Myopia is a condition in which distance vision is blurry but one’s close vision remains clear (hence it’s common name “near-sightedness”). It is most commonly caused by the eye growing too long, and is one of the most common reasons that people wear glasses or contact lenses. Myopia typically develops in childhood and continues to […]
Eyegiene the Natural Way with Hypochlorous Acid
Make room for a new promising addition to your dry eye care – hypochlorous acid (HOCl). It has a long history in the medical field with uses in wound care before antibiotics were available. Fast forward to the present day and HOCl is used in several healthcare industries ranging from dentistry, dermatology and optometry. HOCl […]
Subscription Contact Lenses
The world has moved to subscription services. Everything from your cell phone and cable to Netflix and Spotify for movies and music. Subscription allows consumers to spread the cost evenly every month providing the ability to budget costs and have a cost certainty. In eyecare the industry is introducing new subscription services. Our Cowichan Eyecare […]
What is low vision and what options are available for enhancing low vision?
Low vision is uncorrectable visual loss that interferes with daily activities. It cannot be improved with regular glasses, contact lenses, or medical intervention. Individuals with low vision may experience any combination of a reduction or loss of colour vision, central or peripheral vision, and a reduction in the ability to adjust to changing levels […]
Vision in the World of Zoom Meetings
The world has changed. The way we work, the way we learn, and the way we socialize has all changed due to COVID-19. Have you thought about how those changes put stress on your visual system? One major difference in the average lifestyle is an increase in computer use. Looking at a computer for extended […]
The Purpose of the Pretest: Part 2
After lensometry and autorefraction are completed (see the Part 1 article last month), the pretest then focuses on ocular health screening. At some of our clinics, your intraocular pressure will be measured by the technician during pretest. This technique is called non-contact tonometry (NCT). You will be asked to remain still and keep your eyes […]
The Purpose of the Pretest: Part 1
When you arrive for an eye exam at Cowichan Eyecare, you will spend the first portion of your eye exam experience with one of our highly trained technicians. The tests that are done prior to seeing your Optometrist are collectively called the “pretest.” The tests run depend on your age, the type of exam you […]
Maybe They’re Born with it, Maybe it’s Lash Extensions
Beauty trends come and go, but the pursuit of luscious lashes is one thing that will always be on trend. Throughout time various methods have been used to achieve this look, ranging from kohl to soot to crocodile poop. The early twentieth century saw the invention of what is known today as mascara, and remains […]
Tele-Optometry and our Pandemic Protection Plan
In the age of a pandemic where everyone is concerned about contracting the COVID-19 virus, especially the elderly and vulnerable populations, life is anything but “normal.” Still, life goes on and other diseases and emergency conditions need to be addressed. What about ocular emergencies? How does one address concerns about eye pain or sudden loss […]
Myopia Management – Part 2
Last month we started the conversation about the increasing prevalence of myopia and how environmental factors may play a significant role. This month we will concentrate on some of those factors and what current management options we have. At birth, the human eye typically has a low amount of hyperopia (farsightedness). Throughout childhood, this hyperopia […]