All content is provided for education and information, and is no substitute
for the advice of your optometrist. This information is provided courtesy of the British
Columbia Association of Optometrists (B.C.A.O.). The B.C.A.O. assumes no responsibility or
liability arising from any errors or omissions or from the use of any information contained
herein.
Keratoconus
Symptoms may not be obvious, as they are vision and eye health conditions themselves, such as
light sensitivity, nearsightedness and astigmatism . It is not clear how keratoconus may
develop, although heredity may play a role.
Since keratoconus is a progressive disease, appropriate treatment varies over time. Simple
correction may suffice at an early stage, followed by rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, and
eventually a cornea transplant.
Styes
A stye is a visible infection that appears at the edges of an eyelid. Its appearance can vary
somewhat, but it is harmless to your vision. Symptoms include a noticeable swelling, some
discomfort and tenderness in the affected area.
Most styes heal without treatment, although the application of a hot compress can help. Unlike a
pimple, however, styes cannot be manually ruptured and drained. Antibiotic ointments are
available for recurring cases.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is an inevitable condition in which the ability to focus on close objects decreases
over time. Since it is a natural effect of aging, it is extremely commonplace.
In recent years, an estimated four million new cases of presbyopia have been
diagnosed. Today’s “baby boomer” generation is the most rapidly growing population segment
requiring vision correction.
Symptoms
Headaches, blurred near-distance vision, tearing, stinging, or a need for more light.
People with presbyopia often hold reading material at arm’s length.
Treatment
Reading glasses (typically bifocals) or special contact lenses are useful treatments,
although the period of adjustment can vary widely. All told, there is a wide range
of corrective options to review with your Optometrist.
Prevention
There is no recognized prevention available, although focusing difficulties can be
relieved with corrective lenses.
For such a common condition, there are many misconceptions about presbyopia. For
example, it does not affect a person’s lifestyle, but presbyopia can require frequent
prescription changes after age 40.
Nearsightedness (myopia)
Myopia, more popularly known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error. Approximately a
quarter of the general population may be affected. Myopic individuals see better up close than
in the distance. This is because the eye improperly focuses too much light, causing blurred
vision in the distance.
Refractive errors are commonly corrected by eyeglasses or contact lenses. Refractive surgery and
Ortho-Keratology are two other possibilities.
Astigmatism is an irregular curvature of the front surface of the eye that results in blurred
vision at all distances.
It is a common refractive error, just like nearsightedness and farsightedness. It is usually a
condition from birth that progresses over time. Eyeglasses, contact lenses and refractive
surgery are all effective treatments for astigmatism.
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Amblyopia or “lazy eye” describes weak vision or vision loss in one eye that cannot be fully
corrected with lenses.
It usually develops in children before age eight. This is also the key time to treat amblyopia,
since results are better the earlier they are implemented. It becomes extremely difficult to
treat amblyopia after age eight. Untreated, amblyopia can lead to total blindness in the
affected eye.
Amblyopia is more than simply an eye health problem. It involves the “wiring” of the nerve
impulses from the eyes to the brain. Treatment typically includes vision therapy, eyeglasses and
contact lenses, or a patch. Surgery alone cannot treat amblyopia.
Strabismus (crossed eyes)
Strabismus or “crossed eyes” is a misalignment of the eyes. One or both eyes may turn in
(esotropia), out (exotropia), up (hypertropia) or down (hypotropia). Treatment may include the
use of eyeglasses, contact lenses, prisms and/or vision therapy. In extreme cases, surgery may
be needed.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition in which elevated pressure in the eye damages the optic
nerve, causing
peripheral and total blindness. It is widely noted as the second-leading cause of blindness in
the U.S.
Symptoms
There may be no early warning signs, so optometric exams are crucial. Otherwise,
pain, blurred vision and the appearance of colored rings around lights are leading
indicators.
Treatment
Once diagnosed, glaucoma treatments are highly effective. Prescription eye drops,
oral medications, laser treatment or even surgery may be involved. If untreated,
glaucoma can cause blindness, and there are no cures.
Prevention
Because there may be few symptoms, and vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored
(the condition can only be halted), frequent monitoring for glaucoma is essential.
The risk for glaucoma increases dramatically after age 35 and is often
hereditary.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Macular degeneration is a condition in which the macula (the part of the retina
responsible for sharp reading vision) fails to function efficiently. It is a common cause of
impaired reading or detailed vision—the leading cause of blindness worldwide, in fact. Macular
degeneration is generally age-related.
Symptoms
Initial signs include blurred reading vision, a weakening of colour vision,
distortion or loss of central vision (e.g., a dark spot in the middle of your field
of vision), and distortion in vertical lines.
Treatment
Although there is no cure, laser treatment can be effective in slowing the disease’s
progression. As usual, early detection is key.
Prevention
Lifelong UV protection is very important. General nutrition is also believed to play
a significant preventative role. Zinc may be especially helpful in this regard,
particularly for zinc-deficient people like seniors. There is also some evidence to
suggest that a diet high in beta carotene (vitamin A) and vitamins C and E can
protect the macula. However, an over-abundance of any vitamin may affect your body’s
ability to absorb important nutrients. This is a matter of some debate among health
care professionals.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from the pigment epithelium. It is often
caused by holes or tears in the retina, by a tumor, or by fluid pressure in the area.
Retinal detachment occurs among the elderly or, sometimes, following head or eye injuries. There
is also a higher rate of incidence among the extremely myopic. B.C. MSP coverage for such
patients allows for more frequent eye exams.
In some cases it can be surgically treated. Apart from a sudden loss of vision, other (early)
symptoms may include light flashes or an unusual number of “spots and floaters.”
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s crystalline lens that usually develops slowly
over time.
(In the case of post-traumatic cataracts, however, they can also occur very quickly.) It is the
leading cause of poor vision in adults.
Symptoms
Dimmed or blurred vision, double vision, halos or glare around lights, dull colors,
sensation of a film over the eyes, frequent cleaning of the eyes, difficulty driving
or reading, and frequent changing or cleaning of glasses.
Treatment
If a cataract grows larger or denser, it can be surgically removed. It is a safe
procedure with a near 100 per cent success rate. Following surgery, it is normal to
require a change in spectacle correction.
Prevention
Wearing UV protection when outdoors is very helpful. There is also some evidence to
suggest that a diet high in beta carotene (vitamin A), selenium and vitamins C and E
have preventative benefits. Avoiding cigarette smoke, air pollution and alcohol
consumption may also help.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy, as the name suggests, is associated with diabetes . It is best described as
damage to the retina that occurs because of defects in or leakage from the fine blood vessels.
The vast majority of those with early diabetic retinopathy are unaware of it. In advanced cases,
it can result in vision blurriness and distortion.
Diabetics should ensure they see their Optometrist regularly, scheduling annual eye exams. Since
it is a progressive disease, with no treatment, it can cause blindness over time. Your
Optometrist can provide the invaluable advice and treatment diabetics require.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited diseases developing inside the pigmented area of the
retina of the eye. They tend to become apparent between age 10 and 30, although some types of
retinitis pigmentosa occur in childhood or later in life. Vision changes include night
blindness, loss of side vision, and “tunnel vision.”
The most common symptom of retinitis pigmentosa is a personal history of visual problems at dusk
or in low light. This problem cannot be helped by corrective lenses, however, because the retina
itself is deteriorating. Your optometrist can help you adapt to living with retinitis
pigmentosa.
Farsightedness (hyperopia)
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common refractive error. Approximately 25 per cent of the
general population may be affected. Farsighted individuals see better in the distance than up
close because the eye does not effectively focus light. Farsightedness is very common among
elementary school-age children and a frequent cause of reading and learning difficulties.
Refractive errors such as hyperopia are commonly corrected by eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Refractive surgery is another possibility.
Spots and Floaters
Spots and floaters are tiny flecks or threads, which seem to float in front of your eyes. They
are experienced by most people. They are often caused by particles of protein trapped in the
fluid inside the eye, or by the deterioration of the fluid due to advancing age.
Occasionally they are the result of certain eye diseases or injuries, or they may signal the
development of more serious conditions such as retinal detachment. They are usually harmless,
but those experiencing a sudden change or increase in “spots and floaters” or flashes of light
should consult their eye doctor.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a problem that arises from inadequate or poor lubrication and moisture in one or
both eyes. Unable to produce enough tears, afflicted eyes suffer irritation, burning and general
discomfort.
Dry eyes may be caused by a number of factors: the natural effects of aging, side effects from
medication, or significant time spent in a dry climate. Although there is no cure as such, your
Optometrist is able to offer effective treatment to manage dry eyes. Artificial lubricating eye
drops enhance tear production, and moist compresses as well as lid massages can help treat dry
eyes.
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Information You Provide to Us
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Changes to the Cookie Policy
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but
please regularly check this Policy to ensure you are aware of the most updated version.
This Cookie Policy was last updated on September 25, 2023.