Blog | Cowichan Eyecare

A woman sitting at a table in front of a laptop, holding her glasses in her right hand while pressing her left hand to her forehead as if in pain.

Dry Eye • January 16, 2024

Can Dry Eyes Cause Blurry Vision?

Dry eyes and blurry vision are 2 common eye problems that can significantly impact your daily life. However, these issues may actually be one and the same! Along with stinging and irritation, dry eyes can cause blurry vision, making it difficult to see details. If you’re unsure what’s behind the sudden blurriness, your optometrist can…

Close-up of a man undergoing a slit-lamp exam.

Eye Exam • November 9, 2023

How Is Cornea Thickness Measured?

Our vision is one of our most important senses. It helps us take in, interact with, and appreciate our world. Regular eye exams help monitor your eye health and detect vision problems early, as many don't present with symptoms. The cornea (the eye's clear outer dome) helps focus light and keep your vision clear. Measuring…

A senior woman smiling and looking into a piece of optometry equipment as his optometrist performs an eye exam.

Eye Health • October 4, 2023

Is Macular Degeneration the Same as Glaucoma?

When we discuss eyesight, it's vital to understand that as we age, the risk of developing eye-related conditions increases, emphasizing the importance of early detection and care with regular eye exams. Two of the most common eye diseases are macular degeneration and glaucoma. While both eye diseases can impact your vision, they have distinct causes,…

View from behind a senior patient's head as they face a snellen chart on the wall and their optometrist points to a letter.

Eye Exam, Eye Health • September 5, 2023

What Is a Low Vision Exam?

Low vision exams or assessments are essential services that provide practical solutions to people with impaired vision through an in-depth look at how vision impairment affects your life. Because glasses, contact lenses, or surgery cannot treat low vision, everyday tasks and activities can be difficult. When you visit your eye doctor for a low vision…

Close-up of a man standing on a mountaintop wearing reflective sunglasses and winter gear.

Frames & Lenses • August 3, 2023

What Are Polarized Sunglasses & Are They Better for Your Eyes?

Since UV damage builds up over time, you might not realize how it affects your eyes until much later in life. A proper pair of sunglasses with UV protection can help prevent several types of eye diseases, including cataracts. A wide range of designs, brands, and colours of sunglasses are available, making sunglasses more practical…

Dry Eye • August 3, 2023

How Often Should You Use Eye Drops for Dry Eyes?

Eye drops can offer convenient, on-the-go relief from uncomfortable dry eye symptoms. If you are new to eye drops, you may be wondering how often you should be using them. How often you should use eye drops will depend on a range of factors, including the severity of your dry eyes and what type of…

A young man holding a tissue in his left hand and rubbing his right eye in irritation with his right hand.

Eye Health • June 19, 2023

How Do I Know If I Have Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

When it comes to our eye health, knowing the signs and symptoms of common conditions, like pink eye (conjunctivitis), can empower us to take proactive steps toward seeking appropriate care and treatment. Pink eye is a common eye infection that presents with pink or red eyes, itchiness, a gritty feeling, and discharge. Identifying these symptoms…

A senior woman and her male optometrist performing an eye exam using a medical device to detect eye problems.

Eye Health • May 10, 2023

Can Low Vision be Corrected?

Unfortunately, if conditions such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) result in vision loss, there is no way to recover that vision. This is the reason that it’s so important to receive eye exams as recommended by your optometrist. Early detection can slow or prevent many problems that cause vision loss. Hope is not…

A man inside an office pushing his glasses up to rub his eyes with his fingers.

Dry Eye • April 5, 2023

Can Dry Eyes Cause High Eye Pressure?

Many of us have been there at some point—blurry vision, irritated eyes, and light sensitivity—all while trying to focus and make it through the day. With how uncomfortable dry eye symptoms can get, it's valid to wonder if the condition could lead to a more serious complication like high eye pressure. Fortunately, dry eye is…

Female optometrist measuring the eye pressure of a senior woman with a modern tonometer to screen for glaucoma.

Eye Health • March 6, 2023

Can an Optometrist Diagnose Glaucoma?

Yes, an optometrist can diagnose glaucoma. It is important to get annual eye exams as glaucoma is usually a silent disease. If you are experiencing vision issues, it is even more important to visit an optometrist as soon as possible, as seeking an immediate diagnosis is essential to receiving proper treatment. An optometrist can detect…