Accidents happen, but an estimated 90% of eye injuries can be prevented with a durable pair of safety glasses or goggles.
Myopia management, an optometrist-developed program, can slow and even halt the progression of a child’s myopia. Read on to learn more.
Here’s how you can celebrate National Sunglasses Day on June 27.
A piece of “common wisdom” that seems to be making the rounds these days is that you shouldn’t wear contact lenses at bonfires, barbecues or similar settings where fire may be present. The claim is that the extreme heat from the fire can cause the contact lenses to melt or...
With age comes a greater risk of eye disease, which is why regular eye exams are so important. If you’re over 60 and haven’t had your eyes checked recently, contact Westpoint Optical in Brampton West today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
Studies have found a correlation between asthma and dry eye syndrome. Fortunately, a dry eye optometrist can help by treating your uncomfortable dry eye symptoms.
If you spend much of your day staring at a screen, you may be paying a price. Digital devices emit blue light, which can cause eye strain that can impact your work performance and affect your sleep. The good news is, blue light glasses can make screen time more comfortable for your eyes.
Working at home has many benefits, but it can also trigger computer-related eye strain. Here are some proven ways to reduce digital eye strain, whether at home or in the office.
Myopia — nearsightedness — affects your ability to see faraway objects. Unless myopia is managed during childhood, it raises the risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases later in life. Find out more about myopia management.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is about more than just poor eyesight. It can also pose a long-term threat to your kid’s vision and eye health.
Prescription reading glasses prescribed by your eye doctor are more expensive than the ones you’d find at your local drugstore. But here’s why you may want to spend a little bit more on reading glasses that meet your specific needs.
Choosing a new pair of glasses is a lot like shopping for a new pair of shoes. They need to be stylish and comfortable. Here are some tips to find the perfect pair of glasses.
At some point in our lives, we've all had our eyes examined using an eye chart – whether during a school screening or at the optometrist's office. But what exactly is the chart and what does it measure? Read on to find out!
It’s spring! Here are 5 tips to keep your eyes safe and comfortable as the warm weather sets in.
Depression is an illness that can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including the eyes. Researchers are currently investigating whether depression can cause dry eye symptoms.
A growing body of research suggests that emotional stress can negatively affect your eye health and vision. Learn how to recognize the signs of visual stress and what you can do to get some relief.
Bloodshot eyes can be harmless, but may also be a sign of an underlying eye condition.
Can you pass myopia, or nearsightedness, onto your kids? According to research, there is definitely a genetic component. Fortunately, myopia management can slow myopia progression.
Macular degeneration is a major cause of vision loss. Here are 6 ways to help lower your risk of developing this sight-threatening condition.
Even small daily habits can impact the health of our eyes. Avoiding the following behaviors can help preserve your vision.
If your glasses don’t fit well, it’s not just uncomfortable. Glasses that are too tight, too loose or don’t sit properly can also affect your vision. One of the great things about ordering glasses from your local eye doctor is the ability to have them fitted and adjusted.
Sunglasses can pull your look together and shield your eyes from hazardous UV rays. Take the time to choose shades that mesh with your look and lifestyle while they protect your vision.
Presbyopia is a condition that occurs as a person ages, which causes the lens of the eye to become less elastic. This results in issues with near vision for people 40 years old and over, which can cause difficulties with simple everyday tasks like reading, writing, or working on a...
Spending time each day on a digital device puts you at risk of computer vision syndrome (CVS), a condition that causes eye strain, eye fatigue, headaches and other uncomfortable symptoms. Here are the most effective ways to prevent CVS and make screen time more comfortable.
If your child spends too much time in front of screens, it’s important to set limits and establish routines to protect both their general health and their eye health and help prevent the development or progression of myopia.
If you’re over the age of 60, there’s a good chance you’ll develop cataracts sometime in the next 20 or so years. While the only effective long-term treatment for cataracts is surgery, it can take years or even decades for a cataract to reach the point where it needs to...
Did you know that spending time in a climate-controlled airplane cabin can dry out your eyes? Find out what you can do to keep your eyes hydrated the next time you fly.
Prolonged exposure to blue light, especially before bedtime, can interfere with your natural sleep cycle and impact your quality of sleep. Find out how wearing blue light glasses can help you feel more rested in the morning.
How wildfire smoke affects your eyes Besides the direct damage wildfires cause, they also dump tons of pollutants into the atmosphere. The ashfall and smoke from the fires is a toxic mixture of carbon, dust and particulates that’s harmful to the eyes as well as the respiratory system, according to...
Glasses can be a significant lifestyle change for anyone, especially children. If your child won’t wear their glasses, it may be because they don’t realize how much they will help their vision, or perhaps, they think the new eyewear will cause problems at school. Here are five simple ways to help your child...
DOES DIET AFFECT CATARACT DEVELOPMENT? Cataracts develop naturally with age. They cloud the lens of your eyes, making it opaque and harder to see through. Today, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. While there still isn’t a nonsurgical cure for cataracts, studies have revealed that certain foods can...
If your eyes are chronically itchy, dry, red or irritated, there’s a good chance you have dry eye syndrome. Eye drops and artificial tears may provide temporary relief, but they often don’t help individuals with chronic or severe dry eye syndrome. That’s why so many people seek out other treatment options....
Why is my eye twitching? Causes of eye twitching include: Stress Fatigue Eye strain Caffeine Alcohol Dry eyes Nutrition problems Allergies What is an eye twitch? An eye twitch (or more accurately an eyelid twitch) is an uncontrollable eyelid spasm. Most eye twitching lasts only a few minutes, but sometimes...
Contact lenses can change your life for the better. Some like the natural, unburdened look of being free of glasses, and some need to rid themselves of glasses so they can play sports or get active. Contact lenses are your avenue to ditching glasses, excepting laser eye surgery, of course....
This March, in honor of National Save Your Vision Month, we’ve compiled a list of 5 essential ways to help you keep your eyes healthy and strong.
The New Year is coming and numerous individuals remember better eating and exercise for their goals for the year ahead. Well other than weight reduction and generally speaking wellbeing and infection counteraction, a sound eating routine and normal exercise can secure your eyes and your vision. Specifically, there are sure...
1. Fish Keeping a solid way of life can assist with bringing down the danger of eye issues, Many fish are rich wellsprings of omega-3 unsaturated fats.Sleek fish will be fish that have oil in their gut and body tissue, so eating them offers more elevated levels of omega-3-rich fish...
Blue light glasses can improve sleep quality but you may not always get what you pay for Blue light glasses are designed to filter out blue light from screens such as your phone, computer, and TV. Lately, blue light has gotten a bad reputation. Because studies show that it affects...
6 Tips for 50+ Eye Health 1) Eat Well A well-balanced diet helps maintain a healthy body including healthy eyes, and reduces your odds of developing some very serious eye diseases. Nutrients and nutritious foods, which help prevent vision loss include: -Vitamin A: Carrots, spinach, kale, egg yolks, dairy products. -Vitamin...
Think Only Grown-Ups Need High-Quality Sunglasses? Think Again. Too much sun can significantly increase a person’s risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye problems later in life. This risk depends on one’s cumulative exposure to sunlight over a lifetime. The best way to protect a person’s eyes from radiation damage is...
To begin with I’d like to ask you a question – do you know what blue light blocking glasses are and what do they do? I’m sure you all know the answer by now. These are special spectacle lenses that apparently block blue light–a major contributor to eye strain and several other...
With 2021 just around the corner, you might be thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. Your eye health should be at the top of your priority list, and with the New Year nearly here, it’s important to maintain or create habits that will promote good health. 5 easy eye-healthy resolutions to consider...
Scleral contact focal points are huge measurement gas penetrable contact focal points that vault over the cornea and lay on the “white” of the eye (the sclera). In doing as such, the focal points structure an arch over the unpredictable cornea that gives an unmistakable and agreeable vision for people...
Wearing sunglasses while enjoying the fresh outdoor air is essential to keeping your eyes safe from the sun’s damaging UV rays all year round. What many don’t know is that sunglasses are especially important to wear during the fall, due to the sun’s position in the sky and the angle at which its rays...
Do your eyes often feel strained? Do you constantly look at an LED screen at work, during breaks or at home? Beware! This can cause eye strain, vision problems, dry eyes, and even anxiety and headache. Since you can’t say goodbye to your job or social media (the job of millions now), you...
10 Eye Health Tips for All: Eat right. Eating a decent eating regimen brimming with new leafy foods (particularly green leafy like kale, spinach, and broccoli) just as omega-3s found in fish, like salmon, fish, and halibut, assist your eyes with getting the legitimate supplements they need to work at their...
The walk is Save Your Vision Month, an opportunity to raise public mindfulness about how to ensure your eyes and your vision. The vast majority don’t know that 75% of potential vision misfortune can be forestalled or treated. This generally relies upon patients being proactive and instructed about their eye...
Winter’s cold, brisk, windy outdoor weather coupled with hot and dry indoor heating can take a toll on your eyes — especially if you wear contact lenses. Neither situation is ideal for optimal eye comfort, so what can you do to make wearing contact lenses more comfortable this winter? Below are...
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which increased pressure causes progressive, permanent vision loss and even blindness. Unfortunately, many misconceptions about the disease can leave you misinformed. Below we sort fact from fiction by debunking 6 of the most common glaucoma myths. Glaucoma Facts vs. Myths MYTH 1: Glaucoma is a single disease FACT Glaucoma...
Eye care and eye wellbeing are frequently hazy subjects in light of the fact that there are countless legends and misconceptions in regards to vision. Appropriate eye wellbeing is anything but a usually discussed subject. In case you’re worried about your body’s general wellbeing and health, don’t skip vision care! There are...
Almost 60% of individuals who regularly use PCs or computerized gadgets experience side effects of advanced eye strain — likewise called PC vision condition — as indicated by ongoing information. Since COVID-19 started, the quantity of hours spent on a PC for errands like telecommuting, internet tutoring, and web based shopping has...
Your eyes assume a critical part of your wellbeing. Numerous means can be taken to guarantee that your eyes are ensured and stay as sound as could be expected. We have chosen the best vision-boosting tips to assist you with securing your eyes into your brilliant years. Your eyes play a crucial...
When we think of fall accessories, the first things that come to mind are warm sweaters, plush scarves, or a snug pair of boots. Here’s another essential item to add to your list: a good quality pair of UV-blocking sunglasses. But why is it so important to protect your eyes when the sun...
Wearing blue light glasses has become more and more of a trend, and there’s a very good reason for it! Blue light contributes to eye strain and can disrupt sleep patterns. Although more research is needed, some studies have even suggested a link between blue light exposure and diabetes and heart disease...
There are many reasons why your eyes may feel itchy and sore. However, new research suggests that these symptoms can also be linked to COVID-19.
Face masks are an important line of defense against COVID-19, but they can play a role in dry eye syndrome. Finding the right fit for your mask and taking other protective measures can keep your eyes hydrated.
Colored contact lenses can dramatically or subtly change the appearance of your eyes. Some types are only for cosmetic purposes while others also correct vision.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to give your eyes some love. Here are 10 ways you can give your eyes the attention they deserve, to protect them both now and in the future.
Eyelid cellulitis is an infection of the eyelid and surrounding soft tissue. Luckily, it won’t affect your vision and there are ways to treat it
For many children, COVID-19 restrictions have meant more time indoors, and more time spent on digital screens. According to research studies, this has led to a worrying increase in myopia progression. Fortunately, there are ways to slow and sometimes stop myopia from worsening.
If your child spends a significant amount of time playing online video games, here’s what you need to know about how it can contribute to the onset and progression of myopia — nearsightedness.
Blinking plays a crucial role in maintaining the right amount of moisture on the eye’s surface. If you don’t blink properly or enough, it can leave your eyes feeling dry and irritated. Fortunately, there are certain blinking exercises you can perform to prevent your eyes from becoming dry.
Red, itchy, irritated eyes are no fun. Here are 7 tips for alleviating the discomfort of dry eye syndrome.
While the days may be getting shorter and the weather cooler, it doesn’t mean the sun has stopped emitting harmful UV rays. Wearing sunglasses year round can protect your eyes from the sun and protect you from getting certain eye diseases.
Diabetics have a significantly higher risk of developing serious eye diseases than non-diabetics. Find out how diabetes can affect your eyes and what you can do to prevent vision loss.
Just as it’s become second nature to wash our hands, it’s equally important to thoroughly clean our glasses. Ignoring this important task allows germs, including COVID-19, to accumulate on the lenses and frames. Here are a few easy steps you can take to properly disinfect your glasses.
Myopia (nearsightedness) is the most common refractive error in children. While glasses and contact lenses can help correct a person’s vision, they don’t cure or slow the progression of myopia.
Dry eye syndrome can leave your eyes red, irritated, and itchy. If you ignore your symptoms, other complications can arise. Treating your dry eye syndrome is essential for your eye health and vision.
Healthy eyes extend far beyond healthy vision. Read on to learn how vision problems can impact you, and how having your eyes checked regularly can lower your risks.
You can’t force kids to wear their glasses, but you can help make it easier. Here are our top 5 tips to help convince your child to wear their glasses.
Playing outdoors offers numerous benefits, including delaying the onset of myopia. Read on to learn why that is, and learn why slowing myopia progression is vital for your child’s eye health.
Do you have a lump on your eyelid? It could be a chalazion. Learn what a chalazion is, how to treat it and prevent it from recurring.
