Astigmatism and myopia are common eye conditions. While both are refractive errors that cause blurred vision, they develop for different reasons. Astigmatism is due to an abnormally shaped cornea or lens, while myopia results from an elongated eyeball or curved cornea. If you suspect you have astigmatism or myopia, schedule a comprehensive eye exam. We…
Navigating eye care coverage through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) can be confusing for many Ontarians. OHIP covers eye exams for people in certain age groups or those with specific medical or eye conditions. OHIP doesn’t cover eye exams for all age groups or conditions. OHIP coverage applies as follows: Children aged 0–19 are…
You step outside, feel the warmth of the sun, and instantly your eyes squint against the glare—even if you’re wearing sunglasses. Sound familiar? If so, it might be time to upgrade to polarized sunglasses, which can offer superior glare reduction. However, are your sunglasses already polarized? How do you even know? To check if your…
Have you ever found yourself looking for glasses, overwhelmed by the selection of frames, and not sure which one to choose? Or maybe you've picked out a pair that you like, but then, when you put them on, they just don't seem to fit your face quite right. The truth is, finding the perfect pair…
As parents, we always prioritize our children’s health, ensuring they eat right, stay active, and get regular checkups. But how often do we think about their eye health? Vision plays a crucial role in a child’s learning, development, and well-being. Regular eye exams for children are not just about prescribing glasses—they’re key to children’s success…
When it comes to clear vision, you have options. There are regular eyeglasses, regular contact lenses, and even specialty lenses with different purposes. However, a prescription isn't universal—there are some key differences between contact lenses and eyeglasses prescriptions. During your eye exam, your optometrist will take several measurements to get an accurate prescription. Contact lens…
Winter is beautiful, but it's also a time of dry, cold air. This time of year, many people notice their eyes begin feeling drier than usual. This leads to a constant stinging and burning sensation that just won't seem to go away. So how can you manage dry eyes in winter? It helps to make…
Eye exams are an essential part of safeguarding your vision and overall health. But how long does an eye exam take? On average, a comprehensive eye exam lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the tests performed and your specific needs. Understanding this process can help you feel more comfortable and prepared, whether it's…
In the world of contact lenses, daily disposable lenses are convenient and comfortable. Great for those who prefer a fresh start each day, these lenses are designed to be worn once and then discarded. However, contact lens wearers often wonder whether it’s okay to wear daily contacts for longer than a day. Daily contact lenses…
Glaucoma is a significant eye condition affecting millions worldwide. Often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," it gradually damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss if untreated. But one question looms large for many patients and their families—is glaucoma hereditary? There are indeed hereditary aspects of glaucoma. However, knowing the ways in…
OHIP doesn’t cover eye exams for all age groups or conditions. OHIP coverage applies as follows:
-Children aged 0–19 are eligible for one comprehensive eye exam every 12 months
-Adults aged 20–64 with specific conditions, like diabetes and glaucoma, are eligible for one comprehensive eye exam every 12 months
-Adults over the age of 65 are eligible for one comprehensive eye exam every 18 months, unless they have a specific condition, which would make them eligible for one comprehensive eye exam every 12 months. […]
To check if your sunglasses are polarized, look at a reflective surface through the lenses and tilt your head—if the glare diminishes or changes, the lenses are polarized. […]
Here are some factors to consider when ensuring your eyeglasses fit correctly: frame size, temple length, bridge fit, lens height and width, nose pad comfort, frame weight, material durability, face shape compatibility. […]
Vision plays a crucial role in a child’s learning, development, and well-being. Regular eye exams for children are not just about prescribing glasses—they’re key to children’s success both in and out of the classroom. […]
Contact Lens vs. Glasses Prescription: What’s the Difference?
