Blog | Cowichan Eyecare

Young boy at the park with evidence of strabismus in his left eye.

Eye Health • October 28, 2022

Is Lazy Eye the Same as Strabismus?

Vision issues can be more common than you think at all ages. The good news is that your optometrist is in your corner to help preserve your visual health through regular eye exams. Lazy eye and strabismus are examples of visual issues that need to be addressed early. Let’s look at lazy eye and if…

Eye prescription form with clipboard sitting on a desk at the optometrist office.

Eye Exam • October 26, 2022

How Long is an Eye Exam Prescription Valid?

Are Your Glasses Expired? Eye exams are essential for protecting your vision. While regularly visiting your eye doctor allows them to evaluate eye health, it also allows patients to keep their prescription updated. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists (AOA), eye exams are generally recommended every 2 years for adults, annually for school-age children,…

A male doctor in a blue and green surgical gown is sitting and his eyes resting on the eyepiece of a laser surgical machine while performing laser eye surgery on his patient.

Dry Eye • September 28, 2022

Does Laser Eye Surgery Cause Dry Eyes?

Laser eye surgery is an excellent option for individuals looking to reduce their reliance on contact lenses and glasses. The first step is finding out if you are compatible with laser eye surgery which involves visiting your optometrist for a comprehensive laser eye surgery consultation. While laser eye surgery is a proven and exciting option…

A woman wearing a haircut and protective glasses undergoes IPL on the area below her eyes.

Dry Eye • August 3, 2022

What Is IPL Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome?

What Is IPL Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome? If you are dealing with dry eye syndrome, your eyes may be irritated and itchy, or you may have a gritty feeling in your eyes. Professional methods, apart from at-home treatments, such as IPL (intense pulsed light), can provide relief from dry eye syndrome. More than 6…

A young boy wearing a pair of trial frames as the female optometrist adjusts them.

Eye Exam • July 29, 2022

When Should a Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

When Should Children Have Their First Eye Exam? Children learn by seeing what's around them. The world can seem scary and confusing if they can't see clearly and do not even realize they have visual issues. The Canadian Association of Optometrists states that 25% of school-aged children have vision problems. For those reasons, it's crucial…

Close up of man putting in contact lens into eye

Dry Eye • March 21, 2022

Can People With Dry Eyes Wear Contacts?

If you have dry eye disease, you’re well aware of the irritating symptoms that can come with it. If you wear contact lenses, these symptoms can be even worse. If you have dry eye disease, it doesn’t mean you can’t wear contacts! At Cowichan Eyecare we’re here to help you find the right contacts so…

Young girl sitting on couch playing video games and not going outdoors which may be the cause of why her myopia is getting worse.

Eye Health, Myopia Management • March 2, 2022

What Causes Myopia to Worsen?

Your child’s vision is important. Proper vision helps your child learn, play, and participate in what’s happening around them. But what if your child is experiencing a problem with their vision? Myopia is a common vision issue often diagnosed in early childhood and it tends to progress with age. If your child has been diagnosed…

Women experiencing headaches due to dry eye

Dry Eye, Eye Health • January 28, 2022

Can Dry Eyes Cause Headaches?

Dry eyes can cause many annoying and uncomfortable symptoms. Light sensitivity, difficulty wearing contact lenses, and itchy, burning eyes are common. If you have dry eyes and frequent headaches, are these conditions connected? Continue reading to learn more about the relationship between these conditions, including if dry eyes can cause headaches. What Is Dry Eye…

Women touching eyes due to experience of dry eyes

Dry Eye, Eye Health • January 28, 2022

How to Treat Dry Eyes Naturally

Dry eyes can lead to significant irritation and inflammation, lowering your quality of life. Your optometrist has several ways to relieve your symptoms at home or with in-office treatments, depending on your needs. If you prefer a natural remedy for dry eyes, how can you treat this condition? Continue reading to learn more about dry…

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

Dry Eye, Eye Health • January 13, 2022

What Is the Main Cause of Dry Eye?

Unfortunately, the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye are very common. Around 6 million Canadians suffer from the scratchy, gritty sensations associated with the condition. Fortunately, relief is available. In order for your optometrist to recommend the best dry treatment, they first need to understand what the underlying cause of your dry eye might be. What…