they’re about feeling your best and looking your best. This is true for all ages – kids with new glasses are also more confident, and most of us adults benefit from the boost too. Whether you're preparing for a new job, a big event, or simply want to treat yourself, new glasses are a great way to add that extra spark to your day-to-day life.
Why Wait? Schedule Your Appointment Today at Visique CapitalEyes Optometrists
Many people hesitate when it comes to replacing their glasses. Maybe you’re unsure of what style suits you, or you think you don’t need a new pair just yet. But the truth is, there’s never a perfect moment to upgrade your eyewear—there’s only now. Life is constantly moving forward, and waiting for the right time to treat yourself to something new only holds you back.
With personalised advice from qualified and trained staff to help you choose the glasses that are right for you, our team will guide you through the process, from eye exams to selecting the perfect frames, ensuring that your new glasses not only improve your vision but also fit your personal style.
Choose to See Life Differently with Visique CapitalEyes Optometrists
Life is short—so why not take a step towards clearer vision and a refreshed look? We offer a wide range of stylish glasses that can help you see life more clearly, both literally and figuratively. Don’t wait to make the change; book an eye test today and discover how a new pair of glasses can help you see the world in a whole new way. Your eyes will thank you!
Getting older - hello cataracts!
Getting older is a privilege — even if it comes with a few grey hairs, wrinkles, and creaky joints. By your 40s you’ve probably needed reading glasses, and by your 60s the word “cataract” has likely come up in conversation. When your vision becomes hazy or your glasses don’t seem to help as much, cataracts may be part of the picture.
How can you tell you have cataracts?
With cataracts the symptoms include noticing that it’s harder to see clearly, that you need good light and maybe it feels as if your glasses need cleaning. Phone torches become helpful, as contrast is reduced and steps in dim light become tricky too. Glare is more annoying and colours are less vivid, often more yellowed (think of Monets paintings as he was older - that’s the view with cataracts).
The vision changes slowly, so often for early cataracts, your optometrist will recommend annual reviews if the vision is still “too good” to refer for surgery.
Cataract is the lens becoming cloudy
When is it “bad enough” for cataract surgery?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, causing blurry or dim vision.
The understanding that you need to wait until your cataract is “ripe” or bad enough, is more a question of the risks of surgery vs the benefits of surgery.
If a person is meeting the vision standard for driving, and happy, then it’s probably not yet time for cataract surgery. But for others this same level of vision may be very difficult, and they are finding it all very problematic and referral for surgery is quite appropriate.
Access to cataract surgery in New Zealand
In NZ, those with health insurance or the ability to pay often choose private surgery at a time that suits them.
Most people, however, rely on our public health system. Public referrals use a points system, where reduced vision, lifestyle impact, and whether you’re still driving all contribute to your score. Even when you meet the criteria, there can still be a long wait — our ageing population is placing pressure on public eye clinics.
Your local optometrists in Karori can monitor cataracts and advise when surgery is needed
“I don’t think I want surgery, I would be too scared” - is a very normal concern
Cataract surgery is a very common procedure worldwide. Our NZ eye surgeons are excellent, with a very high standard of care and great results. It’s not a painful procedure and most people comment how quick the actual surgery was.
It’s day surgery so you go home that day, and then have a few weeks of regular eye drops. Then there is followup with your surgeon after the surgery.
After the surgery we hear comments, not only the expected clearer vision but also how bright the colours are, and that my face (or my partners) has so many more wrinkles now that I can see them.
How can optometrists help?
By having regular visits you will be able to understand about your vision changes. Sometimes updating glasses as cataracts progress can help, but sometimes it won’t and we’ll have honest conversations about this. Optometrists who have longer appointments and don’t sell you “free eye checks” are better placed to help you when your vision is changing.
Then when it is time to refer you for cataract surgery, the optometrists at CapitalEyes will explain about some of the optical decisions you’ll make with the surgeon, as the choice of the IOL powers (intra-ocular lens, the new clear lens to replace your old foggy one) will affect your glasses needs after the surgery. It is reasonable to expect less reliance on glasses after cataract surgery, but most people benefit from updated glasses after surgery - why not have 100% best vision, not just 80% better?
So it is usual to see your optometrist again, after surgeons final check at 4-6 weeks after the surgery. Your optometrists can also then advise if ongoing eye care visits are 2 yearly or if you have other risks of glaucoma or macula degeneration,then more frequently.