Cataracts, which are a natural part of aging, cause your vision to become cloudy. Luckily, there are things you can do to try to delay the progression of cataracts. A good place to start is your diet. Find out which foods to avoid and which to add to your diet.
What we eat is not only important for your health but for your eyes as well. Our eyes need certain vitamins and nutrients to keep them healthy. Find out what food you should add or avoid to help delay the progression of your age-related macular degeneration.
Spending countless hours of our lives staring at screens comes at a price. It can cause headaches, eye strain and dry eye symptoms. What is blue light, and how can blue light glasses prevent or alleviate digital eye strain?
Do people with dry eye syndrome have to forgo wearing eyeliner and other eye makeup? Although eyeliner can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction, there are steps you can take to safely wear eye makeup without compromising your eye health.
Here’s what we know about the benefits of blue-blocking glasses so far. Read on to find out whether blue light glasses could be right for you.
Parents always want to protect their children from harm’s way. But sometimes they forget to protect their eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Sunglasses are an easy way to shield your child’s eyes from the sun and thus prevent certain eye diseases.
Is your child nearsighted (myopic)? Here’s what you need to know about myopia and how it can lead to sight-threatening eye disease in the future.
An eye twitch can develop for a number of reasons and last from a few minutes to a few days, depending on the cause. Most eye twitches are mild and will go away on their own as soon as the underlying cause is resolved. Find out what may be causing your eye to twitch and what you can do to relieve it.
Child squinting, or holding objects unusually close or far away from his or her eyes? Children's eye exams in Brampton West, Ontario.
Whether or not your child wears glasses, now is the time to have their eyes checked! Good vision is essential for learning and succeeding in school, so bring your child in for a comprehensive eye exam before the new school year begins.
If you wake up in the morning with itchy, burning eyes, you may have dry eye syndrome. Wonder how this happens when your eyes are closed all night? Read on to find out!
Do blue light glasses really work? Read on to learn what science has to say about blue light and whether your child may benefit from a pair of blue light glasses.
People with astigmatism can wear contact lenses, but finding the best lenses for their eyes can be tricky. Learn about the types of lenses that provide clear and comfortable vision for those with astigmatism.
Eye Doctor In Brampton West Digital eye exams allow the optometrist to detect changes to your eyes faster and with greater accuracy. Eye conditions can now be detected earlier, resulting in improved treatment, thanks to new and improved digital equipment. What Is a Digital Eye Exam? You've probably already had...
Sunglasses are so much more than an accessory. They can lower your risk of developing dangerous eye diseases, and can keep you looking younger and seeing clearly, no matter how bright it is outside. Read on to discover the many benefits associated with wearing shades.
Eyes that protrude can signal an underlying medical condition and can cause uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Your dry eye optometrist can help.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases causing damage to the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss or blindness. While there is a lot of information out there on glaucoma, there are also many misconceptions. Read on to learn to discover the REAL facts.
Contact lenses that don’t fit properly can cause discomfort and even eye damage. During a contact lens exam, your eye doctor will perform various tests to ensure you get the right prescription and the proper fit.
The older one gets, the more the eye changes and the higher the risk of developing sight-threatening conditions. Learn about why middle-aged people need reading glasses and when to visit the eye doctor.
Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially sight-threatening condition caused by high blood sugar levels in diabetics. Fortunately, your eye doctor can advise on how to manage and reduce the risk of developing it.
If you or your child is new to wearing contact lenses, read our Top 5 Tips to make the adjustment easier.
Sunglasses aren’t just for summer. Why not, you ask? Read on to find out why sunglasses are just as much “fall wear” as jackets are.
Consuming certain vitamins and nutrients can support your eye health and potentially ward off serious eye diseases and conditions. Read on to find out more!
Myopia or nearsightedness is most commonly corrected with prescription glasses or contact lenses. As children grow, their prescription often gets stronger. Fortunately, glasses and contacts can help your child see clearly for increased success and happiness.
Eye floaters are usually normal. But what causes them and when do they indicate a serious eye problem that needs emergency eye care?
Driving long distances, prolonged screen time and even reading can cause eye strain symptoms like headaches and blurry vision. Here are some eye exercises that can help you relax your eyes and find relief.
Adjusting to new eyeglasses can take time, but persistent visual or eyestrain symptoms that accompany your new eyewear could warrant a call to your optometrist.
If you wear glasses and a face mask, you’ve probably struggled with “mask fog.” Your lenses get all misty, requiring you to wipe your eyewear throughout the day. Below are a few strategies to help you prevent your eyeglasses from fogging up when wearing a mask. But First, Why Do...
To get maximal eye protection from your sunglasses, consider replacing them every two years, according to a study conducted in Brazil. Over time, protective UV coatings become less effective.
Many people don't realize they have a vision problem. Perhaps they've gone years without glasses and haven't noticed the gradual change in their vision. Or they’ve noticed a change, but put off a visit to an eye doctor. Regardless of whether you’re experiencing problems, make an appointment with our optometric...
Countless people around the world wear daily disposable contact lenses or dailies. These popular single-use lenses are removed and discarded at the end of each day, and a new, fresh pair is inserted the next morning. Used properly, dailies promote eye health, and they’re comfortable and convenient. Despite the many...
An online eye exam is an automated and interactive vision test that claims to measure mainly visual acuity. It may seem like a convenient way to evaluate your vision or get an eyeglass or contact lens prescription, as these tests can be administered using your computer, tablet, or smartphone from...
COVID-19’s rapid sweep across the country has forced optical practices to make rapid clinical management decisions. Some optometrists temporarily shuttered their businesses due to the pandemic, while others began to offer emergency appointment services and telehealth. As mandatory restrictions begin to lift in many locations, optometrists are beginning to...
During the COVID-19 outbreak, we have been going above and beyond to ensure that people are receiving emergency eye care. If you're having an eye emergency call your Brampton West optometrist first.
Tele-optometry is a branch of telemedicine that can cover a wide range of problems and treatments related to vision and ocular health. Tele-medicine delivers medical care through digital medical equipment and telecommunications technology, such as online videos accessible through smart phones and tablets. This allows patients to easily receive screenings,...
You and your children are likely spending more time on mobile devices and computer screens than ever before. Too much time spent staring at screens can cause computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain, in certain people. While not serious, this condition can be very uncomfortable, potentially causing: Headaches Eyestrain...
Coronavirus and Your Eyeglasses It may surprise many that our glasses (this includes the lenses and the frame) can potentially transfer viruses, such as COVID-19, to our eyes, nose, and mouth. This is because viruses — as well as bacteria — are easily transferred from the environment to our hands...
As coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads around the world, health professionals are demanding that people limit their personal risk of contracting the virus by thoroughly washing their hands, practicing social distancing, and not touching their nose, mouth, or eyes. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that the eyes play an...
Is your eye doctor's appointment coming up? Are you worried about going to the eye clinic during the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic? Rest assured, keeping our patients and staff are safe is our top priority. We anticipate that this outbreak will continue for a while, and do not want our...
Everyone seems to be staring at a screen these days, whether their computer, their smartphone or another digital device. The stress it puts on your eyes can cause a condition called "digital eye strain" (DES) or "computer vision syndrome" (CVS). Symptoms include eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, neck...
Nation-wide awareness about the vast dangers of obesity is at an all-time high, with TV shows like “The Biggest Loser” and health initiatives such as Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign shining a spotlight on the importance of fitness and good nutrition. However, despite the public’s knowledge of obesity’s effects on...
Playing outside in a snowy winter wonderland can be magical. Under clear skies in the sunshine, the soft white landscape becomes just about irresistible, whether at home or travelling on a winter-weather get-away. Before you let your children run outside to build the most adorable snowman or fling themselves onto...
Did you know that people with diabetes are 20 times more likely to get eye diseases than those without it? There are three major eye conditions that diabetics are at risk for developing: cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. To prevent these sight-threatening diseases, it's important to control your blood sugar...
Your eyes aren't just the windows to your soul — they can also reveal valuable information about your general health beyond whether you need glasses, including: diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. It is not unusual for people to come in for an eye exam just to check their eyesight...
Smoking harms nearly every system in your body — including your eyes. Though we are all aware of the health effects associated with smoking, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and bad teeth, few know about the negative impact it can have on our vision. Smoking and Eye Disease Smoking,...
Once you and your doctor have decided on the type of contact lenses you'll need, it's time to choose the most suitable contact lens solution for your eyes and contacts. There exist 2 different types of solution for contact lenses: Multipurpose and Hydrogen Peroxide-based. While both remove debris and build-up,...
Swimming in a pool with your contacts on or topping off your solution may seem harmless, but they could compromise your contact lenses and your vision. Below are daily habits to adopt for optimal contact lens care: Wash Your Hands Regularly Whether you use daily or monthly contact lenses, make...
Whether you live in a cold climate or have visited one in the winter, you have probably seen someone who just walked in from the cold outdoors sporting glasses that are no longer transparent, or perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself. Why Do Glasses Fog Up? There are several factors that...
