Our Toronto Eye Care doctors have a tremendous wealth of combined patient experience and in the following Q&A have graciously shared their views on current eye care questions.

Question for Dr. Mira Acs:

Is there anything special that I need to do keep my eyes healthy or protect them?

Dr. Acs’ Answer: In these stressful and turbulent times it is easy to get overwhelmed with health information, so we all need reminders about the important, but ordinary steps we have to take to keep our eyes healthy. Our eyes don’t work in isolation from the rest of our body, so these same steps are actually for over all, general good health.

1. Eat Well – Everything begins and ends with what you put in your mouth, so what should be on your plate are leafy green vegetables, vegetables of all colours, salmon, tuna and other oily fish, meat, eggs, nuts ,beans and other non meat protein sources, whole grains of all types, berries of all types and citrus fruits. The nutrients from these foods might help ward off age related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. Eating well and being active lowers your odds of obesity and related diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

2. Don’t Smoke – Smoking is actually not good for anything, especially not your lungs, but it makes you more likely to get cataracts and macular degeneration, among many other medical problems. Smoking aggravates uncomfortable dry eyes resulting in more difficulty with focusing and visually demanding tasks. If you have never smoked, do not start. If you have smoked and quit, give your self a pat on the back, your eyes and lungs thank you. If you’ve tried to quit before only to start again, keep at it, you will succeed.

3. Wear sunglasses – Protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays which contribute to development of cataracts and macular degeneration and even skin cancer on eyelids. Choose a pair of shades that blocks 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help protect your eyes from the side and polarized lenses reduce glare while you drive, boat or ski. If you wear contact lenses with UV protection it is still a good idea to wear sunglasses for an extra layer of protection. Hats block exposure to UV as well. Yes we need the sun to get Vitamin D, we get it through our skin, we do not have to get it through our pupils.

4. Use Safety Eyewear – Sports, especially racquet sports can lead to eye injury and you should always wear sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses. Be aware of your environment and the hazardous or airborne materials in it. Gardening can expose you to molds and spores in the soil that can irritate your eyes and cause allergic reactions and even infections. Aerosol sprays and paints should always be used with proper eye protection. Many eye injuries occur at home, so be aware of flying debris and hazardous chemicals, even with a simple task like changing an overhead light bulb there is a risk of eye injury.

5. Eye Exams – Everyone needs a regular eye exam; children, adults, seniors, everyone, even if you don’t wear glasses. Ask your doctor how often. Your age and risk factors like diabetes , high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease will determine the frequency.

That’s it, five steps we can all take for healthy eyes.

To book an appointment with Dr. Acs please click here.

Question for Dr. Barbara Caffery:

I am taking great care to protect myself from the COVID-19 virus. My contact lenses are very important to me, but are they safe to use during this pandemic?

Dr. Caffery’s Answer:  You may be wondering about the safety of contact lens wear during the COVID-19 pandemic. As always, we do NOT recommend contact lens use if you are sick and that rule remains in place. Otherwise contact lens wear remains safe IF you:

• Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, and dry hands completely.
• Use daily disposable contact lenses if possible
• If solutions are required, use them appropriately. Specifically, do not top-up or re-use solutions.
• Replace contact lens cases monthly or more frequently. Rinse wipe and air dry contact lens cases every day
• Again, do not wear contact lenses when you are ill

There has been some discussion about the protective value of glasses at this time. Certainly, glasses provide a barrier to directed fluids but they are not a barrier to air born droplets. The only real protection from the virus are goggles and they fit beautifully over contact lenses.

Generally, please try to touch your face as little as possible. If you remove your glasses to clean them, wash your hands as well. Do not touch your eyes after hand washing and lens insertion and, of course, rewash and dry your hands before removing your contact lenses.

In general, stay home as much as possible, wash your hands often and be kind to neighbors and your community.

To follow-up with Dr. Caffery please click here.

Question for Dr. Angela Di Marco:

I think I have an eye infection because my eye is red, irritated. I think I may have pink eye. Could it be a sign of COVID-19?