Should you worry about cataracts?
Cataracts are a normal part of ageing — and nothing to fear when you have the right care. If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, book a comprehensive eye examination with CapitalEyes in Karori. We’ll help you understand your options and keep your vision clear for years to come.
Myopia is risky - who would want any child to develop long term eye health problems, with vision loss as older adults? We must manage myopia for children and teens
Shortsightedness runs in families but is also increasingly occurring for children whose parents have good vision. Sure thing that your genetics are a factor, but with less outdoor time and more near time, things are different for kids now, than a generation ago.
Best eyecare for children
Chances are if you’re reading this you aren’t the child at risk with myopia, but an adult with interest in caring for children. With myopia we need to start young to slow progression, so children need regular eye examinations too. Not just the brief screening they have at school age 5 and 11, but with an optometrist who takes the time to find out their risks of developing myopia. At CapitalEyes we adapt the visit to the child’s needs, without pushy sales targets.
First eye check by age 6
It’s sad when we see 11 year olds who are already moderately myopic. If only we’d had a chance to help slow their myopia changes from age 6, what a difference we can make. Treatments available have evidence of slowing the worsening of myopia by 60% - that’s huge!
If we can delay the onset of myopia the long term result is so much better - every year younger a child starts to develop myopia, research has shown, adds a 1D power increase to their final vision as an adult. So if you become myopic at 7, instead of age 10, then there is 3D extra myopia when you have stable vision in your later teens.
Protect from adult eye vision loss
We feel sad, because if we let myopia get away, long term we now know that we are setting up the next generation for more eye disease and visual loss, which could be avoided.
It’s well known that if we use sunscreen there is a short term benefit of stopping sunburn, but also a long term benefit of reducing skin cancer risk.
Managing myopia has a short term benefit of better vision and a lower prescription but long term we are protecting those eyes from risk of vision loss from eye conditions. These vision conditions cause vision loss include:
Retinal detachment
Myopic maculopathy
Glaucoma
While often referred to as “vision impairment”, the loss can be devastating for the person, and not necessarily “fixed”.
Every dioptre counts
Optical prescriptions are measured in units of “dioptres”. Every increased dioptre in a prescription means the eye length is longer and this increases the risks for conditions like retinal detachment, macula damage, glaucoma to name a few. The data has shown that every dioptre of myopia increases the risk of visual impairment by 30%.
We can slow myopia
The treatments for slowing myopia, or even before the myopia is established, include weak powered eye drops, and/or glasses and contact lenses with advanced peripheral optics that alter the image on the periphery of the retina. The children and teens we see tolerate these options really well - they love to see clearly, and also very much understand what it feels like when their vision is blurry, and don’t want it getting worse.
If the young person has low risk for progression to myopia, that is great, but we still need to encourage outdoor time - 2 hours a day is known to reduce the chances of developing myopia. And even uni students and young adults develop myopia - so outside time for everyone is very important.
A better future - if we manage myopia
Higher myopia for most people is avoidable, if when young, they have myopia treatments to slow the progression. It’s much more than just strong glasses, and “fixing” the problem with laser eye surgery in their 20s. The damage to the retina from the myopia eye lengthening is something to take very seriously. We want to care for our kids, and have the next generation be better than us!
Healthy Eyes: How diet, supplements and exercise support vision
At our Karori, Wellington optometry clinic, patients often ask us “How do I keep my eyes healthy?” The good news is, a few smart choices in your diet, lifestyle, and (sometimes) supplements can make a real difference.
Let’s break it down from the back of the eye to the front - and don’t worry, we’ll come back to exercise.
1. The Retina and Macula
The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for fine detail vision - reading, recognising faces, driving. As we age the macula can deteriorate, leading to age-related macula degeneration (AMD). This condition causes distortion and vision loss.
While some treatments exist, prevention is still the best strategy. And the key?
Don’t fast-track the ageing process with smoking or a poor diet. Smoking is a major risk factor for AMD and quitting is one of the best things you can do for your eyes.
Should you take a supplement for macula health? The landmark AREDS (Age Related Eye Disease Study) and the followup AREDS2, looked at the effects of specific nutrients on macular degeneration. The recommendations are
if you have normal eye health or only very early macula changes, AREDS supplements haven’t been shown to help
if you have intermediate AMD, the AREDS2 formula can slow progression. This includes antioxidants, zinc, lutein and zeananthin
for early-stage signs lutein and zeaxanthin alone might help, but the evidence isn’t yet strong enough to recommend universally
Talk to your optometrist in Karori to see if a supplement is right for you.
2. Floaters and the Vitreous - a new option for relief
Annoying floaters in your vision? They’re caused by changes in the vitreous - the gel in the middle of the eye. Previously, the only effective treatment was vitrectomy surgery - a serious option not taken lightly.
More recently, a specific vitamin and amino acid supplement has shown promise in reducing floaters over 6 months. It includes: zinc, vitamin C, grapeseed and citrus extracts and L-lysine (an essential amino acid).
We’ve been hearing positive feedback from patients - ask us if it might suit you.
3. Dry Eyes - supporting the font of the eye
Dry eyes are a common complaint at our Wellington optometry clinic. When your tear film evaporates too quickly, you’re left with gritty, irritated eyes, smeary vision, and sometimes long term damage if severe.
Lubricating drops are the standard treatment, but if we can improve the quality of your natural tear film, symptoms can significantly improve. Omega supplements can help.
Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects on the eyelids oil glands
this improves the tear film stability and eye comfort
while a diet high in oily fish or linseed oil helps, supplement doses are higher than diet along provides
That’s why we often recommend an omega 3 supplement as part of dry eye management.
4. Exercise - it’s not just for your heart
Did you know that regular physical activity also supports your eye health? A recent study of people with glaucoma found that walking 10,000 steps per day improved blood flow to the optic nerve helping protect vision.
Yes 10,000 steps is a bit arbitrary, but it gives us a target. Already doing 5,000? That’s a great start - try walking to the shops for some extra veggies!
The Bottom Line: Good Habits = Good Vision
At Karori optometrists we believe in whole-body care for your eyes. While no supplement or superfood replaces regular eye exams, a healthy lifestyle can support your vision.
✅ Eat a balanced diet
✅ Don’t smoke
✅ Keep active
✅ Talk to us about supplements if you have specific concerns
Need advice tailored to your eyes? Book an appointment with our friendly CapitalEyes Karori optometry team – we’re here to help.
Does menopause affect your eyes?
Good question! The answer is in untangling menopause vs normal ageing. The changes with menopause are permanent reductions in esotrogen and progesterone, due to the ovaries stop producing these hormones.
The effect of these hormones is widespread across the body and for our eyes,it is commonly associated with tear film quality. Dry eyes are a common symptoms with any hormone changes – pregnancy, menopause and then can change again with menopausal hormone therapy(MHT) or HRT as more commonly referred to. However dry eyes are also more common as we all get older. Managing dry eyes is part of primary eyecare that optometrists are well placed to help with.
Comments from ophthalmologists regarding eye health conditions such as macula degeneration glaucoma and menopause is that it is too complex with many other factors to incorporate menopause as a clinical risk. For these common eye health conditions, the strongest risk factor is age and family history.
By our mid-40s it is normal to have changes with near vision focus, called presbyopia. This occurs for everyone whether you’ve worn glasses since age 5 or you’ve been lucky to have great vision for 40+ years. Thus this marker of aging, at the same time as having hormone menopause changes can be distressing. Some people accept aging, and can embrace the changes, while for others there is a time of denial with their vision problems, and either they find work-arounds for the vision changes (eg giant font on their phone) or just fumble through. As an optometrist we understand this and as long as the person has safe vision for driving, it’s ok until the person is ready for more optical help.
Does menopause affect your eyes? – yes in that dry eyes are more likely. But the normal aging process of near focus changing and increasing risk for eye diseases is essentially just that – aging.
And as a 50-something aged female optometrist, I do get to hear many other women share they experiences of menopause and their eyes.
We might not like getting older, but accepting and maybe even embracing it, makes our lives much easier. And Doris Day said “the really frightening thing about middle-age is that you know you’ll grow out of it”.
But will wearing glasses make my eyes worse?
This is a common question we get asked when someone needs glasses. The reason to wear glasses is for clear comfortable vision, and once you get used to this improvement, quite quickly, you become very aware of the very reason you needed glasses.
Having a direct comparison, being able to see that without glasses it is blurry and uncomfortable, is very real. Also if your vision problem is age related and progression for everyone is normal, then your eyes will “worsen” but it’s not your glasses that have caused it.
There are some common situations when this question arises – the 40 somethings first time to glasses, the people with long days at screens and children. So for each of these:
1. Happy 43rd birthday – it’s the usual age for presbyopia to start to be noticed. Our own lens gradually loses flexibility to easily adjust for near focussing, and so reading glasses start to be helpful.
It’s well known that by late 40s’or early 50s for most people the lens has continued to change to the point that you can no longer adjust your focussing and fully rely on their glasses. So yes, your 40s can be annoying as the vision gets harder at near, but then it tends to stabilise into your 50s. “Use it or lose it” does not apply here.
Wearing glasses does not change this process, it is going to happen anyway as it is driven by aging, but glasses give you clear comfortable vision. Your eyes are not lazy, they have just an older lens that no longer adjusts focus. The term for this is “presbyopia” which is Greek for “old mans eye” – might have been old for Greeks, but just middle aged these days!
2. Long periods of concentrated screen work is visually demanding – if you have even a low optical correction this is quite likely to give you symptoms, sometimes called “Digital Eyestrain”. The eyestrain symptoms resolve when your vision is focussed with glasses. So your eyes aren’t worse, you now just know what comfortable vision feels like.
3. Myopia/short sightedness in children and teens is likely to progress as they grow, and there is evidence that not focussing their vision makes this happen faster. So the things that make young eyes worse faster are related to having blurry vision, not having the advanced myopia treatment optics (glasses or contact lens options) and not having enough outdoor time – 2 hours a day aim! The myopia treatment lenses have evidence of slowing the progression by about 60%, so certainly those glasses are not making the vision worse, they help to slow the progression, and we highly recommend them.
Alternatively – here’s a short list of things that may well make your eyes worse.
1. Children not wearing their glasses as recommended and poorer vision development
2. Not enough outside time for children and teens – 2 hours a day is recommended
3. Eye rubbing – the forces of this can damage or progressively distort the cornea, so please manage your allergies.
4. Not having regular eye health checks after 40 – vision loss from undiagnosed glaucoma or other conditions that could have been treated, is heartbreaking for us all.
Optometrists care about your lifetime of vision, and we agree, not everyone needs glasses. At CapitalEyes we’ll recommend the best options for you and your family.
Look whose wearing....
Of course when you work at the optometrists, you have all the choices for your own glasses. So we thought we’d update you on our team choices!
(from left to right in the photo)
MOSCOT – for Kevin, who wears his glasses for screens and near. The larger size frame of the Lemtosh model works, and he says it’s comfortable and very robust for the regular on-off of these glasses.
RES REI for Juliana who adds Argentinian enthusiasm to our team. Since joining our team her favourites are Res Rei – the colours and shapes, and quality are so good, that this is her second pair of Res Reis!
MAUI JIM for Simon in his sunnies– after many different prescription sunglasses, Simon has found the answer – unbelievably better with Maui Jim sunnies. He was truly impressed with the lens difference and he’s a convert to the amazing polarised lenses of Maui Jim.
MOSCOT for Leith –the pine green of Moscot Grober – she loves the frame, but wondering about the name?– apparently Moscot’s founder, Hyman Moscot, who was affectionately known as "Grober."
GARRETT LEIGHT for Sophie – these are her first glasses so choosing was hard. The classic darker tortoiseshell and shape of her frames we think look amazing. And noteworthy the model El Rey translates to “The King” and was inspired by Buddy Holly.
Kids & screens - it's all a balance!
As optometrists, parents often ask us about screen time for kids. It is often a home battle, and as with most parenting, it’s all about finding the balance. Too much chocolate is also not good for us! Screens are just part of daily life – smart phones, ipads, laptops are just normal for our kids. This technology offers numerous benefits, such as enhanced learning opportunities and entertainment, parents are right to be mindful of how it affects their children's vision and overall eye health.
It's no secret that prolonged screen use can affect our eyes. However, children’s eyes are more vulnerable than adults because they are still developing and growing. Extended screen time can lead to a range of vision-related issues, and while some are temporary, others can cause long-term damage.
Digital Eye Strain One of the most common problems caused by too much screen time. Symptoms include dry, itchy, or red eyes, blurry vision, headaches and difficulty focusing. Children may not always be able to express discomfort, so parents should look for signs like squinting, rubbing their eyes, or complaining about headaches. This condition is largely due to staring at screens for extended periods without giving the eyes a break.
Short-Sightedness (Myopia). This is when it becomes difficult seeing objects in the distance clearly. Studies show that children who spend more time indoors, especially on screens, are at a higher risk for developing myopia.
Blue Light Exposure Many screens emit blue light, which can interfere with sleep patterns, especially if using devices before bedtime. Although blue light exposure does not have strong evidence to cause permanent eye damage, excessive screen time can cause visual discomfort and disrupt the body’s circadian rhythms, leading to poor sleep and tired eyes.
So how do parents help safeguard your child's eye health. We recommend that to reduce the negative effects of screen time:
·Follow the 20-20-20 Rule To prevent digital eye strain, encourage your child to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time, they should take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This simple habit helps reduce eye fatigue and gives their eyes a much-needed rest. And yes, it is a bit American – we know 20 feet to be 6m, but they mean “look far away”.
Limit Screen Time – this is the biggest question we get asked – how long is ok? A recent NZ Paediatric Society recommendation for use of digital technology in schools and early childhood education has
o Under 2 – no screen time
o Age 2-5 – minimal screen time with maximum session length 15 minutes
o Age 6-12 limted use in class with maximum session 20 minutes and not more than 1/3 of the school day
o Age 13- 18 having eye-breaks every 20 minutes, or changing tasks
Encourage Outdoor Activities Make outdoor play a priority, spending time outdoors can help reduce the risk of myopia. Whether it's playing in the park, riding bikes, or simply walking, time outdoor is protecting young eyes from developing and progressing myopia.
Create a Screen-Free Zone Before Bed set up a “no screen time” policy at least 1 hour before bedtime is a good practice to improve your child’s sleep quality. Encourage reading a book, drawing, or engaging in other non-digital activities to wind down. Exposure to blue light from screens can delay the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps us all fall asleep.
·Adjust Screen Settings Many devices now come with features like blue light filters or night modes to reduce the amount of blue light emitted from screens. Enabling these settings can help make screen time less straining on your child’s eyes, especially in the evening.
·Regular Eye Check-ups Just like with any other health concern, it’s important to keep regular appointments with an optometrist. If you notice any signs of vision issues—like squinting, difficulty reading from a distance, or complaints of blurry vision—don’t hesitate to schedule an eye exam for your child. Early detection and treatment are essential for maintaining good eye health.
To balance up why it’s not “NO screens” the benefits if used wisely are:
Educational Content There’s a wide variety of educational apps and websites that can help children learn in fun and interactive ways. From language development to math skills, technology can be a powerful tool for learning, especially when it is part of a balanced routine.
Social Connections For older children, digital platforms connect with friends and family, fostering social interactions and relationships. This is important, being part of a community, digital connections are normal.
·Creativity and Hobbies Creative apps, digital drawing tools, and interactive games can help children develop new hobbies, whether it’s drawing, designing, or playing musical instruments. When combined with outdoor activities, this creative digital play can foster well-rounded development.
So it’s all about balance!
As parents, it's our job to ensure that children develop healthy habits when it comes to screen time. By encouraging outdoor play, maintaining regular eye check-ups, and setting screen time limits, you can help ensure your child’s eyes stay healthy as they navigate the digital world.
The old phrase “everything in moderation” reminds that balance is key—moderation in screen use, along with good habits, will set your child up for a healthy relationship with technology. For school-aged children, managing screen time outside of homework or learning activities is crucial. The balance is if kids are on screens they aren’t getting the ideal 2 hours outdoor time.
Thanks for 2024
It’s been a tough year for Wellington, and we appreciate how hard it is for businesses and families. Just keeping on sometimes is hard, but we’re at the end of another year, and we’re proud of having helped so many people with their eyecare and vision. A big thank you to our regular clients, continuing to support us, and our new clients this year, it’s wonderful to keep meeting more people from Karori and beyond.
And to our amazing team of Juliana, Simon and Sophie, so much teamwork, learning and helping the people, thank you for being part of CapitalEyes. We’ll be closed from 2pm on 24 December and back Monday 6 Jan ready for 2025.
Merry Christmas
From Kevin & Leith O’Connor
Something to talk about at Christmas? do you know your family eye health history?
When was the last time you thought about your family's eye health history? It might not be something that crosses your mind often, but understanding your family's eye health background can be crucial in maintaining your vision for years to come.
So when catching up with family maybe this is a good conversation to have? After all talking about our eyes is much nicer than many other health discussions!
