Glaucoma is an eye disease leading to progressive damage to the optic nerve (responsible for taking visual signals back to the brain), and is characterized by loss of nerve tissue resulting in loss of vision., Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma and is associated with an increase in the intra-ocular pressure (IOP) causing progressive damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada and most often occurs in people over age 40. Other risk factors for glaucoma include: • family history of glaucoma • diabetics ...

Astigmatism is a common vision condition or refractive disorder that causes blurred vision due either to the irregular shape of the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye, or sometimes the curvature of the lens inside the eye. An irregular shaped cornea or lens prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light sensitive surface at the back of the eye. As a result, vision becomes blurred at any distance. Slight amounts of astigmatism usually don’t affect vision and don’t require treatment. However, larger amounts cause distorted or blurred vision, eye discomfort and headaches.

Conjunctivitis is a common inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva – the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis, often called “pink eye,” commonly occurs in children and may affect one or both eyes and is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. It can also occur due to an allergic reaction to irritants in the air like pollen and smoke, chlorine in swimming pools, and ingredients in cosmetics or other products that come in contact with the eyes. Some forms ...

Presbyopia is a progressive vision condition in which the crystalline lens of your eye loses its flexibility, which makes it difficult to focus on close objects. This may seem to occur suddenly, but the actual loss of flexibility takes place over a number of years. Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process of the eye and usually becomes noticeable in the early to mid-40s. Symptoms of presbyopia include: the tendency to hold reading materials at arm’s length blurred vision at normal reading distance eye fatigue along with headaches when doing close work Treatment for ...

A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye and mostly develop in people over age 55, but occasionally occur in infants and young children. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes, but one may be worse than the other and require surgery more immediately. Signs and symptoms of a cataract may include: • Blurred, hazy, or vision • Reduced intensity of colors • Increased sensitivity to glare from lights, particularly when driving at night • Increased difficulty seeing at night • Change in the eye’s refractive error Cataract surgery ...

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids causing red, irritated, itchy eyelids and the formation of dandruff-like scales on eyelashes. It is a common eye disorder caused by either common bacteria or a skin condition such as dandruff of the scalp or acne rosacea. Although uncomfortable and esthetically displeasing, blepharitis is not contagious and generally does not cause any permanent damage to eyesight. Blepharitis is classified into two types: 1. Anterior blepharitis: affects the outside front edge of the eyelid near the eyelashes. 2. Posterior blepharitis: affects the inner edge of the eyelid that comes in ...

Vitreous floaters are generally small, semi-transparent or cloudy specks or particles within the clear, jelly-like fluid called the vitreous humour which fills the inside of your eyes. They can appear as specks of various shapes and sizes, threadlike strands or cobwebs and move around your field of vision as your eyes move. Floaters can become more visible when looking at a white background or outdoors on a very sunny day. Most floaters are considered harmless and are generally consequences of aging on the vitreous especially for individuals greater than 40 years of age. However, they can ...

Dry eye is a common, under-diagnosed condition causing insufficient tear production or rapid evaporation of tears limiting lubrication and nourishment of the eye. It is often a chronic problem and mostly affects adults greater than 40 years old and women. People with dry eyes may experience the following symptoms: • irritated, gritty, scratchy, or burning eyes • a feeling of something in their eyes • excess watering • blurred vision Dry eyes can be a chronic condition, but our eye doctors can prescribe a variety of treatments to keep your eyes healthy, more comfortable, and prevent ...

Myopia or “nearsightedness” is one of the most common refractive (light-bending…remember high school physics) disorders of the eye which causes distant objects to appear blurred and can range from mild to severe. This condition occurs if the eyeball grows too long or the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye, has too much curvature. Myopia is a very common vision condition affecting nearly 30 percent of the Canadian population and scientific research supports that myopia is usually hereditary. There is also growing evidence that myopia may be influenced by excessive near (reading or computer) work ...

Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is the loss or lack of development of central vision in one eye that is usually unrelated to any eye health problem. Lazy eye is often associated with crossed-eyes (strabismus) or a large difference in the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness between the two eyes. It usually develops before the age of 6 and symptoms may include noticeably favouring one eye or a tendency to bump into objects on one side. Early diagnosis increases the chance for a complete recovery. This is one reason why our eye doctors recommend that children have ...

Hyperopia, or “farsightedness”, is a common refractive disorder in which distant objects are usually seen clearly, but close ones do not come into proper focus. Hyperopia generally occurs due to physical reasons when the eyeball length grows slightly too short or the cornea has too little curvature. Common symptoms of hyperopia can include: difficulty in concentrating and maintaining a clear focus on near objects eye strain fatigue and/or headaches after close work aching or burning eyes irritability or nervousness after sustained concentration Common vision screenings, often done in schools, are generally ineffective at detecting hyperopia. A ...