Eye Exam | Cowichan Eyecare

An optometrist examining a patients eye.

Eye Disease, Eye Exam, Macular Degeneration • December 4, 2024

Can an Optometrist Diagnose Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults, affecting 2.5 million Canadians. This condition affects the macula, the central part of the retina. The macula is responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision and is vital for tasks such as reading and driving. Using targeted tools and tests, an optometrist can indeed diagnose…

Eye Exam • June 11, 2024

When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

Vision care is a crucial aspect of overall health, especially in the early years of development. It’s during these formative years that children learn and explore the world around them, relying heavily on their vision. Among the milestones parents look forward to, a baby's first eye exam may not be at the top of the…

Young women undergoing eye exam at eye doctors clinic while wearing mask

Eye Exam • February 21, 2024

What is Included in an Eye Exam?

You’re likely familiar with eye exams in general, but your last visit to your eye doctor might have been a few years ago. Regular eye exams are vital for your eye health, but what happens during your appointment? Your optometrist has several diagnostic tests to help identify any potential issues. Continue reading to learn more…

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…

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…

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 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…

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 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…

Eye Exam, Eye Health • July 22, 2021

Vision in Sports

Vision is used in every aspect of life. It is used for everything from reading a book to walking to your car. Vision is not just made up of how well you can see; it is made up of how well you can move your eyes, focus your eyes, interpret what you see, and use…