Common Eye Conditions

 

The following information gives a brief overview of some of the common eye conditions people can suffer from.  If you suffer from any eye problems, or, for early detection of any of the below conditions – visit Vision Care Centre – Langley, or call to book an eye exam today to have a professional consultation with one our Optometrists who will be happy to explain any eye condition in detail.


 

Eye Education
An Eye Doctor On How to Improve Your Long Distance Vision Problem

An Eye Doctor On How to Improve Your Long Distance Vision Problem

If you find you have trouble reading signs on the road or in the grocery store, you are likely suffering from myopia, also known as nearsightedness, which means that you have poor distance vision. It may be a good idea to visit your local eye doctor in Langley.

Myopia occurs due to the eyeball’s shape becoming too elongated. As a result, the light, which is supposed to reach the retina, only gets in front of the retina. This is what causes everything in the distance to become blurry. If this is left untreated for too long, then it can lead to cataract development, glaucoma, retinal detachment and myopic maculopathy. Get in touch with our team if you are looking for eyeglasses in Langley.

It’s a good thing that many different natural remedies can slow the progression of your nearsightedness and help prevent things from getting even worse. These are some tips that you can try to naturally improve your distance vision.

Use It As Much As Possible

This is an issue that is common for people who work on the computer all day, or those who spend all their time staring at their phones. It is also common for people who stay indoors for a long time, where there is nothing that is further than ten feet.

To help improve your distance vision, you should use it. Take a break every few hours to go outside and look at things that are farther away. Make it a habit to have your kids get outside in the natural light, not only for exercise but to help their eyesight as well.

It is recommended that every 20 minutes of near work, take a 20 second break to look 20 feet or further. We also recommend that children get 120 minutes per day of outdoor light exposure.

Taking these small steps can make a huge difference in preserving your distance vision.

Try Wearing the Exact Prescription Your Eye Doctor Made

While prescription glasses are a fix for nearsightedness, they will actually cause you to have worsening vision if the prescription is too strong or weak. If you wear glasses for nearsightedness, be sure that you are using the exact prescription. You should only be wearing them when you really need them. Plus, you should never wear your distance glasses when you are focusing on things that are up close.

Do Some Eye Exercises

When you are going outside to take a break from your job, you should practice some exercises to help your eye muscles get back in shape. For example, focus on a near object 20 cm away for a few seconds then focus on an object 20 feet away for a few seconds. Repeat 5 times. You can also stand up straight and look as far right on the horizon as you can without moving your head. Then slowly look toward the horizon to the left. This is a great stretch for the eye muscles and it helps relieve the muscles that are focusing up close all day. You can also try to look up at the sky and as far down as you can then look back up.

Common Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Options

Common Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Options

Dry eye syndrome is quite common, and sore eyes, blurry eyesight, irritated eyes, eye fatigue and light sensitivity are all symptoms you may experience if you have dry eyes. Difficulty keeping your eyes open and pain when opening your eyelids in the morning are also symptoms of dry eyes, although these will vary from one person to another, and some of these symptoms may occur regularly while others may occur intermittently.

Dry eye syndrome will affect the surface of the eye and is an indication that the amount and quality of your tears are out of balance. Muscles, nerves, glands, tear ducts and connective tissue are some of the many parts at the surface of your eyes, and all of these factors must work together to keep your eyes moist. The risk of developing this disease will increase with age, although dry eye syndrome is becoming increasingly common in younger people who rely heavily on their devices like their smartphones and laptops. Dry eye syndrome will affect your daily activities, and you will have trouble reading, driving and watching television.

The right amount of tears and their quality help keep the eyes nourished and lubricated. Tears are necessary because they help wash away unwanted elements from the eyes. This type of natural lubrication will reduce friction from blinking. Tears will also help keep the surface of your eye clear while helping fight germs and other things that can cause an eye infection, so tears are a must for the health of your eyes.

The good news is that there are a number of treatments for dry eye syndrome, and the following are the most common:

Artificial Tears

This is the most common medication for dry eyes because it helps lubricate the eyes and helps treat irritation, dryness and inflammation. Artificial tears are effective and will relieve some of the common symptoms of dry eye syndrome, although it should not be viewed as a long-term solution because it cannot treat the underlying cause of dry eyes. If you are interested in this treatment, preservative-free drops are recommended.

Prescription Eye Drops

These contain immune-suppressing medication or corticosteroids, which can help relieve inflammation in the cornea. It can take some time for you to notice the effects of this treatment, and unlike artificial tears, this kind of medication will require a prescription, so you will have to see a doctor.

Eye ointments

This will provide your eyes with relief, and you will experience its soothing effect. Eye ointments generally contain Vitamin A and are very effective for people who have sore eyes whenever they wake up.

If you are experiencing dry eye syndrome or are concerned about the health of your eyes, Dr. Damanjit Johal Optometry (Vision Care Centre Langley) can help! We will take care of all of your eye care needs, so if you are looking for a reputable eye doctor, give our office a call today!

Dry Eye Symptoms and Treatments

Dry Eye Symptoms and Treatments

A common condition that can lead to more serious vision problems, dry eyes typically occurs when you aren’t able to produce enough moisture for your eyes. This can be extremely uncomfortable with little to no relief depending on the severity. If you’re someone suffering from dry eyes, here’s everything you need to know.

Symptoms

Dry eyes will usually affect both eyes, displaying symptoms that include scratching, stinging or burning sensations within the eyes, mucus in or around the eyes, light sensitivity, redness, feeling like something’s in your eyes, blurred vision, fatigued eyes, and/or watery eyes. You might also experience difficulty wearing contact lenses or driving during the nighttime. It’s time to see your optometrist when these symptoms continue for a prolonged period of time.

Causes

The general cause for dry eyes is when there’s a lack of tears present. A mixture of tears, mucus and fatty oils are what keeps the surface of your eyes clear and protects against infection. Dry eyes can either be the result of low tear production or increased tear evaporation. Ageing, certain medical conditions, medications, tear gland damage or laser eye surgery could be the reason you’re experiencing dry eyes.

Risk Factors and Complications

A larger group of people than most would assume are at a higher risk of developing dry eyes in their lifetime. Those who are over 50 years of age will experience a decline in tear production. Women, especially those who are pregnant, are using birth control or are going through menopause, don’t produce as many tears. Individuals who are deficient in vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids will also experience dry eyes, as well as those who wear contact lenses. If you find yourself with dry eyes, you might suffer from eye infections, damage to the eye’s surface and lower quality of life if you don’t see an optometrist soon.

Prevention

There are a variety of ways to prevent dry eyes from happening to you. Avoid allowing air to blow directly into your eyes, take breaks after or between long tasks, employ the use of a humidifier to increase the moisture levels in the air, and wear sunglasses when outdoors.

Treatments

If you only have a mild case of dry eyes, then over-the-counter eye drops are enough to ease your discomfort. However, if your symptoms are more serious, then you’ll need to treat the underlying cause for your condition. Your optometrist will determine how to proceed, whether it’s with medication, surgery, home remedies or a lifestyle change, based on the cause and severity of your dry eyes.

At BC Vision Care, our Langley eye doctors offer effective treatments for our patients. Our eye care centre performs services that include comprehensive eye exams, vision therapy, laser eye surgery, and more. Feel free to give us a call to book your next appointment.

Vision Care & Pink Eye

Vision Care & Pink Eye

Pink eye, also referred to as conjunctivitis, is an infection or allergic reaction that occurs when the conjunctiva becomes irritated. If you have pink eye, your eye(s) will get red and swollen, and you may notice a sticky discharge. You can have pink eye in one or both eyes and some types are extremely contagious.

What Causes Pink Eye?

There are three primary types of pink eye:
1. Viral conjunctivitis: This type of pink eye is caused by a virus, like a cold, and is very contagious. It will usually clear up in a few days without medical intervention. 

  1. Bacterial conjunctivitis: This type of pink eye is caused by bacteria. When left untreated, this type of pink eye can result in serious damage to the affected eye. 
  2. Allergic conjunctivitis: This type of pink eye is caused by eye irritants, such as dust.

