Vancouver Optometrists

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Archive for September, 2013

Do you have Dry Eyes? What you need to know

Saturday, September 28, 2013 @ 07:09 AM
Author: Jason Lau

If you have dry eyes you are not alone. In fact, this is a medical condition that plagues millions of people throughout the world. But just because others are dealing with the problem doesn’t mean it any easier on you.

Simply put, dry eyes occur when your tears are unable to provide enough moisture. Subsequently, you begin to get the feeling that your eyes are dry which can lead to discomfort, redness, and scratching.

Many people only experience dry eyes as a result of particular conditions, such as an air conditioned roomed or while staring at a computer screen for an extended period of time.

Fortunately, there are several treatment options for this eye condition. For example, you can use artificial tears when the problem becomes too much for you to handle. Along with this, you may be able to change your lifestyle to protect against this problem.

While not typically the case, if you have a serious case of dry eyes your optometrist may suggest surgery. This is a last resort, but is definitely worth discussing with your doctor should the problem become unbearable.

If you have been unable to cure your dry eyes on your own, schedule an appointment with your optometrist. This will allow you to discuss the problem with a knowledgeable professional, and hopefully receive the treatment you have been looking for.

Dry eyes is a common problem with several potential solutions. Take the time to address this concern in the near future. The right treatment could greatly improve your life.

What Causes Double Vision?

Monday, September 23, 2013 @ 07:09 AM
Author: Amit Mathur

What Causes Double Vision

When you open your eyes, you expect to see a single image. Despite the fact that this may be what you expect, there may come a time when this is not the case. Double vision is a problem that many people have to deal with.

If you are experiencing double vision, the first thing you need to do is visit your optometrist. This will help you better understand what you are dealing with, while also pinpointing the cause.

Here are some of the more common causes of double vision:

  • Lens problems such as cataracts
  • Muscle problems, including graves disease
  • Nerve problems, including multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and Guillain-Barre syndrome
  • Brain problems including migraine headaches, tumors, strokes, and aneurysms

It can be very challenging to live with double vision, being that you are unable to see clearly. On top of this, seeing double can lead to other issues such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

If your eye doctor is unable to diagnose the cause, you may need to see a specialist. For example, an MRI of your brain could help pinpoint the cause.

The type of treatment you receive for double vision is based largely on the cause. As you can imagine, the way you treat a migraine headache is not the same as the treatment for cataracts.

Double vision is a serious problem, but it can be treated in most cases. If you experience this, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for the near future. This will allow you to pin down the cause and start with the appropriate treatment.

The Many Types of Cataracts

Wednesday, September 18, 2013 @ 07:09 AM
Author: Amit Mathur

The Many Types of Cataracts

Did you know there are many types of cataracts that can impact your vision? While you may not know the first thing about this eye disease, the more you learn the easier it becomes to understand how so many have been affected by this in the past.

There are four primary types of cataracts, including:

  • Age related cataracts: this type of cataract begins to develop as you age.
  • Congenital cataracts: a baby can be born with this type of cataract due in part to poor development, injury, and/or infection.
  • Secondary cataracts: these cataracts are a result of other medical conditions, such as exposure to toxic substances, diabetes, or radiation.
  • Traumatic cataracts: as the name suggests, these form as a result of an eye injury.

To you, all four types of cataracts may appear to be the same. However, your eye doctor will be able to pinpoint the issue and then give you a better idea of how to move forward with treatment.

The sooner cataracts are detected the easier it is to treat the problem. Many people believe that this eye disease always causes blindness, but this is not the case. In fact, it is treatable in most instances.

As long as you see your optometrist once a year, you should be able to protect against cataracts. If your doctor has reason to believe this could be a concern for you, he or she will keep a close watch on the problem.

When you are aware of the many types of cataracts it is easier to protect against and treat this common eye disease.

How to Find the Right Laser Eye Surgeon

Friday, September 13, 2013 @ 07:09 AM
Author: Jason Lau

How to Find the Right Laser Eye Surgeon

When it comes time to find a laser eye surgeon, there are sure to be many things going through your mind. Although you may have access to more than one professional in your area, you know one thing to be true: no two surgeons are the same.

Since this is such a big decision, you need to take all the necessary steps along the way. Only then can you choose a surgeon you can trust to provide you with high quality results.

As you begin your search for the right laser eye surgeon, here are several questions to ask:

  • Which surgeon has performed the most surgeries over the past one to two years?
  • How much knowledge does the person have of the surgery they are performing?
  • Is the person local or will I have to travel to have the surgery?
  • What is the cost?

Of all these questions, you may gravitate towards the one regarding the cost of laser eye surgery. Despite the fact that you want to save as much money as possible, you are dealing with your health. For this reason, this should only be one of the many details that you consider.

Along with this advice, don’t be shy about asking your optometrist for a referral. Your doctor may be able to point you towards a reputable laser eye surgeon in your area.

Once you find the right surgeon you will know it. From there, you can begin to discuss your situation and whether or not you are a candidate for surgery.

Laser Eye Surgery: Is it right for you?

Sunday, September 8, 2013 @ 07:09 AM
Author: Amit Mathur

Laser Eye Surgery Is it right for you

Although you may have a strong interest in laser eye surgery, this is not something you should take lightly. There is no denying the fact that many people have change their lives for the better by undergoing this surgery, however, there are questions that need to be answered:

  • Do I qualify for laser eye surgery?
  • What are the benefits of this procedure for somebody in my position?
  • How much does it cost?
  • What are the side effects and risks?
  • Is there a doctor in my area that is known for providing high quality results?

The first thing you need to do is consult with a qualified laser eye surgeon. This will give you a better idea of whether you qualify for the surgery, while also giving you the chance to ask any questions that are on your mind.

As you move forward, you have to weigh the pros and cons. This way you are not surprised with anything you are faced with. There is going to be pain and discomfort associated with this surgery, but the benefits typically outweigh any drawbacks.

What about the cost of laser eye surgery? This is one of the main things holding patients back. Your insurance will not likely cover the cost of this procedure, so you will have to pay for it out of your own pocket.

Deciding if laser eye surgery is right for you starts with contacting a doctor. From there, you can list the pros and cons and consider the cost of moving forward.