Our diverse features should be celebrated and appreciated! Not only do these features make us who we are, they provide a function for the daily interaction we have with our environment. Melanin is a natural pigment found in our bodies that influences the appearance of our skin tone and the colour of our eyes. Blue eyes have lower levels of melanin and are more sensitive to sunlight than darker eyes. However, regardless of eye colour, all eyes are at risk for developing sun…
When was the last time you had your eyes checked? Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good vision and eye health. These exams can help detect early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Additionally, they can identify other health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can affect your eyes. In Ontario, the cost of an eye exam typically starts at $160 for a comprehensive exam, and $210 for a comprehensive exam and contact lens assessment. The…
For many, the thought of undergoing any surgery—much less surgery on something as sensitive as the eyes—can be daunting. One of the most common questions patients consider for vision correction with laser eye surgery is, “Does it hurt?” Laser eye surgery is usually painless, with mild discomfort during recovery. Understanding laser eye surgery and the discomfort associated with it is crucial for those on the fence about having the procedure. Your eye doctor can help you set expectations before the surgery and co-manage your eye…
Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition characterized by redness or pinkish eyes. However, pink or red eyes can easily be misdiagnosed as pink eye, leaving individuals with untreated or incorrectly treated underlying conditions. Other eye conditions, such as allergic conjunctivitis, blepharitis, styes, dry eyes, keratitis, and glaucoma, can also present with eye redness. Symptoms such as severe redness, itching, or discharge from the eye might mean an eye emergency and require immediate attention from an eye doctor.…
In a world increasingly defined by screens, it’s no wonder that vision problems have become a hot topic for millions. Among the most common eyesight impairments are myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness), both of which can affect people of all ages. They each cause blurriness yet affect your eyes in essentially opposite ways. The difference between these conditions is that myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry, while hyperopia affects nearby objects. Fortunately, your optometrist can examine your eyes and help correct…
If your optometrist notices a problem during your eye exam, they may recommend eye surgery. You may be looking into refractive surgery to reduce your need for glasses or surgery to remove cataracts. OHIP can help cover many eye surgeries, but not every procedure has coverage. This insurance plan can help with treatments related to specific eye conditions, like glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disease, and corneal diseases. Your eye doctor can help determine if you’ll have coverage for surgery. OHIP Can Help Cover Medical Costs The Ontario…
If you find yourself in search of new eyewear, you may have encountered the term ‘blue light glasses.’ You may already be aware of these glasses and may even be experiencing their advantages. However, you might be questioning whether wearing them consistently is safe and beneficial. Research indicates that wearing blue light glasses continually will not adversely affect your vision. Nevertheless, their effectiveness largely depends on the reason for their use. They may not necessarily alleviate all symptoms of digital eye strain, should…
Comprehensive eye exams are an important aspect of taking care of your eye health and vision. An eye exam typically takes up to 1 hour but that may vary from shorter to longer between patients. Things like overall eye health, time since your last exam, and any extra treatments your optometrist recommends could affect the time of your appointment. The recommended frequency is every 1 to 2 years based on factors like age and overall eye health. It’s important to make time for these regular…
Contact lenses are extremely popular among people with vision problems. They’re comfortable, versatile, and make it easier to navigate your day. With contact lenses, you can see clearly without worrying about damaging your glasses. But how long do contact lenses last? It depends on the type of lens. There are daily lenses, which you’ll want to discard at the end of each day. Then, there are bi-weekly, monthly lenses, and more. If you’re ever unsure of when to replace your lenses, don’t…