Author: Samantha Budd

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Between work, travel, family commitments, and packed calendars, routine health appointments can often slide down the priority list.

Whether you’re navigating your career, staying connected to family, or simply moving through your day with confidence, your eyesight matters more than you might realize. Many Canadians book an eye exam because they’re having trouble seeing or need a new prescription, however regular exams can serve a broader purpose.

“When people think about eye exams, they often figure it’s time to get a new prescription,” says Naomi Barber, clinical services director at Specsavers Canada. “But they also play a role in preventative eyecare. Regular eye exams can help your optometrist monitor your vision and eye health over time, to help spot changes early and give you the support you need. It’s the same principle as getting a dental checkup or a physical — it’s about catching things before they become noticeable problems.”

Here are three reasons why booking an eye exam now is a simple way to invest in your long-term health.

VISION CHANGES AREN’T ALWAYS OBVIOUS

Vision changes can creep in gradually without you even noticing. Maybe you’re squinting a bit more at distances or perhaps you’ve chalked up headaches to stress rather than eyestrain. The good news? An eye exam can help reveal what’s happening with your vision and overall eye health.

“When people learn how their eyes are changing and how a vision condition can be impacting their sight, they’re usually relieved to have answers,” says Barber. “A better understanding of your vision needs can help you make informed decisions that support your lifestyle.”

EYE EXAMS ARE PREVENTATIVE HEALTHCARE, NOT JUST A PRESCRIPTION UPDATE

A comprehensive eye exam gives an optometrist the chance to assess your overall eye health and track changes over time. They’re not just looking at whether you need glasses or contact lenses, they’re evaluating your eye health holistically. Proactive eyecare helps make sure your vision needs are being met before they become a problem.

MANY EYE CONDITIONS CAN PROGRESS WITHOUT SYMPTOMS

“Many eye conditions can progress without symptoms or noticeable changes to vision,” says Barber. “Which is why optometrists use a range of tests during exams, including optical coherence tomography (OCT).”

OCT is a 3D advanced eye health scan that examines the back of the eye, that can help enable early detection of conditions like diabetes, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration that might otherwise go unnoticed.

As part of the company’s commitment to accessible care, Specsavers equips their locations with OCT so that it can be included as part of every comprehensive eye exam.

WHY BOOK NOW?

An eye exam is straightforward, quick, and can give you peace of mind. Because there’s rarely a “perfect” time to schedule an appointment, whether you’re due for a routine checkup, have noticed something shift in your vision or simply want to take a proactive approach to your health, now is a great time to prioritize your eyes.

To learn more or book an eye exam, visit Specsavers.ca.

Eye exams provided by independent optometrists.

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Essilor has announced the launch of Stellest, a spectacle lens designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. The lens is now available in Canada.

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a growing global concern affecting millions of children worldwide. The condition typically begins in childhood and can progress rapidly during the growing years, leading to increased risk of serious eye health issues later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.

Stellest lenses feature Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target technology, which incorporates a constellation of 1,021 invisible lenslets distributed across 11 rings on the lens surface. This innovative design creates a volume of signal in front of the retina that acts to slow eye elongation, which is the primary cause of myopia progression.

The technology works by providing clear vision through the central zone of the lens while simultaneously creating myopic defocus in front of the retina through the surrounding lenslets. This dual action helps to slow the elongation of the eye, which is responsible for the worsening of myopia.

Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Stellest lenses in controlling myopia progression. In a two year randomized controlled clinical trial, children wearing Stellest lenses showed an average reduction in myopia progression of 67 percent compared to children wearing single vision lenses when worn 12 hours a day, seven days a week. The study also showed that two out of three children experienced a slowdown in progression of at least 75 percent.

The research further revealed that children who wore the lenses for at least 12 hours daily, seven days per week, achieved the best results. Even children who wore the lenses for a minimum of six hours per day, seven days per week, still experienced significant benefits in slowing myopia progression.

Stellest lenses are designed to be worn like regular eyeglasses, making them a simple and non invasive option for managing myopia in children. The lenses maintain aesthetic appeal while delivering their therapeutic benefits, as the lenslets are invisible to the naked eye. This means children can wear them confidently without the lenses appearing different from standard spectacles.

The lenses are suitable for children aged six to 12 years old who are experiencing myopia progression. They can be fitted into a variety of frame styles, giving children and parents options that suit individual preferences and lifestyles.

Eye care professionals are encouraged to discuss myopia management options with parents whose children are showing signs of myopia or whose myopia is progressing. Early intervention is key to slowing progression and reducing the risk of future eye health complications associated with high myopia.

Stellest lenses represent a significant advancement in myopia management, offering a proven, safe, and practical solution for children. The availability of these lenses in Canada provides eye care professionals with an additional tool to help address the growing myopia epidemic and protect children’s long term vision health.

For more information about Stellest lenses and myopia management solutions, eye care professionals can contact Essilor Canada or visit their website for resources and fitting guidelines.

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