Good Eye Care Habits & Hygiene By practicing good eye care habits and hygiene, you can prevent many vision problems from occurring. Eye problems and the risks associated with vision loss only grow as you age. By neglecting eye care, you place yourself at a higher risk of suffering from...
Countless adults, teens and even children will be wearing colored contact lenses this Halloween, but few are aware of the risks involved. Ever wondered what those cat-eye contacts are doing to your eyes? If you got them without a prescription, beware of health complications. Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween...
September Is Sports Eye Safety Month! Ocular sports trauma is among the leading causes of permanent vision loss in North America. Tens of thousands of people get treated for sports-related eye injuries a year, with the most common injuries occurring during water sports and basketball. Infections, corneal abrasions, eye socket...
This summer, heat waves with scorching temperatures have hit communities nationwide, making an already hot summer even hotter. With high temps and heat waves in certain areas, it’s now more important than ever to protect yourself. For best practices and tips for maintaining healthy vision in the summer heat, talk...
July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and no wonder! With the summer sun out in full force, it’s now more important than ever to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. During this month, people who have suffered from UV ray damage and their loved ones are encouraged to share...
This summer, whether you're headed across state lines on a family road trip, flying off to Europe, grabbing a quick weekend getaway, or taking a vacation in your own backyard, don't forget to protect your eyes! Summer Eye Care Near You Check out our top 4 tips for ensuring healthy...
June is Cataract Awareness Month. During this important time, people living with cataracts (and their loved ones) are encouraged to talk about their personal experiences by giving each other helpful information and sharing their knowledge and advice. Use the hashtag #CataractAwarenessMonth on your social media channels to encourage and support...
Do your kids need glasses in order to see clearly? Maybe they have a strong case of nearsightedness, perhaps they have astigmatism, or another type of refractive error. Whatever the cause, getting your kids to wear eyeglasses can be a parenting challenge. our optometric team treats patients from all over Brampton...
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the USA; in Canada, Mental Health week is May 6th to 12th. Since 1949, it has been observed throughout the United States as a way of drawing attention to the importance of proper mental health. This year’s theme is #4Mind4Body. The idea is...
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month in the USA and Canada, a time when those living with the disorder, their family members, friends, and community come together to raise awareness and share helpful information. People with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and their loved ones are encouraged to share their stories, struggles, and...
Spring is a season of new beginnings, when the cold harsh winter months are behind us, flowers bloom, and people begin spending more time outdoors. For people with allergies, spring means one more thing: suffering. Spring may be in the air, but for allergy sufferers, so is pollen, pet dander,...
March 8th is International Women's Day, a day when women are honored and their accomplishments celebrated worldwide. From medicine to law, entrepreneurship to corporate leadership, education to the military, women are achieving great strides in areas of business like never before. In addition to professional achievements, International Women's Day is...
Most of us have the basics: bleach, oven cleaner, air freshener, furniture polish, and window spray. Did you know that chemicals found in these kinds of cleaning products can be toxic and harmful to your health? In small amounts, they generally don’t cause much damage. But when used on a...
It’s February and that means we’re smack in the middle of winter, which is also the middle of the school year. It’s the season when kids fervently hope for snow days and parents hope they don’t happen. As we head towards the second half of the school year, you’ve probably...
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma, a silent eye disease, is the most common form of irreversible blindness in the world. It is actually a group of diseases that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that can lead to...
Each year during the month of January we recognize World Braille Day which gives us the opportunity to take a moment and appreciate the incredible gift that Braille has given to those who are blind or suffer from vision loss. What is Braille? Braille is a tactile representation of letters...
Nerf Guns: Popular, Projectile... Safe? With the newest Nerf guns and blasters reigning at the top of lists for the most popular toys this holiday season, many parents are excited to surprise their kids (or their spouses) with these coveted toy weapons. There is, in fact a whole culture behind these...
Whether you live in a climate with cold winter weather or you are planning a ski trip up north, winter can be a challenge if you suffer from dry eyes. Dry, cool air, cold winds and even drier indoor heating can cause eye irritation, burning, itchiness and redness, and sometimes...
Diabetes is becoming much more prevalent around the globe. According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 425 million adults were living with diabetes in the year 2017 and 352 million more people were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. By 2045 the number of people diagnosed is expected to...
Brush Up Before You Dress Up Halloween is one of the most fun times of the year for children and adults alike. When else do you get to dress up as anyone (or anything) you want, socialize with friends and eat lots of treats? Nevertheless, lurking behind those costumes and...
Regular exercise is an essential component of overall health and wellness. It is proven that exercise reduces sickness and disease; it increases strength, immunity, and mental health; and it also helps regulate bodily functions and maintain a healthy weight. Research shows that exercise can lower our risk of chronic conditions...
