Dr. Davinder Sidhu

Dr. Davinder Sidhu Award-Winning Optometrist in British Columbia 🇨🇦

06/19/2026

Using over-the-counter drops to "get the red out" often creates a cycle of chronic ocular irritation known as rebound hyperemia.

Many popular redness-relief medications utilize vasoconstrictors such as Brimonidine or Naphazoline. These chemicals work by temporarily constricting the blood vessels on the surface of the eye to make them appear whiter. However, as the medication wears off, the vessels often dilate significantly more than before, leading to a "pickled" or chronically red appearance that requires more frequent dosing to manage.

The Solution:

• Discontinue the use of drops containing vasoconstrictors for daily redness management.
• Switch to Preservative-Free (PF) artificial tears.
• Focus on addressing the underlying cause of the redness, such as dry eye, environmental allergens, or digital eye strain.

Preservative-free lubricants support the ocular surface and stabilize the tear film without the risk of chemical dependency. This allows the blood vessels to return to their natural state and the ocular surface to heal without inflammatory interference.

Follow for more evidence-based eye and brain health.

PMID: 32673830

The impact of artificial blue light extends far beyond the surface of the eye. While the retina is the entry point, the ...
06/18/2026

The impact of artificial blue light extends far beyond the surface of the eye. While the retina is the entry point, the most significant consequences of excessive High-Energy Visible (HEV) light exposure are neurological in nature.

Short-wavelength blue light specifically targets intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). These specialized neurons communicate directly with the suprachiasmatic nucleus—the brain's master biological clock. When this system is stimulated by artificial sources at inappropriate times, it triggers a cascade of hormonal and metabolic disruptions. These shifts do more than just interfere with your ability to fall asleep; they actively degrade the quality of your neurological recovery and cognitive processing power.

Managing your light environment is a critical component of neuroprotection and cognitive hygiene. By understanding how artificial light interferes with neural signaling and neurotransmitter balance, you can implement more effective strategies to protect your deep sleep cycles and maintain emotional and mental stability.

Follow for more evidence-based eye and brain health.

PMID: 25535358

06/16/2026

Mid-afternoon mental fatigue is frequently a symptom of visual system exhaustion rather than a lack of caffeine or sleep.

When you engage in prolonged screen work, the ciliary muscles inside your eyes remain in a state of constant contraction to maintain near focus. This sustained effort can lead to accommodative fatigue, which the brain often interprets as cognitive "brain fog."

The Near-Far Shift is a functional drill designed to "unlock" these muscles and reset your visual focus.

How to perform the Near-Far Shift:

• Hold a pen or a targeted object approximately 6 inches from your nose.
• Focus on the object clearly for 5 seconds.
• Shift your gaze to a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for 5 seconds.
• Repeat this cycle 5 times.

This exercise forces the ciliary muscles to move through their full range of motion, improving accommodative flexibility and reducing the cognitive load required to sustain attention.

Follow for more evidence-based eye and brain health.

PMID: 29158338

An eye exam is more than a prescription check; it is a non-invasive window into your cardiovascular and neurological sys...
06/15/2026

An eye exam is more than a prescription check; it is a non-invasive window into your cardiovascular and neurological systems.

Statistics indicate that men are frequently less proactive about preventive health screenings. However, the retina offers the only live view of your body's microvasculature. By examining the health of these blood vessels, we can detect early markers of hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes before they manifest as systemic symptoms.

Why men should prioritize an annual eye exam:

• Vascular Health: Changes in retinal vessel width and shape can predict heart health risks years in advance.
• Silent Disease Detection: Conditions like Glaucoma—which is often referred to as a "silent" neurodegenerative disease—frequently show no early symptoms.
• Neurological Monitoring: The health of the optic nerve provides essential data on brain pressure and neurological integrity.

This week, we encourage the men in our community to book a comprehensive exam. It is a simple, 30-minute diagnostic step that supports both your vision and your systemic longevity.

Follow for more evidence-based eye and brain health.

The physiological baseline for your visual and cognitive performance is established within the first hour of waking.Opti...
06/15/2026

The physiological baseline for your visual and cognitive performance is established within the first hour of waking.

