Contact Lenses vs. Eyeglasses: Which Is Right for You?

Contact Lenses vs. Eyeglasses: Which Is Right for You?

by | Dec 18, 2024 | Contact Lenses, Contact Lenses Langley

Choosing between contact lenses and eyeglasses can be challenging. While contacts offer a sleek look without frames, stylish glasses enhance your appearance and protect your eyes. So, how do you decide which option is right for you? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Before choosing between contacts and glasses, think about your vision needs. Consider your prescription, daily activities, and any specific eye conditions you may have. Are you an active person who enjoys sports, or do you spend most of your time at a desk? Your answers can guide you toward the right choice. Benefits of Contact Lenses 1. Wider Field of Vision Contacts sit directly on your eye, giving you an entire field of view without frames getting in the way. This is great for sports or outdoor activities. 2. Aesthetic Appeal Many people like how they look without glasses. Contacts allow for a clear view of your face, making it easier to wear makeup and express your style. 3. Convenience Contacts are often more practical for active lifestyles. They won’t slide down your nose or fog up in humid weather. 4. Variety  Many types of contact lenses are available, including daily disposables and special lenses for specific vision needs. Benefits of Eyeglasses Eyeglasses also have their own set of benefits: 1. Easy to Use Glasses are simple to put on and take off, requiring minimal maintenance other than cleaning. 2. Protection  Glasses can shield your eyes from wind, dust, and debris, offering extra comfort for sensitive eyes. 3. Fashion Statement  Glasses come in many styles, allowing you to choose a pair that matches your personality and outfits....
Why Do Children Need Eye Exams At a Young Age?

Why Do Children Need Eye Exams At a Young Age?

by | Nov 15, 2024 | Children Eye Care, Eye Exam Langley

Have you noticed your child squinting at the TV or holding their book too close? While these behaviours may seem amusing, they could indicate a vision problem. Just as regular doctor check-ups are essential, so are eye exams for children to maintain healthy vision. The Importance of Early Detection Most vision problems that occur in children are treatable if caught early. These issues can lead to permanent vision loss or lazy eye if left unaddressed. Some common childhood vision conditions include: Myopia (nearsightedness) Hyperopia (farsightedness)   Astigmatism (blurred vision) Amblyopia (lazy eye) Strabismus (misaligned eyes)  The Impact of Vision Problems on Learning Did you know that 80% of what a child learns in their first years of school is through their eyes? That’s right! Vision plays a crucial role in learning and development. A child’s undiagnosed vision problems can significantly impact their academic performance and social interactions. Symptoms like squinting, frequent headaches, and difficulty concentrating can often be mistaken for behavioural issues or lack of interest in school. This is why early detection through eye exams is so important. What Is The Best Age For The First Eye Exam? Many parents might wonder, “When should my child have their first eye exam?” The answer is simple: the earlier, the better. It is recommended that children have their first eye exam around six months of age and additional eye exams at three years old and before starting school.  What to Expect During a Children’s Eye Exam When you bring your child in for an eye exam, it will typically include: History and Symptoms: The optometrist will ask about your child’s vision...
7 Signs You Need To Schedule An Eye Checkup

7 Signs You Need To Schedule An Eye Checkup

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Eye Doctor

Taking care of your eyes is essential, not just for clear vision but for overall health. Many people overlook their eye health until they notice a problem, but regular checkups can help catch issues early. So, how do you know when to make that appointment? Here are seven signs that indicate you should schedule an eye checkup soon. Blurry Vision If you notice any changes in your vision, even subtle ones, it’s a good idea to get your eyes examined. Some signs your vision may change include blurriness, trouble seeing at night, problems reading small print, seeing halos around lights, double vision, and frequent eye strain or headaches after reading or computer use. Even minor vision changes can be early warning signs of eye diseases or other ocular health issues. An eye doctor can fully evaluate your eyes and vision to determine if any treatment is needed. Headaches Frequent headaches, especially after reading or screen use, can indicate an underlying vision problem. Headaches are commonly caused by eye strain due to uncorrected refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. An optometrist can check for these issues and prescribe glasses or contacts if needed to help alleviate headaches. Severe or recurring headaches may also be a symptom of a more serious eye condition that requires treatment. Eye Discomfort Ongoing eye discomfort, such as itching, burning, dryness, or excessive watering, can be tied to many common eye problems, such as dry eye syndrome, allergies, or infections. Some medications can also cause eye irritation as a side effect. Left untreated, these issues can impair eye comfort and vision. See your eye doctor...
How can wearing prescription sunglasses be beneficial?

How can wearing prescription sunglasses be beneficial?

by | Jun 1, 2024 | Eyeglasses

While sunglasses are usually thought of as a fashion accessory or a way to look cool, prescription sunglasses can provide important benefits for eye health and vision. If you need corrective lenses for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, prescription sunglasses allow you to see clearly while protecting your eyes from UV rays.  The UV rays from the sun can damage your eyes over time if they are not protected. Prescription sunglasses filter out 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can enter and damage the eyes. Benefits of wearing Prescribed Sunglasses Studies have shown that limiting UV exposure to your eyes through prescription sunglasses may lower your risk of developing cataracts compared to not wearing any sunglasses at all. Cataracts occur when the eye’s clear lens becomes cloudy, leading to vision problems like blurriness, sensitivity to light and glare, and decreased night vision. They are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB radiation helps prevent damage that could lead to cataracts later in life. Another benefit of prescription sunglasses is that they allow you to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably without the hassle of taking off your regular prescription glasses and putting on contacts with sunglasses. For example, if you play sports like golf, tennis, cycling, or hiking, having sunglasses that already have your prescription built-in means you won’t have to switch between glasses and sunglasses or deal with contacts during physical activity or sweating. They provide clear, uninterrupted vision under bright sunlight or shaded areas.  Some outdoor occupations, such as construction, roadwork, and landscaping, also benefit from prescription sunglasses. Spending long...
What Eye Conditions Does a Visual Field Test Detect?

What Eye Conditions Does a Visual Field Test Detect?

by | May 15, 2024 | Eye Clinic Langley

A visual field or perimetry test is an important exam that optometrists at Vision Care Centre Langley commonly perform. This test evaluates your peripheral or side vision for visual field defects or abnormalities. It can help detect various eye diseases and conditions in their early stages, allowing for prompt treatment. In a visual field test, you are seated in front of specialized testing equipment with one eye covered. The machine projects flashes of light into different areas of your visual field while you keep your other eye focused straight ahead. You press a button each time you see a light flash. This assessment maps out the boundaries of your visual field and checks for any blind spots or areas of reduced sensitivity. Some common eye conditions that a visual field test can detect include: Glaucoma This group of eye diseases slowly damages the optic nerve, resulting in irreversible vision loss over time. Early glaucoma often has no symptoms, so a visual field test is crucial for detection. It can identify subtle losses in peripheral vision long before noticeable vision changes arise. Timely treatment from the eye doctors at Vision Care Centre Langley can help prevent further damage. Optic nerve damage The optic nerve transmits visual signals from the eye to the brain. Any injury, inflammation, infection, tumour or other condition affecting this nerve can impair vision. A visual field test can uncover defects caused by optic nerve damage and help doctors determine the underlying cause. Retinal problems Diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetes can impact the retina – the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. A...