Screen Time Pros and Cons Whether it is homework, email, gaming, chatting with friends, searching the web or watching Youtube, kids these days seem to have an endless number of reasons to be glued to a screen. Many parents out there are wondering how bad this can be for their...
Getting old doesn’t have to be synonymous with vision loss. There is a lot you can do to keep your eyes and vision healthy and prevent age related eye disease and vision loss, especially if you start early. Keeping your eyes healthy and strong may require some lifestyle changes, but...
What Is Progressive Myopia? Nearsightedness or myopia is one of the most prevalent eye disorders worldwide and its incidence is increasing. In fact by 2050, myopia is projected to affect half of the world’s population! Many children diagnosed with nearsightedness (myopia) experience a consistent worsening of their vision as they...
An online eye test may seem like a convenient way to check your vision or get an eyeglass prescription but beware, these tests aren’t all they are chocked up to be. In fact, they may even be dangerous. What is an online eye test really testing? An online eye test...
Healthy eyes and good vision are essential for your child’s growth and development. In fact, learning is 80% visual, which means a child’s success in school, athletics and many other aspects of life can be impacted by poor vision. Good vision goes beyond how far you can see, and also...
It’s almost back to school time for college students and whether this is your first time away from home or you are already a pro, you want to be prepared with as much knowledge as possible to live safely on your own. This knowledge includes eye and vision safety, as...
While it may seem like a harmless action, rubbing your eyes can actually cause a lot of damage. There are a number of different reasons that people rub their eyes and for the most part, it does more harm than good. While rubbing your eyes might feel really good in...
Migraine Awareness Month: An ocular migraine is any migraine headache that involves a visual disturbance such as flashes of light, seeing stars or zigzags or the appearance of blind spots in the visual field. Ocular migraines can interfere with your ability to go about your daily tasks such as driving,...
Sure, sunglasses might add the final touches to your chic ensemble, but the real reason to purchase your shades is to protect your eyes from the sun. Not only does glare from the sun make it difficult to see, but the UV rays it reflects can cause permanent damage to...
Vision is a critical component to succeed as an athlete and this doesn’t just mean having 20/20 vision. There are a number of visual processes that are involved in optimal sports performance, whether you are playing a weekly little league game or competing in professional sports. The eyes and the...
While we all know that regular eye exams can help detect warning signs of disease and prevent vision loss, many people fail to seek medical attention when there is an acute problem with the eye. In fact, only about half of Americans that are at risk for serious vision loss...
April is Women’s Eye Health Month in the USA and May is Healthy Vision month in Canada too, so let’s take the opportunity to look at some tips for maintaining eye and vision health, with a special focus on women. Statistically, women are more at risk than men for eye...
If you want strong, healthy eyes and clear vision for life, a major step you can take is to protect your eyes from UV radiation. Wearing proper eye protection from the sun reduces the risk of a number of eye diseases and other conditions that are caused or worsened by...
We all experience the occasional eyelid twitch, which is when the muscle of the eyelid spasms involuntarily. Usually, it comes and goes without intervention and while sure, it can be irritating, is a twitching eyelid ever something to be concerned about? An eyelid twitch, also known as a myokymia, can...
Infant Eyesight Despite nine months of growth in utero, babies are not born with fully developed eyes and vision - just like they can't walk or talk yet. Over the first few months of life, their visual systems continue to progress, stimulated by their surroundings. Babies will develop the ability...
It’s that time of the year again. Each February, the optometric community bands together to create awareness about age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for people 50 years and older; early detection plays a key role in the outcome of the disease. That’s why...
At this time of year when the sun sets early, many people are affected by night blindness. Night blindness or nyctalopia refers to difficulty seeing at night or in poor or dim lighting situations. It can be caused by a number of underlying conditions, sometimes completely benign and sometimes as a...
It’s that time of year again. January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time set aside each year to create awareness about this potentially devastating disease. The reason awareness about glaucoma is so important is because as its nickname, The Sneak Thief of Sight, describes, the disease often causes permanent...
While most people have sunglasses high on their packing list for a tropical vacation, many people don’t consider it as much of a priority for colder climate getaways. But they should, and here’s why: Wintertime vacations often include activities that involve snow and ice and in general, conditions that can...
As the season to deck the halls arrives, make sure that you aren’t one of the many people who find themselves celebrating in the urgent care clinic due to an eye injury. The holidays present many opportunities for potential eye injury so it’s important to be aware and proceed with...
