Eye Health

Eye Health Minute

Healthy eyes and good vision is important to our quality of life.

Many eye and vision conditions present with no obvious symptoms, therefore, individuals are often unaware that a problem exists. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for maintaining good vision and, when possible, preventing permanent vision loss.

Having regular complete eye examinations is an important part of your preventive health care routine. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends the following frequency for eye examinations:

• Children and Youth up to 18 years: annually (covered by Alberta Health Care)
• Adults: every one to two years
• Seniors 65 years and older: annually (covered by Alberta Health Care)

Have your eyes examined immediately if you notice sudden reduced vision, flashes or floaters, eye redness, discharge or pain.

Did you know that 80% of a child’s learning is visual? Yearly complete eye examinations are vital to ensure your child is seeing and learning to their full potential. Through the Alberta’s ‘Eye See, Eye Learn’ program, all qualifying ECS children will receive a free pair of glasses.

How the Eye Works

• Introduction to the Eye

Common Vision Issues

• Hyperopia
• Myopia
• Astigmatism
• Presbyopia
• Amblyopia
• Strabismus (Crossed-Eyes)

Common Eye Diseases

• Glaucoma
• Diabetic Eye Disease
• Macular Degeneration
• Cataracts 

Tests Performed in Your Eye Exam

• Vision (visual acuity) assessment
• Eye muscle movement
• Color vision
• Depth perception
• Digital retinal imaging

Glaucoma testing using a no-airpuff methodInternal and External eye health assessment