Eye Health | Cowichan Eyecare

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…

A young man holding a tissue in his left hand and rubbing his right eye in irritation with his right hand.

Eye Health • June 19, 2023

How Do I Know If I Have Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

When it comes to our eye health, knowing the signs and symptoms of common conditions, like pink eye (conjunctivitis), can empower us to take proactive steps toward seeking appropriate care and treatment. Pink eye is a common eye infection that presents with pink or red eyes, itchiness, a gritty feeling, and discharge. Identifying these symptoms…

A senior woman and her male optometrist performing an eye exam using a medical device to detect eye problems.

Eye Health • May 10, 2023

Can Low Vision be Corrected?

Unfortunately, if conditions such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) result in vision loss, there is no way to recover that vision. This is the reason that it’s so important to receive eye exams as recommended by your optometrist. Early detection can slow or prevent many problems that cause vision loss. Hope is not…

Female optometrist measuring the eye pressure of a senior woman with a modern tonometer to screen for glaucoma.

Eye Health • March 6, 2023

Can an Optometrist Diagnose Glaucoma?

Yes, an optometrist can diagnose glaucoma. It is important to get annual eye exams as glaucoma is usually a silent disease. If you are experiencing vision issues, it is even more important to visit an optometrist as soon as possible, as seeking an immediate diagnosis is essential to receiving proper treatment. An optometrist can detect…