Blog | Cowichan Eyecare

A woman wearing a pink textured sweater holds up her index finger in front of her face while focusing intently on it, likely performing a vision or eye-tracking exercise in a well-lit indoor setting.

Vision Therapy • July 16, 2025

Do Eye Exercises Improve Vision?

Eye exercises can be powerful tools for improving vision when used properly under professional guidance. In vision therapy, eye exercises effectively address visual concerns like strabismus, amblyopia, eye-tracking problems, and rehabilitation after brain injuries. These targeted exercises help train the eyes and brain to work together more effectively. However, not all eye exercise claims are…

A child with myopia squints and leans too close to their computer screen.

Myopia Management • May 27, 2025

How to Slow Myopia Progression in Children

Childhood is a critical stage for overall development, and vision plays a crucial role in helping children learn, explore, and grow. But myopia is becoming increasingly common among young children worldwide. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize risk and keep myopia from worsening. A few practical strategies to slow myopia progression in children include: Increased…

A person covers both their eyes as they wince in pain.

Eye Health • April 30, 2025

Why Does It Hurt When I Blink My Eyes?

Blinking is something most of us do without thinking about it, however, when blinking starts to hurt, it can disrupt your entire day. Experiencing pain when blinking can make even basic tasks like reading emails, watching TV, or even enjoying time with loved ones uncomfortable. If your eyes hurt when you blink, this may be…

Close-up of a person over 50's eye as they look out a window.

Eye Disease • March 25, 2025

What Are the Early Warning Signs of Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration can significantly impact your ability to perform everyday activities like reading, driving, and even recognizing faces. It's one of the leading causes of vision loss among people over the age of 50, but it can develop slowly, meaning it’s often hard to notice until the damage is done. The early warning signs of…

A parent helps their child try on a pair of red reading glasses at the optometrist.

Frames & Lenses • January 29, 2025

Can Kids Get Reading Glasses?

When we think about reading glasses, we often picture adults putting a pair of glasses on in order to skim through a book or a menu. But can children also need reading glasses, too? The short answer is yes! While it might not be as common, some kids benefit significantly from wearing reading glasses to…

An eye is shown before and after meibomian gland restoration. On one side the eye is clear, on the other it is swollen.

Dry Eye • January 3, 2025

Can Meibomian Glands Be Restored?

If you’ve been experiencing dryness, irritation, or a burning sensation in your eyes, there’s a chance your Meibomian glands might need attention. These tiny yet crucial glands are key players in maintaining healthy, comfortable eyes and avoiding conditions like dry eye—but what happens when they stop functioning properly? Luckily, Meibomian Glands can be restored, especially…

An optometrist examining a patients eye.

Eye Disease, Eye Exam, Macular Degeneration • December 4, 2024

Can an Optometrist Diagnose Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults, affecting 2.5 million Canadians. This condition affects the macula, the central part of the retina. The macula is responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision and is vital for tasks such as reading and driving. Using targeted tools and tests, an optometrist can indeed diagnose…

An older adult rubbing their eyes because of cloudy vision caused by cataracts.

Eye Disease, Eye Health • October 29, 2024

What Are Disadvantages of Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery restores cloudy vision caused by cataracts—a condition that affects the lens of the eye. Like any medical procedure, surgery for cataracts comes with its own set of risks and potential downsides. If you're considering cataract surgery or are simply curious about the procedure, it's important to be aware of both its benefits and…

A man rubbing his eyes due to discomfort caused by an eye condition.

Eye Disease, Eye Health • September 23, 2024

Are Glaucoma & Macular Degeneration the Same?

Eye health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being that often gets overlooked. Two common eye conditions that are frequent causes of confusion are glaucoma and macular degeneration. While both conditions affect vision and are more prevalent with age, glaucoma and macular degeneration are distinct eye conditions with different symptoms, causes, and treatment options.…

Split screen showing dry eyes on the left and healthy eyes on the right

Dry Eye • September 4, 2024

Can Chronic Dry Eye Cause Floaters?

When it comes to eye health, understanding the nuances can be a bit challenging. Two common issues often discussed are dry eyes and floaters. But can these two be interconnected? Let's explore. What are Dry Eyes? Dry eyes occur when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead…