Conroy Optometric Centre
Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management
Diagnosing & Managing Eye Conditions
Take Control of Your Eye Health
We believe in the profound connection between eye health and overall well-being. Our dedicated and experienced team is here to guide you on your journey towards better eye health. Discover how we can help diagnose and manage eye diseases—because your vision matters.
We excel at diagnosing, managing, and treating a wide range of eye conditions, from common infections to complex diseases. Our focus isn’t just on your eyes; it’s on your overall health too. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune disorders can affect your eyesight, and we’re here to help. Explore how our comprehensive eye exams can benefit you for many different conditions.
We work hard to create better vision and optimized eye health for our patients. When you’re ready to experience the benefits of technology in eye care, don’t wait—schedule your appointment with us today.
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Eye Health Education
Common Eye Disorders & Diseases
Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma is a sight threatening condition that causes thinning of the optic nerve, that may be accompanied by increased Intra Ocular Pressure. Vision symptoms may include blurry vision and light sensitivity. Often the earliest changes do not cause noticeable changes. It is only at the later stages of the disease that symptoms may be present. By this time, irreversible damage has occurred, so regular checkups are important to catch this disease in its early stages. We can help identify and manage your glaucoma and prescribe targeted medications.
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma, accounting for approximately 90% of all cases. It develops slowly, often without noticeable symptoms until vision loss occurs. Stress on the optic nerve from increased pressure in the eye may result in vision loss. Comprehensive eye exams are vital for early detection and treatment.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Angle-closure glaucoma is a less common but more urgent form of glaucoma. It results from a sudden blockage of the eye’s drainage system, causing a rapid increase in eye pressure. Symptoms can include severe eye pain, blurred vision, and nausea. Immediate medical attention is essential.
- Other Types of Glaucoma: While there are many other types of glaucoma, open-angle and angle-closure are the primary ones to be aware of. Regular comprehensive eye exams play a key role in early diagnosis and management of all forms of this common disease, and are encouraged for all our patients here at Conroy Optometric Centre.
Cataracts
Cataracts involve the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurry vision. Symptoms may include faded colours and increased glare which you may start to notice and detect in the early stages. Initial treatment may include updated prescriptions for your glasses and contacts. Surgery is often the recommended treatment as each unique case progresses.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina and is a complication of diabetes. Symptoms may include vision fluctuations and it may lead to blindness. Early detection and management of blood sugar levels are essential for prevention. Treatment can include injections to help deter the growth of abnormal blood vessel growth on the retina.
Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye can result from inadequate tear production or poor tear quality, causing discomfort, redness, and sensitivity to light. Treatment options can include artificial tears, prescription medications, gels, ointments, and lifestyle adjustments. For example, limiting the amount of digital screen time can be an effective measure that you can adopt immediately.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina, and it can lead to vision loss. It may manifest as blurred or distorted central vision. While there’s no identified cure, early interventions like lifestyle changes (lowering your blood pressure and eating a diet rich in antioxidants) can help slow its progression and provide effective long-term management.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is an irregular curvature of the front surface of the eye that results in blurred vision at all distances. It is a common refractive error, just like nearsightedness and farsightedness. It is usually a condition from birth that progresses over time. Eyeglasses, contact lenses and refractive surgery are all effective treatments for astigmatism.
Farsightedness
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common refractive error. Approximately 25 per cent of the general population may be affected. Farsighted individuals see better in the distance than up close because the eye does not effectively focus light. Farsightedness is very common among elementary school-age children and a frequent cause of reading and learning difficulties.Refractive errors such as hyperopia are commonly corrected by eyeglasses or contact lenses. Refractive surgery is another possibility.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a disease of the eye in which the cornea becomes distorted slowly over time. Symptoms may not be obvious, as they are vision and eye health conditions themselves, such as light sensitivity, nearsightedness and astigmatism. It is not clear how keratoconus may develop, although heredity may play a role.Since keratoconus is a progressive disease, appropriate treatment varies over time. Simple correction may suffice at an early stage, followed by rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, and eventually a cornea transplant.
Nearsightedness
Myopia, more popularly known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error. Approximately a quarter of the general population may be affected. Myopic individuals see better up close than in the distance. This is because the eye improperly focuses too much light, causing blurred vision in the distance.Refractive errors are commonly corrected by eyeglasses or contact lenses. Refractive surgery and Ortho-Keratology are two other possibilities.
Pools and Hot Tubs
Water recreation is a great way to relax and exercise, but it’s no place to forget about your eyes. No matter how well they’re maintained, pools and hot tubs contain human bacteria. If you’re not careful, eye infections can impair vision.When you’re in a pool, wear a snug pair of swimming goggles. Also be careful when wearing contact lenses in water environments.In hot tubs there is a particular bacteria risk. Ensure that you keep your eyes out of the water, or provide yourself with a thorough shower rinsing afterwards.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is an inevitable condition in which the ability to focus on close objects decreases over time. Since it is a natural effect of aging, it is extremely commonplace. In recent years, an estimated four million new cases of presbyopia have been diagnosed. Today’s “baby boomer” generation is the most rapidly growing population segment requiring vision correction.Symptoms: Headaches, blurred near-distance vision, tearing, stinging, or a need for more light. People with presbyopia often hold reading material at arm’s length.Treatment: Reading glasses (typically bifocals) or special contact lenses are useful treatments, although the period of adjustment can vary widely. All told, there is a wide range of corrective options to review with your Optometrist.Prevention: There is no recognized prevention available, although focusing difficulties can be relieved with corrective lenses.Further questions: For such a common condition, there are many misconceptions about presbyopia. For example, it does not affect a person’s lifestyle, but presbyopia can require frequent prescription changes after age 40.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from the pigment epithelium.In some cases it can be surgically treated. Apart from a sudden loss of vision, other (early) symptoms may include light flashes or an unusual number of “spots and floaters.”
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited diseases developing inside the pigmented area of the retina of the eye. They tend to become apparent between age 10 and 30, although some types of retinitis pigmentosa occur in childhood or later in life. Vision changes include night blindness, loss of side vision, and “tunnel vision.”The most common symptom of retinitis pigmentosa is a personal history of visual problems at dusk or in low light. This problem cannot be helped by corrective lenses, however, because the retina itself is deteriorating. Your optometrist can help you adapt to living with retinitis pigmentosa.
Spots and Floaters
Spots and floaters are tiny flecks or threads, which seem to float in front of your eyes. They are experienced by most people. They are often caused by particles of protein trapped in the fluid inside the eye, or by the deterioration of the fluid due to advancing age.Occasionally they are the result of certain eye diseases or injuries, or they may signal the development of more serious conditions such as retinal detachment. They are usually harmless, but those experiencing a sudden change or increase in “spots and floaters” or flashes of light should consult their eye doctor.
Styes
A stye is a visible infection that appears at the edges of an eyelid. Its appearance can vary somewhat, but it is harmless to your vision. Symptoms include a noticeable swelling, some discomfort and tenderness in the affected area.Most styes heal without treatment, although the application of a hot compress can help. Unlike a pimple, however, styes cannot be manually ruptured and drained. Antibiotic ointments are available for recurring cases.
Strabismus
Strabismus or “crossed eyes” is a misalignment of the eyes. One or both eyes may turn in (esotropia), out (exotropia), up (hypertropia) or down (hypotropia). Treatment may include the use of eyeglasses, contact lenses, prisms and/or vision therapy. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed.
Sun Exposure and Tanning
Canada is full of outdoors enthusiasts. Whether relaxing, exercising or just working in the sun, there are some important factors to keep in mind. It also includes those who enjoy indoor tanning beds.Indoors or out, people are exposing themselves to ultraviolet (UV) rays to an unprecedented degree. With the increased penetration of UV rays in our atmosphere today, outdoor exposure is not so different from the UV-rich, indoor tanning beds that have been the subject of much debate.This is true of cloudy days as much as sunny ones. Don’t forget that water and snow environments, as well as higher elevations, also demand UV protection.Significant exposure to these UV rays can damage your retina, cornea and can cause cataracts or macular degeneration. Ensure that you wear UV-protected sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors for a prolonged time. Sterilized protective goggles are essential for any duration of indoor tanning. In any environment, closing your eyes is no protection from UV, and there is no substitute for proper UV-blocking eyewear.
