Blog | Cowichan Eyecare

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…

Male patient being examined with a slit lamp.

Eye Health • January 31, 2023

Can I Drive with My Eyes Dilated?

When your optometrist dilates your eyes in an eye exam, they widen the pupil so they can better examine the ocular structures deep in the eye. Using eye dilation drops during an eye exam can help your optometrist diagnose eye conditions. Eye dilation drops work slowly, and the effects can last hours longer. Driving isn’t…

Eye Health • December 28, 2022

Can Laser Eye Surgery Help Macular Degeneration?

When you have a refractive error, laser eye surgery can help improve your vision. Laser eye surgery can help address several eye conditions, but is macular degeneration one of them? While laser eye surgery can help with age-related macular degeneration, it can’t cure this condition, and not every surgery is beneficial. Only certain surgeries can…

Opthalmology team operates on a patient.

Eye Health • November 29, 2022

Can You Get Put to Sleep for Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery benefits many people, helping them lower their reliance on glasses and contacts. While this surgery is safe, and millions receive it each year, it’s common to be worried and nervous. You may even wonder if your doctor can anesthetize (put you to sleep) during the procedure. It can seem helpful, but anesthesia…

A bottle of eyedrops against a blue background.

Eye Health • November 28, 2022

Are Visine Eye Drops Bad for Your Eyes?

Prescription vs. OTC Eye Drops Eye drops can be a convenient treatment tool for various eye problems, from dry eye to myopia control. Patients can also try many over-the-counter options to relieve allergies or eye irritation symptoms temporarily. But are over-the-counter eye drops safe? Are prescription eye drops more effective than common brands like Visine?…