Clear vision is a treasured sense: a gateway to our world and an informer of experiences. It sounds dramatic, but we rely on our vision for so much, and it’s easy to take it for granted. However, 2 common eye conditions, cataracts and glaucoma, can cloud our vision if left undetected and untreated. While they can affect your vision similarly, they’re very different diseases.

The main difference between the pair is that cataracts are the natural clouding of the eye’s lens, while glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve, typically due to increased eye pressure. However, one thing they have in common is your optometrist can detect both with a comprehensive eye exam.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss in Canada. They cause the eye’s lens to become cloudy, which then causes light to scatter across the retina and results in blurry vision. The primary culprit behind cataracts is protein buildup in the lens, which happens naturally as we age.

However, other factors can cause cataracts to develop early or with greater severity, including:

• Genetics
• Eye injury
• Diabetes 
• Obesity
• UV exposure
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• High blood pressure
• Glaucoma or retinal eye surgery
• Medications, such as steroids

Think of cataracts as a slow progression, gradually dimming your perception like an aging photograph.

Cataract Symptoms

The symptoms of cataracts may vary considerably, but common signs include:

• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Seeing halos around lights
• Colours appearing faded

Cataract symptoms can progress, affecting night vision and leading to significant vision complications if left untreated.

Treatments for Cataracts

The good news about cataracts is they're treatable. Diagnosis typically begins with a comprehensive eye exam that may include dilating your pupils to allow your eye doctor to examine the lens for any signs of cataracts.

Optometrists can address early symptoms with prescription eyeglasses. Once cataracts start severely affecting your vision, you may require surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma, on the other hand, isn’t a single condition but a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to elevated pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is challenging because it can sneak up on you without warning, silently eradicating your peripheral vision. Symptoms might not manifest until the disease has progressed and damage is done. 

There are several types of glaucoma, but the most common varieties include:

• Open-angle glaucoma: In open-angle glaucoma, the eye structures appear normal, but the fluid does not flow out properly, causing a pressure buildup. This makes up about 90% of all glaucoma cases.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris is very close to the drainage angle in the eye and can block fluids from draining.
• Secondary glaucoma: Secondary glaucoma results from injury, surgery, infection, or other eye abnormality.
• Normal-tension glaucoma: While glaucoma is usually caused by increased pressure inside the eye, normal-tension glaucoma occurs when eye pressure is still in the “normal” range.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Since glaucoma can be so stealthy, knowing the risk factors helps determine if you need to be on the lookout. Risk factors for glaucoma include:

• Age
• Family history
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Eye-related health conditions
• Injury or eye surgery

There's no turning back the clock on vision loss—so early detection is paramount. Regular check-ups with an optometrist can make all the difference.

Glaucoma Diagnosis & Management

Like cataracts, diagnosis involves a full eye exam focusing on the optic nerve. Tonometry is a common test, using a puff of air or a gentle probe to test your eye pressure. If diagnosed, your doctor can try to manage glaucoma's progression through medication, laser treatment, or, if necessary, traditional surgery.

The key for most treatments is keeping eye pressure stable to avoid optic nerve damage.

The Differences Between Cataracts & Glaucoma

Cataracts and glaucoma are both conditions that can slowly rob you of your sight, but they have different mechanics and, therefore, treatments.

Cataracts are a natural part of aging, like hair turning grey. Environment and genetic factors can affect when they first appear, but treatment with cataract surgery is very common.

Glaucoma is typically associated with increased eye pressure and usually means there’s something wrong with your eye. Once the damage is done, it can’t be reversed. This means that much of the focus for glaucoma is on preventing vision loss or preserving what vision remains.

Proactive Prevention & Early Detection in Cochrane

Though both serious, cataracts and glaucoma are markedly different in their nature and impact on our vision. Understanding where these conditions diverge is the first step in taking control of your eye health.

Routine eye check-ups can often be the difference between suffering from a vision-related issue and proactively addressing it before it’s too late. Our River Heights Eye Care team can detect issues early on with annual comprehensive eye exams, allowing you to adopt strategies to potentially slow them down. If you're experiencing any changes in your vision or are at a higher risk for these conditions due to your age or medical history, book your eye exam today. Your eyes are with you for the long haul, so look out for them as they guide you through life's wonders!

The post Cataracts vs Glaucoma: What Are the Differences? first appeared on River Heights Eye Care.

When it comes to occupational hazards for office workers, students, and gamers, eye strain sits high on the list of common issues. Many of us experience symptoms of eye strain, often wondering how long it will last and seeking solutions for relief. 

First, we'll look at what eye strain is before diving into its causes and symptoms and offer practical advice on reducing discomfort and promoting eye health. We'll also cover eye strain relieving tips at home and will let you know when to seek professional eye care. 

Ultimately, the duration of eye strain depends on several factors, including the severity of the strain and how quickly mitigating actions are taken. By employing eye health tips, taking regular breaks, and seeking professional advice, one can alleviate the discomfort of eye strain and protect one's vision.

What is Eye Strain?

Eye strain, also known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, is a group of eye and vision-related problems resulting from prolonged use of digital devices. From computers to smartphones, our eyes are constantly adjusting to the screens' brightness, contrast, and flicker. 

According to the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, eye strain occurs when the muscles in your eyes get tired from intense use, which can happen from driving long distances or staring at screens for long periods.

In fact, eye strain might be a possible cause behind the growing trend of myopia in both adults and children around the world, and preventative measures work best in dealing with eye strain. 

Causes of Eye Strain

Digital eye strain has been a growing concern in Canada, particularly with the increased screen time associated with modern lifestyles. Key factors include:

1. Staring at digital devices without breaks: Even reading a screen for a short time can contribute to eye strain.

2. Poor lighting: Working in dimly lit or overly bright environments can lead to eye strain.

3. Improper screen distance and angle: Holding digital devices too close or at an awkward angle puts a strain on the eyes, leading to discomfort and fatigue.

4. Screen glare: reducing the glare on your eyes and screen can make a big difference in reducing eye strain. 

4. Uncorrected vision problems: People who have uncorrected vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism may experience more severe eye strain when using digital devices.

A study on the Management of Digital Eye Strain highlights that even minor uncorrected vision problems can significantly increase the chance of experiencing eye strain.

Symptoms of Eye Strain

Typical symptoms of eye strain can include:

• Sore eyes
• Tired eyes
• Burning eyes 
• Watery eyes
• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Headache
• Sore neck
• Sore shoulders 
• Sore back
• Increased sensitivity to light

These symptoms may not necessarily be solely caused by digital eye strain and, if persistent, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Reducing Eye Strain at Home

Eye strain relief at home focuses on a few simple changes to your environment and habits. The Canadian Association of Optometrists suggests practicing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus your eyes on something at least 20 feet away. Other tips for reducing eye strain include: 

• Adjusting your screen settings
• Ensuring proper lighting
• Setting up an ergonomic workspace
• Blink more while working with a screen
• Use artificial tears
• Use computer glasses
• Reduce glare

Professional Help for Eye Strain

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms of eye strain, it’s vital to seek professional help. Eye care professionals can conduct a comprehensive eye exam to rule out other causes of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatments or corrective lenses. 

The Canadian Association of Optometrists emphasizes that regular eye exams are vital for maintaining eye health and preventing eye strain.

Eye strain can persist as long as the triggering event, and several hours after. Set yourself up for success when you know you’re going to have a digital-heavy day, or long hours on the road. If you start to feel that discomfort and fatigue, try to change tasks if you can.

Digital Eye Strain in Canada: A Closer Look 

According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, approximately three-quarters of Canadians experience symptoms of digital eye strain, with a majority reporting that their symptoms are at least somewhat bothersome. In addition, Canadian adults spend at least 6 hours per day on digital devices.

These statistics highlight the prevalence and impact of digital eye strain in Canada and the need for preventative measures and proper treatment. With more and more people relying on digital devices for work, school, and leisure activities, it's essential to prioritize our eye health in today's technology-driven world.

Why Us?

At River Heights Eye Care, we understand the importance of eye health in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world. That's why we are committed to providing you with top-quality products and services that contribute to maintaining optimal eye health.

Our team consists of experienced professionals who are dedicated to staying updated on the most recent strategies in eye care. We use cutting-edge technology and techniques for accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

Additionally, we prioritize patient education and empowerment, as we believe that knowledge is key when it comes to taking care of your eyes. Our friendly staff will provide you with personalized recommendations and tips for preventing and relieving eye strain. With our commitment to excellence and your dedication to following good eye health practices, together, we can protect your precious vision for years to come. Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with us today and start your journey towards clear, healthy eyesight.

The post How Long Does Eye Strain Last? first appeared on River Heights Eye Care.

Pink eye and styes are two common eye conditions that can cause discomfort and irritation. Both have similar symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate between the two. Knowing the differences between pink eye and a stye can help you receive the appropriate treatment faster.

Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is the inflammation or infection of the outer membrane of the eyeball and inner eyelid. Symptoms include redness, itching, and a gritty feeling in the eye. On the other hand, a stye is a painful, red bump that forms on the edge of the eyelid, often due to a bacterial infection in an oil gland.

To discern between pink eye and a style, the key is to observe the specific symptoms. While both conditions can cause redness, discomfort, and swelling, a stye is usually characterized by a distinct lump on the eyelid. On the contrary, pink eye typically affects the entire eye, accompanied by a general redness and inflammation, and possibly a discharge.

Types & Symptoms of Pink Eye

Pink eye can manifest in different forms, each with its own set of symptoms:

1. Viral Conjunctivitis: This type is usually associated with colds or respiratory infections. Symptoms may include redness, watery eyes, itchiness, and sensitivity to light. It can be highly contagious and often affects both eyes.
2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Caused by bacteria, this type may result in redness, discharge (yellow or green), crusty eyelids, and swollen eyelids. It can affect one or both eyes and is also contagious.
3. Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis, triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, causes itching, redness, watery discharge, and swollen eyelids. It affects both eyes simultaneously and can be seasonal or perennial depending on the allergen.

How to Identify Pink Eye Through Its Symptoms

Identifying pink eye is relatively straightforward as it presents with distinct symptoms. Look out for:

• Redness in the whites of the eyes
• Irritation or itchiness
• Excessive tearing or watery eyes
• Discharge from the eyes, which can be clear, white, yellow, or green
• Crusty eyelids upon awakening
• Swollen, puffy eyelids
• Sensitivity to light

While some cases of pink eye may resolve on their own, others may require medication or additional care.

Prevention of Pink Eye

Pink eye can be highly contagious, so taking preventive measures is crucial. Here are some tips to prevent the spread of pink eye:

• Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching your eyes or face.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and cosmetics with others.
• Practice good hygiene by disinfecting surfaces that come into contact with the infected person's eye discharge.

• Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands.
• If you wear contact lenses, make sure to properly clean and store them to avoid infection.
• If you have allergies, try to avoid allergens that trigger your symptoms.
• Stay home from work or school until the pink eye has cleared up to prevent spreading it to others.

