Detecting & Diagnosing Eye Diseases
An eye exam is an important part of preventive healthcare. Not only will your optometrist ensure your eyewear prescription provides the vision you want, but during an eye exam, they’ll also check for the development of eye diseases.
Many eye diseases can damage your vision permanently and progress without any noticeable symptoms, particularly in the beginning.
Early identification is crucial to the treatment and management of eye diseases. If your optometrist catches them early enough, they may be able to slow down progression or prevent vision loss.
Your sight is precious. Safeguard it today with a comprehensive eye exam.
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Diabetic Eye Diseases
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of eye diseases. Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy often progresses slowly and, like many eye diseases, may not present visible symptoms until irreversible vision loss occurs. Diabetic macular edema is serious and can impact reading, writing, driving, and recognizing faces.
Both conditions can be identified early with a comprehensive diabetic eye exam. If you have diabetes, book your appointment now.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases generally characterized by damage to the optic nerve, usually by high intraocular pressure.
Pressure builds up inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve and causing irreversible vision loss. Often, the progression of glaucoma is slow and symptom-free, earning the disease the nickname "the silent thief of sight."
There are several types of glaucoma.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Fluid buildup caused by blockage of the eye’s drainage channels can increase intraocular pressure (IOP) and cause open-angle glaucoma. Generally, peripheral vision is the first thing impacted, followed by central vision.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the space between the iris and cornea narrows, trapping fluid in the eye. When the pressure rises as a result of this fluid, angle-closure glaucoma occurs.
It can appear suddenly (acute) or progress gradually (chronic). Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. Sudden onset headaches, blurry vision, eye redness, or halos appearing around lights mean you should call your optometrist immediately.
Other Types of Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma occurs when intraocular pressure is caused by eye trauma, injury, or infection.
When the optic nerve is damaged, but intraocular pressure remains within normal range, normal-tension glaucoma may be the cause.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
Glaucoma risk factors may include:
- A family history of glaucoma
- Extreme refractive errors
- Past eye injury or trauma
- Use of certain medications
- Heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
Cataracts
As you age, the clear lens of your eye can harden and become opaque. This is called a cataract. They are often the result of the normal aging process, though they can be present at birth.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts generally develop without pain or redness. Some symptoms of cataracts might include:
- Foggy or blurry vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Seeing halos around lights
- Muted color vision
- Sensitivity to light
Preventing Cataracts
Cataract growth can be slowed by protecting the eyes from UV rays. A great pair of sunglasses can help! Eating foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries, apples, artichokes, and dark green veggies like kale and broccoli may also help to prevent cataracts.
Cataract Treatment
Often, obstructions to vision as a result of cataracts can be remedied through corrective lenses. But, cataracts can increase in size and may get to a point where glasses or contact lenses no longer provide the vision you want. In this case, we may recommend surgery.
If you’re having difficulty driving or performing your job safely, are struggling to watch television or read, or are experiencing challenges with daily activities that are decreasing your quality of life, it might be time to explore surgery.
Cataract surgery is safe and effective, and we will ensure you understand the procedure and your options.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes the breakdown of the macula, the area of the eye responsible for central vision. Damage to the macula can lead to central vision loss.
The central vision is responsible for reading, writing, driving, and recognizing faces, so any loss of vision in this area may make day-to-day tasks difficult.
People with AMD may not experience any pain or symptoms as the disease progresses. If straight lines begin to appear wavy or your central vision blurs in a way that glasses cannot correct, it’s time for an eye exam.
There are 2 types of AMD. Click each title to learn more.
Dry AMD
Dry AMD is the most common type of AMD, accounting for 90% of cases. It occurs when parts of the macula become thinner due to aging and accumulate tiny clumps of protein.
We’re on the Lookout for Early Signs of Eye Disease
Regular, comprehensive eye exams are the best defence against eye diseases that can cause irreversible vision loss.
Book your appointment today, and let us examine your eyes for early signs of eye disease.
Book OnlineWhere to Find Us
Find us next to Shoppers Drug Mart on Appleby Line in north Burlington.
Our Address
- 2080 Appleby Line
- Burlington, Ontario L7L 6M6
Contact Information
- Phone: 905-319-1066
- Email: [email protected]
- Email: [email protected]
*We are open Monday – Saturday for eye examination appointments.
Hours of Operation
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
What We Offer
Our Brands
Crisp, clear vision starts with a great pair of eyeglasses.
Browse our selection of handpicked brands ranging from the most popular in the world to the unique and independent. Our optical team will be happy to help pair you with glasses perfectly suited to your look thanks to our staggering selection of colours, materials, and styles.
Visit us today and see the world differently.
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Let’s Talk Contacts
UncategorizedFor me, contact lenses spell FREEDOM. Free from a frame’s pressure on my nose and temples, free from any distortions in my peripheral vision, and freedom from any minification or magnification effect that comes along with the optics of a spectacle lens. A well fitted and comfortable lens is an ahhhhh moment for many of […]
Let there be light!
UncategorizedWith the warmer weather coming our way and SUNSHINE, we are all looking for our shades. Sunglasses are by far the most exciting things in the spectacle world…they can be fun, they can be classy, they can be absolutely CRAZY. We all know that sunglasses are the sunscreen for your eyes. They protect those beautiful […]
How are you approaching your health?
UncategorizedThis is interesting to me as it truly reflects each individual’s value system. Are you willing to invest in preventative health care or are you committed to only treating it when it hurts badly enough or affects your activities of daily living? Healthcare is changing drastically and our tried and trusted OHIP system is now […]
Let’s Talk Contacts
For me, contact lenses spell FREEDOM. Free from a frame’s pressure on my nose and temples, free from any distortions in my peripheral vision, and freedom from any minification or magnification effect that comes along with the optics of a spectacle lens. A well fitted and comfortable lens is an ahhhhh moment for many of […]
Let there be light!
With the warmer weather coming our way and SUNSHINE, we are all looking for our shades. Sunglasses are by far the most exciting things in the spectacle world…they can be fun, they can be classy, they can be absolutely CRAZY. We all know that sunglasses are the sunscreen for your eyes. They protect those beautiful […]
How are you approaching your health?
This is interesting to me as it truly reflects each individual’s value system. Are you willing to invest in preventative health care or are you committed to only treating it when it hurts badly enough or affects your activities of daily living? Healthcare is changing drastically and our tried and trusted OHIP system is now […]
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Dr. Patricia Fink Optometry
- 2080 Appleby Line
- Burlington, Ontario L7L 6M6
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P: 905-319-1066
[email protected]