Pink Eye Symptoms

Viral Conjunctivitis Symptoms

  • Watery and itchy eyes
  • Sensitivity to light

Bacterial Conjunctivitis Symptoms

  • Sticky yellowish discharge from the eyes that sometimes causes the eyelids to stick together
  • One or both eyes can be affected

Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms

  • Watery and itchy eyes
  • Stuffiness or runny nose

Pink Eye Treatments

The treatment of pink eye will depend on the type of conjunctivitis you have.

Viral Conjunctivitis Treatment

You can expect viral conjunctivitis to clear up on its own after a few days, without medical treatment. You can apply a cool wet cloth to your eyes to relieve any discomfort you may feel.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, your optometrist will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

You can use over the counter allergy medications to help relieve any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Pink Eye Prevention Tips

Here are some precautions that you can take to prevent pink eye:

  • Don’t share personal items like tissues and hand towels.
  • If you cough or sneeze, make sure you cover your nose and mouth with your elbow and avoid rubbing or touching your eyes after.
  • Wash your hands regularly, especially when out in public spaces.
  • Always have some hand sanitizer on you and use it frequently.
  • Regularly clean the surfaces in your home (i.e. countertops, bathroom surfaces, faucet handles, etc.).
  • If you have seasonal allergies, you can ask your doctor to give you some tips on how to minimize your symptoms.
  • If you wear contacts, make sure you follow the care instructions included.
  • If you enjoy swimming, always wear swimming goggles to protect your eyes from bacteria in the water that can cause pink eye.
  • When showering, you should always remove your contact lenses to eliminate the risk of trapping bacteria between your eyes and the contact lenses. 

For all of your optimal needs, come into Dr. Damanjit Johal Optometry.

How Often Should You Have An Eye Test

How Often Should You Have An Eye Test

Many people tend to procrastinate their eye testing until they start experiencing some obvious signs of eye strain which have persisted for more than a couple of days. Signs such as redness, itching, blurring, etc., can mean much more than just pressure. It is especially important to book an eye test if you notice any changes in your vision.

Experts recommend scheduling your eye test every two years, even if you may not have noticed anything different in your eyesight. In addition to detecting issues related to vision impairment, eye tests can lead to the detection of health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Even if you think you have perfect vision, you should go for a scheduled eye checkup. Here are some more reasons why eye tests are extremely important:

Underlying conditions

Not every eye-related issue will mean that your vision will be immediately affected. Sometimes, an impending problem may not be detected as it may not directly harm your vision. An underlying problem may not show obvious signs for a long time. A frequent eye examination can help to detect such problems early and give you a lot of time to receive treatment.

Health issues

Did you know that eye tests can potentially detect problems with the retina, blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol? According to a report, only 45% of adults realize that eye test means testing more than just vision.

Early correction

It is not surprising that we all wait until our eyesight gets blurred to run to an ophthalmologist and get our eyes checked. But sometimes minor vision problems cannot be detected easily by the naked eye. You need the support of sophisticated optometric equipment to detect minor eyesight issues. More than often many people can see better with one eye more than the other and continue to put pressure on the better eye by avoiding the testing trip. According to experts, this is one of the largest causes of patients being too late for their correctional treatment to be effective.

The frequency of checkup

You may be wondering when you should be scheduling your next appointment. Most experts recommend checking your eyes at least once every two years. This frequency must be adhered to even if you already wear prescription glasses or lenses. Not only do they protect your eyes but they also shield you from the need for serious eye surgeries.

It is never too late to get your vision and eyes tested for any possible corrections and health concerns. One of the best places to get your eyes checked for accurate detection is Dr. Damanjit Johal Optometry (Vision Care) in Langley. Our team of qualified and expert optometrists can help you to detect early signs of vision or health conditions and guide you to proceeding line of treatment. Early detection is always better than treatment, especially for vision problems.

How To Prevent Dry Eyes Throughout Winter

How To Prevent Dry Eyes Throughout Winter

With colder temperatures comes colder air, leading to dry eyes and nasal airways. This time of
year does not have to be spent enduring burning and/or watery eyes though. There are a few
products and tricks you can use to keep your eyes feeling refreshed and comfortable.

What causes dry eyes?

