Frequently Asked Questions in Calgary, AB

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that reduces the quality of light reaching the retina.

• Usually age-related, but other factors can accelerate it
• Often develops in both eyes, though not always equally
• Affects the quality of vision, including glare, contrast, and clarity, not just sharpness on the chart

Early cataracts often cause glare and reduced contrast before major blur appears.

• More glare or halos from headlights at night
• Colours look duller or yellowed
• Needing more light to read
• Feeling that “my glasses aren’t working like they used to”

Related Reading: What Is the First Sign of Cataracts?

Yes. Glare and halos are classic cataract symptoms, especially while driving at night.

• Light scatter increases as the lens becomes less clear
• Wet roads and oncoming headlights can make visibility much worse
• Night-driving discomfort is one of the most common reasons people book exams

When to book:

• Night driving has become uncomfortable, or you avoid it
• You notice new halos, starbursts, or glare that did not exist before

Yes, but the blur is often hazy or film-like rather than a sharp blur.

• It can look like a dirty windshield that you cannot wipe clean
• Contrast sensitivity drops first, so letters fade into the background
• Symptoms vary depending on cataract type (nuclear, cortical, posterior subcapsular)

Cataracts reduce contrast and can increase light scatter.

• Small print looks faded or dull
• Bright lights may help for a while, then cause more glare
• A new glasses prescription might help temporarily, but not always

They can. Cataracts can distort light entering the eye and create “monocular” double vision or ghosting.

• Often worse in bright light or while reading
• Can mimic astigmatism changes
• Needs an exam to rule out other causes

Urgent signs: Sudden double vision with weakness or speech changes requires urgent medical care.

Yes. Some cataracts shift your prescription over time.

• Many people become temporarily more nearsighted, called “second sight.”
• Astigmatism can also change
• If your prescription keeps changing quickly, it is a good time to reassess your lens and overall eye health

Most cataracts develop from natural age-related changes in the lens proteins.

• Aging is the main driver
• UV exposure contributes over time
• Smoking increases risk
• Diabetes can accelerate progression
• Long-term steroid use is a known risk factor
• Eye injury or prior surgery can contribute

Some people develop symptomatic cataracts earlier.

• Diabetes
• Smoking history
• High UV exposure (for example, outdoor work without protection)
• Long-term corticosteroid use (pills, inhalers, or drops)
• Family history of cataracts
• Previous eye trauma

Cataracts cannot be completely prevented, but you can reduce risk and slow progression.

• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a brimmed hat outdoors
• Do not smoke
• Manage blood sugar if diabetic
• Review steroid use with your healthcare provider, but never stop medication without guidance
• Maintain regular eye exams to monitor lens changes

No. Cataracts cannot be dissolved with drops.

• Some drops can help other problems that mimic cataract symptoms, such as dry-eye-related glare or fluctuating blur
• The only definitive treatment for cataracts is surgical lens replacement when symptoms justify it

Usually not. Most cataracts are not visible to you in the mirror.

• The clouding occurs inside the eye, behind the pupil
• A “white pupil” is uncommon and should be assessed promptly

Diagnosis is straightforward and happens during a comprehensive eye exam.

• Vision testing, including glare and contrast symptoms
• Refraction to check your prescription
• Slit-lamp exam to grade the cataract
• Dilated retinal exam to rule out other causes of blur or glare
• Additional imaging or testing if needed

No. Surgery depends on your symptoms and how much they affect your daily activities, not on a specific measurement.

• Many cataracts are monitored for years
• Updated glasses may improve vision for a time
• Surgery is considered when daily life, driving, or safety are affected

When to book:

• You avoid driving at night.
• Glare limits work, hobbies, or reading.
• You cannot see well enough for daily tasks, even with new glasses.

Cataract surgery is recommended when the cataract meaningfully interferes with day-to-day function, and the eye is otherwise healthy enough to benefit from surgery.

• Your visual goals are important, whether you’re driving, reading, doing computer work, or playing sports.
• A referral is made when the symptoms match the exam findings, and you are ready to discuss options.

Expect planning tailored to your eyes and lifestyle goals:

• Confirm the cataract is the main cause of symptoms
• Take measurements to choose the intraocular lens (IOL)
• Discuss lens options and realistic outcomes
• Review risks, benefits, and post-operative expectations

Your IOL choice affects how much you depend on glasses after surgery:

• Monofocal: offers the best clarity and fewest visual side effects, but you may still need glasses for some tasks.
• Toric: corrects astigmatism, often paired with a monofocal design.
• Multifocal or Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF): can reduce glasses dependence but may increase halos or glare in some people.

Not everyone is a candidate for every IOL type, especially if there are dry-eye, retinal, or visual-demand factors.

Yes. Dry eye can mimic cataract symptoms such as glare or fluctuating blur, and the two often occur together.

• Treating dry eye can sharpen vision and improve surgical measurements
• If vision fluctuates significantly, dry-eye management is often the first step

Dry Eye Therapy

Book an exam so we can confirm the cause of your symptoms and plan the next steps:

• Start Here: Glaucoma & Cataract Exams
• Or Request an Appointment

Useful background reads:

• What to Expect as You Age: Cataracts 
• What Is the First Sign of Cataracts?

Cataracts usually progress slowly, but some symptoms are not caused by cataracts and should not be ignored.

• Sudden vision loss or a curtain or shadow in vision
• New flashes of light or a sudden shower of floaters
• Severe eye pain with redness and blurred vision
• Sudden major distortion or a dark spot in central vision

Emergency Eye Care

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• National Eye Institute
• Canadian Association of Optometrists

What is an epiretinal membrane (ERM)?

An ERM is a thin, semi-transparent film that grows on top of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.

• Can gently wrinkle the macula and blur or distort vision
• Often develops slowly over months to years
• Sometimes called a macular pucker

When to book:

• New distortion, where straight lines look wavy
• New blurred central vision in one eye
• Reading becomes harder, or letters appear bent

Most people notice distortion or blur rather than pain.

• Wavy lines on blinds, door frames, tile grout, or text
• Smudged or hazy central vision
• Double vision in one eye is less common

When to book:

• If the distortion is new or worsening
• If reading speed drops noticeably

Most ERMs are related to normal aging changes in the gel inside the eye, called the vitreous, that tug on the retina.

• Common after a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
• Can form after inflammation, retinal tears, trauma, or eye surgery
• Many cases are idiopathic, with no clear trigger

No. ERM is a surface membrane that can wrinkle the macula. Macular degeneration is a disease of the macular tissue itself.

• ERM: mechanical wrinkling or tugging effect
• Macular degeneration: degenerative changes, often with drusen or fluid/bleeding in wet AMD

Usually not. ERM can reduce clarity and cause distortion, but complete blindness from ERM alone is uncommon.

• Many people maintain useful vision, especially with mild ERM
• The main issue is the quality of central vision, affecting reading or detail tasks

When to book:

• If vision drops quickly over days to weeks rather than gradually

Most ERMs do not disappear fully, but symptoms can remain stable for long periods.

• Mild membranes may stay unchanged
• Occasionally, symptoms improve if traction changes
• The membrane itself usually persists

Diagnosis involves an eye exam and retinal imaging, particularly OCT (optical coherence tomography).

• Dilated retinal exam to assess the macula
• OCT shows the membrane and whether the macula is distorted or swollen
• Photos may be used to track changes over time

OCT is a non-contact scan that provides a cross-sectional view of the retina.

• Confirms ERM versus other macular problems
• Tracks macular thickening, traction, and subtle swelling
• Helps guide decision-making between observation and referral for surgery

Blur and distortion are the main symptoms.

• Wavy lines (metamorphopsia)
• Blurry central vision
• Difficulty reading fine print
• Sometimes, a gray spot or reduced central contrast

ERM itself usually does not cause flashes or floaters. The vitreous changes that lead to ERM can.

• Flashes or floaters often relate to vitreous traction or PVD
• New flashes or floaters should be assessed to rule out a retinal tear

Urgent signs (same day):

• Sudden shower of new floaters
• New flashes of light
• Curtain or shadow in side vision

Emergency Eye Care

No. ERM is almost always painless.

• Pain suggests a different problem, such as inflammation, pressure issues, or corneal problems
• Significant pain with vision change requires urgent assessment

Risk increases with age and certain eye history factors.

• Age 50+, risk rises with each decade
• Prior retinal tear or detachment
• Eye inflammation (uveitis)
• Diabetes or retinal vascular conditions
• Prior eye surgery, including cataract surgery

It can be. Diabetes increases inflammatory and vascular stress in the retina, which may increase the risk of membranes.

• ERM can occur with or without diabetic retinopathy
• Diabetic macular edema can mimic or worsen blurred vision, so imaging is important

Diabetic Eye Exams

Not always. Surgery is usually considered when symptoms affect daily life or vision is declining.

• Many people are managed with observation and OCT monitoring
• Surgery is considered if distortion is bothersome, vision is dropping, or macular traction increases

When to book:

• Reading becomes significantly harder, even with glasses
• Distortion affects work, driving, or daily activities

The standard procedure is a vitrectomy with membrane peel, performed by a retina surgeon.

• Vitreous gel is removed, and the membrane is carefully peeled from the macula
• Usually outpatient
• Visual recovery occurs gradually over weeks to months

Results vary, but many people experience less distortion and clearer vision.

• Earlier surgery, when appropriate, can improve outcomes
• Some distortion may remain if the retina has been wrinkled for a long time
• Recovery is gradual, not instant

Like any eye surgery, there are risks.

• Cataract progression (common if the natural lens remains)
• Infection (rare but serious)
• Retinal tear or detachment
• Bleeding or swelling
• Vision may not improve as much as expected

No. Glasses can optimize the focus you have, but cannot remove retinal distortion.

• Drops do not remove the membrane
• Treating coexisting dry eye or cataracts may improve overall clarity

Monitoring depends on symptoms and OCT findings.

• Mild or stable ERM: periodic monitoring, often every 6 to 12 months
• Symptomatic or changing ERM: closer follow-up may be needed

When to book sooner:

• Distortion worsens
• Central vision changes
• New blind spots appear

What can I do at home to monitor changes?

Simple checks can help track your vision:

• Test one eye at a time
• Use a door frame, window blinds, or an Amsler grid
• Track whether lines become wavier or a blank spot appears

Urgent signs (same day):

• Sudden central vision loss
• New large blank or gray spot
• Curtain or shadow in vision

Emergency Eye Care

When should I seek urgent care?

Do not wait if vision changes suddenly or severely:

• Sudden vision loss
• Curtain or shadow in peripheral vision
• New flashes or a burst of floaters
• Rapid, dramatic increase in distortion

Emergency Eye Care

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• National Eye Institute
• Canadian Association of Optometrists
• American Society of Retina Specialists

Glaucoma is optic nerve damage, usually linked to eye pressure, but not always. Damage is permanent, but progression can often be slowed or stopped.

• Often affects peripheral (side) vision first
• Damage is not reversible, but treatment can protect remaining vision
• Some types progress slowly, others can be sudden and urgent

Different types behave differently and need different treatment approaches.

• Open-angle glaucoma: slow, common, often symptom-free early
• Angle-closure glaucoma: can be sudden, painful, and urgent
• Normal-tension glaucoma: optic nerve damage occurs despite “normal” pressure
• Secondary glaucoma: caused by another condition, such as steroids, trauma, inflammation, pigment, or pseudoexfoliation

Ocular hypertension means higher-than-average eye pressure without proven optic nerve damage. Glaucoma means there is optic nerve damage or consistent evidence of progression.

• Ocular hypertension increases the risk of glaucoma
• Not everyone with ocular hypertension needs treatment
• Risk depends on corneal thickness, nerve appearance, family history, age, and test results

Most glaucoma is multi-factorial. Eye pressure is a major risk factor, but genetics, blood flow, and nerve vulnerability also contribute.

• Eye pressure can damage the optic nerve over time
• Reduced optic nerve blood flow may contribute
• Family history and genetics strongly influence risk

Early open-angle glaucoma usually has no symptoms.

• Early: no pain, redness, or blur
• Later: patchy side-vision loss, trouble in dim light, bumping into objects
• Angle-closure: sudden pain, halos, nausea (urgent)

No. Damage is permanent. Treatment focuses on preventing further vision loss.

• Goal: reduce progression by lowering eye pressure and protecting the optic nerve
• Many people remain stable for years with consistent care

Risk increases with age, family history, and certain medical or eye factors:

• Family history of glaucoma
• Higher eye pressure
• African, Caribbean, Hispanic, or Asian ancestry (risk varies)
• Thin corneas, high myopia, diabetes, sleep apnea, migraines/vascular issues
• Long-term steroid use

Optic nerve damage occurs even when pressures are in the normal range.

• The optic nerve is more vulnerable
• Often requires lower target pressures
• Careful monitoring with OCT and visual fields is key

Glaucoma testing involves multiple measurements, not just eye pressure.

• Eye pressure (tonometry)
• Optic nerve exam and photos
• OCT imaging of optic nerve fibers
• Visual field testing (peripheral vision function)
• Corneal thickness (pachymetry) and angle assessment (gonioscopy)

For more information:

• Glaucoma, cataract, and eye exams
• Eye disease diagnosis & management

Corneal thickness affects pressure readings and helps refine risk.

• Thin corneas can underestimate pressure and increase risk
• Thick corneas can overestimate pressure
• Part of a complete risk assessment

Measures how well you detect light in different parts of vision, especially the periphery.

• Detects subtle changes early
• Trends over multiple tests are more important than a single reading
• Accuracy depends on attention, fatigue, and familiarity with the test

OCT measures the thickness of the optic nerve fiber layers and the optic nerve structure.

• Detects early structural changes before symptoms
• Great for baseline and tracking progression
• Best results when combined with visual field testing

Depends on risk and stability:

• Low-risk, stable: every 6–12 months
• Higher-risk or changing: every 2–6 months
• New diagnosis: closer monitoring to establish baseline

If you haven’t had an eye exam recently, start here: Adult & Senior Eye Exams

Treatment usually starts by lowering eye pressure:

• Prescription eye drops (often first-line)
• Laser (e.g., SLT) in appropriate cases
• Surgery (MIGS or other procedures) if needed
• Lifestyle supports overall eye health but does not replace treatment

Yes, but most people tolerate them well once the right medication is found.

• Redness, stinging, dryness, and allergy
• Darkening of iris/eyelid skin or lash growth (some drops)
• Possible effects on heart rate or breathing (some beta-blocker drops)

Always report side effects so the regimen can be adjusted.

One missed dose is usually not critical, but repeated misses increase risk:

• Take when remembered unless near next dose
• Do not double-dose unless instructed
• Ask about simplified regimens if adherence is difficult

They support general eye and vascular health but do not treat glaucoma.

• Regular exercise (avoid extreme head-down positions if advised)
• Avoid smoking; manage blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea
• Moderate caffeine if concerned about transient pressure spikes

No. Many patients never need surgery.

• Considered if drops and laser are insufficient or the disease progresses
• Some combined cataract and glaucoma procedures are available

Cataracts can occur with glaucoma.

• Cataract surgery may modestly reduce pressure
• Some combined procedures treat both conditions
• Treatment plans are individualized

Earlier assessment helps protect vision.

When to book:

• Family history of glaucoma
• High eye pressure or a suspicious optic nerve
• Borderline OCT or visual field findings
• Long-term steroid use
• Due for routine screening (especially age 40+)

Request an Appointment

Angle-closure glaucoma can be an emergency. Seek urgent care if you have:

• Sudden severe eye pain with redness
• Halos around lights with nausea or vomiting
• Sudden major blur or vision loss
• Severe headache with eye pain
• One pupil is larger or not reacting normally

Emergency Eye Care

• AAO — Eye Health
• NEI — Glaucoma
• CAO / opto.ca — Eye Health Library

AMD is a disease that slowly damages the macula, causing blurry or distorted central vision.

• Most common after age 50 to 60
• Peripheral vision is often preserved, especially early
• Symptoms can be mild at first, so exams matter

When to book:

• You are over 50 and haven’t had a dilated eye exam recently
• You notice a new blur, distortion, or a missing spot in central vision
• You have a strong family history of AMD

Dry AMD is more common and usually progresses slowly; wet AMD is less common but can cause faster vision loss.

• Dry AMD: thinning or aging changes of the macula and drusen
• Wet AMD: abnormal leaky blood vessels under the retina
• Dry can convert into wet, which is why monitoring matters

When to book:

• You have been told you have drusen or early AMD
• Any new distortion or rapid change in vision

Urgent signs (same day):

• Sudden new distortion (wavy lines), sudden central blur, or a dark or blank spot

Early AMD often has no symptoms, but common first complaints include central blur or distortion.

• Straight lines look bent or wavy
• Reading becomes harder, letters look faded or missing
• A gray or dark spot appears in the center
• Colors may look less vivid

When to book:

• Any new central blur, distortion, or missing spot (do not wait and see)

Wavy lines usually mean the macula is not lying flat, often from swelling or bleeding seen in wet AMD.

• The brain interprets the warped macula as a distortion
• Tools like the Amsler grid can help detect changes

When to book:

• Distortion is new, worsening, or only in one eye

Urgent signs (same day):

• New wavy lines or a rapidly expanding dark or blank spot

AMD can cause severe loss of central vision, but it usually does not cause complete blindness because side vision often remains.

• Many people keep useful peripheral vision for navigation
• The main impact is reading, driving, or seeing fine detail

When to book:

• You are struggling with daily tasks due to central blur or distortion. There are support options

AMD is caused by a mix of aging, genetics, and lifestyle factors that affect the retina over time.

• Age is the biggest risk factor
• Genetics or family history increases risk
• Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor

When to book:

• You have risk factors (age 50+, smoker or ex-smoker, strong family history)

Genetics plays a role, so AMD often runs in families, but it is not purely genetic.

• Family history increases risk
• Lifestyle, especially smoking, can meaningfully change risk

When to book:

• A parent or sibling has AMD, and you are 50 or older

You cannot fully prevent AMD, but you can reduce risk and slow progression with smart habits.

• Do not smoke or quit smoking
• Control blood pressure and cholesterol
• Eat a diet rich in leafy greens and fish
• Wear UV protection outdoors

When to book:

• You want a baseline retinal or macula assessment and a personalized risk plan

AMD is diagnosed with a dilated retinal exam and often imaging to assess the macula.

• Dilated exam to look for drusen or changes
• OCT imaging to detect swelling or fluid
• Sometimes, retinal photos or angiography are used if wet AMD is suspected

When to book:

• You have never had a dilated exam after age 50
• Any new distortion or central blur

It depends on your stage and risk; some people need annual checks, others need closer follow-up.

• Early or low-risk: often yearly
• Intermediate AMD: commonly more frequent
• Wet AMD: often close monitoring with a retina specialist plan

When to book:

• If you were told “drusen” or “early AMD” and do not have a clear monitoring schedule

An Amsler grid is a simple daily or weekly at-home check to detect new distortion, especially helpful if you already have AMD.

• Wear your reading glasses if you use them
• Hold the grid at normal reading distance
• Cover one eye and look at the center dot
• Notice if any lines look wavy, blurred, or missing
• Repeat with the other eye

When to book:

• Any new change on the grid, even if it seems small

Urgent signs (same day):

• Sudden new distortion or a new dark or blank central spot

Wet AMD is commonly treated with anti-VEGF injections into the eye to stop leaky vessel growth and preserve vision.

• Goal: stabilize vision and prevent further loss
• Some patients improve their vision, especially with early treatment
• Treatment is usually ongoing on a schedule set by the treating specialist

When to book:

• New distortion, rapid central blur, or a new central spot

Urgent signs (same day):

• Sudden central vision loss or rapidly worsening distortion

Most people tolerate injections well because the eye is numbed first; frequency varies by response and medication.

• Numbing drops are used
• Early on, injections may be monthly, then adjusted (often “treat and extend”)
• Your specialist will monitor OCT changes to guide timing

When to book:

• If you are anxious about treatment, there are ways to make it easier and more comfortable

Dry AMD does not have a single cure treatment yet, but progression can often be slowed and function supported.

• Risk reduction, including smoking cessation and cardiovascular health
• AREDS2 supplements for the right stage
• Monitoring for conversion to wet AMD, which can be treated

When to book:

• You were told you have dry AMD, but do not know your stage or plan

It means abnormal blood vessels started growing and leaking, which can cause faster vision changes, but it is also the point where treatment can help most.

• New distortion often signals conversion
• Prompt treatment is key to better outcomes

When to book:

• Any new distortion, central blur, or missing spot

Urgent signs (same day):

• Sudden noticeable change in central vision

Many people can continue driving and reading for years, depending on the severity, but you may need support:

• Updated glasses and lighting can help early
• Magnifiers, electronic readers, and contrast tools can help later
• Low vision strategies can preserve independence

When to book:

• You are struggling with reading, night driving, or detail tasks, do not just power through it

Any sudden central vision change is urgent because it may indicate wet AMD or other retinal problems.

• New wavy lines or distortion
• Sudden central blur or smudge
• New dark or blank spot in the center

Urgent signs (same day):

• Sudden vision loss, a curtain or shadow, new flashes or floaters with vision drop

• Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management
• Request an appointment
• Wet vs dry AMD
• Is AMD hereditary
• Emergency eye care

It is a set of numbers that tells us how to focus light properly on your retina for clear vision.

• Sphere (SPH): nearsightedness (-) or farsightedness (+)
• Cylinder (CYL) + Axis: astigmatism and its orientation
• ADD: extra near power for reading (common after ~40)
• Prism: used when eyes do not align comfortably together (selected cases)

Your best results depend on both the prescription and how lenses are designed and measured on you

If your vision is consistently less clear or you are straining, your prescription may have shifted, or the lenses may no longer match your needs.

• Blurry distance or near that does not blink away
• Headaches or eye strain, especially late in the day
• More squinting, light sensitivity, or fatigue while reading
• New trouble driving at night (glare/halos)

When to book:

• Symptoms last more than 1 to 2 weeks
• You feel unsafe driving or reading
• Your current glasses are more than 2 years old (or sooner if symptoms)

Urgent signs:

• Sudden vision loss, new flashes/floaters, a curtain or shadow, severe eye pain, or a red painful eye
  Emergency eye care

There are different ways of delivering distance and near focus in one pair of glasses.

• Single vision: one power everywhere (distance or near)
• Bifocal: two distinct zones (distance and near) with a visible line
• Progressive: a smooth blend (distance, intermediate, and near) with no line

Your best choice depends on age, work habits, hobbies, posture, and screen time

Single-vision lenses are best when you need a single focus range.

• Great for distance-only driving, TV, or the classroom
• Great for near-only reading or crafts, especially in younger people
• Can be optimized for a specific working distance (computer or bench work)

When to book:

• If you need to remove glasses to read due to a change
• If you are switching between pairs constantly and want a better setup

Bifocals can be a straightforward option for people who want distance and near vision without adapting to progressives.

• Clear distance and clear near, with a visible line
• Often easier for some people to learn than progressives
• Not ideal for lots of computer or intermediate work

When to book:

• You want something simple and do not care about the lens line
• You mainly do distance and close reading, not much screen work

Progressives are usually best when you want one pair for most daily tasks: distance, computer, and reading.

• No visible line
• The intermediate zone helps with computers, cooking, and dashboards
• Requires adaptation and accurate measurements

When to book:

• You are over 40 and doing a mix of distance, screen, and reading
• You want fewer pairs and less on/off with readers

Most progressive problems come from lens design choice, fit or measurements, or expectations, not that you cannot wear them.

• Progressives have corridors; peripheral blur is normal to a point
• The wrong frame size or shape can make the zones too small or awkward
• Incorrect PD, height, tilt, or wrap measurements can reduce comfort
• Your ADD or prescription may need refinement for your real work distances

When to book:

• You have tried for 2 weeks and still feel off
• You get nausea, dizziness, or cannot find clear areas reliably

An office lens is a multi-zone lens designed for near and intermediate, not long-distance driving.

• Best for computer, desk work, and meetings
• Larger comfortable zones for screen and reading than a standard progressive
• Not meant for crisp distance across a room or driving

When to book:

• You sit at a computer 2 or more hours per day
• Your progressives feel tight or you crane your neck to see the screen

Task lenses are tuned for a single job and a single distance range.

• Examples: reading-only, computer-only, music stand, workbench
• Can reduce neck strain and improve comfort
• Often, the secret weapon for high screen-time jobs

When to book:

• You are comfortable in daily glasses but struggle with one specific task
• You are getting neck or shoulder pain from poor posture while viewing screens

Sometimes yes, especially if you do intense screen work or night driving.

• One pair can be good enough for many people
• Dedicated lenses can be dramatically better for:
  • All-day screen work
  • Night driving glare
  • Precision near tasks

When to book:

• You are okay in most situations, but hate one specific environment (office, night driving, hobbies)

Traditional lenses use more standardized surface curves. Digital or wavefront lenses are calculated and cut with more customization.

• Digital designs can account for frame position on your face (tilt, wrap, vertex)
• Often sharper in the periphery and more consistent in higher prescriptions
• The biggest difference is felt with:
  • Progressives
  • High prescriptions
  • Higher astigmatism
  • Larger frames

Not always, but they are often a smart upgrade if you are picky about clarity or have a more complex prescription.

• If your prescription is mild in a small frame, the difference may be subtle
• If you use progressives, higher prescriptions, or are sensitive to distortion, it can be worth it
• Value is highest when paired with accurate measurements and a good frame choice

The prescription is only half the story. Measurements affect comfort and clarity.

• PD (pupillary distance): where your eyes sit in the lens
• Fitting height: critical for progressives and bifocals
• Vertex distance, pantoscopic tilt, wrap: key for optimized digital designs
• Frame fit: if the frame slips, the optics shift

Related reading:

• Are glasses and contact lens prescriptions the same?
• Is it safe to order glasses online?

Even a perfect prescription can feel strange at first because your brain adapts to new optics.

• Common with progressives, Rx changes, or new astigmatism correction
• New frame size or shape changes how you move your eyes
• Give most changes 3 to 14 days unless symptoms are severe

When to book:

• You cannot adapt after 2 weeks
• You feel unsafe walking up stairs or driving
• One eye feels wrong compared to the other

Material choice affects thickness, weight, impact resistance, and optics.

• Standard plastic: good basic option for lower prescriptions
• Polycarbonate: impact-resistant, often used for kids, may have more optical distortion
• High-index: thinner and lighter for higher prescriptions
• Trivex: impact-resistant with excellent optics in many cases

Coatings can meaningfully improve comfort and lens longevity.

• Anti-reflective (AR): reduces glare and halos, improves night driving, and enhances cosmetics
• Scratch resistance: usually bundled, still treat lenses gently
• UV protection: important for long-term eye health
• Blue-light filtering: can reduce perceived glare

Sometimes, if the cause is an uncorrected prescription, focusing strain, or alignment issues.

• Hidden astigmatism or wrong near power can trigger strain
• Computer posture problems may need an office lens
• Some patients need prism or binocular vision support in selected cases

When to book:

• Headaches are frequent and linked to reading or screen use
• You are getting eye fatigue late in the day
• You are noticing double vision or eye pulling

No. Glasses do not weaken your eyes; they correct focus.

• Eyes can change naturally over time, especially myopia progression in youth or presbyopia in adults
• Wearing the right prescription usually reduces strain and improves comfort

Related reading: Do glasses make your eyes worse?

Sometimes it works, but the failure rate rises with progressives, high prescriptions, and strong astigmatism.

• Online ordering often struggles with precise fit, heights, and frame positioning
• Small measurement errors can feel huge in progressives
• If you order online, keep frames simple and expectations realistic

Related reading: Is it safe to order glasses online?

Most adults benefit from routine eye exams every 1 to 2 years, depending on age, risk factors, and symptoms.

• Kids and teens may need more frequent checks due to changing vision
• Medical conditions, like diabetes, may require a tighter schedule

Request Appointment

Adult Eye Exams

If your day is mostly screens, you usually want a lens that prioritizes intermediate and near comfort.

• Consider office lenses or task lenses rather than forcing an all-purpose progressive
• Add AR coating and blue blocking to reduce glare
• Optimize ergonomics: screen height, breaks, lighting

When to book:

• You get neck pain from tilting your head to find clarity
• Your eyes feel dry or tired daily on screens

UV protection in clear lenses helps, but sunglasses still matter for comfort and glare control.

• Sunglasses reduce squinting and light sensitivity
• Polarized options help with reflected glare from snow, water, or roads
• Prescription sun lenses are often a quality-of-life upgrade

Treat sudden changes as urgent until proven otherwise.

• New flashes, floaters, curtain or shadow, sudden blur, severe pain, or sudden double vision can be serious
• Do not wait for your next routine exam

Urgent Care

• American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eye Health
• National Eye Institute: Learn about eye health
• Canadian Association of Optometrists: Eye Health Library

A retinal detachment is when the retina lifts off the back wall of the eye, which can permanently damage vision if not treated quickly.

• The retina works like the film or sensor of a camera
• Detachment often starts with a retinal tear that allows fluid underneath
• Some cases are tractional, caused by pulling from scar tissue, or exudative, caused by fluid leakage

When to book:

• Same day if you notice new flashes, a sudden burst of floaters, a curtain shadow, or sudden vision loss

Many people have no pain. It is usually a vision-change problem, not a discomfort problem.

• Flashes, new floaters, or a dark curtain or veil are classic
• Blurred or distorted side vision can happen early
• Central blur may occur if the macula becomes involved

Urgent signs:

• A curtain or gray shadow in any part of vision
• Sudden increase in floaters, especially a shower of dots
• New flashes, especially in the dark
• Sudden drop in vision

Flashes usually come from vitreous tugging on the retina. Floaters are debris or collagen clumps in the vitreous gel.

• A few stable floaters for years is common
• A new cluster of floaters or flashing lights is different and should be taken seriously
• A vitreous detachment can be benign, but it can also cause a tear

When to book:

• Same day for new flashes or floaters, especially if in one eye, sudden, or worsening

A tear is a break in the retina. A detachment occurs when the retina lifts off due to fluid passing through a tear or other mechanisms.

• Treating a tear early can prevent a detachment
• Tears can sometimes be treated with laser or freezing (cryo)
• A true detachment often needs surgery

When to book:

• Same day for symptoms suggesting a tear, such as new flashes or floaters, or detachment, such as curtain or field loss

The most common pathway is age-related vitreous changes that lead to a tear, followed by fluid slipping under the retina.

• Posterior vitreous detachment is a common trigger
• Trauma can cause tears or detachment
• High myopia increases risk
• Prior eye surgery, including cataract surgery, can increase the risk

Some eyes are simply more vulnerable.

• High myopia, especially if you have a thin retina or lattice degeneration
• Previous retinal tear or detachment in either eye
• Family history of retinal detachment
• Significant eye trauma
• Diabetes with advanced retinopathy, which increases the risk

When to book:

• Promptly, if you are at high risk and develop any new flashes or floaters

Usually no, but major trauma can.

• Normal rubbing is unlikely to detach a healthy retina
• A direct hit from sports, falls, or car accidents can cause tears
• If you have high myopia or known weak spots, avoid eye trauma

When to book:

• The same day after a significant eye impact, especially with vision symptoms

Most retinal detachments are not painful.

• Pain or redness suggests other urgent problems, such as inflammation or high eye pressure
• Retinal detachment is more about flashes, floaters, curtain, or vision loss

Urgent signs:

• Severe pain plus vision loss needs a same-day assessment, even if it is not a detachment

A curtain or shadow is a red flag for detachment until proven otherwise.

• Can look like a gray veil, shadow, or missing side vision
• May spread over hours or days
• The direction of the curtain can hint at where the detachment is, but do not self-diagnose

When to book:

• Same day. This is not a wait-and-see symptom

Yes, sometimes in hours.

• A tear can quickly become a detachment
• If the macula detaches, central vision can drop fast
• Early evaluation can change the outcome

A proper retinal assessment usually means a dilated exam, along with imaging when indicated.

• Dilating drops allow a wide view of the retina
• Specialized lenses may be used to examine the far peripheral retina
• Additional testing, like retinal imaging, may support findings, but dilation is key

When to book:

• Same day if you have new flashes, floaters, or any curtain or field loss

Lattice degeneration is a thinning pattern in the peripheral retina that can increase risk, but most people with lattice never develop detachment.

• More common in myopia
• Becomes more relevant if you develop symptoms or have a history in the other eye
• Preventive laser is case-by-case, not automatic

Diabetes can increase risk, especially if retinopathy is advanced.

• Tractional detachments can occur when scar tissue pulls on the retina
• This is different from the common tear-related detachment
• Tight diabetes control and regular retinal monitoring matter

Related service: Diabetic Eye Exams

Treat it as urgent and get assessed today.

• Do not drive yourself if your vision is unsafe
• Do not assume it will pass
• If a detachment is suspected, the clinic will guide you to the right urgent pathway

Emergency Eye Care

Often, yes, because that is how tears start.

• Many retinal tears happen during a new vitreous detachment
• The goal is to catch a tear before it becomes detached
• Even if it is just a vitreous detachment, you want that confirmed

When to book:

• Same day or within 24 hours for new symptoms, especially if sudden or worsening

No. True detachments generally do not reattach without treatment.

• Symptoms may fluctuate, but the underlying problem remains
• Delayed treatment can reduce final vision

It depends on what is found and how extensive it is.

• Retinal tear: often treated with laser or cryotherapy to seal around the tear
• Retinal detachment: may require pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckle, or vitrectomy
• Timing and whether the macula is involved strongly affect the approach

Recovery varies by procedure and whether a gas bubble was used.

• Vision can be blurry for weeks to months
• Some cases require positioning, such as face-down or side positioning
• Restrictions may include avoiding high altitude or air travel if a gas bubble is present

Outcomes vary. Earlier treatment generally improves the odds.

• If the macula stayed attached, vision outcomes are often better
• If the macula is detached, vision may improve, but not always back to baseline
• Some people notice ongoing distortion or reduced contrast even after successful repair

You can reduce avoidable risk and react fast to warning signs.

• Know your symptoms: flashes, new floaters, curtain or shadow
• Protect eyes during high-risk sports or work
• Keep up with routine eye exams, especially if highly myopic or have previously told you have lattice or retinal holes

If you have new symptoms, book urgently.

• Same day: flashes, sudden floaters, curtain or shadow, sudden vision loss
• Soon (days to weeks): known lattice or high myopia with new but mild symptoms, or if advised after a previous tear
• Routine: no symptoms, but you are at high risk and due for monitoring

Request an Appointment

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
• National Eye Institute
• Canadian Association of Optometrists
• American Society of Retina Specialists

They are related but not interchangeable because contacts sit on the eye, so the numbers and optics can change.

• Contact lens prescriptions include base curve, diameter, brand, and material, and sometimes different powers
• Astigmatism needs toric parameters, including axis and cylinder control
• Multifocal contacts have design-specific adds that differ by brand

When to book:

• If you are ordering contacts with only your glasses prescription
• If your contacts feel almost right but not crisp or stable

Usually, yes, because fit and safety checks are different from refraction alone.

• Assess corneal health, tear film, eyelids, and lens movement and centration
• Confirm the lens performs well in your real-world environment, including screens or dry offices
• Verify the final lens power on-eye

When to book:

• If you are new to contacts, changing brands, or having comfort or vision issues

For many people, daily disposables are the safest and most comfortable option.

• Fresh sterile lens every day equals fewer deposits and fewer cleaning failures
• Often better for allergies and mild dry eye
• Monthly lenses can be cost-effective but require excellent cleaning and compliance

When to book:

• If you get itchy eyes, frequent redness, or protein and deposit buildup

Unless specifically prescribed for extended wear and cleared for it, do not sleep in lenses.

• Sleeping in lenses increases infection risk because oxygen to the cornea drops
• Even a short nap counts, as closed-eye wear raises risk

Urgent signs for same-day care:

• Increasing pain, light sensitivity, or worsening redness
• Sudden blurred vision or a white spot on the cornea

Emergency Eye Care

There is no universal number. Comfort and eye health determine the limit, not the clock.

• Dry eye, blepharitis, screen time, and low humidity shorten safe wear time
• Overwear can cause redness, inflammation, and reduced tolerance over time

When to book:

• If you are counting down to lens removal every day
• If your eyes burn late afternoon or evening

Most often, it is due to tear film instability or eyelid inflammation, not to the lens power.

• Meibomian gland dysfunction affects the oily tear layer
• Screen time lowers blink rate
• Lens deposits, solution sensitivity, or wrong material choice

When to book:

• If lenses are fine in the morning but miserable by midday
• If you need drops constantly

Dry Eye Therapy

Yes. Toric soft lenses correct most regular astigmatism well.

• Toric lenses must stabilize; if they rotate, vision fluctuates
• Some astigmatism levels require specific parameters or custom options

When to book:

• If your vision comes and goes or lights smear at night

They can, but success depends on design choice, pupil size, and visual demands.

• Expect an adaptation period
• Some people do best with monovision or a hybrid approach

When to book:

• If you are over 40 and near vision is slipping
• If you drive at night and need crisp distance and functional near

Common reasons include dryness, lens rotation for toric lenses, deposits, or inaccurate on-eye power.

• Contacts and glasses prescriptions are not the same numbers
• Lens fit affects optics, including movement and decentration

When to book:

• If blur is new or one eye is consistently worse

Related: Glasses vs Contact Lens Prescriptions

Yes, especially with overnight wear, poor hygiene, or water exposure.

• The main risk is microbial keratitis, a corneal infection
• Risk rises with sleeping in lenses, rinsing with tap water, or swimming in lenses

Urgent signs for same-day care:

• Significant pain, light sensitivity, marked redness
• Sudden vision drop, discharge, or a stuck feeling

Emergency Eye Care

It is strongly discouraged because water and lenses do not mix well.

• Water can trap organisms under the lens
• Higher risk of serious infections, including Acanthamoeba

Better options:

• Prescription goggles
• Daily disposables plus tight goggles, though still not risk-free

Do coloured soft contact lenses damage your eyes?

They can be safe if properly fitted and prescribed. They are still medical devices.

• Cosmetic lenses still require correct sizing and safe materials
• Buying unregulated lenses is a common path to infection or abrasion

When to book:

• If you want colored lenses for events or photos, but also want your corneas intact

Use the system recommended for your lens and never improvise.

• Rub and rinse if your system requires it
• Fresh solution every time, do not top off
• Replace cases regularly and keep them dry and clean

Avoid:

• Tap water
• Saline as a disinfectant

More often than most people do.

• Old cases become biofilm factories
• Best practice is monthly, or per your solution’s guidance

When to book:

• If you get frequent irritation or mysterious redness

Redness is a warning signal, not something to push through.

• Overwear, dryness, allergies, or solution sensitivity
• Poor fit or oxygen deprivation

When to book:

• If redness lasts into the next day
• If one eye is consistently redder than the other

Urgent signs for same-day care:

• Pain, light sensitivity, discharge, sudden blur

Assume it might be, as prescriptions expire to protect eye health.

• Fit and corneal health can change without you noticing
• Compliance and safety checks are part of responsible prescribing

When to book:

• If it has been a year or per your optometrist’s recommended interval

This is common and usually fixable with the right plan.

• Treat underlying dry eye or blepharitis
• Switch material or replacement schedule, often, daily disposables help
• Consider specialty options if needed

When to book:

• If you have given up on contacts because of comfort

Yes, with the right maturity and hygiene.

• The bigger issue is behavior, such as overwear, sleeping in lenses, or poor cleaning
• For active sports, daily disposables are often easiest

When to book:

• If they are motivated and responsible
• If parents want a clear hygiene plan and backup glasses strategy

Some specialty soft designs can help, but standard single-vision contacts do not.

• Myopia control usually involves specific multifocal designs and protocols
• Monitoring and planning are needed

When to book:

• If your child’s prescription is changing quickly

Related: Contact Lenses for Myopia Control

If it is more than mild irritation, get checked quickly.

Seek urgent care same day for:

• Moderate or severe pain
• Light sensitivity
• Sudden vision decrease
• Increasing redness, especially in one eye

Emergency Eye Care

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Eye Health
• National Eye Institute (NEI) Eye Health
• Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) Eye Health Library

A hordeolum is usually acute and sore, while a chalazion is usually more chronic and less painful.

• Hordeolum (stye): inflamed or infected gland or lash follicle, red, tender, pimple-like lump
• Chalazion: blocked meibomian (oil) gland, firm, round, often painless bump
• A hordeolum can turn into a chalazion after the acute inflammation settles

Book an exam if:

• It is not clearly improving after 7–10 days of consistent warm compresses
• You have recurrent lumps or multiple bumps at once

Seek urgent care the same day if:

• Rapidly worsening swelling spreading beyond the lid, fever, or feeling unwell
• Vision changes, severe pain, or pain with eye movement

Emergency Eye Care

Most come from blocked oil glands and the bacteria that normally live on eyelid skin.

• Oil gland blockage plus inflammation is the usual starting point
• Risk increases with blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, rosacea, oily skin, or chronic dry eye
• Makeup residue, rubbing eyes, and dirty or old contact lens habits can contribute

Book an exam if:

• You get them more than 2–3 times per year
• You also have chronic burning, gritty eyes, or crusting

Not really in the way colds are, but bacteria can spread by touch.

• Bacteria can transfer from one eye to the other, or to family members, via shared towels, makeup, or hands
• Good hygiene lowers the odds of spreading or re-infecting

Book an exam if:

• Multiple family members are getting repeated eyelid infections
• You are immunocompromised, and symptoms escalate quickly

External styes sit near the lash line. Internal ones are deeper in the lid.

• External hordeolum: a small pustule near an eyelash
• Internal hordeolum: deeper, more diffuse lid swelling, often more sore
• Chalazia: typically deeper and more rubbery than a lash-line pustule

Book an exam if:

• Swelling is significant, or you are unsure which it is

Warm compresses plus gentle lid massage are the mainstay for both.

• Warm compress 10 minutes, 3–6 times per day, comfortably warm
• After warming, gently massage the lid toward the lash line to encourage drainage
• Keep eyelids clean with lid wipes or a gentle lid hygiene routine if advised

Book an exam if:

• No improvement after 7–10 days of doing this properly

No. Squeezing can worsen the infection and spread inflammation.

• Popping increases the risk of cellulitis and scarring
• Drainage should happen naturally or under medical guidance

Seek urgent care if:

• Redness or swelling spreads quickly after squeezing

Sometimes, but not always. Many resolve without antibiotics.

• Topical antibiotic ointment may be used if there is drainage, crusting, or lash-line infection
• Drops help less than ointment for lid-margin issues
• A deeper infection or an associated skin infection may require oral antibiotics

Book an exam if:

• Significant lid swelling, discharge, or symptoms worsen over 24–48 hours

Often no. Chalazia are usually inflammatory blockages, not active infection.

• Warm compresses are still first-line
• Treating underlying lid disease reduces recurrence
• Persistent cases may need a steroid injection or a minor procedure

Book an exam if:

• A chalazion persists beyond 3–4 weeks or keeps returning in the same spot

Most improve within a few days and resolve in 1–2 weeks with proper care.

• Hordeolum: typically faster resolution than chalazion
• Chalazion: may take weeks to fully shrink

Book an exam if:

• It is not improving by day 7–10, or is enlarging

Request an Appointment

Usually not, but large lesions can blur vision by pressing on the cornea.

• Temporary blur can occur from pressure, astigmatism, or ointment use
• Any new persistent vision loss is not normal and needs assessment

Seek urgent care if:

• Sudden vision loss, severe light sensitivity, or significant eye pain

Emergency Eye Care

Usually, it is best to pause contacts until the lid is calmer.

• Contacts can worsen irritation and raise infection risk
• Switch to glasses and avoid touching or rubbing the eye

Book an exam if:

• You wear contacts and develop significant redness, pain, or light sensitivity

Skip makeup until it is resolved.

• Makeup can trap bacteria and block glands
• Replace old products after an infection
• Do not share makeup

Book an exam if:

• Symptoms keep recurring, and you regularly use lid-margin products

Recurrent styes usually mean ongoing lid margin disease or oil gland dysfunction.

• Consistent lid hygiene and warm compress routine can help
• Consider triggers such as rosacea, chronic blepharitis, or makeup residue
• Additional in-office dry eye or eyelid care may be recommended

Book an exam if:

• Multiple episodes in 6 months or frequent lumps that never fully clear

A persistent or unusual eyelid lump should be checked.

• Recurrent lump in the same exact spot
• Lashes missing in the area, bleeding, ulceration, or distortion of eyelid anatomy
• A chalazion that does not improve over time can occasionally mimic other conditions

Book an exam if:

• A lump persists beyond 6–8 weeks, keeps returning, or looks atypical

Same-day care is smart when symptoms suggest more than a simple stye.

• Rapidly worsening swelling or redness spreading beyond the eyelid
• Fever or feeling unwell
• Eye pain with movement, double vision, bulging eye, or severe headache
• Significant vision changes
• Immunocompromised or uncontrolled diabetes

Emergency Eye Care

If home care is not enough, escalation may be appropriate.

• Confirm whether it is a hordeolum versus a chalazion and rule out look-alikes
• Prescription therapy, if indicated, topical or oral, depending on findings
• For persistent chalazia, discuss steroid injection or a minor procedure

• Request an appointment
• Emergency eye care
• Eye disease diagnosis and management
• Dry eye therapy

External

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
• National Eye Institute (NEI)
• Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO)