Vision Care and Vision Loss Info in Edmonton
Proper vision care is fundamental to ensure optimal eye health and prevent many eye diseases and conditions. For that reason, apart from providing a wide range of reliable eye exams, Optometrists’ Clinic Inc also offers eye care for children, adults and the elderly. Our goal is to make sure that you and your family are well taken care of, ensuring that you can get the proper treatment and vision care for a wide range of eye-related issues in Edmonton.
In order to provide you with reliable vision info, we share a comprehensive list of common vision conditions and eye diseases, allowing you to have a better understanding of what you or your family members may be dealing with.
Common Eye Conditions and Diseases
Cataracts
Cataracts is often a common sign of aging typically affecting people in the age of 50 or older. It causes part of or the entire eye lens to look blurred or cloudy, which reduces vision capabilities.
Glaucoma
Considered to be a serious condition, glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve and can lead to partial or full vision loss. Glaucoma is treatable when caught at the early stages and is almost always detected through routine eye examination as there are rarely symptoms until it is quite advanced.
Macular Degeneration
Caused by damage to the retina, macular degeneration is a disease that affects your central vision and can be more effectively managed or treated if detected early. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as aging, smoking, and excessive exposure to the sun.
Posterior Vitreous Detachment
Posterior vitreous detachment is a condition caused by the partial separation of vitreous gel in the eye from the retina. Typical symptoms include seeing small dark shapes floating inside your eye.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Affecting people with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that causes the leakage of blood vessels or swelling of the retina which can lead to vision loss. Other symptoms include flashes of light, spots or dark strings, and blurry vision.
Dry Eye
If tears can’t provide enough lubrication for the eyes, it can result in a condition called dry eye. It may lead to symptoms that include the sensation of burning and scratching, which may cause pain and discomfort. In many cases, treatment involves the use of eye drops that can alleviate the symptoms.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a disease that affects your eyelids, resulting in discomforting symptoms such as itchiness and irritation. It happens due to the blockage of the oil glands in the eyelids, which can lead to bacterial infections if not promptly treated.
Pink Eye
Pink eye is a common condition typically caused by viral or bacterial infection. Known for being contagious, it brings distinct symptoms that include gritty feeling, itching, and/or discharge.
What to do in an Eye Emergency
Eye emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and knowing how to respond can make a critical difference in preventing long-term damage. Whether it’s a sudden loss of vision, a chemical splash, or a foreign body in the eye, taking the right steps quickly can help preserve your sight.
If you’re in Edmonton, the Royal Alexandra Hospital is the best facility for urgent eye emergencies. However, for less critical but still urgent eye issues, contact your optometrist immediately to receive timely care.
- Sudden Loss of Vision: If you suddenly lose all or part of your vision in one or both eyes, seek immediate medical attention. Contact an optometrist or ophthalmologist right away, or if that’s not possible, go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Signs of vision loss include: A sudden "graying out" or blacking out of your vision. A partial or complete blind spot in your field of vision. Blurred or distorted vision that develops rapidly. Since vision loss can indicate a serious underlying condition (such as a retinal detachment, stroke, or vascular issue), do not delay in seeking medical help.
- Chemical Splash in the Eyes: If chemicals come into contact with your eye, immediate and thorough irrigation is crucial. Follow these steps: Flush your eye with water for at least 15-20 minutes. Use a sink, shower, or any clean water source while holding your eyelids open. Remove any debris if visible. Seek emergency medical attention immediately after flushing. Bring the chemical container or know its name to inform the doctor. For minor irritations (such as mild household cleaners), rinse thoroughly and contact an eye doctor for assessment if symptoms persist.
- Foreign Object or Eye Injury: If you have a small object or minor abrasion: Avoid rubbing your eye, as this can worsen the injury. Blink several times to try and flush out the debris naturally. If irritation continues, rinse the eye gently with clean water or saline solution. Contact your eye doctor for an assessment as soon as possible. For a more serious injury or penetrating foreign object: DO NOT attempt to remove the object yourself. Cover the eye with a loose protective shield (such as the bottom of a paper cup) to prevent further damage. Seek immediate emergency medical care at a hospital.
- Eye Infections, Swelling, or Redness: If your eye is red, sore, tearing excessively, or secreting mucus, you may have an infection. Contact your optometrist promptly for an evaluation. If you wear contact lenses: Remove them immediately if you suspect an infection. Do not reuse or store them until a doctor confirms your eyes are healthy. For swelling in or around the eyelid: Mild swelling: Apply warm compresses and monitor the area. Worsening symptoms (pain, heat, skin flaking, fever, or general illness): Seek medical care immediately, as this could indicate a more serious infection. Itchy, swollen eyelids affecting both eyes: This may be allergy-related. Taking an oral antihistamine and booking an appointment with your optometrist can help.
Need Emergency Eye Care?
At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc., we provide urgent eye care for a wide range of conditions. Whether it’s an infection, injury, or sudden vision change, our experienced optometrists in Edmonton, Westlock, and Leduc are here to help.
If you’re experiencing an eye emergency, don’t wait—seek help immediately. Contact our clinic or visit the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton for critical emergencies.
When to seek emergency eye care
Seek urgent medical help if you experience:
- Sudden vision loss (partial or complete).
- Severe eye pain or trauma.
- A foreign object embedded in the eye.
- Chemical burns that persist after flushing.
- A rapidly worsening infection or swelling around the eye.
For less severe but urgent concerns, contact your optometrist at Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. in Edmonton for same-day emergency eye care services.
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