Dr. Di Marco’s Answer: Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that lines the whites of our eyes. Conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by an allergy or infection (viral or bacterial). When caused by a virus, symptoms include teary, red, swollen, slightly itchy eyes with some mucus discharge. Typically, it begins in one eye and then transfers to the other eye within a few days. There is no cure or treatment for a viral conjunctivitis; it merely needs to run its course (2-3 weeks). However, symptoms may be relieved with artificial tears and cold compresses.

Transmission of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, happens when an infected person coughs or sneezes and viral particles are transmitted onto the face or hands and then into the mouth, nose, and sometimes eyes, much like the common cold. If COVID-19 spreads to the eye, it may cause symptoms of a viral conjunctivitis that is otherwise indistinguishable from pink eye caused by the common cold.

As we know, the most commonly noted symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Recent reports suggest that a viral conjunctivitis may be a rare, secondary symptom of the virus. Without the main respiratory symptoms, it is unlikely that a viral conjunctivitis alone is a sign of COVID-19. Nevertheless, if you are concerned and think you may have contracted the novel coronavirus, please call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000. Additionally, if you think you have an eye infection and are unsure of what to do, you may contact our office for a virtual assessment.

In conclusion, to protect your eyes from COVID-19 it is vital that we avoid touching our eyes, especially when we are out of the house, and of course, continue to wash your hands frequently.

To follow-up with Dr. Di Marco please click here.

Question for Dr. Upen Kawale:

Due to COVID-19, I am working remotely and am on my computer a lot more than at work. This seems to be causing eye strain, headaches and dry eye. What would you recommend to solve this problem?

Dr. Kawale’s Answer: As we all do the right thing and stay home and follow proper physical distancing, we are not able to go to the office or live our normal lives. With technology today, many of us can work remotely with computers and conference calling. Some may have a desktop station at home, laptops and/or use their smartphone. Part of using any electronic device is the ergonomics of how you use them, whether sitting at a desk or on a lap.

Today, we live in a digital world and if you are having to lift your head constantly with your progressive lenses to see your monitor, you may be getting neck pain or headaches but there are solutions. I can give you an analogy to better understand this idea. We are all aware that one pair of shoes is not sufficient for every task and we know that you also need special shoes for better performance in sport. For example, you would use soccer cleats in the grass or turf to play soccer and would not use those cleats on a basketball court.

The same applies for vision. Regular progressives transition from your distance prescription at the top of the lens to the reading portion on the bottom, with a very small “mid-range” area for computer in the middle. Generally, this “mid-range” area is a small portion and is only good for quick tasks but many patients who use a computer for many hours in a day would invest in special computer progressive/computer lens glasses that are custom designed by your Toronto Eye Care doctor for your work station needs. Once the proper computer prescription is placed at the top of the lens and the reading at the bottom (no distance in the glasses at all), you will be able to see your computer screen perfectly clear without any head tilt or aches and still be able to read a document from the bottom. Many of our patients say they can’t live without their newly found computer glasses.

During Covid-19, if you don’t have computer glasses, you could try to change the ergonomics of your work station to allow for your regular progressive spectacles to function better. This may not work for all patients but is always worth a try. We recommend that you lower your monitor so that you are looking downward through your progressive lenses at a 20 degree decline angle without lifting your head which should cause the computer screen to become clear enough for your needs. If you can’t lower your screen, you can lift your chair to achieve the same effect and see if that works. Although this solution may not be 100% effective for all, it may work for some.

Here are a few more helpful tips on computer vision syndrome. Remember to blink or use hydrating eye drops to prevent dry eye. Studies show that people blink 60% less while using a computer. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes look away to 20 feet for 20 seconds to give more eye muscles a rest.

To follow-up with Dr. Kawale, please click here.

Question for Dr. Jerry Nolfi:

I received an email from your clinic stating that you were temporarily closed until further notice in order to comply with the social distancing mandate. What do I do if I have an urgent eye care problem?

Dr. Nolfi’s Answer: As health care practitioners we comprehend the seriousness of this pandemic and the potential negative consequences in the community including our temporary closure. It has disrupted our in-person primary care and ultimately delayed the eye care of many of our patients. Thankfully, a majority of these visits could be rescheduled to a future date while a minority required ongoing care that could be arranged by email, phone or video chat. Our busy clinic also dealt with an assortment of daily urgent eye care problems where most required an in person assessment to arrive at a proper diagnosis. Which brings us to the question above – what If I have an urgent eye care problem now that your clinic is closed?

Let me first define what is considered the most common urgent eye care problems:

• sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
• missing or distorted vision in one or both eyes
• intermittent flashing lights followed by floating spots, lines, cobwebs, spider-like objects in your vision
• eye pain or increasing pain associated with any other eye or physical symptoms
• eye infection with pain, discharge, blurred vision and/or increased sensitivity to light
• or any other eye symptom that you feel is abnormal for you

What do you do if you feel you have an urgent eye care problem?

• please contact us immediately by phone (416) 966-1955 and/or email us at URGENT EYE CARE
• one of our doctors will review your case and communicate with you to determine if an in-person urgent eye care visit at our clinic is necessary
• DO NOT go to the emergency room until you have communicated with one of our doctors and are advised to do so

In conclusion, please do not be concerned about eye care access during this challenging time especially if you have a pressing eye health issue. We will always do our best to help you with any urgent eye care problem. Stay healthy and be safe.

To follow-up with Dr. Nolfi, please click here.

Toronto Eye Care | info@torontoeyecare.com | 416-966-1955 | torontoeyecare.com

Please feel free to browse our online shop and remember all our eye care products will be direct delivered to your address of choice.

Stay healthy and be safe!

At Toronto Eye Care, your eye health, safety and eye care access are always our top priorities especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of our patients have contacted our clinic since our temporary shutdown and have expressed kind words of support and appreciation. Thank you from all of us at Toronto Eye Care.

Additionally, many of you are concerned about your contact lens supply or the availability of ordering contact lenses. Let me reassure all of you that we are still processing contact lens orders and having them sent by direct delivery courier. If you need contact lenses or you want to stock up, please feel free to order as follows

How To Order Contact Lenses?

• On Our Web Site (NEW FEATURE)
  • Click Order Contact Lenses
  • Order, pay by credit card and receive them by direct delivery courier
  • for now, only Johnson & Johnson, Alcon and Bausch & Lomb products (Acuvue, Dailies, and BioTrue

• By Email
  • email us at Order Contact Lenses with a detailed message and we will get back you to as soon as possible

• By Phone
  • call us at (416) 966-1955 and leave us a detailed message and we will get back to you as soon as possible

We remind all our patients to follow the strictest hygiene routines with your contact lens care regimens

At Toronto Eye Care, the health and safety of our patient community is, and always will be, our top priority. Accordingly, our clinic will be temporarily CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE to comply with the preventative social distancing policies mandated by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, our regulatory College and all levels of public health and government.

What Do I do If I Need Eye Care Services?

During this social distancing shutdown period, please be advised as follows:

• our doctors and staff are working remotely and will help you

• Appointment Rescheduling:
  • we will do our best to accommodate all your appointment rescheduling requests

• Eyeglasses:
  • please call (416) 966-1955 or email us at info@torontoeyecare.com

• Contact Lenses:
  • patients who would like to re-order contact lenses can do so by phone (416) 966-1955 or by clicking order contact lenses

• Prescription Drug Refills:
  • we will be receiving faxes from pharmacies for drug prescription refill requests and will renew those requests on a case by case basis

• Elective Surgery and Specialist Appointments:
  • the Ministry of Health has cancelled all elective surgery for at least 3 weeks which may affect your cataract surgery times. You will be notified by your eye surgeon of your new surgery time

What if I Have An Urgent Eye Care Problem?

Our medical team will be available for URGENT EYE CARE consultations as follows:

1. By telephone: (416) 966-1955
2. By email: info@torontoeyecare.com

If you initiate an urgent eye care request, please leave a detailed message including your contact information and we will respond as soon as possible.

Please understand that the Ministry of Health has requested that you DO NOT proceed to a local emergency room unless you have been advised to by one of our doctors.

We’re Here For You Throughout This Crisis

We apologize for any inconvenience this shutdown may have caused you and will do our best to accommodate your eye care needs as soon as possible. We will diligently monitor the evolving situation and provide more information should the need arise. We appreciate your patience, understanding and co-operation to ensure the health and safety of our entire clinic community.

Thank you from all of us at Toronto Eye Care.

Manulife Centre , Main Level| 416-966-1955 | www.torontoeyecare.com

During this social distancing shutdown period, please be advised as follows:

• we will do our best to accommodate all your rescheduling requests
• patients who are waiting for eyeglasses or contact lenses will be notified of their status once we reopen
• patients who would like to re-order contact lenses can do so by phone (416) 966-1955 or by clicking order contact lenses
• we will be receiving faxes from pharmacies for drug prescription refill requests and will renew those requests on a case by case basis
• the Ministry of Health has cancelled all elective surgery for 3 weeks which may affect your cataract surgery times. You will be notified by your eye surgeon of your new surgery times

During this social distancing shutdown period, we will be available for URGENT EYE CARE consultations as follows:

1. By telephone: (416) 966-1955
2. By email: info@torontoeyecare.com

If you initiate an urgent eye care request, please leave a detailed message including your contact information and we will respond as soon as possible. Please understand that the Ministry of Health has requested that you DO NOT proceed to a local emergency room unless you have been advised to by one of our doctors.

We apologize for any inconvenience this shutdown may have caused you and will do our best to accommodate your eye care needs as soon as possible. We will diligently monitor the evolving situation and provide more information should the need arise. We appreciate your patience, understanding and co-operation to ensure the health and safety of our entire clinic community.

Thank you from all of us at Toronto Eye Care.

In 1997, we seized an opportunity to move into the Manulife Centre and built our second clinic across from Valu-Mart (now Bloor Market). Technological progress was reflective of this time and we invested heavily in innovative diagnostic technology, computer networking and even access to the nascent Internet. All of these efforts and investments were intended to maximize patient care and service while improving internal workflow and process. More importantly, we made our best investments in people when several of our local colleagues decided to join our practice: 2002 – Dr. Denis File (retired) and Dr. Mira Acs; Dr. Margann Pierson – 2007 to 2008 (relocated); 2012 – Dr. Barbara Caffery; and 2014 – Dr. Angela Di Marco. Each in their own special way made an immediate positive impact on our practice culture while making immeasurable contributions to excellence in patient care. Eventually, we outgrew our premises of over 20 years and moved in January 2018 into our stunning, new modern clinic on the Main Level in the Manulife Centre. We will never forget that special clinic on the Concourse level and will forever remember its monumental contribution to our practice.

Over these 25 years, we have been incredibly blessed to work with some of the finest colleagues, opticians, technicians, and receptionists. Our excellence in eye care would not be possible without the dedicated effort and innate altruism of these wonderful professionals. They truly nurtured and lived our patient-centric culture which made daily health care practice a welcome joy rather than a dutiful grind. We wanted to gratefully acknowledge their tireless effort and express our sincerest gratitude for their dedicated professionalism and genuine regard for patient care.

After 25 years of many meaningful and rewarding patient interactions, we would like to express our extreme gratitude for all the wonderful support, endless kindness, and genuine loyalty from all of our patients. You are truly some of the finest people we know.

A very big thank you from all of us at Toronto Eye Care.

Best Regards,

Dr. Jerry Nolfi, Dr. Upen Kawale & the Toronto Eye Care Team

Manulife Centre | 416-966-1955 | www.torontoeyecare.com

The is why we put together this Optometrist Toronto Guide: How to Choose an Eye Doctor for you.

There are different types of eye care specialists, so choosing the right medical professional for you can seem confusing.

Luckily, we’re here to help point you in the right direction and get you started on your journey in securing a lifetime of great vision.

What’s the Difference Between an Optometrist, Ophthalmologist and Optician?

Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, and Optician. The different titles can be confusing. So, how do you determine the eye health professional who you should be going to see in the first place?

What is an Optometrist?

In Canada, an optometrist is an eye doctor who has earned a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree which requires seven to eight years of post-secondary education to obtain this highly specialized professional designation.

Optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and visual system. Eye doctors provide comprehensive vision and eye care, which includes dispensing and refraction, detection, diagnosis and management of eye disease, and visual system conditions rehabilitation.

Optometrists are clinically trained and licensed to provide primary eye care.  In Ontario, licensing is with the College of Optometrists of Ontario.

Video Source: Canadian Association of Optometrists & Dr. Lori Jaffary of Focus Optometry

There are some things your Toronto Optometrist will check for during your office visit.

• Expect to have an eye exam. The exam allows your Optometrist to assess and diagnose any disorders of the eye or visual systems. Your doc will be checking for common issues such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
• If you have any pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, your Optometrist will co-manage related symptoms that may be affecting the current state of your eye health.
• During your exam, you may be prescribed medication or receive referrals to secondary specialists. The appointment will also serve as a chance to receive prescription eyewear ranging from glasses, safety glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses.

What is an Ophthalmologist?

Ophthalmologists are both eye disease specialists and surgeons. Training for this specialization includes a Bachelor’s degree, four years of medical school from an accredited university, as well as a hospital residency in medical and surgical care. Patients usually need a referral from an Optometrist before being seen by an Ophthalmologist.

What is an Optician?

You will usually see Opticians working in customer service roles. They are the people you will meet when you are ready to receive any prescribed visual aids like glasses and contact lenses. Opticians go through college-level training to be able to be able to provide and dispense optical aids.  They do not diagnose eye conditions and do not prescribe treatment.

Get Referrals

Once you’ve determined that you would like to receive care from an Optometrist, the next step is to figure out how to locate an eye doctor.

Other Medical Professionals

Ask your primary care physician or your child’s paediatrician if there are any well-respected eye clinics you should seek out. It is great to get a firsthand opinion from individuals who are involved in the medical practice field. If there are any pre-existing conditions, this will also give the physician a chance to refer an Optometrist that may specialize in specific areas.

Family, Friends, and Co-Workers

Think about how many people you interact with daily who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. If they have these prescription vision aids, that means they’ve seen an eye doctor, so go ahead and ask them for a referral! Your friend may have an Optometrist that they’ve been going to for years and may even offer to stop by the office with you to make a soft introduction.

Research Professional Organizations

There are many tools online that let you search for Optometrists located in your area. Try using this one from The Canadian Association of Optometrists. Many websites allow you to search for an eye doctor by typing in your location and entering in a kilometer radius you are willing to travel.

If you have the last name of a professional you would like to locate, you can search the database of many of these websites to find out contact information as well.

Why Should You See a Toronto Eye Doctor?

You are probably familiar with the importance of receiving annual physicals to stay on top of your health proactively and to catch any possible warning signs early. Taking a proactive approach is the same reason you should be getting your eyes examined annually.

Many people are unaware of how important eye health is in regards to overall health and wellness. Early detection of possible issues can save a lot of pain, time, and money in the long run. Seeing an eye care professional will ensure that your eyes are in tiptop shape and are not negatively impacting your overall health in any way.

A common misconception is that if you are not currently experiencing any problems with your vision, then your eyes must be in perfect condition. No warning signs do not always equal perfect health though. Annual and bi-annual check-ups will help to make sure that your eyes are functioning well and will aid your Optometrist in predicting if there may be any issues that could arise down the road.

You want to deal with any complications that may cause vision loss before anything serious happens. Vision loss often occurs because symptoms have gone unnoticed or unaddressed, and receiving regular check-ups can eliminate the chances of missing key clues into the current state of your eye health.

It is a good idea to find a trusted Optometrist even if you don’t believe you are experiencing any vision issues. You could be experiencing eye strain and not even know it. Additionally, should an issue such as pink eye pop into your life, it is beneficial to have an eye care professional who already knows your background.

