Choosing new glasses can be overwhelming
By Dr. Stephen Taylor, Optometrist
Question: I find the process of choosing new glasses quite overwhelming as there are so many options. Are you able to recommend specific shapes and styles that would work with my features?
Answer: Excellent question! We have a spectacular group of dispensers at our clinic with years of experience fitting patients into the right set of glasses. These professionals keep in mind face shape and size when choosing frame styles. If you feel overwhelmed, they can pick a selection of frames for you to try.
If you would like new glasses (or your Optometrist recommends
them after an exam) you will be introduced to a dispenser who can help you with this process. Sitting down with a dispenser is helpful
to explain your needs and personal style regarding the lens types and frames, compared to online ordering. It is also useful to establish
a comfortable price range with your dispenser, so they have further direction regarding what options to provide. From there, the try- on process begins. Once a frame is chosen, the topic will move to
lenses. A variety of additions can be made to your lenses such as transitions, blue light blockers, and reading power. The dispenser will then take a few measurements such as the distance between
your eyes, so the lenses sit correctly in your new frame. After this,
the hard work is done! The dispenser will put the order in and before you know it, you will have a new pair of glasses that is right for you.
Prescription sunglasses, are they worth it?
By Dr. Stephen Taylor, Optometrist
Question: My friend has been raving about her prescription sunglasses. Are they worth it?
Answer: There are many positives to the pair of sunglasses your friend has. To start, wearing sunglasses is the best way to protect your eyes when outdoors or around town, even when it is not a particularly sunny day. We often think about protecting our skin using sunscreen from ultraviolet (UV) rays, but preserving the health of the eyes is equally as important. Polarized lenses provide 100% UV protection and reduce light glare (by specifically blocking out reflected light). Patients often prefer polarized lenses for driving purposes, outdoor activities, winter events, and water sports. Having prescription sunglasses allows for the best vision and can aid your visual comfort. Doing things such as driving, watching your footing on a hike, or reading a menu at a patio restaurant are made easier when your personalized prescription is in your pair of sunglasses.
Customizing the sunglasses further can come in the forms of anti- scratch coating, lens tints, and more. Some patients may also prefer the benefits of fit-over sunglasses. The name says it all, these larger frames fit over your regular prescription glasses, and provide ample UV protection in all areas, making them ideal for driving. Altogether, an important thing to remember is that UV rays are not just a risk in the summertime when the sun is out. Therefore, finding the right pair of protective sunglasses for all seasons is an excellent idea!
I woke up with a very red and swollen eye, what should I do?
By Dr. Stephen Taylor, Optometrist
Question: I woke up with a very red and swollen eye. It feels like something is in it and is causing me great discomfort. Is it better for me to go to the emergency room or call my Optometrist?
Answer: Like any other injury, sudden eye issues are unfortunately bound to happen sometimes. The first step to take would be contacting your Optometrist’s office and describing your symptoms. From there, they will determine what the best course of action is for you, whether it is coming in for an emergency appointment, a phone consultation, or heading to the hospital’s emergency room. If you do not have an Optometrist, call a nearby clinic anyway and they may be able to assist you immediately or point you in the right direction of care. Seeking help from your general practitioner or a walk-in clinic are options as well. Please have as much information ready as possible (such as symptoms, location, onset, duration, and severity) to provide, as the more they know the better they will be able to help. If you have the ability, being able to send a picture of your eye to your clinic is also helpful.
While waiting for directions or assistance, try to avoid further irritating the area. Often keeping the eye closed or sitting in a dark room can help while waiting. Check with a medical professional before using any medicated eye drops (prescription or over the counter), as some may make the condition worse.
Finding the Right Contact Lens for You
By Dr. Stephen Taylor, Optometrist
Question: I have never worn contact lenses before, but would like to wear them when I am exercising. How do I go about finding the right ones for me?
Answer: Contact lenses are an excellent option for those who requirea prescription, but cannot or do not want to wear glasses. There are many factors that go into a contact lens prescription that make it different than a glasses prescription. The first and most important step is findinga contact lens that fits the eye well. Your Optometrist will take measurements of the front curve of your eye, and then selecta lens to assess whether it fits properly. Afterwards, the power of the prescription will be checked to get you your best vision.
After the proper lens is selected, you will need to undergoa fitting and training session to ensure safe handling of the lens. Proper cleaning and care protocols will also be discussed. For some people, the task of inserting a lens into your eye can be challenging at first, but our team can help make it the easiest and safest experience possible. After the initial fit and training, often a trial pair of lenses will be used to ensure the vision meets your day to day demands. Finally a subsequent visit is set up to ensure everything is meeting expectations, the fit is good and the eye healthy after wearing the lens. If everything looks good, then you’re now a contact lens wearer!
At Mayfair Optometric Clinic we provide a welcoming environment for patients to receive eye exams and pick out the perfect eyewear that works for each individual. Please give us a call to book your appointment with Dr. Peddle, Dr. Genereux, or myself.
Choosing New Glasses, Don't get Overwhelmed
By Dr. Stephen Taylor, Optometrist
Question: I find the process of choosing new glasses quite overwhelming, can you make this process easier?
Answer: Excellent question! Although options for lenses and frames allow for customization like never before, it can also make the process daunting. Our dispensers have years of experience and are up to date on all the latest technologies to ease the process.
While most people think of “frames” when they think about glasses, there are three aspects which are all important: lens design, frame, and fitting. The type of lens that best matches your visual requirements will come from a discussion with your doctor. After the type of lens is recommended, there are specific designs to further personalize them to your individual needs and budget. Lens coatings will also likely be discussed to further improve your vision and eye comfort. Afterwards, it’s time to pick out a frame that looks great! The dispenser will help pick out a frame that highlights facial features and matches your style. Finally, they will ensure that your frame is adjusted and fitting right. Even the best prescription and lens design won’t work if the frame isn’t correctly fit and adjusted properly. After the lens and frames are selected, the dispenser will put the order in and a new personalized pair of glasses will be ready before you know it!
I'm having headaches and difficulty focusing.
By Dr. Stephen Taylor
Question: I transitioned to working from home in the past year and have started having headaches and difficulty focusing. Is there any way to improve this?
Answer: : As more people have spent more time in front of the computer we have seen a marked increase in patients experiencing digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome. People commonly experience symptoms such as eyestrain, watering eyes, blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, and redness. These are often due to a combination of uncorrected prescriptions, poor lighting, glare, improper viewing distance, and poor posture.
The first step in minimizing eye strain is a comprehensive eye examination to determine the exact causes so they can be addressed. If appropriate, glasses will be recommended to correct any refractive error (prescription) as the first step. There are even glasses that are specifically designed for computer use and those can be matched to your personal workstation. Lenses can be further customized with specialized coatings to further improve your vision or aid in your visual comfort.
Additionally, there may be recommendations for the improvement of your eye health, including different options for the management of dry eye, which is often associated with eye strain. Finally, there are environmental adjustments that can be made such as screen settings, workspace set up, lighting, and general ergonomics.
Your Optometrist will be happy to review all of these topics as part of your examination.
Questions about glaucoma
By Dr. Stephen Taylor, Optometrist
Question: My mother was just diagnosed with glaucoma and I am worried I could develop it too. Is there anything I can do to prevent this?
Answer: Glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve,
which can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Unfortunately, once the nerve has been damaged it cannot be repaired. Fortunately, with early detection, we are now very good at preventing damage in the first place. Glaucoma has been called “The Silent Thief of Sight” because there can be no other symptoms, and by the time someone notices vision loss, there is already significant damage to the nerve. The first step in preventing any impact from glaucoma is early detection. At a routine eye examination, your eye doctor can assess many risk factors. These factors include things such as family history, eye pressure, thickness of the front of the eye, and nerve structure, among many others. If glaucoma is suspected, or if enough risk factors are found to determine nerve damage might occur without intervention, then treatment or referral will be recommended. There are many treatment options to lower the risk of nerve damage, although most work by lowering the pressure inside the eye. Early detection is key to minimizing damage and having a routine comprehensive eye examination is the best way to ensure your eyes stay healthy.
Vote For Us!!! 2021 Times Colonist Readers' Choice Awards
At Mayfair Optometric Clinic, we believe everyone deserves to live their lives with Happy Eyes. We will not stop until you are entirely satisfied with the lenses, the frames, the fit, the comfort, the improved vision, the service and the follow up. Mayfair Optometric Clinic will not stop until your eyes are happy!
Use this link to vote for us!!! LINK
Eye Exams After Laser Surgery
By Dr. Stephen Taylor
Question: I had laser surgery a few months ago. Do I still need to get my eyes checked regularly?
Answer: Yes! This is a very common question after having laser vision correction.
Refractive surgery is very effective at minimizing your dependence upon glasses however there are many good reasons to still get your eyes checked regularly.
Think of your eye as a camera. Laser vision correction helps with the focus, but to get a good picture you still need to ensure all of the parts are working. The challenge is that there are a number of eye health conditions that have nothing to do with glasses that if left undiagnosed can result in permanent vision loss. That’s where a comprehensive eye examination comes in -it makes sure all of the parts are working and healthy. This includes checking the complete ocular health for conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. Additionally, there are many conditions of the body
(like diabetes) that show in the eyes themselves, and a routine examination can screen for them as well.
Patients often assume that they will no longer need glasses after laser surgery, which is not always the case. Glasses may still be needed for specific tasks, such as reading, computer use, or night driving. Post-operative visits are a perfect time to discuss any specific visual demands you have, as well as any further questions you have.
At Mayfair Optometric Clinic we provide a welcoming environment for patients to receive eye exams and pick out the perfect eyewear that works for each individual. Please give us a call to book your appointment with Dr. Peddle, Dr. Genereux, or myself.
Live Life with Happy Eyes
By: Dr. Stephen Taylor, Optometrist
Question: My child wants to get colored contact lenses to go with their Halloween costume this year. Are these safe for their eyes?
Answer: Cosmetic contact lenses can be a very exciting way to change a look or complete a costume. However, there are many reasons that a contact lens is considered a medical device. A contact lens that is not fitted or used correctly puts the eye at risk for many potentially serious complications. There are many ways to minimize this risk, including using a material that is safe for the eye, having a contact lens that fits properly, as well as proper use and handling of the contact. A contact made of a quality material will readily allow the front of the eye to breathe. Next, a contact must be fit properly to ensure that it isn’t too tight or loose on the eye. Finally, proper handling is required to minimize the risk of trauma or eye infections. The safest option if you wish to wear decorative contact lenses for Halloween is speaking with your Optometrist. A visit to the Optometrist can help pick out a healthy lens (including coloured options), and ensure the best fit on your eye. Remember to book an appointment early as sometimes it can take multiple attempts for a child to be able to comfortably insert and remove a contact if they’ve never worn one before.