Question 1

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Accepted Answer

This refractive error makes it difficult seeing distant objects, but can see objects that are nearby. The reason is generally because the length of the eye is too long and the focal point of light rays lands in front of the retina making objects appear blurry. This can be corrected optically using prescription spectacles and contact lenses. Myopia is becoming a genuine public health concern globally as by 2050, it is estimated that 50% of the world's population will have some form of myopia.

As an individual's myopia increases, it places them at a higher risk to develop potentially blinding conditions in their adulthood such as retinal detachment, maculopathy, and early cataract formation. We are now living in an era where there are many different options to address this pandemic that manages the progression of myopia in our children. Trifecta Optometry is proud to be a clinic that recognizes this disease and places high value in managing it for our patients.

Click here to learn more about Myopia Management

Question 2

Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Accepted Answer

Simply, it is theoretically the opposite to myopia. One has the ability to see objects in the distance, however can struggle to read at near. Depending on how high the prescription is, one may be functional unaided, while others may require prescription spectacles part time typically with near work, and others may need them full time for all distances. In this case, the length of the eye is generally too short and the focal point of light rays lands behind the retina making objects appear blurry.

Question 3

Astigmatism

Accepted Answer

This is a common vision condition that can contribute to blurry vision. However rather than experiencing blurriness at one distance, it is usually at every distance. Most astigmatism originates from an irregular corneal shape causing light to be dispersed in multiple directions causing the visual obscuration. In other scenarios, the astigmatism can come from the lens of the eye as well. It can be corrected by prescription spectacles and contact lenses.

Question 4

Presbyopia

Accepted Answer

This is a natural effect of aging, usually occurring after the age of 40. This is a phenomenon in which the ability to focus on close objects decreases over time and can occur simultaneously and in addition to one's existing refractive error. Left uncorrected, it can cause difficulty with intermediate and near work requiring more light and at times can cause headaches. The need for reading glasses or bifocals and progressive lenses will be necessary to correct.

Question 5

Cataracts

Accepted Answer

As we age, the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The process is typically gradual and one may be asymptomatic initially, however as they continue to progress, there are many symptoms that can affect the quality of vision. This can include:
 • Blurry or foggy vision
 • Difficulty with night time driving
 • Difficulty with near vision 
 • Increased halos, glare, starburst around lights
 • Fading colours
Early signs generally start at the age of 60 and once it becomes visually significant, surgical removal will be necessary with the replacement of an implantable intraocular lens.

Question 6

Diabetic Retinopathy

Accepted Answer

In individuals with uncontrolled blood sugar levels, it can cause changes to the tissues of the eye. Many changes can occur including the development of new blood vessels, white blood cells, swelling and leakage of fluid in the retina only to name a few. These episodes can cause immediate to long term changes to vision including:
 • Spots or floaters in vision
 • Distortion around objects
 • Decreased vision
 • Darkened areas of vision

Question 7

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Accepted Answer

This is the leading cause of vision loss among the older population. The macula, the portion of the eye responsible for clear central vision, undergoes a slow deterioration of the tissue as the disease progresses. This causes the central part of the vision to blur and/or distort while sparing your peripheral vision. Some of the early symptoms may include:
 • Blurry and decreased central vision
 • Straights lines may seem bent and distorted
 • Difficulty seeing fine details

Question 8

Glaucoma

Accepted Answer

Glaucoma is also known as the "silent killer of sight". It is a disease that starts with almost no symptoms for the individual; once it becomes noticeable, a considerable amount of damage has already been done. Glaucoma is a disease that causes the gradual thinning of the thickness of the tissues of the optic nerve head. At times, high intraocular eye pressure may be associated with the disease however a majority of the time, it is not the case. There are also numerous subtypes of glaucoma as well. Eventually in the disease's end stage, it causes significant peripheral vision loss eventually into tunnel vision. Some symptoms may include:
 • Perception of becoming more clumsy
 • Difficulty shoulder checking when driving
 • Eye pain
 • Redness
 • Headache

Question 9

Dry Eye Disease

Accepted Answer

Living in one of the dryest major cities in Canada, Edmonton's environment certainly contributes to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease. It is simply more than the eye not producing enough tears - in fact, that is typically not the reason for the majority of individuals suffering from Dry Eye. Dry Eye Disease is a multifactorial disease that starts gradually and can compound to the point of causing a negative impact to someone's day-to-day activities. Some of the symptoms can include:
 • Foreign body sensation in the eye
 • Constant red eyes
 • Burning or stinging eyes
 • Itchy eyes
 • Sensitivity to light
 • Fluctuation in vision

Question 10

Keratoconus

Accepted Answer

In keratoconus, the cornea begins to thin and gradually bulges outward into a cone shape. This can cause blurry and distorted vision. It generally begins at puberty and progresses into the mid-30s. It typically affects both eyes, with one eye being more severely affected than the other. In the early to mild stages, it can be corrected optically with prescription spectacles and contact lenses, however in the moderate to severe stages, more aggressive treatments may require surgical intervention. As with many eye conditions, early detection is key.

Question 11

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Accepted Answer

This medical term describes having an eye that is weaker in visual acuity even with corrective aids. In other words, the eye is unable to 'see' 20/20 vision. This condition is a neurodevelopment deficiency - the health of the eye is perfectly fine. 
It is best to catch amblyopia as soon as possible to ensure best outcomes, however research is starting to demonstrate that amblyopia found in adults can be successfully treated.

There are many possible treatment options to address this condition; one of which is vision therapy which entails a tailored program specific to your child to improve visual function and quality of life.

Question 12

Strabismus (Eye Turn or Crossed Eyes)

Accepted Answer

This occurs when the eye muscles do not work together as a team to not only cause a physical misdirection, but it can negatively impact the neurodevelopment of the child. As each eye points in different directions, the visual component of the brain is receiving two different images and unable to integrate them together. Most of the time, the brain may start to ignore the signal from one eye to decrease this confusion resulting in and contributing to amblyopia (lazy eye)

Strabismus typically does not improve so it must be identified and treated as soon as possible. Treatments include prescription spectacles, prism therapy, vision therapy, and in some severe cases, surgery.

Question 13

Refractive Error (Prescription)

Accepted Answer

In addition to binocular vision and visual development, your optometrists at Trifecta Optometry will be testing for the presence of a refractive error - myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. We ensure that your child is within a normative value for their age and that the changes seen are at an acceptable rate for their age.

Should there be an abnormality, it is correctable with spectacles glasses and/or conventional contact lenses (when they are old enough).

Question 14

Eye Tracking & Reading Challenges (Accommodation)

Accepted Answer

Eye tracking is a deficiency in the coordination of the eyes either with an inaccuracy in the gaze position or the motion of the eye relative to the head. It can negatively impact the child's academic and athletic performance as well as general day to day activities. Tracking challenges can cause blurry vision, fatigue, concentration issues, and at times dizziness.

Accommodation is the ability of the visual system to focus during prolonged times of near work as well as the ease of which one can change focus when viewing an object that is nearby and distant.

Treatments include vision therapy to train the visual system to work together more efficiently and effortlessly.

CHILDRENS EYE EXAMINATION

EYE EXAMS FOR KIDS

INFANTS

PRE SCHOOLERS

SCHOOL AGED: CHILDREN AND YOUTH

MOST COMMON EYE CONDITIONS AMONG ADULTS AND SENIORS