Contact lens prescriptions account for the shape of your eye and the material of the lens. Meanwhile, eyeglass prescriptions are measured for lenses positioned at a distance. […]
It helps to make some adjustments to your immediate surroundings. Use a humidifier, aim fans away from your face, and avoid harsh winds and air. It also helps to stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet. This gives your eyes the nutrients needed to protect themselves. […]
Daily contact lenses are intended only to be used for one day and should not be worn any longer than that. Wearing these lenses more than once can pose a risk to your eye health. […]
There are indeed hereditary aspects of glaucoma. However, knowing the ways in which these aspects can manifest can help with prevention and management of the condition. […]
In moderated usage, screens won’t cause any significant problems. However, in excess, they can lead to a significantly higher risk of nearsightedness, sleep disorders, and more. It’s essential to make sure your child uses screens in moderation and follows healthy visual habits to improve their visual development. […]
Sometimes, spending a day out in the sun is one of the most pleasant ways to enjoy your time. However, the sun isn’t harmless; it can quickly damage your eyes if you aren’t careful. Exposure to the sun’s rays increases the risk of all kinds of long-term eye conditions, but there’s one thing often forgotten […]
A yellowish bump on your eyelid could be a number of things: a stye, a chalazion, a milia or xanthelasma. They likely come from the buildup of protein or fats under the skin on the eyelids. […]
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses are worn while sleeping to temporarily reshape the cornea. This provides temporary vision correction and reduces the need to use glasses or contacts during the day. […]
Solar Eclipse Eye Safety: Prepare for the April 2024 Eclipse
But amid this excitement, it’s paramount that we discuss an aspect often overshadowed by the eclipse’s awe: eye safety. Staring at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause severe and permanent vision damage. So, it’s critical that you take steps to protect your eyes by using specialized solar-viewing glasses or a pinhole projector. […]
Blurred vision is a common symptom associated with dry eyes. When the eye does not have enough moisture, it can lead to a disturbance in the visual pathway, resulting in blurred or distorted vision similar to that experienced with allergies. This may be temporary or chronic, depending on the severity of the dryness. […]
Meibomian glands are tiny oil glands that line the margin of the eyelids. They are crucial for maintaining the health of the ocular surface by producing an oily substance, meibum, that prevents the evaporation of the eye’s tear film. Keeping these glands unclogged is vital to ocular health. A blockage or dysfunction, called meibomian gland […]
If you are looking for contact lenses that provide sharper vision and more durability than soft lenses, RGP lenses might be the perfect fit for you. RGP lenses, referring to rigid gas-permeable lenses, are a type of contact lens made of a relatively hard, durable and deposit-resistant material that may allow more oxygen to reach […]
Do I Need Glasses? Here are Some Signs That You Might
Whether you find yourself squinting at the fine print or struggling to read road signs from afar, you’re not alone. Many of us have been there, questioning if it’s time to think about buying glasses. Fortunately, your optometrist can help! With an eye exam, we can help you and your family figure out if glasses […]
OHIP continues to cover for pediatric eye exams up until age 19, diabetic eye exams, seniors eye exams and comprehensive eye exams for patients age 20-64 with certain eye conditions. […]
Blue light glasses can shield your eyes from the effects of blue light emitted by screens. Blue light can affect your circadian rhythm and make it harder for you to sleep at night. […]
During an eye exam, your eye doctor can look for changes in the blood vessels in the retina that may indicate high blood sugar levels, which can be a sign of diabetes. […]
One of the best ways to protect your eye’s long-term health is with regular comprehensive eye exams. A comprehensive eye exam allows an optometrist to look at your entire eye and visual system, allowing them to diagnose various eye diseases and disorders. These exams involve tests designed to detect early signs of eye disease, such […]
Many Canadians are familiar with dry and itchy eyes. The trouble with dry and irritated eyes is that the cause can be hard to narrow down. Chronic dry eye disease is a common culprit, but other common reasons for irritated eyes include allergies, eye infections, or contact lens wear and care. An over-the-counter (OTC) lubricating […]
Vitamins & Supplements for Dry Eyes: What are my Options?
For those with dry eyes, it can seem like there’s no end. The stinging, burning, and redness are ever-present. It doesn’t just affect your eyes; it can affect your entire life. That’s why there’s nothing better than getting those dry eyes treated by a professional. While you may have heard about treatments from eye drops, […]
It’s not always obvious when you need glasses. Vision changes can be misleading—they rarely suddenly appear one day as blurry vision, difficulty reading fine print or street signs, or difficulty with night vision. If you never had to use glasses as a kid, you may believe that you don’t need them as an adult. This […]
Putting on a new pair of glasses for the first time can be exciting for many people. A lot of us are interested to see how our new frames will suit our faces, and others are just relieved to finally have better vision. Almost everyone who begins wearing glasses for the first time goes through […]
Myopia Management: What Does It Involve? Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, affects about one-third of children in Canada, and its prevalence is rising globally. By 2050, it is estimated that more than 50% of the world will be myopic. Myopia is an eye condition that causes blurry vision at a distance. Fortunately, recent developments in […]
Dry eyes are a prevalent condition that affects many Canadians. In many cases, wearing contacts can be an additional irritant that increases dry eye symptoms if you’re already prone to those itchy, burning eyes. If you’re experiencing any unusual and uncomfortable symptoms when wearing your contact lenses, it’s a good idea to book an exam […]
Whether it’s allergies or some other reason, eye drops are a pretty common tool for eye care. As with anything medicinal, paying attention to expiry dates is part of using the eye drops properly—even over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops. You may have fought hard to put eye drops in your eyes, so we want to make […]
The feeling of something being stuck in your eye is especially annoying. But what do you do if there’s nothing actually in your eye? It could be a sign of seasonal or perennial ocular allergies. Ocular allergies can affect anyone and can make daily activities uncomfortable and frustrating. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage […]