It has been our privilege to provide the residents of the North Okanagan with vision and eye health examinations since 1946. Our Doctors use modern technology such as optomap, retinal photography, and visual field testing in order to diagnose, treat and monitor ocular health conditions and provide personalized vision solutions that meet the visual needs of our patients. We have one of the largest selections of eyewear in the North Okanagan, a full service optical lab on-site, and a dedicated team of eye care professionals ready to help you in any way they can. https://vernonoptometry.ca/

1. The Importance of Healthy Eye Lenses:
The eye's lens plays a critical role in the visual system, as it is responsible for focusing incoming light onto
the retina at the back of the eye. The key factors that contribute to the importance of healthy eye lenses
are:
1. Transparency: A healthy eye lens is naturally transparent, allowing light to pass through it
unimpeded. This transparency is essential for clear vision. However, over time, the lens may become less
transparent due to changes associated with aging, potentially leading to conditions like cataracts.
Cataracts cause the lens to become cloudy, resulting in blurry or dimmed vision.
2. Accommodation: The lens is a flexible structure capable of changing its shape. This flexibility,
known as accommodation, enables the eye to focus on objects at varying distances. When the lens
flattens, it focuses on distant objects, while thickening allows it to focus on nearby objects. This dynamic
adjustment in the lens curvature is fundamental for maintaining clear vision at different distances. Any
disruptions in this process can lead to conditions like presbyopia, making it difficult to focus on close-up
objects as we age.
3. Refraction: The lens works in conjunction with the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. The
cornea provides the initial focusing power, while the lens fine-tunes this focus. This precise refraction
process ensures that light is accurately focused onto the retina, creating a sharp image. If the lens's
refractive capabilities are compromised, vision can become blurry or distorted.
Maintaining Lens Health:
To ensure the health of your eye lenses and overall eye health, it's essential to follow these guidelines:
Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients, including vitamins C and E. These
nutrients are beneficial for maintaining eye health. Foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits, and fish provide
essential nutrients that support your lenses and overall vision.

2. -UV Protection: Protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays by wearing sunglasses that
block both UVA and UVB radiation. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can contribute to cataracts and other
eye conditions.
Manage Diabetes: If you have diabetes, maintaining strict control of your blood sugar levels is
crucial, as high blood sugar can impact the health of your eye lenses.
-Avoid Smoking: Smoking is associated with an increased risk of cataracts and other eye conditions.
Quitting smoking can have a positive impact on lens health.
-Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular eye exams with optometrists or ophthalmologists. These
professionals can detect eye conditions and lens-related issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and
management.
Stay Hydrated: Good hydration supports the overall health of your eye lenses and eyes. Adequate
water intake is essential for maintaining eye lubrication and comfort.
Reduce Eye Strain: Implement good eye habits in your daily life, such as taking regular breaks from
screens, using proper lighting, and practicing the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20
seconds every 20 minutes) to reduce eye strain. Reducing eye strain can contribute to the long-term
health of your eye lenses and vision.
Should you experience changes in your vision, such as blurriness, cloudy vision, or difficulty focusing, it's
imperative to consult with an eye care professional promptly. They can diagnose any issues related to
your eye lenses and recommend appropriate treatment or management to ensure your eyes and vision
remain healthy.