We typically expect our vision to get worse as we age. Even those who didn’t wear glasses as kids or young adults know they’ll likely need reading glasses due to the body’s natural wear and tear. Fortunately, regular comprehensive eye exams can help us stay on top of any eye-related issues we may experience, like […]
Is Glaucoma Hereditary?
Imagine a world where your vision gradually narrows, like a tunnel slowly closing in. The silent thief of sight, known as glaucoma, can sneak up without warning until there is significant damage. Understanding this group of eye diseases is essential because glaucoma has a hereditary component along with other risk factors. The fact that glaucoma […]
Is Virtual Reality Bad For Your Eyes?
With the introduction of more affordable and accessible VR headsets, virtual reality (VR) technology has exploded in popularity in recent years. As a result, there are growing concerns about the potential negative effects of virtual reality on our eyes. One of the most common concerns about VR is that it can cause eye strain or […]
Is It Bad To Rub Your Eyes?
Rubbing your eyes is a common reflex that many people do without a second thought. You might rub your eyes to find temporary relief from eye strain, to clear blurry vision, or simply to scratch an itch, but this habit can cause some harm over time. Rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands increases the risk […]
Are Blue Eyes More Sensitive to the Sun?
Who would think that something like our eye colour could determine how safe we are in the sun? Well, blue eyes—along with other light colours like grey or green—are more sensitive to damage from the sun. With that said, darker colours aren’t immune to damage, so everyone should prioritize protecting their eyes when outdoors—regardless of […]
Myopia vs. Hyperopia: What’s The Difference?
When it comes to vision, not all eyes see alike. Myopia and hyperopia impact millions of people across the globe, causing poor vision at various distances. Although myopia and hyperopia are the same type of eye problem—they’re both refractive errors—they have a significant difference. Myopia primarily affects the distant vision, and hyperopia affects the close-up […]
Can You Sunburn Your Eyes?
For many patients, it’s common knowledge that sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes. Overexposure to UV light can lead to serious complications, but how does the sun affect your eyes if you forget to wear your sunglasses for a day? Is it possible to sunburn your eyes? Don’t Mess with the Sun Summertime brings […]
How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?
Everyone needs eye exams, from childhood through to your adult years. These examinations are essential for protecting your vision. When you book your next eye exam, how long can you expect to be at the optometrist? Eye exams can vary in length depending on your needs, from 30 minutes to over an hour. For example, […]
Do Contacts Protect Your Eyes From the Sun?
Summer is here. That means it’s time for rest, relaxation, and sunshine. You know you need sunglasses for UV protection, but what does that mean for contact lens wearers? West Coast Optical wants to ensure your eyes are protected so you can catch some rays without worrying about your eye health. What is UV Light? […]
Can An Optometrist Treat Eye Infections?
Treatment for Eye Infections Optometrists are trained to understand how vision works, including recognizing eye disease, vision problems, and eye injuries. Regular eye exams help optometrists diagnose changes to vision and eye health. In addition to observing your eye health, optometrists can also treat many health conditions affecting eye structures and tissue. One common type […]