Figuring Out What Is Important

Do your homework. Don’t just search the Internet or phone book for the first name you see pop up. You need to look for a professional who is board-certified and who has credentials that are up-to-date. Consider choosing an eye doctor who is actively participating in medical research or educational conferences, as this is a sign that he or she is keeping up with current industry trends and best practices.

Researching into the doctor’s history is important. You can check to see if there have been any malpractice claims filed against your prospective Optometrist. If you find out that his or her license has ever been suspended or revoked, you will probably want to search for another provider.

It is important to select an Optometrist that has the background and training to be able to support your specific vision needs.  If you are experiencing a particular problem that you would like to take corrective action on, find an eye doctor who has specialized training dealing with that specific disease or malady.

Make sure that you are selecting a doctor that offers a broad range of services that will be able to meet your needs. For example, if you are interested in finding out more information about laser eye surgery Toronto, you will want to select a professional who has years of knowledge and experience caring for patients who have undergone this treatment.

Considerations Choosing the Right Toronto Eye Clinic

First impressions are important, so pay close attention to your interactions with a prospective Toronto eye clinic practice right from the beginning.

When you called to make your initial appointment, was your call promptly picked up?

Did the office staff seem knowledgeable?

Keep availability in mind.

Do you need an office that is open on the weekends or late on the weekdays?

Be sure to ask how long you will have to wait before your first exam.

When you first walk into a Toronto eye clinic, pay attention to whether it looks well taken care of and organized.  Were the staff members timely? Did they collect all of the appropriate information needed?

These small signs can serve as a quick preview of what it could be like should an emergency arise, and you need to be able to be in contact with your eye doctor immediately.

In any medical setting, cleanliness is essential.  How tidy the practice appears to be is a good indicator as to how much the Optometrist and staff value hygiene and infection control. Also pay close attention to the literature, signage, and material goods offered by the office. These pieces can clue you in as to whether your prospective provider is keeping up with the trends and guidelines within the eye care industry.

Research Toronto Optometrist reviews online. For any negative reviews, you may come across, be sure to evaluate if the complaints listed are matters of contention that are important to you.  Obviously, what one person likes another may dislike, so be sure to form your own opinions and be thoughtful when reading reviews from people who are unfamiliar.

Try not to be persuaded by age. Many variables come into play, and age may have nothing to do with the amount of specialization, research, and communication skills offered by the doctor.

Evaluate whether you should be seeing an Optometrist with experience in a particular segment of eye care. While general eye care may be all that you are looking for, it could also be beneficial to seek out an eye doctor who specializes in specific conditions or even behavioural areas.

Choosing an Optometrist for Your Child

Many eye doctors recommend that children begin to get eye exams as early as six months old.  A medical professional should ensure that a baby’s vision is tracking correctly and that there are no signs of eye crossing. The child’s paediatrician can do this basic evaluation.

Paediatricians should also be checking a child’s vision around three years of age and again before the child goes off to school. At such a young age, there is usually not a need for a child to see an Optometrist unless an eye disease or vision issue is present.

As a parent, you are the best advocate for your child, so pay close attention to any abnormalities you might pick up on regarding your son or daughters eyes. If you feel that there may be an issue, be sure to discuss it with your paediatrician. If there seems to be a concern with your child’s vision or eye health, that is when you will want to seek additional help from an Optometrist. When detected early, eye disease can be very treatable.

While there are many factors to consider and to aid you in finding the eye care professional that is right for you, it is important to find an Optometrist that you feel you can connect with and trust. Take the time to do research and determine what you are looking for in an eye care professional, and you are sure to be able to find the right fit for you and your family.

How to Find the Best Optometrist and Choose the Best Eye Doctor Near Me in Toronto

Helpful Resources About Optometry and Optometrist in Ontario, Canada

Optometry in Wikipedia
Accreditation Council on Optometric Education
The University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science
School of Optometry – University of Montreal
Canadian Examiners in Optometry
College of Optometrists of Ontario
Canadian Association of Optometrists
Ontario Association of Optometrists

Often referred to as “rainbow vision,” seeing rainbow halos around lights is a normal response to bright lights. But it can also indicate an eye and vision problem with how light is filtering into the eye and is something to bring to the attention of your Toronto eye doctor.