Optimizing your morning routine is a clinical strategy to support both the neurological and mechanical systems of the eye. From synchronizing the circadian rhythm via specific retinal light exposure to stabilizing the tear film through systemic hydration, these habits are designed to mitigate the risk of digital eye strain and mental fatigue before the workday begins.

Key habits for morning visual optimization:

• Hydrate First: Consuming 16oz of water before caffeine supports the aqueous layer of your tear film, which often becomes depleted during sleep.
• Natural Light Exposure: Viewing outdoor light within the first hour of the day synchronizes the brain’s master clock, regulating cortisol and dopamine levels for improved alertness.
• Delayed Digital Interaction: Avoiding high-intensity blue light from screens immediately after waking prevents early-onset accommodative fatigue.
• Vagal Stimulation: Cold water exposure to the face can stimulate the vagus nerve and reduce periocular edema (puffiness) by encouraging lymphatic drainage.
• Nutritional Support: Incorporating healthy fats, such as Omega-3s, provides the raw materials necessary for high-quality lipid production in the Meibomian glands.
• Palming: 60 seconds of total darkness via palming allows the photoreceptors to reset and encourages the ciliary muscles to relax.
• Distance Focus: Looking at a distant horizon or a far object out a window relaxes the intraocular muscles that are typically over-taxed during near-work.
• Intentional Blinking: Performing a series of deliberate, complete blinks ensures the ocular surface is fully lubricated and the lipid seal is intact.

Implementing these steps creates a more resilient visual system better equipped to handle high-demand digital environments.

Follow for more evidence-based eye and brain health.

PMID: 29044670

06/03/2026

Pregnancy can affect the eyes in ways many patients do not expect. These changes are often temporary, but they can influence visual comfort, refractive stability, and contact lens tolerance.

Hormonal changes and fluid retention can alter corneal thickness and curvature. As a result, some patients notice that their prescription feels slightly different or less stable than usual. At the same time, changes in tear film composition can increase ocular surface dryness, especially during the second and third trimesters.

Common ocular effects during pregnancy include:

• Temporary refractive shifts, which can make vision feel less sharp or less stable.
• Contact lens intolerance due to corneal swelling, surface sensitivity, or increased dryness.
• Increased dry eye symptoms, including burning, irritation, and fluctuating blur.
• Reduced suitability for refractive surgery while hormonal and ocular changes are still active.

This is also why elective procedures such as LASIK are generally deferred during pregnancy and often until after nursing. Refractive measurements may not be stable, and the ocular surface may not be in its usual baseline state. For accurate surgical planning, the eye should be evaluated after these physiologic changes have resolved.

The practical takeaway is simple. If your vision changes during pregnancy, it does not always mean a permanent prescription shift. It may reflect temporary corneal and tear film changes that deserve monitoring rather than immediate long-term correction.

If you are pregnant or recently postpartum and your eyes feel different, discuss both comfort and refractive stability at your next comprehensive eye exam.

PMIDs: 31080336, 28321310, 31517523

Many people notice small, fast-moving white dots when looking at a bright blue sky. This is known as Scheerer’s phenomen...
06/01/2026

Many people notice small, fast-moving white dots when looking at a bright blue sky. This is known as Scheerer’s phenomenon, or the blue field entoptic phenomenon. While it may feel unusual, it is typically a normal visual experience.

This phenomenon occurs because you are observing the movement of white blood cells within the capillaries in front of the retina. Blue light is absorbed by red blood cells, which makes the white blood cells appear as bright moving gaps in the bloodstream.

Key characteristics include:

• Small, bright dots moving quickly in curved or looping paths.
• Increased visibility against blue or bright backgrounds.
• Movement patterns that reflect real-time blood flow.

It is important to distinguish this from floaters:

• Floaters are caused by changes in the vitreous and tend to drift slowly.
• Scheerer’s phenomenon is faster, more dynamic, and linked to vascular flow.

Clinically, this is considered a normal entoptic phenomenon and can be a sign of healthy retinal circulation. However, new or sudden changes in visual phenomena should always be evaluated in context.

