Stay Informed with the Blog from Optometrists’ Clinic

Isn’t it wonderful to say goodbye to the winter finally? The sun shines bright again. The days are increasingly longer and hotter.

According to Statistics Canada, 94% of Canadians between the ages of 15 and 34 owned a smartphone in 2016. Although some generation gaps persist, internet and computer use are increasingly common in our society.

As any optometrist in our Edmonton clinic can tell you, although there are some hereditary factors involved, worsening eyesight as we get older isn’t always just about chance. In fact, there are many behaviours and habits that can hurt your eyesight as you age.

The decision to wear contact lenses can be exhilarating. If you have been using eyeglasses for a long time, you may be eager to trade the experience for the convenience of contacts. However, you might also have some questions about wearing this product that is new to you.

Contact lenses are an amazing solution for vision correction that can make life easier in a variety of ways. They provide a level of convenience that countless individuals find to be indispensable.

Being diagnosed with astigmatism brings up numerous questions. What is it? Will your vision be permanently affected? Are there treatments available? Will it cause pain?

When you are deciding whether to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, or to alternate between wearing both, you must consider a variety of factors. Do you want to wear prescription sunglasses? Do coloured contacts appeal to you? Are disposable contacts more appropriate for you than monthly contact lenses?

With the winter months upon us, numerous Canadians will be taking advantage of vacation time to visit family and friends, as well as to travel to other places. If you are planning a vacation this winter, you will need to pack according to your chosen destination. If you are going on a ski trip and staying in a cabin in the mountains, you will require warm clothing and accessories. A trip to a sunny island or other tropical location may involve beach gear and other warm-weather items.

Snow blindness is a serious condition caused when eyes become sunburnt from overexposure to UV rays. Learn the proper methods to prevent and treat this condition.

Make a commitment to your eyes this new year by trying out some of our resolutions to promote eye health. Many of these work hand-in-hand with other health-related resolutions.

With overcast skies and flurries falling, it is easy to see why so many people forget the importance of eye protection and eyewear when they plan for a day of winter sports. Whether you are headed out skiing, prefer snowboarding, or are bundling up for a day of hiking, don’t forget your sunglasses in Edmonton. Some eye protection can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the activity and how well your eyes feel after a long day outdoors. Maintain your eye health and protect your vision with the proper eyewear.

Netflix brings you endless access to movies, your favourite TV shows, and even original content exclusive to their service. You might turn it on during the day for the youngsters, or spend a relaxing evening catching up on an entire season of your favourite show in the dark. But while it is convenient, how is all that Netflix action impacting your eyes?

The nerd, the sophisticate, the fashionista, and the sportsman. These are just some of the personas we take on when we wear our sunglasses and eyewear.

Your eyeglasses serve an invaluable purpose, and they should endure for a long time. Although you may need to get your prescription changed on occasion, you should still get much use from each pair you buy.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how they can wreak havoc on your body. Allergies can also affect your eyes. You may even have experienced some symptoms with your eyes and not realized they were related to allergies.

Eyewear has served as one aspect of history in many ways. From the spectacles that the American statesman, Benjamin Franklin wore to the famous glasses worn by the musician, John Lennon, eyewear has characterized numerous historical figures over the years.

Your eyeglasses enable you to view the world the way you are meant to see it. They also help you to perform crucial functions, such as reading and driving. Unfortunately, if you have the wrong prescription, you will not be able to see and function optimally.

People who were once called a “nerd” or “four eyes” are getting the last laugh as eyeglasses have become a hot fashion item that is in high-demand. Despite more and more options for comfortable contact lenses, safe corrective vision surgery, and other discrete options for clear vision, people are opting for stylish, bold frames and proudly wearing their eyeglasses. Some are even seeking out frames they don’t need and wearing them as a statement without a prescription. Whether you have been wearing your spectacles for life, are jumping on the trend, or have just discovered you need your first pair of eyeglass frames in Edmonton, you may be curious about what goes into making these flexible, sturdy, and lightweight items.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you stay in Edmonton or visit other places in the next few months, you will probably spend some time in the sunshine. Getting some natural vitamin D is healthy, but you must also take specific precautions against sunlight.

A huge variety of eye glasses frames and styles are available. Many people are now using eyewear, prescription or otherwise, as a defining element of their personal style. For most individuals, however, eye glasses and contact lenses are a crucial part of being able to see their surroundings and navigate through the world. If you require eyewear for vision correction, prioritize your prescription and the comfort of your glasses before you let trends or appearances dictate your choices. Using an outdated prescription can lead to more eye strain and discomfort. Sacrificing your routine eye exam can lead to undetected disease which can lead to long term damage.

Not all eyes are made equal. Among humans, there is a huge variance in sight ability and special concerns. From colour blindness to depth perception and visibility, there is no way to truly know how another person sees the world. You may be able to swap eyeglasses for an idea, but it will not give you the full picture when it comes to differences in visual function. When you compare across species, it becomes easier to recognize differences and more difficult to imagine the experience.

Labour Day is not far away, and that means preparing to go back to school. Just as you must stock up on school supplies, you will also need to prepare yourself for being back in school. If you wear eyeglasses, that means replacing your eyewear if necessary. Going to classes and studying for exams are activities that require your full attention, and that includes the continuous use of your eyes.

Many people take their glasses for granted. The seemingly simple tool does a lot for wearers, but has come a long way from its early beginnings. Two arms, two lenses, and what has evolved into many diverse fashion statements have taken years to become what we understand as spectacles today. Whether you have had your pair for years or just got your first prescription, a look back at history will make you appreciate your eyewear even more.

A lazy eye is a common ocular issue that many individuals have. Typically impacting one eye, this condition is also known as amblyopia. If you have a lazy eye or believe your child may be developing one, visiting your optometrist in St. Albert or scheduling an eye exam in Edmonton can provide answers and treatment options for stronger vision and visual control.

Your sight is an important part of your comfort, enjoyment, and ease when getting through the day. As we get older, caring for eyewear can become a more difficult task. Thankfully, with support from your St. Albert optometrist, caring for your eyes and eye glasses does not need to be an extensive or lengthy process. Factor a few minutes into your daily routine or weekly schedule and enjoy secure, safe, and effective eyewear in Edmonton.

You just hit 45, and for the first time, you can no longer read the tiny instructions on your medicine bottle. In fact, your eyes feel strained just when you’re reading a book or working on a computer. You’ve never needed glasses before. You wonder, “Are these changes normal?” and “What should I do about them?”

During the summer, many of us are careful about exposure to UV radiation. We slather sunscreen on our skin while at the lake, and shield our eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses. However, why don't we do the same during winter months?

When winter comes around we tend to forget about UV rays because it is cold outside. In recent years, doctors have warned skiers to wear sunscreen while on the slopes to protect their skin from sunburn – but what about our eyes?

Some world changing icons who wore glasses:

• Steve Jobs
• Martin Luther King
• John Lennon
• Malcolm X

In addition to being well known, these people have one other trait in common: they all had signature eyeglasses. When you imagine these people without their spectacles, it feels as if an essential element of their personality goes missing. Glasses became part of their persona.

Pink-eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is the most common eye infection affecting children and adults alike. It is characterized by a red, mildly irritated eye and can be very contagious. Fortunately, pink-eye is easily treatable, and does not cause any long-term damage to the eye.

As the pollen, dust and dander start kicking up outside, so do your allergies. While some people just suffer from sneezing or the occasional stuffy nose, others have allergies that affect their eyes as well, thus making spring time miserable. If your redness and itching become severe or you notice a puss-like discharge from your eyes, get an eye exam right away. It is not uncommon for people to mistake an infection for allergies.

If your child requires eyeglasses but plays sports, you may think your only option is to switch to contacts while they are playing. Contacts are sometimes challenging for young children to use and depending on the type of sport, they may cause more of a hassle. Instead of worrying about breaking expensive prescription glasses, ask your optometrist about sports glasses instead.

We live in a world driven by information. Unfortunately, not all of the information that drives the world is completely true.

Rumours fly, and myths thrive, around any subject you can think of – vision and eye care are no exception.

If you're familiar with red, itchy, or swollen eyes, you might have eye allergies (also known as allergic conjunctivitis). These uncomfortable symptoms can make a sunny day miserable and, depending on what causes your allergies, you might not even find relief indoors.

A visit to the optometrists’ office can be exciting. You could leave your appointment with a new look, more knowledge about your eye health and, most importantly, clearer vision. For some individuals, however, these appointments may also be stressful. Particularly for people with extra-sensitive eyes or those on a tight budget, a visit to the eye doctor may seem like an uncomfortable or costly experience. Checking your insurance before your next optical exam can help ease your concerns and help you budget properly when selecting your new eyeglasses or sunglasses.

More and more people are buying their eyeglasses and contacts online to take advantage of free shipping and cheaper prices. While it can be tempting to order online and save a few dollars, be aware that there is more at risk than an unflattering frame. Keep in mind the following pros and cons before choosing how to order your next pair of glasses.

Your child has been to the optometrist, and now you need to tell her that she needs glasses. You might feel apprehensive about the conversation, so you mull over possible ways to let her know about her eye condition. Then, as you tell her, you frantically try to analyze the reaction forming on her face.

Sunglasses are more than just fashion accessories; they are an important component to maintaining eye health. The sun contains ultraviolet rays and if you do not protect your eyes, those rays can cause irreversible damage. If you already wear prescription eyeglasses, visit your optometrist to get fitted for sunglasses as well. That way you can have clear vision while protecting your eyes.

Often people will not notice when their vision has changed. Small warning signs are often brushed off during a busy day and forgotten until they progress to a more serious stage.

Contacts are a popular option for individuals who require vision correction. With new technology, they have become easy to use and comfortable to wear. They provide the same results as glasses while offering a natural look and a great option for athletes. Whether you wear your contacts for daily use or while participating in sports, it is imperative to follow the instructions for the type of contact lenses you have been prescribed.

Many people spend hours each day staring at a computer screen. Typing, reading and viewing different types of media on an illuminated screen for extended hours can cause strain on your eyes. Everyone can benefit from heightened awareness of the amount of time they spend in front of a computer, but people who require vision correction and wear contact lenses should take extra precautions to limit further damage to their eyes.

If you’re wondering at what age your kids can start wearing contacts, you’re not alone. Many parents ask us this very question every day. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. we often tell kids and adults alike that there isn’t a specified minimum at which one can start wearing contact lenses. Your eye doctor in Edmonton may even tell you that in some scenarios, babies and toddlers wear contacts. However, that doesn’t mean every child is a good fit for wearing contacts. Here’s what you need to know.

If you’ve ever used a View-Master—a popular toy amongst children since the 1960s—than you’ve had at least one experience with 3D glasses. Of course, you might have also used old-school red and blue lensed eyewear—or the now more common polarized glasses—to view a 3D movie here in Edmonton. Whatever your personal experience with 3D glasses, the history, the mechanics and the experience of using them is fascinating.

Growing up, we all heard how important it was to take our vitamins. As we age, it remains an important part of staying healthy and supporting strong functioning throughout our body. Your eyes, in particular, can benefit from a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, getting the daily recommended dose of so many different vitamins and minerals can be very challenging. That is why ocular vitamins are so vital to maintaining good eye health. Not sure what role ocular vitamins can play in your optical and overall health? Read on or visit your Edmonton optometrist for an eye exam and to learn more.

Carrots are an amazing food – it’s a root vegetable that is rich in beta-carotene, a naturally occurring pigment that nourishes the eye. For centuries, carrots have been connected with health benefits. In the Middle Ages, carrots were believed to cure anything from sexually transmitted diseases to snakebites. Carrots became associated with vision, particularly night vision, during World War II when the British Royal Air Force published a story that said skilled fighter pilot John “Cats’ Eyes” Cunningham could thank a steady diet of carrots for his night vision flying prowess.

Invest in a pair of prescription safety glasses to protect yourself at the workplace, during sporting events or for weekend DIY projects at home. Healthcare experts say that wearing the right type of protective eyewear can prevent 90 per cent of eye injuries.

When was the last time you had an eye exam? A comprehensive eye checkup is just as important as your physical examination and an essential part of healthcare. Your eye doctor in Edmonton will conduct a detailed examination to determine if you need prescription eyewear, and also check for ocular health problems such as Glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, etc.

Statistically, the average adult human body is 50 to 65 percent water. When it comes to our vision and eye structure, water is a critical component. Most of the eye is filled with a substance like jelly called the vitreous humour, while the front of the eye is filled with a clear fluid called aqueous humour, which is more watery (humour meaning fluid).

You've just arrived home from a busy work day. As usual, your eyes are red and blurry. You also feel the beginnings of a headache, so you just want to sit quietly for a few minutes with your eyes closed.

Another normal day? Perhaps. But if you stare into a computer screen all day long, your symptoms might be hinting at more than simple fatigue. You may be dealing with Computer Vision Syndrome.

In 2013, nearly 2 million Canadians (cited from: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/health53a-eng.htm) suffered from diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is primarily diagnosed in children and young adults, while type 2 diabetes strikes adults later in life. Type 2 diabetes often starts with such mild symptoms that adults don't notice them. Diabetes left undiagnosed and untreated for a long time can increase their risk of developing complications later on.

While an ideal situation would involve our vision remaining 20/20 for the entirety of our lives, the harsh reality is that it usually deteriorates with age. The majority of the world’s population will, at some point or other, experience a decline in vision enough to require the use of glasses or contact lenses. Thankfully, corrective lenses are no longer viewed as undesirable. Modern society has normalized these vision aids to the point that they are now considered fashion accessory must-haves.

Sometimes people experience vision changes that glasses or contact lenses cannot correct. If your vision is becoming increasingly blurry and you are noticing more glare, you may have a cataract. It is important to see your optometrist to determine the cause so you can get the proper treatment.