The New Year is coming and many people include healthier eating and exercise in their resolutions for the year ahead. Well other than weight loss and overall health and disease-prevention, a healthy diet and regular exercise can protect your eyes and your vision. In particular, there are certain vitamins and...
November 14th is World Diabetes Day. This year, the theme of World Diabetes Day is women and diabetes - our right to a healthy future. The goal of this campaign is to promote awareness of the importance of equal and affordable access for all women, whether they are at risk...
October is World Blindness Awareness Month, an initiative started to help the public to understand the realities of visual impairment and how it affects the world population. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of millions of individuals around the world who are unnecessarily blind or visually impaired due to causes that are...
October has arrived and that means many people are already starting to plan for upcoming costume parties and trick-or-treating for the Halloween season. This is why now is the time to remind the public about some very important precautions about eye safety since there are some common costume props and...
Every good pair of eyes eventually gets old and with age comes a condition called presbyopia. Presbyopia, which usually begins to set in some time around 40, occurs when the lens of the eye begins to stiffen, making near vision (such as reading books, menus, and computer screens) blurry. You...
Even if you don’t have any eye or vision problems, the natural process of aging affects your ability to see and react to visual stimuli. It’s important to know the impact the aging can have on your eyes and vision so you can take the necessary precautions to stay safe...
Many teens who wear glasses are eager to try out contact lenses for convenience, fashion or to just provide another option for vision correction.
What’s it like to be color blind? Contrary to what the name implies, color blindness usually does not actually mean that you don’t see any color, but rather that you have difficulty perceiving or distinguishing between certain colors. This is why many prefer the term color vision deficiency or CVD...
On August 21st, for the first time since 1979, a solar eclipse will be visible across North America. What's even more historic is that it will also be the first time an eclipse will be visible across the continent, from coast to coast, since 1918. If you want to bear...
Light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, is a condition in which bright light - either natural sunlight or artificial light - can cause significant discomfort, pain and intolerance. People that experience light sensitivity will find themselves needing to close their eyes or squint when exposed to light and often experience...
What Exactly Is a Black Eye? A black eye, also known as a periorbital hematoma, is usually not an injury of the actual eye (which is why it is called “periorbital”- around the eye). It typically occurs when there is an injury to the face or the eye socket which...
According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are responsible for 51% of cases of blindness worldwide - although this blindness is preventable with treatment. In fact, research shows that in industrialized countries about 50% of individuals over the age of 70 have had a cataract in at least one eye....
You Don’t Have to Live With Dry Eyes Have you noticed that your eyes feel chronically dry, itchy, scratchy or even sometimes watery? Many people that have these symptoms just go on with their lives until the symptoms become unbearable. What they don’t realize is that these are signs that...
Eye Doctors Weigh In: How Smoking Can Harm Your Vision & Eye Health We all know that smoking is bad for you, especially the risks that it poses to your heart and lungs. What many people do not know is that cigarette smoke negatively affects your eyes and vision too. Smoking...
In an effort to spread the word to increase awareness about Sjogren’s Disease, eye care providers are speaking out about this hard-to-diagnose condition. Sjogren’s is a systemic autoimmune disorder that can affect the whole body. One of the primary symptoms is excessive dryness particularly in the eyes and mouth. Other...
Hey women! Did you know that women are more likely to suffer from vision problems and are at higher risk of permanent vision loss than men? Well 91% of the women surveyed recently didn’t know that, which means that many of them aren’t taking the necessary precautions to prevent eye...
Hey women! Did you know that women are more likely to suffer from vision problems and are at higher risk of permanent vision loss than men? Well 91% of the women surveyed recently didn’t know that, which means that many of them aren’t taking the necessary precautions to prevent eye...
There is nothing worse than a dirty spot on your glasses - well except perhaps many dirty spots or smudges. When that happens, most of us are tempted to grab the corner of our shirt and wipe it off, but resist the temptation - this is actually not a good...
Blue light. Do you know what it is? Do you know where it comes from, or how it can be harmful to your eyes? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you are not alone, yet it is important that you become aware to protect your eyes for...
Eye color is a hereditary trait that depends on the genes of both parents, as well as a little bit of mystery. The color of the eye is based on the pigments in the iris, which is a colored ring of muscle located at the center of the eye (around...
Age-related macular degeneration is a serious condition that can threaten your vision and general well-being. Characterized by the deterioration of the central area of the retina called the macula which is responsible for focused vision, the disease gradually reduces your central vision. This affects the ability to see fine details,...
Your toddler may show every sign of good eyesight including the ability to see objects in the distance, however that doesn't necessarily mean that he or she doesn’t have a vision problem.
Make your resolution for healthy vision this year with increased awareness of the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