Types & Symptoms of Stye

There are two types of styes:

1. External Stye: This type appears as a red, painful bump on the edge of the eyelid. It is caused by an infection in the hair follicles of the eyelash.
2. Internal Stye: This type appears as a swollen bump inside the eyelid and is caused by an infection in the oil glands.

Both types of styes can be treated with warm compresses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and occasionally antibiotics if the infection is severe. If a stye does not improve or becomes increasingly painful, seek medical attention as it may require drainage or medication.

How to Identify Stye Through Its Symptoms

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be a stye:

• A red, painful bump on or inside the eyelid
• Swelling and tenderness around the eye
• Discharge from the affected area
• Sensitivity to light

Styes can also sometimes cause other symptoms like blurred vision or a feeling of something in your eye. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Prevention of Styes

To prevent styes, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices such as:

• Washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes
• Avoiding sharing personal items like towels, makeup, or contact lenses with others
• Removing all eye makeup before going to bed

If you wear contact lenses, make sure to properly clean and disinfect them before each use. It is also important to replace your contact lens case every 3 months or as recommended by your eye doctor.

Differences Between Pink Eye & a Stye

While both conditions can cause redness and swelling, there are some key differences between pink eye (conjunctivitis) and a stye such as:

• Pink eye affects the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of your eye and inside your eyelids, while a stye affects the oil glands in your eyelid
• Pink eye can be caused by a virus or bacteria, whereas a stye is typically caused by bacterial infection
• Pink eye can cause watery discharge while a stye produces a thicker, pus-like discharge

River Heights Eye Care: Your Trusted Partner For Comprehensive Eye Care & Optimal Eye Health

If you experience symptoms of pink eye or a stye, consult with your doctor right away for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Overall, practicing good hygiene habits can help prevent both conditions. Early detection and treatment can help alleviate symptoms and promote faster healing. River Heights Eye Care provides comprehensive eye care services for all members of the family. Schedule an appointment with us today and let us help you maintain and improve your eye health.

The post How to Tell if You Have Pink Eye or a Stye first appeared on River Heights Eye Care.

Vision is one of our most critical senses, and when it starts to deteriorate, it can significantly impact your daily life. Cataracts are one such eye condition that can blur your vision and affect your overall quality of life. 

Cataract surgery can help you regain your vision. However, as with any surgery, it comes with its share of risks and disadvantages, including infection, swelling, bleeding, visual disturbances, corneal edema, and in some rare cases, retinal detachment. 

Cataract surgery is a common and safe surgery that has helped millions of people improve their vision. However, surgery is an individual decision, and you can discuss whether it’s right for you with your eye doctor.

Risks of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a common and low-risk procedure that has transformed the lives of millions by restoring clear vision. However, like any surgical intervention, it is not without its risks.

Infection Risk

Cataract surgery involves making an incision in the eye, which poses a risk of infection. While surgeons take great care to maintain a sterile environment, there is always a slight possibility of postoperative infection.

Swelling & Discomfort

After surgery, some patients may experience temporary discomfort or swelling. These are common side effects but can be bothersome for some.

Visual Disturbances

While the goal of cataract surgery is to improve vision, some patients may experience visual disturbances after surgery, such as glare or halos around lights. These symptoms are usually temporary but can affect daily activities during the initial recovery period.

Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO)

PCO occurs when the lens capsule becomes cloudy after cataract surgery, leading to a gradual decline in vision. Although a laser procedure called YAG capsulotomy can easily address PCO, it is an additional intervention that some people may find inconvenient.

Retinal Detachment

While rare, retinal detachment is a serious complication that can occur after cataract surgery. It is essential for patients to be aware of the symptoms, such as sudden flashes of light or floaters, and seek prompt medical attention if they occur.

Intraocular Lens Complications

During cataract surgery, your natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL comes with its own risks, such as incorrect power calculation, dislocation, or issues with the positioning of the lens.

Bleeding

Though uncommon, bleeding within the eye can occur during or after surgery, leading to potential vision issues.

Corneal Edema

Swelling of the cornea is a possible complication of cataract surgery that can affect your vision. It typically resolves with time, but you may experience blurred vision during the healing process.

The Pros & Cons of Cataract Surgery

Pros:

• Improved vision: Cataract surgery can significantly improve your vision, allowing you to see things more clearly.
• Enhanced quality of life: By restoring your vision, cataract surgery can help you regain independence and enjoy daily activities.
• Quick and safe procedure: Thanks to technological advances, cataract surgery is relatively quick and safe.
• Minimal discomfort: Most people experience minimal discomfort during and after the surgery, making the recovery process relatively smooth.

Cons:

• Potential risks: Like any surgical procedure, cataract surgery carries some risks, such as infection, bleeding, or retina detachment. However, these risks are relatively rare.
• Cost: Although Alberta Health covers certain expenses, there may be additional costs for premium lens implants, eye drops, and new glasses.
• Recovery time: While the surgery is quick, recovery may take some time. You'll need to follow postoperative instructions, take it easy for a few weeks, and see your optometrist for follow-up appointments.

Healing Process 

Healing after cataract surgery can vary from patient to patient. Some people might experience a speedy recovery, while others might face temporary blurry vision. Following postoperative care instructions, such as using prescribed eye drops and attending follow-up appointments, is crucial. 

Discomfort and itching in the eyes are common after surgery, and you may need a protective shield to prevent rubbing your eyes. Your vision should stabilize within a few weeks after surgery.

Here are some tips for recovering after cataract surgery recovery:

• Restrict physical activity and heavy lifting
• Avoid rubbing your eyes 
• Wear sunglasses in bright settings 
• Wash your eyes carefully and avoid putting soap or water into them
• Avoid cosmetics and lotions around the eyes for at least a week 
• Avoid irritants such as chemicals and dust

Clarity Beyond Cataracts: Navigating the Path to Vision Renewal

Cataract surgery is a standard and safe procedure. However, it’s essential to know the disadvantages and risks involved and weigh them against the benefits. We recommend discussing your options with your eye doctor at River Heights Eye Care to help you decide. Any surgical risks should be taken seriously. However, cataract surgery is an exceptional option to help restore your vision. Book a consultation today and determine if cataract surgery is right for you.

The post What Are the Disadvantages of Cataract Surgery? first appeared on River Heights Eye Care.

Have you ever wondered why your eye drops come with an expiration date? It's not a meaningless number. Expired eye drops could do more harm than good. But why do eye drops expire?

The shelf life of eye drops varies depending on their formulation. But no matter what kind you’re using, expired eye drops are no longer sterile and can cause irritation or infection.

Eye drops can be an easy and effective solution to many common eye issues, but you should consult your optometrist before putting any product in your eyes.

What Are the Different Types of Eye Drops?

Eye drops come in different formulations and types, making it essential to know which eye drops are right for you and your symptoms.

Artificial Tears

Artificial tears mimic natural tears and help lubricate the eyes, reducing dryness and irritation. They're often recommended for dry eyes caused by computer use, contact lenses, meibomian gland dysfunction, and the environment

Sometimes called lubricating eye drops, these drops come with both preservatives and preservative-free formulas. Preservatives often make these drops last longer, but the preservatives can cause irritation. Preservative-free drops are easier on sensitive eyes but don’t last as long. 

Antibiotic Eye Drops

Optometrists prescribe antibiotic eye drops to fight bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and corneal ulcers. They must be used correctly and consistently to avoid resistance to medication. Most antibiotic eye drops only last a couple days to a month after opening. Every medication is different. 

Anti-Allergy Eye Drops

Anti-allergy eye drops are designed to prevent allergies from making your eyes itchy and watery. These drops contain antihistamines, which stop histamines from causing allergic reactions. You can buy them without a prescription, and they come in options with or without preservatives.

Why Do Eye Drops Expire?

Unlike the food in your pantry with best-before dates, expiry dates are the cut-off date when the manufacturer can guarantee the drops’ safety and effectiveness. Beyond that date, the eye drops can pose a risk to your eyes.

Lose Effectiveness

Eye drops expire mainly because they lose their effectiveness over time. The active ingredients in eye drops can break down and become less potent. This means that expired eye drops may not provide the same level of relief as fresh ones do.

Bacteria Growth

The preservatives in eye drops also break down over time, which can lead to bacteria growth, especially after opening the bottle. Using expired eye drops can increase the risk of infection or irritation to the eye.

How to Help Your Eye Drops Last

Some ways you can help maximize the lifespan of your eye drops include:

• Storing your eye drops in a cool, dry place.
• Keeping your eye drops away from direct sunlight.
• Practicing good hand hygiene when putting in eye drops.

It’s essential to clean your hands and practice good eye drop use to prevent cross-contamination from introducing harmful bacteria to the bottle.

Preservatives vs. Preservative-Free

Not all eye drops have the same expiration date. Some eye drops are preservative-free and are designed for single-use only. These drops typically have a shorter shelf life and should be discarded after one use. Multi-use eye drops can usually be used for several weeks after opening as long as they are correctly stored and have not expired.

So, how do you know if your eye drops have expired? Look for the expiration date printed on the packaging or bottle. If it has already passed, it's time to toss them out. You should also discard eye drops that appear cloudy, discoloured, or have particles floating in them. These are signs that bacteria growth may have occurred, and the eye drops are no longer safe to use.

Support Healthy Eyes with Regular Eye Exams

Eye drops can help soothe symptoms of discomfort and irritation, but a visit to your optometrist can help uncover the cause of your symptoms and identify the proper treatment for long-term relief. Schedule an eye exam with River Heights Eye Care to support your vision, maintain eye health, and preserve comfort.

The post Can You Use Expired Eye Drops? first appeared on River Heights Eye Care.

When it comes to your vision, it’s important to pay attention to changes or discomfort you may experience. By knowing what signs to watch out for, you can detect potentially-developing conditions early—when they’re often most treatable—and work together with an eye care professional to help your vision remain clear. But how can you tell if you need glasses in the first place?

Typically, the first sign of a vision problem or refractive error is blurry or double vision. However, this isn’t the only sign that you may need glasses! It’s also common to experience:

• Eye strain
• Headaches
• Glare at night
• Dry eye syndrome
• Difficulty reading things up close

It’s also important to note that if you have a family member with myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), you’re significantly more likely to develop these conditions yourself. It’s essential to regularly visit your optometrist for comprehensive eye exams so they can monitor your vision.

Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is one of the first signs that you need glasses. If you notice that objects at a distance appear fuzzy, blurry, or just simply unclear, it’s time to visit the eye doctor. Blurry vision can be caused by myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, or many other eye conditions. 

These conditions cause light entering the eye to refract improperly and hit different points than it should, leading to blurred images. Blurry vision shouldn’t be ignored—even if it’s only temporary, it could be an indicator of a serious eye disease or condition developing. 

Double Vision

Experiencing double vision is often an indicator that your eyes aren’t as healthy as they should be. This occurs when your eyes aren’t working together properly, causing overlapping or duplicate images to be processed and sent to your brain. 

This can be caused by several factors, such as astigmatism or cataracts developing, or could be linked to a problem such as your eyes themselves being misaligned. In some extreme cases, it could even be a sign of a neurological disorder developing.