Your eyes are lubricated by a tear film that consists of three layers. The three layers are lipid
(oil), mucus, and aqueous (water). Eyes become dry when these layers are out of balance.
Dry eyes can be a constant problem, but it can also happen temporarily. When your eyes do not
produce tears properly or when those tears evaporate too quickly, you end up with dry eyes.
This condition not only causes you discomfort, but it can also make it difficult to do everyday
tasks like using a computer or reading a book.
Seniors are more likely to develop dry eyes, but it can occur at any age. Winter is the season
when people experience this condition the worst. It is the time of year when the air has less
humidity (moisture), and furnaces are used to heat the air, making it even drier. Those factors
combined with windy conditions and sun glare can intensify dry eye symptoms throughout the
winter.

What are the symptoms?

Dry eyes may cause your eyes to sting, burn, or feel scratchy. It can also cause these
uncomfortable symptoms:
● Redness
● Light sensitivity
● Fatigue
● Excess mucus around the eyes
● Increased irritation of smoke or wind
● Feeling like something is in your eye
● Watery eyes
● Trouble wearing contacts
● Blurred vision

How do you treat dry eyes?

If you eliminate some irritants and habits, dry eyes can be mitigated.
● Use an air filter indoors to get rid of dust particles
● Wear sunglasses to prevent wind from blowing in your eyes
● Use eye drops for temporary relief
● Stop smoking and avoid environments with smoke
● Use a humidifier to add moisture to your home
● Do not direct car air vents or blow dryers towards your face
● Take breaks from tasks that require visual concentration like reading
● Supplement your diet with foods that contain fatty acids like salmon, chia seeds, and
ground flaxseed
● Rest a warm compress on your eyes to release the oil in the glands of your eyelids
Instead of (or in addition to) artificial tears, ask your optometrist about using Restasis, a
prescription eye drop. It does more than just lubricate your eyes. These drops have an
ingredient that also reduces inflammation from dry eyes and helps them produce natural tears to
keep your eyes moist. Although, to experience the full effects of Restasis, you must use the
drops every day for at least three months. Some users might experience a burning sensation
during the first few weeks of use.

If you are struggling to manage the symptoms of your dry eyes, contact Dr. Damanjit Johal . To
book an appointment click here . He can determine the best treatment for your situation. Dry eyes are a
common but treatable ailment, so there is no need to suffer any longer. Contact us for more information.

Treatment for Lazy Eye in Adults

Treatment for Lazy Eye in Adults

If you are having difficulty focusing, have an eye that wanders inward or outward without control or you get abnormal results on your vision screening tests, it’s quite possible that you have a lazy eye or Amblyopia. Although it is common in all ages, amblyopia is the leading cause of vision loss in people under the age of 20. If detected in the first decade, children can have full resolution of this condition, with only partial resolution between ages 12 and 18. It occurs when the eye is not coordinated with the brain, causing loss of vision and depth perception.

What is a Lazy Eye or Amblyopia?

In this condition, the brain is unable to fully acknowledge the images seen by the affected eye. It typically affects one eye – hence the term “lazy eye” – but may reduce vision in both eyes. About 3% of children under six are known to have some form of amblyopia. The condition has emotional repercussions as well as physical. It can make the person highly self-conscious and prone to social and psychological disorders. The condition emerges in the early stages of childhood, hence early diagnosis and timely treatment plays a crucial role in treating it. Medical professionals say that it becomes increasingly difficult to cure the ailment after the first decade of life.

How to Treat Lazy Eye?

Physicians recommend treatment as soon as the condition is diagnosed. If there is a delay, vision can rapidly deteriorate, even leading to blindness. It becomes more difficult to improve the lazy eye in the teen years, with very low probability of any improvement in vision after 20.

Amblyopia can be caused by strabismus, a condition where the eyes are misaligned. The strabismic eye is turned in, out, up or down so it does not focus on the object you are looking at, which can lead to amblyopia it not treated. Depending on the severity and type, both amblyopia and strabismus can be treated by glasses, patch therapy or surgery. In the case of surgery, there are two options to correct a lazy eye:

  • By detaching the eye muscle and then re-attaching it a little further away from the front of the eye to weaken the muscle and help align the eyes.
  • By resection or removing a part of the eye muscle to strengthen it and encourage proper alignment.

