Blog | Cowichan Eyecare

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…

Illustration of normal vision on left and eyes with myopia on right

Myopia Management • December 31, 2021

What is the Best Treatment for Myopia?

Your child’s vision is crucial for reading, learning, and playing, but certain eye conditions can affect their vision. One of these conditions is myopia, but it can affect more than eyesight. This condition can increase the risk of eye disease. If your child has myopia, what is the best treatment they can receive? Continue reading…

Eye Exam • July 22, 2021

Eye Exam Essentials: Part 1

Last year I wrote two articles discussing the pretest, which takes place with a technician prior to seeing your Optometrist. Pretest includes lensometry (glasses measurement), autorefraction (prescription starting point), intraocular pressure, visual field, retinal scans, and retinal photographs. Once the pretest is completed, you will be escorted to a sanitized exam room and seated in…

Eye Health • July 22, 2021

Take a Closer Look at Your Lashes

Do your eyelids often feel red, swollen, and itchy, with crusts clumping your eyelashes together? Do you find yourself rubbing your eyes several times a day and not finding relief? Does your vision only seem clear for the second or two after you blink? Do your eyes sting and burn and sometimes feel as though…

Eye Exam, Eye Health • July 22, 2021

Could your cosmetics be leading to dry eye disease?

Dry eye is becoming quite the buzz word. We are hearing more about it as we spend more time on digital devices and as dry eye research and treatment options expand rapidly. Is there anything in your beauty routine that could be contributing to or increasing your risk of developing dry eye disease? Dry eye…