Light is made up of different colors, but because the rays focus on a single point, you can’t distinguish them. Thus, when you see halos around lights, it may mean that scattering of light is occurring in the cornea or lens of the eye.

What Causes Rainbow Halos Around Lights?

Colorful lights in your line of vision are caused by a variety of different factors.

This symptom is common after sustained bright sunlight exposure, or even from camera flashes. In these cases, the problem is usually temporary and resolves on its own within a few hours or up to two days.

Other causes may include:

Cataracts: Normally, the lens at the front of the eye is clear, allowing light to easily pass through. A cataract clouds the lens, which blurs the vision and affects the way your eyes take in light. Halos and sensitivity to lights at night are common symptoms of cataracts.

Diabetes: Over time, too much sugar in the blood can damage the blood vessels and nerves in your eyes, making you more likely to have night vision problems.

Retinitis pigmentosa: This rare genetic disorder causes a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina. Difficulty seeing at night is one of the earliest symptoms.

Eye Procedures: Eye procedures such as Radial Keratotomy, Penetrating Keratoplasty, or laser procedures such as LASIK may cause night vision problems, including rainbow vision.

Common eye problems: Common eye conditions may be to blame for the rainbow halos you see around lights.

Eye conditions that can cause rainbow vision include:

• Nearsightedness – hard to see things far away
• Farsightedness – hard to see things up close due to the shape of your eye
• Presbyopia – farsightedness due to aging
• Astigmatism – blurry vision due to the irregular shape of the cornea or lens of the eye

Nutritional deficiency: Both vitamin A and zinc deficiency have been linked to problems in night vision. To get your vitamin A, eat lots of carrots and leafy greens. Great sources of zinc include red meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, nuts, and beans.

Video Source: Canadian Association of Optometrists

How Do I Treat Rainbow Vision?

There are some simple steps you can take to protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses during the day, use your vehicle’s visor to keep direct sunlight out of your eyes, and keep the flash off of your camera.

While these steps can help, they are not a cure. It’s important to consult your Toronto optometrist should you experience any of these symptoms.

Along with rainbows and halos disrupting your eyesight, if you experience sudden blurry vision and eye pain, seek medical attention immediately. This symptom could be an indicator of an episode of glaucoma, which can cause blindness if not treated.

Your optometrist is expertly trained

It is very important that a first examination by an optometrist is comprehensive and involves a series of crucial tests which may last up to 60 minutes

During your visit, you can expect your optometrist to do the following, as indicated by your own unique needs and situation:

• Take a comprehensive case history
• Examine your eyes for risk factors and signs of ocular diseases
• Measure various aspects of your vision, such as peripheral vision, eye movements, ability to focus and see colours/depth, and sharpness of vision
• Provide a prescription for vision correction
• Recommend the right kind of glasses or contact lenses
• Recommend prescription or over-the-counter eye drops, eye exercises, diet, supplements, or other forms of therapy
• Refer you to a specialist for certain kinds of medications and/or surgery

Clearly, seeing the optometrist is about so much more than just updating your prescription!

How to take an active role in your visit to the optometrist

Visiting the eye doctor isn’t about sitting passively through an exam; patients who participate actively in the process generally experience better vision care outcomes. If you have a specific complaint such as blurry vision, be up front and clearly communicate your concerns like myopia or macular degeneration.. Even if you are simply coming in to make sure that your eyes are healthy, be prepared to discuss your medical history and any medications you may be taking, as some medications can affect vision.

Along with any existing eyewear, it’s a good idea to bring in the name and telephone number of any previous optometrists or ophthalmologists, so that records may be transferred if necessary. If possible, have a family member or friend accompany you so you can a) remember to ask all your questions b) take note of any treatment protocols, advice or explanations the optometrist has for you during the visit and c) assist you going home when your pupils are dilated.

If you are currently without an optometrist or are being more proactive about your eye care, we welcome you to call us for a comprehensive eye exam and take charge of your eye health today!