An effective way to treat the condition is by starting young (under age 6) through special glasses or eye patches. As the child gets older, it gets harder to reduce it significantly.

Dr. Damanjit Johal Optometry, BC Vision Care

Early detection offers the best cure. Make sure your children are taken for timely vision examination right from infanthood and early preschool years. It takes more than a general eye chart screening to detect amblyopia and other visual conditions that are mistaken for lazy eye.

Whether you are looking for special glasses, fashionable luxury and designer eyewear or sunglasses, our consult experts at Vision Care Centre can help you choose the right frames and lenses to fit your specific needs. We have an impressive collection of eyewear including frames, glasses, lenses and contact lenses from all manufacturers available in the marketplace at some of the best prices in Langley. We also have a highly experienced fully qualified team of Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians and Optometric Assistants who are committed to meeting all possible ocular needs promptly and efficiently. Call us to schedule an appointment for a check-up or to check out any eye condition.

Myopia (Near-sightedness)

Myopia (Near-sightedness)

Myopia is a very common eye condition.  Objects in the distance appear more blurred, while closer objects are clearer.  This is because either the power of the eye is too strong, or the eye itself is too long.  Either way, the image of the object you see is formed before it reaches the retina and so is blurred. Myopia is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Hyperopia (Far-sightedness)

Hyperopia (Far-sightedness)

Hyperopia is another very common eye condition.  Objects in the distance appear generally clearer, while closer objects are blurred.  This is because either the eye is not powerful enough, or the eye itself is too short.  Either way, the image of the object you see is formed after it reaches the retina and so is blurred.  Hyperopic people can increase the power of their eyes by accommodating and making the image clear, although this becomes more difficult as you get older or if you do a lot of concentrated work. Hyperopia is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is an eye condition that can occur in conjunction with myopia, hyperopia, or on its own.  Astigmatism occurs when the front of the eye (cornea) is not perfectly spherical (often described as ‘football shaped’).  It causes the image of the object you see to be focused at two different points and so is blurred.  Astigmatism is easily corrected using glasses or contact lenses.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is caused when the eye gradually loses its ability to see objects up close. It happens to everybody from around the age of 40 and gradually continues from then on. The main reason for it occurring is that the lens in the eye becomes less flexible and harder to change shape, and so makes close objects look blurred. As the changes happen so gradually, the effects are often not noticed immediately.  But over time, headaches may occur and reading may become more difficult – unless you hold a book further from you. Presbyopia is easily corrected using reading, progressive, or bifocal glasses. Contact lenses are now also available.

Amblyopia / Lazy Eye

Amblyopia / Lazy Eye

Amblyopia is when 1 eye has poorer vision than the other perhaps due to anisometropia (asymmetrical prescription), uncorrected prescription, or strabismus (eye turn) causing the connection between the eye and the brain to deteriorate.  To prevent permanent vision loss it is imperative to give vision correction, vision therapy, patch treatment, or surgery before the age of 7/8 years of age as it is difficult to retrieve vision after this age even with glasses.

Strabismus

Strabismus

Strabismus usually starts in early childhood. This misalignment of the eye(s) either in/out/up/down should be treated to prevent amblyopia (lazy eye).  Treatment includes glasses, contact lenses, prisms, vision therapy, or surgery.

Dry eye

Dry eye

A dry eye is a condition where either the eye does not produce enough tears, or the tears do not lubricate the eyes sufficiently. This makes the eyes feel uncomfortable, gritty, burning, and sometimes makes the white of the eyes appear very red.  Dry eye can affect anyone at any time, although it is more common as we get older and as a side effect of the medication.  Confusingly one common symptom is the eyes watering excessively, especially in windy weather.  Often, symptoms can be relieved by treating the glands in the eyelids and by using artificial tears to lubricate the eyes better, although long-term dry eye may need further investigation to rule out any general health problems.

Styes

Styes

A stye is an infection on the edge of the eyelid that appears slightly red, swollen, and feels tender. Vision is not affected.  Usually, styes heal on their own, however, a hot compress can help, and if recurring then antibiotic ointment can be used.