First-degree relatives—parents and siblings—play a significant role in determining your risk for certain eye conditions, particularly conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration. These conditions tend to have a genetic component, meaning that if someone in your immediate family has been diagnosed, your risk may be higher- for example glaucoma risk increases to 5x higher if you have this family history.
But it’s also good to remember all the good things you got from your parents – genetics are a mixed bag!
For children, having myopic or short-sighted parents can also increase their risk of developing myopia. The earlier we detect and treat these conditions, the better chance we have of preserving your vision for the future. Looking around the dinner table if everyone is wearing glasses – find out how old they were when they first got glasses, it can be fascinating to know!
It's important not to overlook the impact of family history on your eye health. Earlier detection and treatments can significantly improve your vision outcomes in the long run. Don't let preventable vision loss occur simply because you didn't prioritize regular eye check-ups.
If you're unsure about your family's eye health history, don't hesitate to ask your parents. They may have valuable information that could help you better understand your own risk factors.
Likewise, if you've been diagnosed with a condition such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, it's essential to inform your children. They may be at higher risk and should be having regular, thorough eye examinations—not just quick checks to sell glasses.
We’ll always ask about your family history of eye problems – glaucoma, macula degeneration, and diabetes are the big ones that if they are in your family, you may need additional scans or imaging to monitor.
Knowing your family health history helps you to take proactive steps towards protecting your vision. By staying informed and keeping your regular eye examinations, you can ensure a clearer and brighter future for yourself - and your loved ones too.
A day at the optometrists: providing comprehensive family eyecare in Karori, Wellington
Welcome to a day at our optometry practice in Karori, Wellington, where we provide comprehensive eyecare services for the entire family, from the youngest to the oldest members. Our doors open at 8 am, the footpath sign goes out, so we see people on their way to work, kids before school and the day gets started.
CapitalEyes appointments vary from short consultations for sore red eyes to longer, more comprehensive exams for monitoring conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration. We understand that every person is unique, and we tailor our approach to suit. This means we’ll have pre-schoolers and 90 year olds in the same morning.
We use advanced technology to provide the best possible care for our patients. These include widefield retinal imaging, OCT scans, and axial length measurement. The optometrists then take the time to show these results on the large screen, explaining more about each person’s eyes.
As well as tech, optometrists take the time to discuss the results, give options and answer your questions. So much better to understand what is going on and we know this takes time, so our appointments are longer than many other places.
The morning flies by and then there’s the “after school rush” with kids, backpacks, snacks, extra siblings and parents pondering the next thing, as they fit in their children’s eyecare.
One aspect that we're particularly passionate about is children's eyecare. We love seeing kids and teenagers and providing them with the vision care they need to thrive. With the latest treatments available to slow the progression of myopia, we're excited to help young people maintain optimal vision for years to come.
But our commitment to our patients doesn't end when they leave. We go the extra mile by frequently following up with emails containing additional information about their eye health, such as tips for managing dry eyes or updates on children's vision changes. It's all part of our commitment to provide comprehensive care that extends beyond the exam room. And professional education is ongoing too – at least 20 hours a year of webinars, conferences and online learning is required for optometrists.
Of course, no optometry practice would be complete without a team of skilled professionals to assist with frame selection and optical dispensing. Our team of Juliana, Simon, and Sophie are here to help you find the perfect frames and ensure that your eyewear not only looks great but also lasts.
6pm it’s time to finish up our day – people are heading home – we see them getting off the bus and the traffic is mostly going one direction: home.
Another great day for us, helping our people with friendly local eyecare and quality eyewear, time to turn off the lights, and head home.
6 Reminders for contact lens wearers
Summer starts and hibernating contact lens wearers emerge. It’s wonderful to be outside more, wearing “normal” sunnies and the fug of winter is behind us!
So just a few reminders for contact lens wearers....
1. Wash your hands before handling contact lenses – this is obvious, reduce your risk of contaminating your lenses and eyes, by cleaning your hands.
2. If you are re-wearing lenses the fresh solution daily is a MUST - if you can’t be bothered, or don’t wear lenses often then see No 3. The disinfecting solutions (eg Optifree multipurpose) are designed for one round of bug-killing, so once your lenses are in, discard the solution and leave the case to dry.
