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I have never had an eye examination. What does it involve?
At West Vancouver Optometry Clinic we are committed to providing the latest in eye exam procedures and the newest technology. We do more than just measure your vision. We evaluate the health of your eyes, inside and out, including tests for glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. We also test your colour vision, depth perception and eye muscle coordination. Of course we prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses for all your vision needs. Our latest piece of equipment is a retinal camera. This allows us to take pictures of the back of the eye without using eye drops. You can also see the photos on our computers in the exam rooms. Best of all, there is no pain involved! Call for your appointment today.
I know that I need an eye exam, but who pays for it?
In Nov. of 2001, the provincial government changed the rules of coverage put out by the Medical Services Plan of BC (MSP). Today, MSP provides some coverage for seniors over 65 and children under 19. Routine eye exams for people between 19-64 are not covered unless they are of a medical nature. Some examples include: cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, eye injuries and high risk medications to name a few. Unfortunately, your eye doctor will most likely not be able to tell if you qualify for one of these exemptions until after the eye examination. Therefore, we recommend that you come prepared to pay the full fee. Although you may not be used to paying for your eye exam, remember how valuable your eyesight is.
My vision seems fine. Should I still have regular eye exams?
Absolutely. Regular eye exams are important for maintaining the health of your eyes. Just as you have regular checkups with your family doctor and dentist, so should you with your optometrist. In addition to correcting symptomatic problems like eye strain, headaches and dry eye we also look for eye diseases that may show no warning signs. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are serious eye diseases that need early treatment. We are only given one pair of eyes- take care of them!
My child had her eyes checked at school. Is this the same as an eye exam?
No. A visual screening done at school, checks only the very basics of your child’s vision. Usually they are asked to read an eye chart, and that’s it! Many children who can read the small letters on the chart may still need glasses or vision therapy. In many instances, if they do not receive the appropriate treatment in a timely manner, the eyes may not develop normally. In addition, an eye exam at the optometrist will also look for eye coordination and eye health problems. Often children will not know if their vision is normal, and therefore not mention anything to their parents. Don’t take your child’s eyesight for granted, have them checked by an eye doctor today.At what age could my child wear contact lenses?
Contact lenses require care and cleaning. When the eye doctor and the parents feel that the child is responsible enough to wear lenses and follow simple hygiene rules. (i.e. washing hands), contact lenses are definitely an option. Therefore, age really varies from individual to individual.
Disposable contact lenses, which are replaced daily or every two or four weeks have been great for children and adolescents whose eyes may change within the year. When it is time for the next supply of lenses the new prescription can be ordered. Because several pairs are ordered at the same time no need to worry if you lose or tear one, there are always spares! Hygienically disposable lenses are the best because they are easier to keep clean and therefore healthier for active young people.
Infants and very young children are sometimes fit with specialty contact lenses if they have had cataract surgery because they were born with cataracts. Another example would be if they were born without the colored part of the eye – the iris, in which case an iris can be imprinted on a contact lens to improve the cosmetic appearance of the eye.
After working on the computer I often find that my vision is blurry and my eyes feel tired.
Whenever our eyes look up close such as when we read or look at the computer, our eye muscles contract to bring things into focus. If a person is looking up close all day there may be too much stress on the eye’s focusing mechanism, possibly causing headaches and blurring. An examination by your optometrists will determine if you require glasses while working at the computer. Other things to consider are whether the monitor is an appropriate size (too small may be a problem), or whether there is a filter over it. The light level of the monitor should be the same as the work area. An anti reflective coating on your eyeglasses which blocks glare from the computer monitor and overhead lights will also help.
“Dry eyes” may also be an issue with computer use since our blink rate decreases a lot while we are focusing on the screen. Symptoms we may experience are burning, tearing, redness, grittiness and eye fatigue. So remember to blink more and consider using artificial tears recommended by your optometrist to improve comfort and clarity.
Can the sun damage my eyes?
Yes. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is linked to the development of many eye problems including cataracts and Age-related Macular Degeneration. It can also cause cancers of the eyelid and tissue growths on the surface of the eye. You can even get a sunburn on the surface of the eye called photokeratitis which can be very uncomfortable. With the arrival of summer we start to think more about sunglasses, but 100% UV protective sunglasses should be worn all year. Don’t forget about kids too! Their sensitive eyes especially need protection from the sun. If you are uncertain about the protection your sunglasses provide, stop by our office and we’ll be happy to measure the amount of UV protection in your glasses.
What type of sunglasses should I wear?
There are a number of options available in prescription and non-prescription sunglasses, but certainly lenses that block 100% of the UV-A and UV-B rays are essential. If you spend a lot of time on the water or driving, polarized lenses are great at decreasing the glare from flat surfaces like these. Lenses can also be specifically designed for all outdoor activities such as golf and running. A frame that fits well and is fashionable is just as important as the lenses you choose. Stop by and ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members which sunglasses are right for you.
What is a retinal photo?
The retina is located in the back of the eye and is responsible for detecting light allowing you to see. At West Vancouver Optometry a digital photograph is taken of the back of the eye (the retina) as a part of your routine eye exam. These are amazingly detailed photos that take only a few seconds to capture and are examined and reviewed with you during your visit. They provide a permanent record of your eye health and allow your eye doctor to detect and monitor many eye diseases including glaucoma macular degeneration, hypertension and diabetes.
If I wear bifocals or progressive glasses, can I wear contact lenses?
Yes. Most people are able to wear contact lenses, but there are many considerations such as eye health, prescription, modality of wear and of course a proper fit. If you wear bifocals, progressives or reading glasses there are a number of different options available. As with bifocal or progressive glasses, bifocal contact lenses provide both the distance and near vision in a single lens. Monovision is a another system of lens wear in which one eye is focused for the distance and one eye is biased for near work. If you are involved with a lot of sporting activities, often the more traditional method of both contacts focused in the distance and readers worn over top for near vision works best. Every person’s needs are unique and your doctor of optometry can find the contacts that work best for you.
Since I turned 40 my eyes just don’t seem to focus. What’s happened?
Sooner or later, everyone starts to notice a change in their ability to read fine print- usually after the age of 40. Normal healthy young eyes have a wide range of focus because the crystalline lens (behind the pupil of the eye) is very flexible. Muscles within the eye change the shape of the lens which then causes the eye to automatically change its focus. By our mid-forties, the lens hardens and focusing up close becomes difficult. Whether a page is held close or at an arm’s length, the types are blurred and attempts to read it are met with frustration and discomfort. This is a normal change and is called presbyopia. Reading glasses, bifocals, progressive (“no line”) lenses and contact lenses are all possible problem solvers to aid in near focus. Your optometrist will examine your eyes and advise you about the best option for your vision needs.
What is a cataract and when is it necessary to remove it?
There are many types of cataracts, each type being an opacification (or “clouding”) of the lens within the eye leading to blurred vision and susceptibility to glare. In addition to age, other factors that contribute to the development of cataracts include diabetes, exposure to UV radiation, smoking, alcohol and certain medications.
As a cataract develops, it is common for the eyeglass prescription to change. Surgical removal of the cataract is considered when it interferes with the ability to perform daily activities such as driving and reading. The surgery involves the replacement of the natural opacified lens with a clear artificial one. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful surgical procedures performed today. It is a day surgery and is a quick painless procedure performed usually done under local anaesthetic. About 99% of cataract surgeries result in improved vision. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to ask your optometrist.