If you notice these moving dots in the sky, you are not imagining it. You are seeing a real biological process occurring within your own visual system.

PMIDs: 16495943, 22051780, 28321310

05/31/2026

Night myopia refers to a shift toward nearsightedness that can occur in dim lighting. This helps explain why some people see less clearly at night, even if daytime vision feels stable.

One reason is pupil dilation. In low light, the pupil enlarges to allow more light into the eye. That sounds helpful, but it also means more light passes through the peripheral portions of the lens and cornea, where optical quality is less precise. This increases aberrations, particularly spherical aberration, and can reduce image sharpness.

Several factors contribute to night myopia:

• A larger pupil allows more peripheral light rays to enter the eye.
• Peripheral optics introduce more blur than central optics.
• Spherical aberration can shift the focal point and reduce clarity.
• Low-contrast environments give the focusing system less precise information.

This is why night driving can feel disproportionately difficult. Streetlights may appear hazy, road signs may come into focus later, and distant objects may seem less sharp than expected. In some cases, the issue is not only glare, but also a measurable refractive shift in the dark.

Clinically, night vision complaints deserve more than a routine “your prescription looks fine.” Pupil size, optical quality, contrast sensitivity, and low-light refractive behavior can all influence real-world performance.

If your distance vision feels worse at night than during the day, especially while driving, mention it at your next comprehensive eye exam.

PMIDs: 10785997, 1311211, 25615747

Concussion is often managed as a short-term neurological event, but its effects on the visual system are frequently unde...
05/29/2026

Concussion is often managed as a short-term neurological event, but its effects on the visual system are frequently under-recognized. Vision is a brain-based process, and disruptions in neural pathways can significantly impact how the eyes focus, track, and coordinate.

Studies show that a large proportion of concussion patients develop visual dysfunction, particularly in the early stages of recovery. These issues can persist even after other symptoms improve.

Common post-concussion visual findings include:

• Accommodative dysfunction, making near tasks like reading difficult.
• Convergence insufficiency, leading to poor eye teaming at close distances.
• Saccadic and pursuit deficits, affecting tracking and line-to-line reading.
• Light sensitivity, motion sensitivity, and visual fatigue.

These deficits are not always detected during routine screenings. Standard checks may overlook subtle but functionally significant oculomotor and visual processing issues.

The encouraging aspect is that targeted vision therapy and structured rehabilitation can improve symptoms in many cases. Addressing these deficits directly can support recovery, reduce cognitive strain, and improve day-to-day function.

If you continue to experience difficulty with reading, screens, or visually busy environments weeks after a concussion, it is worth requesting a comprehensive visual and oculomotor assessment, ideally with a provider experienced in neuro-optometry or vision rehabilitation.

PMIDs: 27505624, 30516648, 40386378

05/28/2026

The “quiet eye” is a well-studied feature of elite sports performance. It refers to the final, sustained visual fixation on a relevant target just before a movement begins, such as a free throw, a golf putt, or a penalty shot.

This is not passive staring. It is a period of active neural preparation. During this final fixation, the brain uses precise visual information to organize timing, spatial judgment, and motor planning. Athletes with longer and more stable quiet eye periods often perform more consistently under pressure.

Quiet eye performance is associated with:

• More efficient visual attention before movement.
• Better filtering of irrelevant visual distractions.
• Improved motor planning and target alignment.
• Greater performance stability in high-pressure conditions.

From a neuroscience perspective, the quiet eye reflects coordination between visual attention systems and motor programming networks. The fixation period appears to support the brain’s ability to select the right target, suppress competing input, and prepare an accurate movement response.

Clinically and practically, this matters beyond elite sport. It reinforces a broader principle: visual attention is not just about seeing clearly. It is about stabilizing input long enough for the brain to act efficiently. That has implications for performance, training, and rehabilitation.

If you work with athletes or want to better understand visual attention in movement, the quiet eye is a powerful example of how the eye and brain operate as one system.

PMIDs: 27150035, 12131459, 23511822

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