It’s important that if you experience double vision, whether temporary or long-term, to visit an optometrist as soon as you can.

Eye Strain

In today’s day and age, with so much access to screens, eye strain has become more and more common. While eye strain is often linked to screen use, that isn’t the sole cause—eye strain can be caused by many different things, like:

• Driving long distances
• Reading too much
• Dry air
• Too much time indoors
• Stress

However, environmental factors aren’t always the cause. In many cases, eye strain can be a sign of an underlying visual problem or refractive error.

Headaches

Frequent headaches can be directly caused by vision problems. If your eyes are straining or working too hard to see clearly and focus, it can lead to a tension headache developing. If you notice that you’re often experiencing headaches after reading, using digital devices, or engaging in a task that’s visually demanding, it may be linked to a vision problem.

An optometrist can examine your eyes, test your visual acuity, and determine if a refractive error or other condition could be contributing to your headaches. 

Difficulty Reading

If you’re noticing it’s becoming increasingly difficult to read books, newspapers, or print of any kind, you may need prescription eyeglasses. Difficulty reading can be caused by many different visual conditions, but one of the more common causes is presbyopia—the lens of your eye slowly losing its ability to focus on nearby objects. This condition is commonly associated with age.

Presbyopia can be treated through the use of prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses to help you see comfortably at nearby distances.

Dry Eye Syndrome

One of the more common causes of vision conditions developing is dry eye syndrome, also known as dry eye. Dry eye can be caused by all sorts of things, but each of them has to do with your tear production. Your tears are responsible for keeping your eyes hydrated and moisturized, but if there’s an issue with tear quality or quantity, it can lead to dry eyes.

This condition can also be caused by environmental, medical, and lifestyle factors, like:

• Dust or dirt in the air
• Prolonged screen use
• Medical conditions like diabetic retinopathy
• Contact lenses
• Smoking

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people every year. It’s important to visit an optometrist so they can diagnose the root cause of your dry eye syndrome and help you make a plan to treat this condition.

Night Glare

If you’re experiencing a glare at night or a halo around light sources when it’s darker out, you may be developing a vision problem. Conditions like astigmatism, cataracts, or problems developing with your cornea can cause light rays to scatter as they enter your eye, leading to sources of light appearing blurry or circular. 

This can cause difficulty seeing at night and can impair your ability to navigate safely after dark, making driving and walking unsafe due to the glare. 

How to Tell When to Visit an Optometrist

Your vision makes a significant impact on your quality of life, so it’s important that you note changes to it. If you develop any problems with your vision, you should visit an optometrist as soon as you can so they can diagnose the root cause of your problem. They can help you make a plan to treat your vision problems accordingly.

It’s recommended that adults visit the optometrist at least once a year for regular comprehensive eye exams. To speak with a caring and educated professional today, schedule an appointment with us here at River Heights Eye Care!

The post Do I Need Glasses? Signs It’s Time to See Your Eye Doctor first appeared on River Heights Eye Care.

Dry eyes can be irritating and uncomfortable to deal with. You may assume you need your optometrist's help with this condition, but this isn’t always true. Did you know you can manage dry eye with a bowl, washcloth, and water?

You can use a warm compress by soaking a washcloth in warm water to help relieve dry eye symptoms and improve tear production. 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a condition where your tears cannot effectively lubricate your eyes, leading to irritation. Many people assume that dry or tired eyes are expected after a long day, and while it can happen from time to time, consistent dryness is concerning. Dry eyes are more than an annoyance—they can affect your quality of life. 

You can experience several symptoms if you have dry eye, including: 

• Eyes that sting or burn
• Light sensitivity
• Red eyes
• Gritty eyes
• Blurry vision
• Eye fatigue
• Watery eyes
• Trouble wearing contact lenses
• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye often occurs because of problems with your tear film, which includes 3 layers (mucus, water, and oil) that work together to keep your eyes clean and hydrated. When issues arise in the tear film, like decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation, it can lead to dry eyes.

Decreased Tear Production

Decreased tear production occurs when your body can’t produce enough tears to lubricate your eyes. There can be several reasons this happens, including: 

• Aging
• Medical conditions
• Medication use
• Desensitized corneal nerves

Increased Tear Evaporation

Increased tear evaporation happens when your tears dry out too quickly. A common cause of this issue is meibomian gland dysfunction, a condition where the meibomian glands become clogged which can prevent proper oil flow to the tear film. 

Some possible causes of increased tear evaporation include: 

• Meibomian gland dysfunction
• Eyelid problems
• Eye allergies
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Preservatives in eye drops
• Infrequent blinking

How Can Warm Compresses Help with Dry Eye?

Warm compresses can help dry eyes by providing moisture and heat. These compresses can help you produce more tears, unclog the meibomian glands, and relieve pain and swelling. 

Research shows that heating devices like warm compresses on the eyes can help relieve dry eye symptoms. 

Are Warm Compresses Safe to Use?

Being safe with your eyes is always a good idea, so you may wonder if warm compresses can damage them. 

While compresses can have many benefits, it’s important to keep the washcloth at an ideal temperature. It’s essential that your compress is warm, not hot. A washcloth that’s too hot can injure the skin around your eyes. 

How to Use a Warm Compress to Manage Dry Eye

You don’t need to visit your eye doctor for a warm compress. They’re available at your home if you have the right supplies. You can make a warm compress in a few simple steps. 

