Eye Health | Cowichan Eyecare

Male patient being examined with a slit lamp.

Eye Health • January 31, 2023

Can I Drive with My Eyes Dilated?

When your optometrist dilates your eyes in an eye exam, they widen the pupil so they can better examine the ocular structures deep in the eye. Using eye dilation drops during an eye exam can help your optometrist diagnose eye conditions. Eye dilation drops work slowly, and the effects can last hours longer. Driving isn’t…

Eye Health • December 28, 2022

Can Laser Eye Surgery Help Macular Degeneration?

When you have a refractive error, laser eye surgery can help improve your vision. Laser eye surgery can help address several eye conditions, but is macular degeneration one of them? While laser eye surgery can help with age-related macular degeneration, it can’t cure this condition, and not every surgery is beneficial. Only certain surgeries can…

Opthalmology team operates on a patient.

Eye Health • November 29, 2022

Can You Get Put to Sleep for Laser Eye Surgery?

Laser eye surgery benefits many people, helping them lower their reliance on glasses and contacts. While this surgery is safe, and millions receive it each year, it’s common to be worried and nervous. You may even wonder if your doctor can anesthetize (put you to sleep) during the procedure. It can seem helpful, but anesthesia…

A bottle of eyedrops against a blue background.

Eye Health • November 28, 2022

Are Visine Eye Drops Bad for Your Eyes?

Prescription vs. OTC Eye Drops Eye drops can be a convenient treatment tool for various eye problems, from dry eye to myopia control. Patients can also try many over-the-counter options to relieve allergies or eye irritation symptoms temporarily. But are over-the-counter eye drops safe? Are prescription eye drops more effective than common brands like Visine?…

Young boy at the park with evidence of strabismus in his left eye.

Eye Health • October 28, 2022

Is Lazy Eye the Same as Strabismus?

Vision issues can be more common than you think at all ages. The good news is that your optometrist is in your corner to help preserve your visual health through regular eye exams. Lazy eye and strabismus are examples of visual issues that need to be addressed early. Let’s look at lazy eye and if…

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…

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…