Eye Health | Cowichan Eyecare

Medical illustration comparing healthy eye to eye with blepharitis showing eyelid inflammation, crusty dandruff-like flakes along lash line, redness, swelling, and bacterial infection.

Eye Health • January 6, 2026

Is Blepharitis Contagious?

Blepharitis leaves your eyelids looking red and crusty. The burning sensation and flaky debris along your lash line can make you question whether you should keep your distance from loved ones. The good news is that blepharitis is not contagious. You cannot pass this eyelid inflammation directly to another person. While some underlying factors, like…

A man sitting at a desk rubbing his eyes while working on a large computer screen, showing signs of digital eye strain.

Eye Health • December 1, 2025

What Is Digital Eye Strain?

You settle in for another day at your computer, scroll through your phone during lunch, then watch TV to unwind. Hours later, your eyes feel heavy and dry, your head throbs, and everything looks a bit blurry. This familiar discomfort has a name, and it affects millions of people who spend time looking at digital…

Woman sitting at a desk rubbing her eyes in front of a computer, showing signs of digital eye strain.

Eye Health • November 3, 2025

Can Eye Strain Cause Permanent Damage?

From work and school to reading and screen time, families today spend countless hours focusing their eyes. By the evening, it’s common to feel tired, sore, or strained. This common feeling is known as digital eye strain, and it's an issue many people experience daily. The discomfort from eye strain is a frequent concern, and…

A person covers both their eyes as they wince in pain.

Eye Health • April 30, 2025

Why Does It Hurt When I Blink My Eyes?

Blinking is something most of us do without thinking about it, however, when blinking starts to hurt, it can disrupt your entire day. Experiencing pain when blinking can make even basic tasks like reading emails, watching TV, or even enjoying time with loved ones uncomfortable. If your eyes hurt when you blink, this may be…

An older adult rubbing their eyes because of cloudy vision caused by cataracts.

Eye Disease, Eye Health • October 29, 2024

What Are Disadvantages of Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery restores cloudy vision caused by cataracts—a condition that affects the lens of the eye. Like any medical procedure, surgery for cataracts comes with its own set of risks and potential downsides. If you're considering cataract surgery or are simply curious about the procedure, it's important to be aware of both its benefits and…

A man rubbing his eyes due to discomfort caused by an eye condition.

Eye Disease, Eye Health • September 23, 2024

Are Glaucoma & Macular Degeneration the Same?

Eye health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being that often gets overlooked. Two common eye conditions that are frequent causes of confusion are glaucoma and macular degeneration. While both conditions affect vision and are more prevalent with age, glaucoma and macular degeneration are distinct eye conditions with different symptoms, causes, and treatment options.…

Optometrist administering prescription eye drops to a female patient.

Eye Health • July 4, 2024

Can an Optometrist Prescribe Medication in BC?

When most people think of optometrists, they usually picture eye exams and prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. But there's so much more they can do. In BC, many optometrists have the ability to prescribe medication for a variety of eye-related issues. This means they can be your first line of defence against vision problems,…

An older adult man getting examined for glaucoma.

Eye Health • March 8, 2024

Is Glaucoma Hereditary?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can lead to irreversible blindness. Its early stages can be largely symptomless—a key reason glaucoma is so dangerous—which underscores the importance of identifying potential risk factors, including the genetic component. Glaucoma can be hereditary, so if the condition runs in your family, you should take extra care…

A senior woman smiling and looking into a piece of optometry equipment as his optometrist performs an eye exam.

Eye Health • October 4, 2023

Is Macular Degeneration the Same as Glaucoma?

When we discuss eyesight, it's vital to understand that as we age, the risk of developing eye-related conditions increases, emphasizing the importance of early detection and care with regular eye exams. Two of the most common eye diseases are macular degeneration and glaucoma. While both eye diseases can impact your vision, they have distinct causes,…

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…