Use a clean bowl, washcloth, and warm water to complete the following steps: 

• Fill a bowl with warm water (ensure your skin can handle the heat)
• Dunk a washcloth into the bowl until it’s completely soaked
• Take the washcloth out of the bowl and wring out the excess water
• Fold the washcloth so it fits comfortably across your eyes

Give yourself around 5 to 10 minutes to relax with your warm compress. Lie back and completely cover your closed eyes with the compress. You can use a warm compress as many times as necessary during the day—just know that frequent use may dry out the skin around your eyes. 

Other Dry Eye Treatments

Warm compresses aren’t the only dry eye treatment available. Your optometrist at River Heights Eye Care has many tools to help relieve your symptoms, including at-home and in-office treatments. 

Some potential treatments they may recommend include: 

• Prescription eye drops: Prescription eye drops from your eye doctor can help stimulate tear production or relieve inflammation.
• Dietary changes: Dietary changes can benefit your eye health and help relieve dry eye symptoms. 
• Environmental changes: Your environment can affect your eyes, leading to dryness. Changing your lifestyle and improving your environment can help your symptoms. 
• Artificial tears: Artificial tears are eye drops that simulate real tears. They’re available over the counter and can help temporarily relieve dry eyes. 

Don’t Live with Dry Eyes

Dry eyes don’t need to be a life-long sentence. You can improve your symptoms with at-home remedies or help from your eye doctor at River Heights Eye Care. They’re here to help you enjoy clear, comfortable vision. 

Contact River Heights Eye Care if you experience dry eye symptoms. 

The post How to Use a Warm Compress to Manage Dry Eye first appeared on River Heights Eye Care.

Vision is an important part of our everyday lives, and our eye health helps keep our vision clear. But sometimes, even when we take care of those aspects of our health, such as with regularly scheduled eye exams, there are some diseases that can still affect our eyes. 

These diseases are not to be confused with eye diseases. They are other diseases of the body that could potentially affect your eyes. For example, 5 diseases that can affect your eyes include Crohn's disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease, Lyme disease, and diabetes. 

Learning about the diseases that can affect your eyes can help you make adjustments to support your overall health and your eye health. 

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a condition that mainly affects your bowel. This is an inflammatory disease that causes swelling of the tissues in your digestive tract and can cause abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. While many of the symptoms of this disease affect your digestive tract, it can affect other areas of your body as well. 

Crohn’s is an inflammatory disease that affects other organs of your body, such as your eyes. In fact, Crohn’s disease can cause several different types of inflammation in the eye:

• Episcleritis: This is a common eye complication associated with Crohn’s. It involves inflammation that affects the white tissue of the eyes under the eyelids and can cause redness and sore eyes. Episcleritis often does not have any effect on your vision.
• Scleritis: This condition affects the white areas of the eye. This is a severe condition which can cause pain and reduce your vision. Scleritis is more common in older patients.
• Uveitis: With IBD, uveitis commonly affects the iris of the eye. Symptoms of this condition can include red, irritated eyes, sensitivity to light, headaches, and blurred vision.
• Cataract and dry eyes: IBD can be associated with blurred vision or ‘clouding’ of the eye caused by some steroid medications. If this occurs, you may need to change the treatment and medication you use for IBD. 

Kidney Disease

Your kidneys filter your blood and extra water from your system to get rid of any access waste. If you have problems with your kidneys, your blood may not be filtered the way that it should be.

For those who have kidney disease, eye complications and problems can come on without any warning. It is important to make sure that you are taking care of your eyes and speaking to both your kidney doctor as well as your optometrist to ensure you can take care of problems that arise early on. 

Some of the symptoms that can affect your eyes are sore, red, or dry eyes. This can be eased by controlling the phosphate and calcium levels in your blood. While kidney complications are not the only cause of dry eyes, they can be triggered or made worse by changes in kidney function. 

Retinopathy can be caused by kidney disease as well. It often occurs as a result of high blood pressure in the body. This can damage the small blood vessels in the retina and must be treated right away because it can lead to vision loss or blindness. 

Thyroid Disease

Thyroid eye disease is an immune system disorder which causes inflammation in the tissue and muscles around your eyes. 

There are many symptoms that you may experience with this disease, with some being quite mild and others being more serious. This condition can affect the area of your head where your eyes sit, causing your eyes to bulge out. One potential symptom is swelling that can make it difficult to close your eyes. 

Other symptoms that you may experience with thyroid eye disease are:

• Light sensitivity 
• Redness in the whites of your eyes
• Double vision 
• Watery or dry eyes
• Pain or pressure 
• Eye irritation

Lyme Disease 

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that is transferred to humans through bites of infected ticks. One of the potential initial symptoms of Lyme disease is a rash somewhere on the body that appears after being bitten. 

There are many Lyme disease symptoms that a person can experience, such as joint pain or headaches, but the exact symptoms can differ from person to person because there can be many diseases carried in one bite from an infected tick. 

When you have Lyme disease, your vision and your eyes can be affected during the early and later stages of the disease. Some of the symptoms you could experience include:

• Visual fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Double vision 
• Headaches associated with visual activity 
• Eye inflammation 
• Eye floaters
• Sensitivity to light. 

Diabetes 

When you have diabetes, your body is prevented from making and using insulin, which can result in increased levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes can affect your eye health in several ways. Some of the conditions associated with diabetes include:

• Nearsightedness and farsightedness 
• Premature presbyopia 

• Glaucoma
• Paralysis of the nerves that control parts of the eye 
• Cataracts
• Retinopathy

There are also specific visual symptoms that you may experience when you have diabetes. These symptoms could include:

• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Loss of visual field 
• Occasional double vision
• Flashes and floaters within the eyes

When you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk for complications and blindness. It is very important to schedule regular diabetic eye exams to ensure that your eye health is being monitored. 