Caring for your Eyes

With conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration on the rise, it is important to take precautions to help prevent damage.  During your eye examination your Optometrist will go through advice & precautions, and explain to you how diet & supplements can help preserve your eyesight for life.

  • Have your eyes examined regularly.  Our eye exams are extremely thorough and can pick up eye conditions and other health problems.
  • Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.  Broccoli, spinach, sweetcorn, orange and yellow peppers, kiwi fruits, oranges and mangoes are all great sources of the substances lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help protect against some eye conditions.  If your busy lifestyle means your diet isn’t always as healthy as you’d like it to be, ask about eye-health supplements next time you’re in.
  • Protect your eyes from the sun & indoor tanning beds.  Over-exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause a number of problems, including cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, pingueculae, pterygium and certain lid cancers.  Nowadays there is an increase in UV penetration in our atmosphere even on a cloudy day. Often people forget that UV protection is just as important in water and snow environments.  In these environments, always wear sunglasses or UV Blocking eyewear which provide 100% UVA & UVB protection.
  • Stop smoking. Smokers are up to three times more likely to develop cataracts than non-smokers – another good reason to quit.
  • Take short, frequent breaks from the computer to prevent eyestrain and tiredness.  Even if you don’t get up, an ‘eye break’ – when you look away from the screen and focus on objects at varying distances will help.
  • If you play a lot of sport, buy protective sports goggles to shield your eyes.  This is especially important if you’re keen on racquet sports; squash is the main cause of serious eye injuries.  We carry Rx and non-Rx sportswear at Vision Care.
  • Eye injuries at home are common.  Always wear safety goggles to avoid injuries caused by flying wood chips or metal shards.  If your job requires you to wear protective eyewear enquire about the OVP (Occupation Vision Plan) Program which we participate in.  We work with the BCAO and certain Employers to provide their workers with low cost or no-charge safety glasses.  Talk to your employer to see if you qualify.
  • If you get dust or grit in your eye, don’t rub it.  Pull the upper eyelid down over the lower lid and blink frequently to help the lower lashes and tears sweep and wash away the foreign object.  If you have difficulty, come in to see us or your local emergency department if we are closed.
  • If you wear contact lenses, regular aftercare check-ups are vital to ensure your lenses remain comfortable and your eyes stay healthy.  At Vision Care unlimited aftercare is built into the price of the contact lenses.
  • If you notice any changes in your vision, pain in or around your eyes or if you keep getting headaches, book an appointment to see an Optometrist at Vision Care.

Caring for your Spectacles

  • Always use both hands when putting your glasses on or off
  • Always store in a clean case when not in use. At Vision Care we provide you with a complimentary case with every eyeglass purchase
  • Do not place your glasses lens side down – this causes scratches
  • Do not use paper tissues or paper towels – these cause scratches
  • Rinse the lenses [with or without a mild soap] under the tap prior to cleaning to remove debris, or, use a lens spray on both sides of the lens
  • Remove your eyeglasses before using hairspray as it can damage the coating on the lenses.
  • Use a clean soft lens cloth to wipe the lenses. We provide a complimentary cloth with every purchase that can be washed and reused [avoid fabric softener when washing]
  • Avoid solvents, petroleum-based cleaners, etc, as they can damage certain lenses.
  • Do not leave your glasses exposed to high heat, sunlight and humidity such as in your car, as this can cause the frame & lenses to distort and damage the coating.
  • Have your eyeglasses adjusted regularly.

At Vision Care, with our complimentary aftercare our commitment to service continues long after you collect your new eyewear from us.  Although we have a variety of cleaning kits for the home, work or purse – we would be happy to clean, adjust, or re-align your eyeglasses free of charge – even if you haven’t purchased them from us !!  For a small fee we can also replace the nose pads or temple tips if damaged or discoloured.

We want you to carry on getting maximum satisfaction and comfort from your glasses – so feel free to pop in at any time with them. We’ll check that they’re still ‘roadworthy’: inspecting the fit and adjusting them if necessary, and giving them a thorough clean and polish.