3. Daily disposable contacts make life EASY! An especially useful option for high risk times eg swimming or tramping, or just instead. Make your life easier
4. Backup glasses – it’s just gambling if you don’t have back up glasses, and over wearing contacts will not be something your eyes thank you for – either short or long term!
5. Manage your allergies – it may just be oral antihistamines that you need, but if your eyes are not comfortable, they’re telling you things need to change. We have helpful options of anti-allergy eye drops or some people for peak allergy time switch to daily disposable contacts
6. Avoid GPC – this is a “condition of previously successful contact lens wearers”. If you don’t replace contacts as labelled, usually monthly lenses, then over time the build up of deposit on the lens surface causes Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis. There’s no easy fix to GPC, so just stick with the programme, short term it might save a few $ stretching out the life of your lenses, but many people regret this, and lose the easy comfort of contact lens wear. We find that ordering a years supply of lenses makes this easy – plenty of lenses in the cupboard, you are sorted.
Bring on summer with safe successful contact lens wear!
Save your kids eyes from high myopia – it doesn’t have to be their destiny
Parents who are short-sighted/myopic, often tell us, that “ah well, my kids will have my eyes” or “I really hope they don’t get their Dad’s eyes”. What they are saying is they know many of their family have the same problem of strong glasses and vision that got progressively worse through their teens. But, the good news, is that is NOT necessarily their kids destiny.
In the past few years there has been so much research into myopia with results showing how we can slow myopia progression – usually by 60% - and frequently we see even better results. BUT it does work best if the child is seen before their vision is too blurry to see the board in class, before they start noticing vision is harder.
Now part of a child’s eye examination is assessing their risk for developing myopia, so making an eye check part of your child’s health care is important. And very important for myopic parents – whose children are at higher risk of developing myopia. Our approach to managing myopia is outlined in the section on our website – Myopia Info, have a read, we think it’s a very exciting that we can help our children have better life long vision!
Do you have spare glasses? Why having backup eyewear is essential
When was the last time you thought about having spare glasses? For many of us who rely on our glasses every day, having a backup pair might not be at the top of our minds. However, having spare glasses can be crucial in ensuring that life continues smoothly, especially if something unexpected happens.
Imagine your glasses are damaged or lost. Suddenly, you find yourself struggling to see clearly and cope with your daily activities. Just like how you wouldn't rely on just one car key or one house key, having backups for essential items is important—your glasses should be no exception.
If you're someone who can't imagine going two weeks without your glasses, it's time to consider getting a backup pair. Whether it's variety for everyday wear or just for emergencies, having a spare set of glasses ensures that you're never left in the lurch.
This advice holds especially true for children. Many primary school age children often don't have spare glasses, and if they are without them for even a few days, their learning can be impacted. By college age, if a teen wears their glasses all the time, then catching the bus or doing tests without their glasses is just too hard. Even if the backups are their old glasses, as long as they have something to use, it is nicer for everyone.
For contact lens wearers, having backup glasses is equally important. Without them, you're at risk of over-wearing your contacts, which can lead to discomfort and even eye infections. In the event of a sore or red eye, you'll need to give your eyes a break from contacts to allow them to heal properly. We regularly see both those people with backup glasses so pleased to have them, as well as others who are very stressed with no plan B.
Also for contact lens wearers if you're unlucky enough to contract a viral eye infection, the situation becomes even more critical. Continuing to wear your contacts can exacerbate the infection and prolong your recovery time. But with a backup pair of glasses on hand, you can continue to function without putting your eye health at risk.
We really don’t like seeing coming into us, stressed and unable to do their normal life activities, only to learn that their new glasses will take a 5-10 days to be replaced. That stress is not good for anyone!
So really, spare glasses are not just a luxury—they're a necessity for anyone who relies on their eyewear for daily life. Whether you wear glasses or contacts, having backups means you are prepared for the unexpected, and can smoothly keep calm and carry on.
Wide field view astonishes us at Karori!
Every few years the technology for imaging eye health transforms to provide another level of eyecare. It’s exciting that even after 30 years as optometrists, we are so excited at the new wide field retinal imaging that has just arrived at CapitalEyes in Karori. It’s arrival preceded the installer, so it was sitting boxed up and waiting outside the consulting room, looking like a very large present!
Our new Eidon machine uses confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy to create high resolution images of the retina at the back of your eye. It uses a laser beam with a series of mirrors and lenses to create an image of the retinal surface, detailed and in true colour, a wide field image of the eye.
The wide field is a standard 90 degree view, as shown in the picture with Kevin. Then we also have the option to combine multiple images of the periphery giving a view of 200 degrees – astonishing. It also copes with images taken through small pupils, so already we are finding less need for drops at a regular eye check, and better quality view even for those with hazy cataracts forming.
What this means for you is an easy painless check, giving a high quality image for the optometrist to check your eye health, and save for future monitoring over time.
We then also show you the image on our large screen and it is astonishing! The clarity and detail – and of course it’s always more interesting your are looking back at yourown eye!
Designed in Finland, made in Italy, and now in Karori – the new Eidon machine looks space age and the cover hides the very clever tech inside. Alongside the Eidon we also have the OCT imaging which scans the layers beneath, providing excellent eye care.
We are excited with this transformative update to our well equipped consulting room, and it does feel like a new era – and wide field imaging is now routinely available as part of our regular eye care in Karori. This retinal image isn’t just a picture, it’s a window to your eye’s health, and a glimpse into the future of eye care.
In case you haven’t guessed – the optometrists are very excited!
Insights and innovations from an international conference
The World Congress of Optometry was held in Melbourne last weekend, and CapitalEyes optometrists, Kevin & Leith were excited to attend a conference with world leading speakers. There were multiple simultaneous lectures, so plenty of choice. The presentations about myopia (short sightedness) management and dry eyes were very relevant to our Karori clients.
The key speakers were world leaders in their field, including researchers and also some authors from the International Myopia Institute of the World Health Organisation, who have written the white papers of clinical guidelines and managements for people with myopia. There is a lot of evidence regarding treatments to slow myopia progression in children and teenagers with the goal to reduce the likelihood of high myopia.
Fantastic to hear Professor Mark Bullimore (USA) with his clear thinking and leading conversations about why myopia matters – we must do more in the short term to provide benefit for the longer term for our young patients. Rather like sunscreen which is a short term intervention that not only prevents sun burn but reduces the risk of skin cancer. Myopia management gives better uncorrected vision in the short term, but the long term benefit reduces the risk of eye disease and visual impairment as an adult.
Our key takeaways are continuing the development of our myopia management eyecare, and also regarding dry eyes and how effective some simple treatments that help improve the tear film quality and a person’s quality of vision.
Alongside the Congress was the largest optical trade fair in Australasia – wow! There are so many exciting choices for new equipment, and to be able to compare different brands at the same time sure helps the decision making. In the next few months we’re looking forward to having new exciting retinal imaging tech at Karori.
And such a wide range of eyewear – we have selected an exciting new Australian designed kids frame brand called Augie. Classic shapes, good sizes and some fun colours - we’re looking forward to seeing what the kids think!
The other “back to some-normal” was having a conference in person – wonderful to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Like many industries, many people have been in optics for a very long time – like Leith and Kevin. To see how much innovation is happening and hear more of the exciting developments in optometry is refreshing. From inside the consulting room, the research that comes before new eyecare and equipment, as well as the fun fashion side. No wonder you can be an optometrist for 30+ years!
Keep an Eye on Myopia
This is officially Myopia Awareness Week – a global problem for children’s vision – including NZ. The treatment options for myopia, and to slow the vision changes, are improving every year, making regular eye examinations an important part of children’s health checks.
The children particularly at risk are those with myopic parents, or children and teens who spend a lot of time either reading, or on screens. For most young people, if they aren’t bookworms, they are pretty keen on their screen time.
The conversations about how to improve the vision and future myopia risks of eye health damage, for our young people are a regular part of our optometrists day –with both parents, and the young people who we see for eye examinations.
“In the last few years, there has been an incredibly concerted effort from leading researchers and producers of eye health technology to develop robust treatment methods for slowing myopia progression. We are now at a critical stage in the effort to curb myopia, where we have the tools to create meaningful change. It is now time to engage ... putting to use the incredible bodies of research and advancements in technology that are pushing the case for a world where half the population doesn’t need to be impacted by this debilitating eye disease,” said Yvette Waddell, CEO, Brian Holden Vision Institute (BHVI).
The BHVI is based in Australia, is a world class organisation working to reduce the progression of myopia . Here in NZ, we pay attention to the research and recommendations, and we are fortunate to have access to several evidence based treatments to help slow the progression of myopia. Please book your child or teen in for a regular eye examination if they haven’t had comprehensive check in the past year.