How Do I Manage My Eye Health?  

Managing your eye health along with a disease can sometimes be difficult, but you can get help. During your regular eye exam, our optometrists at River Heights Eye Care can help answer any questions that you might have and provide guidance specific to your eye care needs. There are various levels of care needed depending on which condition you might be experiencing. 

Learn More

If you have questions about how your eye health can be affected by diseases, book your appointment with the optometrists at River Heights Eye Care. Your health is important, and we are here to help care for your eyes. 

The post 5 Diseases That Can Affect Your Eyes first appeared on River Heights Eye Care.

Healthy Eyes for Healthy Gaming

It’s all fun and games until someone feels eye strain. Whether you’re a casual gamer, completionist, or professional, protecting your eyes is essential to your gaming experience. Fortunately, you can improve your eye comfort in many simple ways, from blue light glasses to the 20-20-20 rule. 

Level up your eye care skills by discovering what causes eye strain and how to protect your eyes while gaming.

How Gaming Causes Eye Strain

Gaming is far from the only activity known for causing eye strain. Digital eye strain is common in those who spend a lot of time viewing digital screens, like computers, smartphones, TVs, and tablets.

Eye strain is also commonly caused by intensive or prolonged visual tasks, such as reading or long-distance driving. However, eye strain is more typical for close vision work, as those activities tend to keep your eyes focused in a fixed or limited position for long periods. 

Imagine you’ve decided to lift weights but only perform biceps curls. If you repeat the same exercise for hours, your biceps will feel exhausted. In some cases, overexerting yourself may even cause an injury. 

Intense visual work is similar: you repeat the same exercise or action with your eye muscles. While an injury is less likely with eye strain than with bicep curls, eye strain can lead to long-lasting eye issues, like dry eyes. Dry eyes come with their own risk, like eye infections and corneal scarring.

Eye Strain Symptoms

Symptoms of eye strain can include:

• Blurry or double vision
• Burning or itchy eyes
• Dry eyes
• Eye fatigue or discomfort
• Eye twitching
• Frequent squinting
• Light sensitivity
• Poor concentration

Eye Tips for Gamers

Set your game time up for success by implementing these eye care tips.

20-20-20 Rule

The 20-20-20 rule is designed to help prevent screen time from overtaxing your vision. It takes at least 20 seconds for your eyes to relax, so focusing on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds helps rest your eyes. It’s recommended you do this every 20 minutes.

These frequent breaks can be impractical whether you game for fun or views, but the most crucial takeaway here is to just take breaks. You may commit to looking away every time you complete a level or when your character fails. Or, on replays, try looking away during cutscenes or dialogue.

Drink More Water

The average human body is more than 50% water, so unsurprisingly, staying hydrated has multiple health benefits. 

Water is the main component of tears. Blinking spreads a thin layer of tears across your eye, cleaning away debris and providing much-needed moisture. Dehydration can impact your tear quality and cause dry eyes. Eye strain and dry eye disease often go hand-in-hand, sharing similar symptoms like eye irritation and fluctuating vision.

Staying hydrated can support tear production to help maintain healthy, moisturized eyes.

Remember to Blink

The average person blinks 12 times per minute but only 5 times per minute when viewing a digital screen. When you blink less, your eyes can dry out and tire more quickly. Remembering to blink more can be tricky when you’re focused on gameplay. 

You may find setting an alarm for stretch and water breaks helpful, but reminders to blink every minute may be irritating. So instead, try to force yourself to blink more when gaming, and add a few more blinks during your breaks. You can also try artificial tears to prevent dry eyes.

Stretch It Out

How long has it been since your last stretch break? When your head is in the game, hours can pass frozen in the same position.

Sitting for 4 or more hours—gaming or working—can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot formed in a deep vein (usually a leg). Any prolonged inactivity, even lying with your legs up in the same position, can increase your risk.

Neck, shoulder, and back pain are commonly associated with eye strain. Taking a stretch break is a chance to change the focusing position of your eyes and relieve body tension.

Try Blue Light Glasses

Blue light waves are short, high-energy light waves closest to UV light on the visible light spectrum. Fortunately, like UV radiation, our atmosphere protects us from the most powerful source of blue light—the sun. Blue light scatters in the atmosphere, making the sky look blue. 

Artificial sources of blue light, including digital screens, light bulbs, and LED technology, emit significantly weaker amounts of blue light, but we often use these sources of blue light for long periods and at close range. 

Some eye health experts have concerns that blue light may increase the risk of digital eye strain and macular degeneration. As blue light scatters more easily than other light wavelengths, it can be challenging for your eyes to focus. As a result, your eyes work harder and feel tired more quickly when exposed to blue light.

Currently, there is no clinical evidence that blue light causes harm to your eyes, but studies are limited, and we don’t know the long-term health effects of digital screens. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends limiting children’s exposure to blue light. They also recognize there may be accumulated eye damage from long-term exposure, resulting in adult eye problems.

Adding blue light filters or wearing blue light glasses can limit your exposure and possibly reduce your eye health risks. They can also help prevent late-night screen time from affecting your sleep.

Adjust Your Set Up

The position and distance of your screen relative to your eyes can negatively impact your eye comfort. While PC gamers can be more at risk, platform users should also be wary of sitting too close to their screens.

Your monitor should be about arm’s length from your eyes. The top third of your screen should be eye level, with the bottom no further than 30 degrees below eye level. Rest your upper back on your chair with shoulder blades pulled in and towards each other. Armrests should allow a 90-degree elbow position with arms close to your sides.

