I was wondering: if all optometrists in town have the same qualifications, does it really matter which doctor I see for my regular eye check-ups? Answer: Optometry has been a regulated profession in BC since 1921, and while it’s true that to practice here all optometrists in the province have to meet rigorous standards and […]
Ask the Doctor – I am going overseas for my summer holiday. What are some tips for taking care of my eyes while I travel?
Answer: Good for you for thinking ahead! There are many strategies you can use tominimize the chances of having an eye-related medical mishap while on vacation. Atleast a month before you leave make sure that you obtain copies of any prescriptionsfor eyewear and medications that you use, and have on hand all the contact lenses,prescription […]
Ask the Doctor – What is the difference between prescription reading glasses and over-the-counter reading glasses?
I have never worn glasses before, but since I have had a few anniversaries ofturning 39, my eye doctor has now written me a prescription for glasses,including an “addition” for seeing up close. My friend insists that the magnifiersfrom the drugstore work just fine for her and I would be wasting my money. Whatis the […]
Ask the Doctor: My 8 year olds prescription is going up rapidly and she seems to need stronger lenses every six months or so. I have heard there are treatments that could potentially slow this trend down. Could you tell me more about that?
Your child’s condition, called myopia or more commonly nearsightedness, is becomingmore prevalent in today’s world. In the past, all we could do was prescribe stronger andstronger glasses until her prescription eventually plateaued in young adulthoodor beyond. However, in recent years there have been major advancements in what wecall myopia management that have shown promising results […]
Ask the Doctor – Is my drop in hormones causing eyelids to be red and sore?
Question: I am a 51-year-old woman approaching menopause, and besides needing reading glasses, I am also finding my eyes feel dry and gritty throughout the day. Sometimes my eyelids are even red and sore. Has the drop in hormones caused this, or am I just spending too much time on screens? Answer: Like many of […]
Ask the Doctor – Choosing the Right Eye Drops: Professional Recommendations and Safety Tips
My friends recommend different brands of eye drops and I am unsure which would work best for me. What products do you recommend? Answer: Excellent question, as not all eye drops are the same! Even drops that are marketed for the same thing, such as lubricating drops, are all different in their composition and how […]
Ask the Doctor – Choosing Sunglasses: Understanding Tint Colors and UV Protection
With summer holidays coming, I plan to shop for a new pair of sunglasses soon. I was wondering: what is the difference between the tints, besides personal taste? Do all colours give the same protection from ultraviolet radiation? There are so many choices. Answer: Good questions! How dark the lens is, or the colour of […]
Ask the Doctor – Should I See an Ophthalmologist or an Optometrist for Glaucoma Monitoring
Question: My mother sees an ophthalmologist a few times a year to monitor her glaucoma. We have a strong family history of this disease on both sides of the family, but I do not have any signs of developing it yet. Should I be seeing an ophthalmologist or my family optometrist for routine checkups in […]
What is the difference between cheap sunglasses and optical- quality sunglasses?
Question: What is the difference between cheap sunglasses and optical- quality sunglasses? Answer: Inexpensive sunglasses and optical-quality sunglasses may look similar at first glance, but there are some key differences between the two. One of the main differences is in the quality of the lenses. Optical-quality sunglasses use high-quality lenses that are designed to protect your eyes […]
I have never worn contact lenses before
Question: I have never worn contact lenses before, but would like to wear them when I am exercising. How do I go about finding the right ones for me? Answer: Contact lenses are an excellent option for those who require a prescription, but cannot or do not want to wear glasses. There are many factors that go […]