http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.asheye.co.nz en-us Wed, 28 Oct 2026 22:13:40 +1300 Rocketspark http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/post/172002/macular-degeneration-when-you-can-see-the-letters-but-not-the-whole-picture/ Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the NZAO conference at the Beehive in Wellington, at New Zealand Parliament. Paul Graveson's session, Understanding Visual Function and Dysfunction in Patients With Dry AMD: a Guide for the General Optometrist, opened day 2 and explored macular degeneration (AMD), including the impact of advanced disease and geographic atrophy, and it offered a particularly powerful way of explaining something that can be difficult for patients and their families to und... Wed, 28 Oct 2026 09:46:29 +1300 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/#post172002 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/post/171826/migraine-aura-and-your-eyes-its-more-than-just-a-headache/ When most people think of migraine, they think of a severe headache. But migraine is a neurological condition, and symptoms can begin before the headache—or occur without one altogether.One fascinating symptom is migraine aura, which can cause flashing lights, zig-zag patterns, blind spots or shimmering vision. It typically develops gradually and lasts between five and 60 minutes. Visual aura generally affects both eyes because it originates in the brain’s visual processing areas.I’ve expe... Thu, 22 Oct 2026 09:41:02 +1300 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/#post171826 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/post/171658/eye-health-red-flags-when-to-seek-urgent-eye-care-in-ashburton/ A sudden change in your vision is not something to ignore. Sudden loss of vision, new flashes or floaters, a shadow moving across your sight, or a painful red eye can be warning signs of a serious eye condition.If you suddenly lose vision in one or both eyes, seek immediate medical assessment, even if your vision returns to normal. If you also experience facial drooping, weakness, difficulty speaking or other signs of a stroke, call 111.At Ashburton Eyecare, our Therapeutic Optometrists want peo... Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:52:17 +1300 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/#post171658 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/post/168739/nuance-audio-glasses-blend-vision-and-hearing-in-one-stylish-device/ A new generation of smart eyewear is changing the way people experience conversations. Nuance Audio Glasses combine prescription-quality eyewear with built-in hearing assistance, offering a discreet solution for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.Unlike traditional hearing aids, the glasses use directional microphones and open-ear speakers hidden within the frame to amplify sounds while allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings. The result is a natural listening exper... Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:52:37 +1200 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/#post168739 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/post/167066/understanding-cataracts-a-natural-part-of-life/ Many people become anxious when they hear the word "cataract," but cataracts are not a disease in the way many imagine. In reality, they are a natural part of the lifelong journey of the eye's lens.As children, our natural crystalline lens is remarkably flexible. It constantly changes shape to help us focus on objects both near and far. This ability, known as accommodation, allows children to read comfortably even at very close distances.Over time, however, the lens gradually stiffens. By our mi... Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:54:22 +1200 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/#post167066 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/post/165950/photon-uvc-device-podcast-with-dr-simon-dean/ At Ashburton Eyecare, we are always fascinated by technologies that have the potential to improve patient care and protect vision. In a recent episode of The Stag Roar Podcast, we sat down with New Zealand ophthalmologist Dr Simon Dean to discuss one of the most exciting developments we have encountered in years: the Photon UVC device.Corneal infections, known as microbial keratitis, remain one of the most urgent threats to vision worldwide. These infections can progress rapidly, leading to perm... Sat, 06 Jun 2026 10:50:56 +1200 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/#post165950 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/post/161114/new-dry-eye-treatment-brings-relief-to-mid-canterbury/ Dry, irritated or watery eyes are a common complaint in Mid-Canterbury, particularly during summer when wind, air-conditioning and increased screen use can worsen symptoms. For many people, dry eye is more than a minor irritation – it can affect vision, work performance, driving comfort and overall quality of life.Ashburton Eyecare has recently introduced Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy for dry eye, becoming the first practice in Mid-Canterbury to offer this advanced treatment.Dry eye disea... Fri, 27 Feb 2026 12:30:48 +1300 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/#post161114 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/post/158225/introducing-ipl-a-breakthrough-in-dry-eye-treatment-now-available-in-mid-canterbury/ Dry, irritated, watery, or gritty eyes are more than a nuisance – they can impact work productivity, driving safety, sleep quality, mood, and overall wellbeing. At Ashburton Eyecare, we see Dry Eye every day, and the demand for effective solutions continues to grow in Mid-Canterbury.Dry eye disease is multifactorial, meaning it has several contributing causes and requires an individualised treatment plan – not simply artificial tears. Research shows that approximately 86% of dry eye is due t... Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:02:51 +1300 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/#post158225 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/post/152469/protecting-your-vision-on-the-farm/ Farming is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world — but it’s also one of the most demanding. From fencing and machinery, to chemicals, dust, and long hours in the sun, farmers’ eyes are exposed to risks every single day. Protecting your vision is just as important as protecting your back, joints, or hearing. After all, healthy eyesight keeps you safe, productive, and independent.1. On-Farm Eye HazardsFarmers often face unique risks, including:Dust, pollen, and debris from cultivation ... Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:05:09 +1200 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/#post152469 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/post/151683/how-ashburton-eyecare-can-help-your-child-with-myopia/ Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common eye condition where close objects are clear, but distant objects are blurry. It results from the eye growing too long, which causes light to focus in front of the retina. If left unmanaged, myopia can progress, increasing the risk of more serious eye problems later in life.At Ashburton Eyecare, we closely monitor the progression of myopia in children using advanced technology. Our Optopol software package allows us to track and plot your child’s eye grow... Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:04:48 +1200 http://www.asheye.co.nz/blog/#post151683