Get Outside

Like the 20-20-20 rule, getting outside helps change your visual focus. Indoor activities tend to be predominantly close tasks. Whether you’re a tabletop or digital gamer, your eyes need time to exercise long-distance visual skills. A 20-second break resets your focus in the moment, but you can enjoy more long-term relief by regularly giving your eyes more to look at.

Try adding outdoor activities or games with an emphasis on farther distances. It can be as simple as looking ahead while taking a walk. Sports and other outdoor hobbies can also offer a chance to stretch your visual skills, so you have a go-to break idea when you experience eye strain.

Discover More Eye Care Tips

Our team at River Heights Eye Care is committed to providing the best possible eye care to Cochrane families. Visit us when you have an eye problem or if it’s time for a routine eye exam. We take the time to get to know your and your vision needs.

Book an appointment today for personalized, compassionate care.

The post How to Reduce Eye Strain While Gaming first appeared on River Heights Eye Care.

The Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses

Sunglasses can be as crucial to eye care as glasses or eye exams. Why? Because like comprehensive eye exams, sun safety is part of preventative care. Sunglasses can also make your visual experience easier, from driving without glare to shielding your eyes from the wind.

Yet, every pair of sunglasses can have unique features, changing how your eyewear serves your vision and eye health. For example, polarized lenses are one type of treatment you may want for your shades. But how can you tell if your sunglasses are polarized? What are the benefits?

What Are Polarized Lenses?

Polarized lenses filter reflected light or glare. A chemical is applied to the lens to create vertical openings and block horizontal light.

Light sources, like the sun, scatter in all directions. However, when light strikes reflective surfaces, the light becomes polarizedand travels in a uniform (horizontal) orientation. Horizontal light bounces off reflective surfaces, such as water or metal, focusing light intensity and affecting visibility. 

Polarized sunglasses (anti-glare sunglasses) reduce how much light reaches your eye by blocking reflected light. As a result, images can seem darker, but details are generally clearer. 

The main benefits of polarized sunglasses are:

• Clearer vision in bright environments
• Decreased eye strain
• Increased contrast with minimal colour distortion
• Reduced glare and reflection

Polarized sunglasses work best when worn in environments with high light intensity. People who enjoy outdoor activities use polarized lenses to improve visibility, which can be a crucial safety feature. 

However, there are some situations where polarized lenses may decrease visibility. The chemicals reduce light and are ill-suited for low-lighting conditions. Therefore, you should not wear polarized sunglasses for night driving. While yellow-tinted night driving glasses exist, the evidence does not support any potential benefits for visibility or performance.

UV Protection vs Anti-Glare

Of course, there's a difference between UV-blocking and anti-glare lenses. Many polarized lenses are available with UV protection, but not all filter UV light. Unfortunately, the opposite is true: not all UV-blocking sunglasses are polarized. So before you buy, look at the label or ask the seller.

Ultraviolet light or UV radiation can affect health in multiple ways depending on the type and the intensity. Prolonged or intense exposure to UV radiation cause harm your eye health and vision. Avoiding direct sunlight and using UV protection can help reduce your risk for:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Age spots
• Eye growths (pterygium or pinguecula)
• Eye or eyelid skin cancer
• Photokeratitis (sunburned eyes)

Sunglasses with UV protection should block out 99–100% UV-A and UV-B radiation. Also, look for sunglasses that screen out 75–90% of visible light. The lenses should be free of any flaws or distortions. Lenses labelled with UV 400 protection block nearly 100% of UV light.

The colour or tint of your sunglasses is not relevant to UV protection. Any shade can be an option for polarized, UV-blocking sunglasses.

All Season Protection

Polarized lenses are available in various tints. Yellow or orange coloured sunglasses are popular for sports-related activities as they can increase contrast in hazy or foggy conditions. But the yellow-orange tiny can distort colours. Some tints, such as amber, rose, or green, can also effectively block blue light. Grey tints offer the most natural colour vision.

When choosing your outdoor eyewear, the type of filter and colour can significantly impact performance and safety. Sports or hobbies in high-reflective environments benefit the most from polarized sunglasses, including water or snow sports—such as fishing, boating, skiing, and snowboarding.

While you're likely familiar with the need for anti-glare lenses in the summer, the colder season can be equally blinding. UV light can reflect off snow and ice, potentially doubling your risk for UV exposure and increasing glare. 

Sports eyewear, from impact-resistant sunglasses to ski goggles, is available with polarized lenses. The sturdier materials, wider surface area, and anti-glare coating can give your performance and safety advantages.

How to Tell if Your Sunglasses Are Polarized

The good news is it's easy to tell if your sunglasses are polarized. Compare looking at a reflective surface without and with your sunglasses. You should notice a difference in glare and contrast.

Polarized lenses also make looking at LCD screens more challenging, usually appearing dark or black. To test visibility, you can look at an LCD screen, such as a TV or digital watch.

Another trick you can try before you buy is to compare sunglasses you know are polarized with the pair in question:

1. Hold one lens over the polarized lens about 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) apart. Rotate the pair in question to a 90-degree angle. 
2. Where the lenses overlap, the contrast should be significantly darker than when the lenses do not overlap. If there’s no difference, the lenses are not polarized.

Discover More Eyewear Tips

Your optometrist is more than an eyecare expert; we can also offer advice about eyewear. When you need lenses for a task, we can help you find what you’re looking for. Computer glasses, sports goggles, or polarized sunglasses—we’re available to discuss all your vision needs.

Protecting your eyes is crucial for preventing eye diseases and conditions, but it can also support your comfort. Visit River Heights Eye Care today!

The post Are My Sunglasses Polarized? How to Tell and Why it’s Important first appeared on River Heights Eye Care.