Dr. Brian Yip & Associates

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

I would like to inform you and your family that our office has to relocate due to the on-going construction at Fairview Mall. Our new office is now on the ground floor of the medical building conveniently located at 5 Fairview Mall Drive, Suite 198. The new location is 150 meters from our old location, is easily accessible by car and is within walking distance from Fairview Mall.

During this time, I would like to extend my apologies to all my patients for any inconveniences caused as a result of the relocation process. I truly believe that our new location will allow my staff and I to better serve you, by providing a larger state-of-the-art facility with expanded eye health services.

At this time, my staff will be able to assist patients with appointments and other inquiries. Please also note that our new telephone number is (416) 967-6711 and that our old phone number (416) 499-4022 is no longer in use.

Once again, your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated. We look forward to caring for you and your family at the new office.

Practice Mission Statement

Our progressive eyecare team is dedicated to providing comprehensive vision and eye health examinations in a pleasant, personable and professional environment.

We are committed to the highest ethical standards, advanced instrumentation, and the enjoyment of nurturing the long-term relationships with each of our patients and their families and friends.

We are committed to providing patients with quality and care by:

Exceeding our patient's expectations
Providing quality products
Offering excellence in service
Providing a professional and friendly environment
Employing trained and personable staff
Working together with your family doctor / allied healthcare professionals to ensure your general health needs are met

Eye Examinations: Your Eyes Are Your Windows to Wellness

While most people recognize the importance of quality eyecare for maintaining good vision, many are unaware of the overall eye health management that Dr. Yip has always provided, and how an annual eye exam can work in concert with your overall health maintenance program.

Did you know that your eyes are the only part of your body that provides an unobstructed view of your blood vessels? In fact, your eyes are like “windows to wellness.” During an annual eye exam, Dr. Yip is checking for both visual wellness and overall health, including the following key tests:

Health history and risk

Neurological integrity and pupil response

Glaucoma screening

Dilated retinal exam (when appropriate)

Visual system, including refraction, binocular function and visual fields

Each test is necessary and allows your doctor to evaluate a different aspect of your vision and eye health.

Click here for detailed information regarding eye examinations and other services offered at our clinic.

Your Eyes Can Tell a Story

Because the condition of your blood vessels and retina (inside the eye) can be so telling, it is not unusual for Dr. Yip to notice a number of health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, carotid artery disease and even tumors.

Some other serious, but manageable optical conditions that may be discovered in a thorough eye exam include:

Amblyopia: Leading cause of vision impairment in children, ages 0 to 18 years old
Diabetic Eye Conditions: Leading cause of blindness between the ages of 19 to 65 years old
Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Leading cause of blindness in those over 85
Cataracts: Leading cause of blindness worldwide
Glaucoma: Leading cause of blindness for select racial group

Even if you have clear vision, only a regular & complete eye exam can ensure that your eyes are healthy. Many eye diseases can cause permanent damage without warning or symptoms. Our eye health services strive to detect potentially sight-threatening conditions by raising public awareness to detect and treat conditions. Click here to learn more about common eye conditions and diseases.

Vision

Visual acuity refers to the clarity or clearness of one’s vision, a measure of how well a person sees. If there is a change in the clarity of your vision, you should inform your eyecare professional. Blurred vision has been cited to be the most common reason for people to get an eye exam. This is an unfortunate fact, because in the early stages of many sight-threatening conditions the clarity of your vision may not be affected. Thus, it is important to check your eye health and vision.

Myth: An eye exam is only necessary if you're having vision problems.

Fact: Everyone should follow a proper eye health program that includes a regular eye exam to monitor eye health status.

When to get an Eye Examination

Many factors will influence when you should have an eye examination, and during your exam the optometrist will weigh these factors in deciding when you should be seen again. If you or someone you care about has difficulty at school, diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of glaucoma or work with computers, an annual eye examination is highly advised.

Patients in each age group may be classified as being at low risk or high risk for ocular or vision problems. The minimum recommended frequency of examination for those at low risk is as follows:

· Infants and toddlers - By age 6 months

· Children - Annually

· Adult (20 to 64 years) - Every one to two years

· Older adult (65 years and older) - Annually

Click Here to book an Appointment Online in Real-Time

or Call our office at (416) 967-6711

We are pleased to welcome you to the online home of the Dr. Andrew Leung & Associates. We are conveniently located in downtown Toronto at 200 Bloor Street West, close to St. George & Museum subway stations. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens
Our friendly, knowledgeable staff provides excellent service for all of your eye care needs. Our services include eye examinations, contact lens fitting of all types, visual field testing, co-management and consultation for laser and cataract surgery, ultrasound pachymetry and more.Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens
We realize that you have a choice in eye care and thank you for choosing Dr. Andrew Leung & Associates!Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens
Live north of the city? Visit Vaughan Mills Eye Clinic, conveniently located at the Vaughan Mills Shopping Mall. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens Myopia (Nearsightedness) Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens
If you can see objects nearby with no problem, but reading road signs or making out the writing on the board at school is more difficult, you may be near- or shortsighted. Your eye care professional may refer to the condition as myopia, a term that comes from a Greek word meaning "closed eyes." Use of the word "myopia" for this condition may have grown out of one of the main indications of nearsightedness: Squinting to see distant objects clearly.Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens
Myopia is not a disease, nor does it mean that you have "bad eyes." It simply refers to a variation in the shape of your eyeball. The degree of variation determines whether or not you will need corrective eyewear. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens What causes nearsightedness? Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens
Myopia most often occurs because the eyeball is too long, rather than the normal, more rounded shape. Another less frequent cause of myopia is that the cornea, the eye's clear outer window, is too curved. There is some evidence that nearsightedness may also be caused by too much close vision work. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens How does myopia affect sight? Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens
Our ability to "see" starts when light enters the eye through the cornea. The shape of the cornea, lens and eyeball help bend (refract) light rays in such a manner that light is focused into a point precisely on the retina. In contrast, if you are nearsighted, the light rays from a distant point are focused at a place in front of the retina. As the light will only be focused in that one place, by the time it reaches the retina it will have "defocused" again, forming a blurred image. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens Who is affected by nearsightedness? Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens
Myopia usually occurs between the ages of eight to 12 years. Since the eyes continue to grow during childhood, nearsightedness almost always occurs before the age of 20. Often, the degree of myopia increases as the body grows rapidly, and then levels off in adulthood. During the years of rapid growth, frequent changes in prescription eyewear may be needed to maintain clear vision. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens How is myopia diagnosed?Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens Myopia is often suspected when a teacher notices a child squinting to see a blackboard or a child performs poorly during a routine eye screening. Further examination will reveal the degree of the problem. A comprehensive eye health examination will detect myopia. Periodic examinations should follow after myopia has been discovered to determine whether the condition is changing, and whether a change in prescriptive eyewear is needed. Eye exams also help to ensure that vision impairments do not interfere with daily activities. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens How is myopia treated?
Corrective concave lenses are prescribed to help focus light more precisely on the retina, where a clear image will be formed. Depending on the degree of myopia, glasses or contact lenses may be needed all of the time for clear vision.Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens How will nearsightedness affect my lifestyle? If glasses or contact lenses are prescribed, it may take you a few days to adjust to them. After that, nearsightedness will probably not significantly affect your lifestyle. However, more severely nearsighted individuals may find theFairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens condition limits their choice of occupation in some cases. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens Nearsightedness in children:
School-age children may have vision problems ranging from mild to severe. When problems are suspected, it is important that the child have a comprehensive eye health examination to determine the nature of the problem and to rule out serious eye diseases. When vision conditions are treated properly, the child will enjoy the best possible sight. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens To help a child cope with nearsightedness: Avoid referring to the child's eyes as "bad eyes;" instead, tell the child that his or her eyes just bend light differently and corrective lenses are needed to help focus light rays. Use illustrations and simple explanations to help the child understand how a differently shaped eyeball may result in his or her nearsightedness. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens Consider contact lenses as an option.
Do not restrict the child's activities because of poor vision. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens Include the child in discussions about his or her eyesight.
Encourage the child to verbalize concerns about the adjustment to rapidly changing vision. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens If you can see objects at a distance clearly but have trouble focusing well on objects close up, you may be farsighted. Your eye care practitioner may refer to farsightedness by its medical names, hypermetropia or hyperopia. Hyperopia causes the eyes to exert extra effort to see close up. After viewing nearby objects for an extended period, you may experience blurred vision, headaches Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens and eyestrain. Children who are farsighted may find reading difficult. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens Hyperopia is not a disease, nor does it mean that you have "bad eyes." It simply means that you have a variation in the shape of your eyeball. The degree of variation will determine whether or not you will need corrective lenses. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact LensWhat causes farsightedness?
Hyperopia most commonly occurs because the eyeball is too short; that is, shorter from front to back than is normal. In some cases, the cornea having too little curvature may cause hyperopia. Exactly why eyeball shape varies is not known, but the tendency for farsightedness is inherited. Other factors may be involved too, but to a lesser degree than heredity.
Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens How does farsightedness affect sight?
Our ability to "see" starts when light enters the eye through the cornea. The shape of the cornea, lens and eyeball help bend (refract) light rays in such a manner that light is focused into a point precisely on the retina. If, as in farsightedness, the eyeball is too short, the "point of light" focuses on a location behind the retina, instead of on the correct area of the retina, known as the fovea. As a result, at the point on the retina where a fine point of light should be focused, there is instead a disk-shaped area of light. Since light is not focused when it hits the retina, vision is blurred. Convex lenses are prescribed to bend light rays more sharply and bring them to focus on the retina. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact LensWho is affected by farsightedness?
Many people have a degree of farsightedness, yet it is only a problem if it significantly affects your ability to see well or causes headaches or eyestrain. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact LensHow is it diagnosed?
Hyperopia is seldom diagnosed in school eye-screening tests, which typically test only the ability to see objects at a distance. A comprehensive eye health examination that checks both near and far vision is necessary to diagnose farsightedness. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact LensHow is it farsightedness treated? Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens Convex lenses -- eyeglasses or contact lenses -- are usually prescribed. They bend light rays more sharply and bring the rays into focus on the retina. To determine the best avenue of treatment, your eye care professional may ask a number of questions about your lifestyle, occupation, daily activities and general health status. For instance, you may be asked whether or not you frequently need near vision. Providing candid, considered answers to the questions and working with your eye care professional will help assure that your corrective lenses contribute to clear sight and general comfort. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens
A comprehensive eye examination at the recommended intervals will ensure that minor changes in vision are diagnosed and treated so that your vision will remain as clear and comfortable as possible.Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens
How will hyperopia affect your lifestyle?Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens If glasses or contact lenses are prescribed, it may take a few days to adjust to them. After that, farsightedness probably will not significantly affect your lifestyleFairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact LensAstigmatism
If you experience a distortion or blurring of images at all distances - nearby as well as far -you may have astigmatism. Even if your vision is fairly sharp, headache, fatigue, squinting and eye discomfort or irritation may indicate a slight degree of astigmatism. A thorough eye examination, including tests of near vision, distant vision and vision clarity, can determine if astigmatism is present.
Astigmatism is not a disease nor does it mean that you have "bad eyes." It simply means that you have a variation or disturbance in the shape of your cornea. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact LensHow is it diagnosed?
Astigmatism is diagnosed in the course of a thorough eye examination. If the degree of astigmatism is slight and no other vision correction such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, are present, corrective lenses may not be needed. If the degree of astigmatism is great enough to cause eyestrain, headache or distortion of vision, prescription lenses will be needed for clear and comfortable vision. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact LensHow is it treated?
Your eye care professional will recommend corrective eyewear, contact lenses or spectacles, to help the eye direct light in a more effective manner. The corrective lenses needed when astigmatism is present are called Toric lenses and have an additional power element called a cylinder. They have greater light-bending power in one axis than in others. Your eye care professional will perform precise tests during your eye examination to determine the ideal lens prescription. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens What causes astigmatism?
Astigmatism usually occurs when the front surface of the eye, the cornea, has an irregular curvature. Normally the cornea is smooth and equally curved in all directions and light entering the cornea is focused equally on all planes, or in all directions. In astigmatism, the front surface of the cornea is curved more in one direction than in the other. With the cornea's shape more like that of an American football or rugby ball than a basketball, the light hitting the more curved surface comes to a focus before that which enters the eye through the less curved surface. Thus, the light is focused clearly along one plane, but is blurred along the other so only part of an image can be in focus at any time. This abnormality may result in vision that is much like looking into a distorted, wavy mirror. The distortion results because of an inability of the eye to focus light rays to a point. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens How does astigmatism affect sight? The crystal clear cornea is situated at the very front surface of the eye and enables light to enter the eyeball. The cornea accomplishes about four-fifths of the refractive work needed for clear vision, bending light rays toward one another into a point. The lens, located behind the cornea, further refines the refractive work begun by the cornea and directs the point of light toward a precise location on the retina, known as the fovea. If light is not focused into a fine point on the fovea, the image that reaches the retina cannot be clearly transmitted to the brain. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens When astigmatism is present, the surface of the cornea is distorted instead of being spherical. It is unable to focus light rays entering the eye into the fine point needed for clear vision. At any time, only small proportions of the rays are focused and the remainder is not, so that the image formed is always blurred. Usually, astigmatism causes blurred vision at all distances. Why are corneas shaped differently?
Not all corneas are perfectly curved, just as sets of teeth are seldom perfectly aligned. The degree of variation determines whether or not you will need corrective eyewear. If the corneal surface has a high degree of variation in its curvature, light refraction may be impaired to the degree that corrective lenses are needed to help focus light rays better. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens The exact reason for differences in corneal shape remains unknown, but the tendency to develop astigmatism is inherited. For that reason, some people are more prone to develop astigmatism than others. Fairview Optometrist - Fairview Optometry - Fairview Eye Exam - Optometrist - Eye Glasses - Eyeglasses - Glasses - Contact Lens Who develops astigmatism?
Astigmatism is very common. Some experts believe that almost every one has a degree of astigmatism, often from birth, which may remain the same throughout life. Of interest to parents and those who work with children, astigmatism may contribute to poor schoolwork but is often not detected during routine eye screening in schools.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical -
Does astigmatism get worse?
Astigmatism may increase slowly. Regular eye care can help to insure that proper vision is maintained.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical -
How will astigmatism affect my lifestyle?
You may have to adjust to wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses if you do not wear them now. Other than that, astigmatism probably will not significantly affect your lifestyle at all.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - Presbyopia
Hold the book up close and the words appear blurred. Push the book farther away, and the words snap back into sharp focus.

Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - That's how most of us first recognize a condition that eye care professionals call presbyopia, a name derived from Greek words meaning "old eye." Eye fatigue or headaches when doing close work, such as sewing, knitting or painting, are also common symptoms. What causes presbyopia?
As we age, body tissues normally lose their elasticity. As skin ages, it becomes less elastic, and we develop wrinkles. Similarly, as the lenses in our eyes lose some of their elasticity, they lose some of their ability to change focus for different distances. The loss is gradual. Long before we become aware that seeing close up is becoming more difficult, the lenses in our eyes have begun losing their ability to change shape to help focus light rays. Only when the loss of elasticity impairs our vision to a noticeable degree do we recognize the change.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - How does the loss of elasticity affect sight?
Our ability to "see" starts when light enters the eye through the cornea. The shape of the cornea, lens, and eyeball help bend (refract) light rays in such a manner that light is focused into a point precisely on the retina. The crystalline lens plays a key role in focusing light on the retina. When we are young, the lens is flexible. With the help of tiny ciliary muscles, it changes shape, or accommodates, for both near and distant objects by bending or flattening out to help focus light rays. As we age, the lens becomes stiffer. Changing shape becomes more difficult. Not only does focusing on near objects become more difficult, the eye also is unable to adjust as quickly to rapid changes in focus on near and distant objects. Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical -
When does it occur? The flexibility of the lens begins to decrease in youth. The age at which presbyopia is first noticed varies, but it usually begins to interfere with near vision in the early 40's. Presbyopia affects everyone and there is no known prevention for it.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - How is the problem diagnosed?
An accurate, thorough description of symptoms and a comprehensive eye health examination, including a testing of the quality of your near vision, are necessary to diagnose presbyopia. How is presbyopia treated?
Traditionally, eye care professionals prescribe bifocal spectacles or reading glasses to help the eye accommodate for close-up work. However, soft contact lenses are rapidly increasing in popularity as an exciting new alternative for people with presbyopia. Laser surgery may also be an option for some patients.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - Once my vision is corrected for presbyopia, will I require frequent lens changes?
Presbyopia is a gradual change, happening over a number of years so your prescription will need to be updated periodically. Changes are best made at your regular eye examination rather than after the need for change starts to cause you difficulties
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - Cataracts
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding or darkening that develops in the normally clear lens of the eye. This prevents the lens from properly focusing light on the retina at the back of the eye, resulting in a loss of vision. A cataract is not a film that grows over the surface of the eye.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical -How are cataracts treated?
If your cataract develops to a point that daily activities are affected, you will be referred to an eye surgeon who may recommend the surgical removal of the cataract. You, along with your doctors, will decide on the type of post-cataract vision correction that you will use. The most frequent form of visual correction is an intraocular lens (IOL) implant, which is inserted in your eye at the time of surgery and serves as a "new lens." In some cases, however, eyeglasses or contact lenses may also be needed to provide the most effective post-cataract vision.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - Is surgery the only way to treat cataracts?
Your eye care practitioner can prescribe changes in your eyewear that will help you see more clearly until surgery is necessary, but surgery is the only proven means of effectively treating cataracts. The surgery is relatively uncomplicated and has a success rate of at least 95 percent.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - Who gets cataracts?
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - Cataracts are most often found in persons over the age of 55, but they are also occasionally found in younger people, including newborns.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - While a comprehensive eye examination by an eye care professional can determine for certain if you have a cataract forming, there are a number of signs and symptoms which may indicate a cataract. Among them are: Blurred or hazy vision where colors may seem yellowed
The appearance of dark spots or shadows that seem to move when the eye moves
A tendency to become more nearsighted because of increasing density of the lens
Double vision
A gradual loss of color vision
A stage where it is easier to see without glasses
The feeling of having a film over the eyes
An increased sensitivity to glare, especially at night
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - What causes cataracts?
It is known that a chemical change within the eye causes the lens to become cloudy. The change may be due to advancing age or it may be the result of heredity, an injury or a disease.
Excessive exposures to ultraviolet or infrared radiation present in sunlight or from furnaces, cigarette smoking and/or the use of certain medications are also cataract risk factors. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, often at different rates.
Can cataracts be prevented?
Currently, there is no proven method to prevent cataracts from forming. However, some measures, such as wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, can be taken to lessen the risk. Ask your eye care professional for additional recommendations When will I need to have cataracts removed?
Cataracts may develop slowly over many years or they may form rapidly in a matter of months. Some cataracts never progress to the point that they need to be removed. Usually, you will be ready to have the cataract removed when it is having a significantly adverse effect on your lifestyle. Your eye care practitioner will arrange a consultation with a surgeon who will decide on the appropriate time for removal. Most people wait until the cataracts interfere with daily activities before having them removed. What happens after cataract surgery?
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - You, along with your doctors, will decide on the type of post-cataract vision correction that you will use. The most frequent form of visual correction is an intraocular lens (IOL) implant, which is inserted in your eye at the time of surgery. The IOL replaces the crystalline lens and serves as a "new lens." In some cases, however, eyeglasses or contact lenses may also be needed to provide the most effective post-cataract vision.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - Why are they called cataracts?
Sometimes cataracts can be seen as a "milkiness" on the normally black pupil. In ancient times, it was believed this cloudiness was caused by a waterfall - or cataract - behind the eye
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - Glaucoma Glaucoma can steal your vision gradually and without you noticing, yet glaucoma is a serious disease that can result in severe loss of sight. The best defense against glaucoma is regular eye examinations. Glaucoma most often strikes people over age 50, but it is recommended that during adult life everyone be tested at least every two years. Some people with glaucoma do experience symptoms, but symptoms vary depending on the type of glaucoma. What is glaucoma?
The build-up of pressure inside your eye leads to glaucoma. Aqueous fluid, which fills the space at the front of the eye just behind the cornea, is made behind the iris (the colored part of the eye) in the ciliary body. It flows through the pupil (the dark hole in the center of the iris), and drains from the 'anterior chamber angle,' which is the junction between the edge of the iris and the cornea.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - If this outflow of liquid is impaired at all, there is a build-up of pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve, which carries visual images to the brain. The result is a loss of peripheral vision. Thus, while glaucoma sufferers may be able to read the smallest line on the vision test, they may find it difficult to move around without bumping into things or to see moving objects to the side, such as cars.
Normal Glaucoma Primary open-angle glaucoma By far the most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly. Since there are no early warning signs, it can slowly destroy your vision without your knowing it. The first indication may only occur after some considerable vision loss.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - Acute angle-closure glaucoma
Acute angle-closure glaucoma results from a sudden blockage of the drainage channels in your eye. This causes a rapid build-up of pressure inside your eye accompanied by blurred vision, the appearance of colored rings around lights and at times, extreme pain or redness in the eyes.
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The optic nerve, located at the back of the eye, carries visual information to the brain. As the fibers that make up the optic nerve are damaged by glaucoma, the amount and quality of information sent to the brain decreases and a loss of vision occurs.
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Glaucoma is usually treated with prescription eye drops and medications. In some cases, surgery may be required to improve drainage. The goal of the treatment is to prevent the loss of vision by lowering the pressure in the eye.
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Unfortunately, any vision loss as a result of glaucoma is permanent and cannot be restored. This is why regular eye examinations are important.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical -What causes glaucoma?
Some causes are known, others are not. Causes differ depending on the type of glaucoma. The exact cause of open-angle glaucoma, where the drainage channels for the aqueous appear to be open and clear, is not known. Closed-angle glaucoma can occur when the pupil dilates or gets bigger and bunches the iris up around its edge, blocking the drainage channel. An injury, infection or tumor in or around the eye can also cause a rise in internal eye pressure either by blocking drainage or displacing tissues and liquid within the eye. A mature cataract also can push the iris forward to block the drainage 'angle' between the iris and the cornea. Glaucoma can occur secondarily to a number of other conditions, such as diabetes, or as a result of some medications for other conditions.
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Who gets glaucoma?
Glaucoma most frequently occurs after age 40, but can occur at any age. If you're of African heritage, you are more likely to develop open-angle glaucoma -- and at an earlier age -- than if you're Caucasian. Asians are more likely to develop narrow-angle glaucoma. You have a higher risk of developing glaucoma if a close family member has it or if you have high blood pressure or high blood sugar (diabetes). There is also a greater tendency for glaucoma to develop in individuals who are nearsighted. Those at heightened risk for glaucoma should have their eyes checked at least once a year.
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If diagnosed at an early stage, glaucoma can be controlled and little or no further vision loss should occur. If left untreated, side awareness (peripheral vision) and central vision will be destroyed and blindness may occur.
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Tests for glaucoma are part of a comprehensive eye examination. A simple and painless procedure called tonometry measures the internal pressure of your eye. Ophthalmoscopy examines the back of the eye to observe the health of the optic nerve. Your eye care practitioner will also do a visual field test, a very sensitive test that checks for the development of abnormal blind spots.
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No, but early detection and treatment can control glaucoma and reduce the chances of damage to the eye and a loss of sight.

Corneal Neovascularization
Corneal neo- (new) -vascularization (blood vessel growth), an in-growth of superficial or deep blood vessels into the cornea, is a sign of corneal oxygen deprivation and stress. This condition is most often associated with contact lens overwear. It can also be caused by toxic effects from lens or solutions, or traumatic causes such as damaged or heavily deposited lenses. It typically involves both eyes. Many cases of corneal neovascularization are asymptomatic, with some patients noticing redness around the cornea. Other symptoms include: eye pain, tearing and photophobia (light sensitivity), red redness, contact lens intolerance after a few hours of wear, and decreased vision.

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Contact lens wear and corneal neovascularization
Most contact lenses interfere with oxygen transport to the cornea. The longer a lens is worn, the greater the risk for developing corneal hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the cornea), which induces metabolic changes in the corneal epithelium. In response to this oxygen depletion, blood vessels grow into the cornea in a dramatic attempt to help supply needed nutrients to the impoverished corneal tissues.

Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical Prolonged lens wear (> 10hrs/day) carries a greater risk of corneal neovascularization than part-time wear, due to the continual presence of the lens on the eye. Increased blood vessel proliferation and redness are common findings in association with extended contact lens wear. Blood vessels extending beyond 2mm from the cornea margin, should be viewed with concern, as further progression can result in permanent contact lens intolerance and vision loss.
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Depending on the severity of the condition, the management differs. It may range from the reduction of wearing time by a few hours to a temporary cessation of lens wear. Adequate time out of lenses will facilitate the healing of decompensated tissues.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical -The following should be considered when treating corneal neovascularization:
Decrease wearing time
Refit into high oxygen transmissibility lens material (high DK material). New silicon hydrogel material is 5-7X more oxygen permeable compared to the traditional soft plastics (eg Acuvue2). It will stop the progression of neovascularization and maybe worn for up to 24hrs a day without complications.
Follow-up visits for progress check

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a medical condition relating to the inflammation of eyelids and eyelashes. It is characterized by white flaky skin near the eyelashes. Blepharitis usually causes redness of the eyes and itching and irritation of the eyelids. The disease has been categorized into two types. Anterior blepharitis affects the front of the eyelids near the eyelashes. The causes are scalp dandruff and infection by the Staphylococcus bacteria. Posterior blepharitis affects the back of the eyelids, the part that makes contact with the eyes. This is caused by the oil glands present in this region.
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical There is generally no cure for blepharitis, but it can be controlled by maintaining regular eyelid hygiene. Application of a damp warm cloth on the eyes helps unblock the Meibomian glands and this should be followed by firm massage of the eyelids with diluted baby shampoo, which acts as a mild cleaning agent. Antibiotic drops or ointments are prescribed in severe cases. Blepharitis affects people of all ages, however, seborrheic blepharitis and Meibomian gland dysfunction typically affect older individuals
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - Staphylococcal blepharitis
Staphlycoccal blepharitis is the most common type of external eye inflammation. As with dandruff, it is usually asymptomatic until the disease progresses. As it progresses, the sufferer begins to notice a foreign body sensation, *mattering of the lashes, and burning. Usually, the primary care physician will prescribe topical antibiotics for staphylococcal blepharitis
Toronto Optometrist - Toronto Optometry - Toronto Eye Exam - Optometrist - Lenscrafters - Lens Crafters - Pearle Vision - Hakim Optical - Seborrheic blepharitis
Seborrheic blepharitis is usually part of a larger constellation, and is associated with seborrhea of the scalp, lashes, eyebrows, and ears. Signs include greasy, dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes, but no skin ulcerations. Because seborrheic blepharitis is part of a constellation, treatment must be aimed at seborrhea in general.

Age Related Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition of the eye that is often related to aging. It is commonly referred to as age-related macular degeneration, and is abbreviated as AMD.

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While its cause is unknown, the early or late stage of AMD affects over 800,000 Canadians over the age of 40. The late stage associated with vision loss, is the most common cause of legal blindness in people over the age of 50 in the western world.

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In AMD, the macula of the eye is affected. The macula is a light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye in the central area of the retina. The retina receives images of external objects, then sends them as impulses to the brain.

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The macula provides us with central vision and allows us to see fine detail, such as recognizing a face, reading, or watching television. When the macula becomes damaged, extreme and dramatic vision loss can occur.
Normal Macular Degeneration

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The early stages of AMD typically start with the appearance of spots beneath the retina. These spots, called drusen, are small, round lesions which usually do not change vision very much.

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However, certain changes may occur that lead to the late stage of AMD, which is usually accompanied by vision loss. Most often, vision loss starts in one eye. Because the healthy eye compensates for the loss of vision in the damaged eye, macular degeneration may initially go unnoticed. In some cases, it will also affect vision in the other eye.

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Types of Macular Degeneration
There are two main types of macular degeneration, the "dry" form and the "wet" form. With the dry form, the macula thins and does not function properly. This type is the most common, affecting 85-90% of patients, and is slow-progressing. Unfortunately, surgical treatment has not been shown to be effective for the dry type.

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The wet form affects only about 10% of patients, and involves the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina. The wet form of AMD is responsible for up to 90% of the severe vision loss associated with AMD. Back to top

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How Wet AMD is Treated
There are two treatments available for patients with wet AMD. One of these is laser photocoagulation. While this process usually cannot restore lost vision, it seals leaky blood vessels and inhibits their growth in selected cases. This prevents further vision deterioration in a small percentage of wet AMD cases.

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In laser photocoagulation, a laser is used to provide a concentrated beam of high-energy light. When the light comes in contact with the parts of the retina to be treated, it turns to heat and destroys the abnormal blood vessels.

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As a result, a scar forms in the area treated, creating a permanent blind spot in the field of vision. That is because laser photocoagulation also destroys overlying retinal tissue. However, the loss of vision is usually less severe than the eventual loss of vision that would likely occur if no laser treatment was performed.

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Another Option
Another treatment for wet AMD is photodynamic therapy. In this procedure, a light-activated drug known as Visudyne® is injected into the patient's bloodstream. Once the drug reaches the retina, it is activated by a non-thermal laser (a laser that does not burn the retina). This produces a clot that closes the abnormal vessels without causing damage to the overlying sensory retina. The abnormal blood vessels may return after several months. However, photodynamic therapy can be reapplied at up to 3 month intervals if necessary.

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How Can You Prevent or Retard the Progression of Macular Degeneration?
Because the effects of macular degeneration are usually not noticed until damage has already been done, it is often difficult to prevent the condition. However, practicing preventative measures is recommended in efforts to retard the progression of the condition. These include: staying away from overexposure to UV sun rays by staying out of the sun or wearing protective sunglasses, not smoking, eating well, and making sure you get the vitamins and minerals that you need.

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Nutritional Supplements
A healthy diet high in antioxidant vitamins and minerals has long been associated with the prevention or delay of AMD. New research indicates that two antioxidant carotenoids, LUTEIN and ZEAXANTHIN, may help in the prevention of AMD by protecting the macula against blue light damage. Good sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are green leafy vegetables, especially spinach. For people who don't get adequate nutrition through their diet, a nutritional supplement such as Vitalux, may help.

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Detection

The Amsler Grid

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The best way to retard the progression of macular degeneration is to detect changes or problems in vision as early as possible. In order to do this, you must be aware of what you are seeing with each eye. The best eye test for detecting small changes in vision is the Amsler Grid:

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How to Use the Amsler Grid (repeat for each eye):
Note: If you wear reading glasses, be sure to have them on when using the Amsler Grid.
Look at the grid with one eye at a time, covering the other eye with your hand.
Make sure you stay focused on the center dot.
Continue to stare at the center dot, looking to see that all the lines are straight and all the squares are the same size.
If any area on the grid appears blurred, distorted, discoloured, or in any way abnormal, contact your eye care professional immediately.
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Diabetes & Your Eyes

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Diabetes is the most common cause of blindness among working-aged people, and all people living with the disease should monitor their eye health carefully. Over time, diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which is damage to the blood vessels in the retina. As this damage continues, blood vessels in the retina begin to leak fluid.

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This, in turn, can lead to a condition known as diabetic macular edema, or DME, where fluid accumulates in the macula. Patients with DME typically experience blurred vision which may progress to blindness.
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) affects up to 10% of all patients with diabetes
Up to 75,000 new cases occur every year
Up to 30% of patients with DME will experience moderate visual loss (doubling of the visual angle)

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There are two kinds of DME:
Focal DME is caused by tiny abnormalities in blood vessels, known as microaneurysms. These leaking microaneurysms can lead to vision loss.
Diffuse DME is caused by widening (dilation) of retinal capillaries (extremely thin, narrow blood vessels) throughout the back of the eye.

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What are the symptoms of DME?
All patients who suffer from diabetes have a risk of developing DME. The symptoms of DME can include:

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Blurred vision Double vision
Floaters (small black dots or lines made up of cellular debris seen "floating" across the front of the eye) These floaters may temporarily interfere with vision. They are also linked with other eye diseases.

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What causes DME?
DME is linked with the following:
The degree of diabetic retinopathy (problems with blood vessels in the retina related to diabetes)
The length of time a patient has had diabetes
The type of diabetes each patient has (the milder the diabetes, the lower the incidence of DME)
Severe hypertension (high blood pressure)
Fluid retention
Hypoalbuminemia (low protein in body fluids)
Hyperlipidemia (high levels of fats in the blood)

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Many of these conditions can make DME worse, but when they are treated and controlled, DME may get better.

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How is DME treated?

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Laser treatment for focal DME
Focal laser treatment may be used to treat focal DME.
The goal of treatment is to close leaking microaneurysms to help maintain current vision and reduce progressive visual loss.
The laser light is absorbed by the blood inside the microaneurysms using green and yellow wavelengths.
Confirm closure at the end of the treatment session, and retreat if necessary.

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Laser treatment for diffuse DME
Grid laser treatment is used to treat diffuse DME.
The goal of treatment is to produce a mild to moderately intense retinal burn to help maintain current vision and reduce progressive visual loss.
A fluorescein angiogram may guide treatment.
Three months after treatment the patient should be rechecked to make sure that the DME is responding to therapy.

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Realistic Expectations:
In 3-6 months, expect retinal thickening and hard exudates (concentrated areas of protein) to start to improve.
The excess fluid that leads to edema (swelling) will begin to reabsorb into the surrounding tissues.
Eventually the bodily substances that create the hard exudates will be reabsorbed as well. Be aware that as the swelling begins to improve, hard exudates may increase temporarily in the eye. This is a sign of improvement, and the exudates will soon disappear.
The reality is: even after successful treatment, some people do not experience improved vision. However, if vision remains stable, continued treatment could be beneficial.

Dry Eye

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If your eyes sting, itch or burn, you may be experiencing the common signs of "dry eye." A feeling of something foreign within the eye or general discomfort may also signal dry eye.

What is dry eye?
Dry eye describes eyes that do not produce enough tears. The natural te
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The outer oily layer, which prevents or slows evaporation of the tear film
The middle watery layer; which moisturizes and nourishes the front surface of the eye
The inner mucus layer, which helps maintain a stable tear film.

Dry eye may occur because the volume of tears produced is inadequate (we all produce fewer tears as we get older, and in some cases this can lead to dry eye symptoms). It may occur because the composition of the tears has changed so that they are
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What causes dry eye?
Dry eye symptoms can result from the normal aging process. Exposure to environmental conditions, as well as medications, such as antihistamines, oral contraceptives or anti-depressants, can contribute to the symptoms of dry eye. Dry eye can result from chemical or thermal burns to the eye. Dry eye may also be symptomatic of general health problems or other diseases. For example, people with arthritis are more prone to dry eye. In addition, you may have "dry-eye" like symptoms from allergies or even from a reaction to your contact lens solution.

How is it diagnosed?
During the examination, your eye care practitioner will ask about your general health, use of medications, and work and home environments to determine factors that may be contributing to dry eye symptoms. This information will help your doctor decide whether to perform dry eye tests. To test for dry eye, your doctor may use diagnostic instruments that allow a highly magnified view of your eyes or small strips of paper or thread and special dyes to assess the quantity and quality of the tears.

How is it treated?
Dry eye cannot be cured, but your eyes' sensitivity can be lessened and measures taken so your eyes remain healthy. The most frequent method of treatment is the use of artificial tears or tear substitutes. For more severe dry eye, ointment can be used, especially at bedtime. To keep dry eye symptoms in check, you and your practitioner need to work together. Follow his or her instructions carefully. If you have increased dryness or redness that is not relieved by the prescribed treatment, let your practitioner know as soon as possible.

Will dry eye harm my eyes?
If untreated, it can. Excessive dry eye can damage tissue and possibly scar the cornea of your eye, impairing vision. Dry eye can make contact lens wear more difficult since tears may be inadequate to keep the lenses wet and lubricated. This can lead to irritation and a greater chance of eye infection. Therefore, it is important to follow your eye care practitioner's recommended treatment plan.

What can you do about dry eye?
There is no known "cure" for dry eye. However, in most cases, dry eye can be treated with an artificial tear solution or, in more severe cases, by blocking the puncta. Whatever the treatment mode chosen, effective treatment of dry eye must either replace, enhance or retain natural tears.

To replace natural tears, an artificial tear solution can be effective. Artificial tears are available with and without preservatives. Preservative-free artificial tears are recommended for people who can't tolerate preservatives or who must use these solutions many times per day.

If artificial tears are needed on more than an occasional basis, the type of preservative used is an important consideration. Many artificial tear solutions contain benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a preservative that with frequent use can actually damage the epithelium and lead to further problems.

To enhance natural tears, a more advanced artificial tear is required. Such solutions would include artificial tears with formulations containing zinc and bicarbonate, substances that can actually contribute to the growth and maintenance of healthy mucin, tear film, and epithelium. Often, overnight protection is needed. In these cases a more viscous preparation should be used, one that is designed to provide long-lasting protection and lubrication.

To retain natural tears, it is necessary to suppress the loss of tears by blocking the punctum (the natural drain for tears). This is done with the insertion of punctal plugs that actually block the opening of the punctum.

Plugs made for smooth insertion, comfortable wear and virtual invisibility are the most popular. In more severe cases, patients may need to be treated with eyelid inserts, tear duct plugs, protective glasses, bandage contact lenses or surgical procedures.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

What is Amblyopia?
Commonly known as lazy eye, amblyopia is poor vision in an eye that does not receive adequate use during early childhood.

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What Causes Amblyopia?
Amblyopia is often a consequence of one of the eyes not being used, from either crossed eyes (strabismus) or ptosis, which is a drooping of the upper eyelid. It may also be caused by one eye simply having better vision and a child relying on it more heavily.

How Can You Correct Amblyopia?
With early diagnosis and treatment, the sight in the lazy eye can be restored. However, left untreated, the eye may become functionally blind. Treatments include Patching or covering the better-seeing eye Eye drops or ointments Contact Lenses Glasses Surgery

Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)

What are the symptoms of strabismus?
Strabismus is a general term for eyes that are misaligned and point in different directions. Typically this is seen as crossed-eyes and is almost always accompanied by lazy eye (amblyopia). Your child may have strabismus if

Their eyes are crossed or wall eyed Their eyes do not move together
The point of light reflected in each eye is not symmetrical
They tend to tilt their head to one side They are unable to gauge depth
They squint into the sun with only one eye

What causes strabismus?
No one knows why some children's eyes are misaligned, although it does seem to run in families. Because misaligned eyes don't focus together, double vision occurs. A young child with strabismus will unconsciously ignore one of the two images they see—and the related nerve connections between their eye and brain will fail to develop. This brings about lazy eye (amblyopia).

How can you correct strabismus?
In order to develop good vision the affected eye must be made to work. There are several treatments that may be used alone or in combination, depending on the type, severity, and cause of your child's strabismus. They include Glasses Eye drops or ointment Injected medication Surgery Patching or covering the better-seeing eye
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Laser vision correction is one of the most exciting technological advances in the history of eye care. It is performed with an excimer laser, which combines argon and fluoride gases to produce a "cool", ultra-violet light. Your surgeon uses the computer-guided excimer laser to gently alter the shape of your cornea through a series of ultra precise pulses. It does not cut or burn. Each pulse removes a remarkable 39 millionths of an inch in 12 billionths of a second!

There are two ways of utilizing this extraordinary technology, PRK and LA
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LASIK
PRK (Surface Ablation)
CLE (Clear Lens Extraction)
ICL (Implantable Contact Lens)
Non-Surgical Vision Correction

LASIK
LASIK is the most frequently used procedure for laser vision correction. LASIK stands for Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. A wide range of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism can be corrected by the LASIK procedure. It is a delicate surgical procedure that allows for a very predictable healing response. Your vision stabilizes rapidly, and you can expect to have little or no discomfort following LASIK. Most patients have driving vision within 24 hours of treatment.

Step 1: The corneal flap is created by the surgeon using a laser. The corneal flap stays attached to the rest of the cornea on one side.
Step 2: The laser treatment is applied below the flap.
Step 3: The flap is repositioned smoothly and easily. Pressure holds the flap in place as it heals.

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PRK or Surface Ablation
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is the same laser procedure as LASIK. It differs, however, in being performed on the surface of the cornea, after removing or lifting the corneal epithelium, instead of a corneal flap. Today, PRK is more commonly referred to as “surface ablation,” meaning a laser procedure that is applied to the surface of the cornea. There are two other surface ablation techniques available which differ in the way the corneal epithelium is managed, LASEK and epi-LASIK. These procedures have not as yet proven to be more beneficial than PRK.

When is PRK or surface ablation technique the treatment of choice instead of LASIK?
When the cornea is too thin for LASIK.
When a pre-existing problem is present on the cornea which can be eliminated with PRK and result in better vision than LASIK.
When there is a structural abnormality in the cornea that makes LASIK unsafe.

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CLE / Clear Lens Extraction
For patients with very high levels of nearsightedness or farsightedness, and for people who have early lens opacities. In addition, people in their middle years may appreciate the dual advantage of a refractive lens exchange: not only will it correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, but it also prevents any future need for cataract surgery.

Unlike laser vision correction, which alters the shape of the cornea, refractive lens exchange changes the focusing power of the lens within the eye. During refractive lens exchange, the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced by a lens implant, which has been selected to compensate for the eye’s refractive problems. In effect, the lens implant acts like a permanent contact lens within the eye, with newer lens designs offering both distance and reading vision.

The Procedure
The refractive lens exchange is the same procedure as modern cataract surgery. At the beginning of the surgery, a small incision—an eighth of an inch, or 3.5 mm—is made either in the sclera or in the periphery of the cornea. A delicate instrument is inserted through the incision to create a circular opening in the front of the lens capsule. A suction tip is then inserted into the lens capsule, and the gel-like natural lens is removed. Once the natural lens has been suctioned out, a lens implant is inserted into the lens capsule. Antibiotic solutions are placed around the new lens to reduce any risk of infection, and the surgery is usually completed without stitches, since the incisions are designed to be self-sealing.

Click here to learn about contact lens fittings

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ICL™ / Implantable Contact Lense
For patients who are at least 18 years of age, with high levels of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism that are too extreme for laser vision correction, and for whom laser vision correction on the cornea is not safe.

The Procedure
The ICL™ is a very thin intraocular lens designed to rest in front of the eye’s natural lens, just behind the iris. The ICL™ is inserted through a small, 3mm corneal incision. The eye is made numb using anesthetic eye drops, and there is very little discomfort associated with the procedure. The surgery typically takes 15 to 20 minutes to perform, with only one eye being treated at a time. The second eye is usually treated several days after the first eye. If either one of these procedures is more appropriate for you, it will be discussed with you in detail.

A related link to information on ICLs can be found at www.staar.com.

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Non-Surgical Vision Correction
There are alternatives to surgery in terms of vision correction. They are:
Continuous Wear Contact Lenses, and
Ortho-keratology (Ortho-K)

Continuous Wear Contact Lenses
There are contact lenses that are available for continuous wear. Currently there are 2 types that are Health Canada and FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA) approved for 30 day continuous wear. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this type of contact, your doctor will need to assess your eyes to make that recommendation.

Ortho-keratology
Wouldn't it be great if your nearsightedness could be corrected while you sleep? It might sound far-fetched, but it's a reality for some people and is available now. Here's how it works: When you sleep, you wear special contact lenses that gently reshape the surface of your eye, so you can see clearly even after you remove the lenses. The effect is temporary — generally enough to get you through a day or so, but you must wear the special lenses each night.

As of November 1st, 2004, routine eye examinations provided by either an optometrist or physician, for patients aged 20 to 64 are no longer covered by OHIP.

Patients 65 years and older and under 20 will continue to have OHIP coverage for an eye examination once every 12 months. Please remember to bring your valid OHIP card every time.

Changes do not affect ophthalmology or specialist services for patients of any age with medical conditions or diseases affecting the eyes (cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration…etc), but they are by referral only and require a letter of referral from our office.

Patients maybe covered by their own insurance plans. You may contact your Benefits Provider to inquire. Below are some frequently used plans:
Great West Life
Phone: 1-800-461-6090 or 1-800-665-2648

ManuLife and Maritime Life
1-800-268-6195

Sun Life
1-800-361-6212 or 1-800-361-2128 X2693

Clarica
1-888-864-5463

Green Shield
1-888-711-1119

Blue Cross
1-800-234-8881 or (416) 626-1688
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