Winter can be tough on your eyes. Cold outdoor air, dry indoor heating, shorter days, and increased screen time all combine to make eyes feel drier, more irritated, and more tired than usual. Many patients notice symptoms like redness, itchiness, burning, watery eyes, glare sensitivity, or fluctuating vision during the winter months. These issues can affect anyone, even those without existing vision problems.

Understanding how winter impacts your eyes and knowing what you can do about it can go a long way toward maintaining comfort and protecting your vision throughout the season.

Why Winter Challenges Your Eyes

Winter creates a perfect storm for eye discomfort. Cold air holds less moisture, and indoor heating systems further reduce humidity levels. At the same time, we tend to spend more time indoors looking at digital screens, often blinking less than normal. Together, these factors make eyes more vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and strain.

Dryness And Irritation

Low humidity is one of the biggest culprits behind winter eye discomfort. Dry air causes tears to evaporate more quickly, leaving eyes feeling scratchy, gritty, or sore. Cold winds outdoors can intensify this effect, while indoor heating systems further strip moisture from the air.

Increased screen time worsens dryness, as people blink less when using digital devices. This can lead to burning sensations, blurred vision, and eye fatigue.

What helps: Using a humidifier indoors, taking regular screen breaks, and applying preservative-free artificial tears can help maintain moisture and comfort.

Redness And Sensitivity

Winter conditions can trigger redness and irritation, especially for those sensitive to dust, mold, or dry air. Cold temperatures can cause blood vessels in the eyes to dilate, making redness more noticeable and discomfort more pronounced.

Lubricating eye drops can help soothe irritation and reduce inflammation caused by harsh environmental conditions.

Excessive Tearing

It may seem counterintuitive, but dry eyes can sometimes cause excessive tearing. This happens when the eyes produce reflex tears in response to irritation. These watery tears do not provide lasting moisture and can blur vision or interfere with daily activities.

Keeping eyelids clean, avoiding eye rubbing, and protecting eyes from wind can help reduce reflex tearing.

Winter Glare And UV Exposure

Snow and ice reflect a significant amount of sunlight; up to 80 percent of UV rays, creating intense glare. This can lead to eye strain, headaches, and temporary vision discomfort. In severe cases, it may cause photokeratitis, often referred to as “snow blindness.”

Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection is essential during winter, even on cloudy days. Wraparound styles or larger frames offer added protection from wind and reflected light.

Creating Your Winter Eye Shield

A few simple habits and tools can help protect your eyes all winter long.

Essential winter eye care items include:

• Artificial tears to relieve dryness
• A humidifier to improve indoor air quality
• Sunglasses with full UV protection
• Wraparound eyewear or goggles for outdoor activities
• Eyelid cleansing pads or gentle lid hygiene routines
• Hats with brims for additional sun protection

Consistency with annual eye exams is also important. Winter symptoms can sometimes mask underlying eye conditions that benefit from early detection and treatment.

Indoor Comfort Tips

Indoor heating dries the air quickly, which can worsen eye discomfort. Aim to keep indoor humidity between 40 and 60 percent using a humidifier. Avoid irritants like smoke and dust, and clean surfaces regularly.

Screen use tends to increase during winter months. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps relax eye muscles and encourages blinking.

Outdoor Protection Matters

Cold wind and bright winter light can increase eye sensitivity. Sunglasses or goggles with UV protection help shield eyes from glare, wind, and debris. Wraparound frames provide the best coverage, especially during winter sports or long walks outdoors.

Scheduling outdoor activities earlier or later in the day and wearing a brimmed hat can further reduce glare and UV exposure.

Daily Habits That Support Eye Health

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining healthy tear production. Drinking enough water throughout the day supports eye moisture and comfort.

Gentle eyelid cleaning with a warm, damp cloth can remove debris and reduce irritation. Reducing screen brightness, adjusting text size, and using blue light filters can also help minimize digital eye strain.

Nutrition And Eye Health

Winter diets often lack fresh fruits and vegetables, which can affect eye health. Nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin play an important role in maintaining vision and reducing dryness.

Including foods like leafy greens, carrots, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish can help support eye health throughout the season. Supplements may help when dietary intake is limited, but hydration remains just as important.

When To See An Eye Care Professional

Mild dryness or irritation is common in winter, but persistent symptoms should not be ignored. Ongoing discomfort, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or eye pain may indicate conditions such as dry eye disease, infection, or other underlying issues.

If over-the-counter drops are not providing relief, a professional eye exam can identify the cause and recommend targeted treatments. Annual eye exams are also essential for detecting conditions like glaucoma or early diabetic eye changes, which often develop without noticeable symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Winter brings unique challenges for your eyes, from dry air and cold winds to glare and increased screen time. Small, consistent steps such as using artificial tears, wearing UV-protective eyewear, managing screen habits, and staying hydrated can make a meaningful difference.

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t rely on “toughing it out.” Early care and professional guidance can help prevent minor discomfort from becoming a bigger issue. Book an eye exam with Dr. D’Orio to keep your vision comfortable and protected all season long. Call us at Toronto: 416-656-2020 | North York: 416-661-5555 or book an appointment https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment

The post How Winter Weather Affects Your Eyes And Vision (And What You Can Do About It) appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.

What Is Keratitis?

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye and plays a major role in focusing vision. When the cornea becomes inflamed, it can cause symptoms ranging from mild irritation and redness to severe pain and blurred vision. In more serious cases, keratitis can threaten your eyesight and even lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

The condition can affect one or both eyes and isn’t limited by age, race, or lifestyle—it can happen to anyone. While mild cases might just be bothersome, moderate to severe keratitis can cause lasting damage. Contact lens wearers face a higher risk, as do individuals with weakened immune systems or those frequently exposed to dry, dusty environments. 

Spotting Keratitis Symptoms Early

Catching keratitis symptoms early can prevent serious complications like corneal scarring or permanent vision loss. In places where dry air, pollution, and contact lens use are common, the risks are higher. Recognizing the signs early gives you the best shot at effective treatment and recovery.

1. Eye Irritation

The first sign of keratitis is often irritation. It may feel like something is stuck in your eye, or like sand or grit is scratching against the surface when you blink. This discomfort can quickly escalate and shouldn’t be ignored.

2. Redness

Red eyes are your body’s alarm bell. When the cornea is inflamed or infected, the blood vessels in the eye dilate, making your eye look red or bloodshot. Redness may appear across the whole white part of the eye or just in one area.

3. Excessive Tearing

Your eyes may start watering more than usual as a defense mechanism. This reflex tearing helps flush out irritants or infection. If the tearing is constant or paired with other symptoms like pain or redness, it’s worth a closer look.

4. Blurred Vision

Any new blurriness in your vision—ghosting, halos, or general haze—can indicate swelling or damage to the cornea. If your vision doesn’t clear with blinking or eye drops, it could be a sign of keratitis, especially if it comes on suddenly.

5. Eye Pain

Pain from keratitis can range from dull aching to sharp, stabbing sensations. Some people also experience a deep discomfort behind the eye. It often worsens with blinking or light exposure and is a key sign that something serious is going on.

6. Light Sensitivity (Photophobia)

Sensitivity to light is another common symptom. Bright environments, even basic indoor lighting, can feel harsh or painful. If you find yourself seeking dark rooms or reaching for sunglasses indoors, it could be photophobia caused by keratitis.

7. Foreign Body Sensation

Many people with keratitis describe the sensation that something is in their eye. Blinking doesn’t relieve it—in fact, it may make it worse. This is typically due to foreign body sensation, or irritation and damage on the corneal surface and should be evaluated.

8. Discharge

Clear, watery discharge may point to a viral cause, while yellow or green discharge suggests a bacterial infection. If the discharge is thick, sticky, or coloured, see an eye doctor as soon as possible—it may be infectious keratitis.

Key Keratitis Risk Factors

While keratitis may present in various ways, several factors increase your risk of developing keratitis. Understanding these risk factors can help you better protect your eyes and stay one step ahead of danger. Some of these risks are due to personal behaviour or medical conditions, while others are environmental factors.

1. Contact Lens Wear

Wearing contact lenses poses one of the greatest dangers for keratitis. Many cases of microbial keratitis trace their origins to contact lens wear. Not cleaning lenses well or wearing them too long can let bacteria, fungi, or even Acanthamoeba get in and cause infection.

Not changing lenses as prescribed or storing lenses in tap water instead of disinfecting solution increases the danger too. Cleaning daily, using new solution each time, and replacing lenses on schedule as directed are all important steps that keep your eyes safe.

2. Previous Eye Injuries

Whether from a scratch, poke, or even a past surgery, any previous injury to the eye can leave it vulnerable to future infection. Fungal keratitis usually occurs following ocular trauma, particularly when soil or vegetable matter penetrate the eye.

Keep an eye out for changes, regardless of severity, after any eye injury. Even if it appears insignificant, be sure to have it checked out by an eye doctor.

3. Weakened Immune System

Those who may be immunocompromised, such as individuals with diabetes or those taking immune-suppressing medications, are at increased risk. The body’s natural defenses aren’t able to fight off germs as well, allowing infections such as keratitis to take root more easily.

Managing chronic medical conditions and informing your optometrist about them can reduce your risk.

4. Certain Medical Conditions Increase Risk

Certain medical conditions, like an autoimmune disorder, can increase the risk of keratitis symptoms.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is considered the leading etiology of ocular surface disease (OSD). It is found in about 79% of keratitis cases linked to OSD. The use of steroid eye drops can exacerbate the risk, especially with Acanthamoeba keratitis. Annual eye exams are recommended if you struggle with any of these conditions.

5. Environmental Factors

Living in areas with dry air can leave your eyes feeling dry and more susceptible to infections. Environmental allergens such as pollen can cause eye rubbing and irritation, increasing risk. Using a humidifier and reducing exposure to allergens are two ways to safeguard your eyes.

Conclusion

Keratitis symptoms can appear suddenly and disrupt your everyday life. Whether it is from poor contact lens hygiene, corneal injury, or simply spending too much time outside during a pandemic, people around the world are suffering. Recognizing symptoms like red eyes, blurry vision, and eye pain can allow you to avoid more serious issues by seeking treatment early on.

Be vigilant regarding potential symptoms, listen to your instincts, and be proactive in seeking evaluation if something seems abnormal. If you are experiencing any keratitis symptoms in your eyes, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today. Visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416-656-2020 for our Toronto location, or 416-661-5555 for our North York location.

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Understanding The Technology Behind iTrace

iTrace stands out as an advanced optometric diagnostic system that offers a comprehensive analysis of the eye. It employs state-of-the-art technology to provide detailed insights into various aspects of ocular health. The system’s precision and accuracy make it a valuable tool for eye care professionals.

By combining technologies like corneal topography, wavefront analysis, and autorefraction in one platform, iTrace enables practitioners to gather extensive data efficiently. This consolidated approach enhances the efficiency of diagnostics and treatment planning.

Key Features Of iTrace Technology: Corneal Topography And Wavefront Aberrometry

Corneal Topography

Corneal topography evaluates the cornea’s shape, identifying irregularities crucial for diagnosing conditions like astigmatism or keratoconus. By mapping the cornea’s curvature, it aids in determining the eye’s focusing ability.

iTrace utilizes corneal topography to create detailed maps showing variations in the cornea, assisting optometrists in understanding abnormalities affecting vision quality.

Wavefront Aberrometry

Wavefront aberrometry analyzes how light rays pass through the eye, detecting refractive errors such as myopia or hyperopia. This technology provides a more comprehensive view of vision issues beyond what traditional methods offer.

With wavefront aberrometry, iTrace can precisely measure visual imperfections that impact overall visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.

Improving Patient Care With Advanced Diagnostic Information

Customizing Treatment Plans For Enhanced Patient Care

iTrace offers detailed insights into the eye’s optical properties. The wealth of data provided by iTrace allows optometrists to tailor treatment plans for individual patients. By analyzing advanced diagnostic data from iTrace, healthcare providers can create personalized strategies that leads to higher levels of patient satisfaction and better overall results.

Assessing Lens Dysfunction And IOL Candidacy With iTrace

Evaluating Lens Dysfunction

Since iTrace functions by employing a technique known as ray tracing aberrometry, it also plays a crucial role in assessing various lens dysfunctions like cataracts or presbyopia. For cataracts, iTrace measures the scattering of light caused by clouding in the eye’s natural lens, providing quantitative data on the severity of the cataract and its impact on vision. While for presbyopia, iTrace analyzes the eye’s ability to focus on near objects. By evaluating changes in the eye’s refractive power, iTrace can identify the degree of presbyopia.

Determining And Selecting IOL Suitability

One significant advantage of iTrace is its ability to assist in determining the suitability of many types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) for patients: Monofocal IOLs, Toric IOLs, Extended Depth-Of-Focus (EDOF) IOLs, and Multifocal IOLs. iTrace assists healthcare professionals in choosing the most appropriate IOL power and design for each patient before cataract surgery. This personalized approach helps eye care professionals make informed decisions regarding treatment options and offers valuable data for ensuring optimal outcomes post-surgery.

Future Of iTrace Implementation

Positive Outcomes Reported

Optometrists have seen positive outcomes after implementing iTrace in their practices. They note improved diagnostic accuracy and better treatment planning.

Patients, too, have benefited from this technology with enhanced visual acuity and fewer postoperative complications.

Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy

The implementation of iTrace has led to a remarkable improvement in diagnostic accuracy for eye conditions. By utilizing advanced technology, eye care professionals can now make more precise assessments for treatment planning.

Furthermore, the increased diagnostic accuracy has translated into higher treatment efficacy rates among patients undergoing optometric procedures. This enhancement in accuracy not only improves patient outcomes but also boosts overall confidence in the effectiveness of treatments involving iTrace.

The iTrace system has revolutionized optometric diagnostics and treatment planning by providing advanced corneal topography and wavefront aberrometry, enabling precise assessment of lens dysfunction and IOL candidacy. This digital technology enhances patient care by offering comprehensive diagnostic information, leading to personalized treatment strategies.

For those in the field of optometry, integrating iTrace into practice promises enhanced diagnostic capabilities and treatment outcomes. Stay at the forefront of innovation by exploring the transformative benefits of iTrace for your patients and practice. Elevate your standards with iTrace today!

Looking to book an eye exam? Make an appointment with Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today to learn about specific treatment plans for your eye condition. Call us at 416 656 2020 for our Toronto location, or 416 661 5555 for our North York location, or book an appointment online at https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/

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How OCT-Angiography Works

Detailed Imaging

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography, also known as OCT-Angiography or OCTA, is a technology that utilizes light waves to create detailed images of blood vessels in the eye. By doing so, it offers non-invasive and high-resolution imaging of both retinal and choroidal vasculature. This advanced imaging technique provides healthcare professionals with intricate details about the blood flow in these critical areas of the eye.

Using motion contrast as its guiding principle, OCT-Angiography can effectively detect blood flow within the eye’s vessels without needing any dye injections or invasive procedures. This makes it a safer and more comfortable option for patients undergoing eye examinations. The changes captured by OCTA are often translated into detailed images that help optometrists diagnose various eye conditions accurately.

Functioning Principles of OCT-Angiography

Interference Pattern

OCT-Angiography relies on the interference pattern created by reflected and reference light beams. This technology captures detailed images of blood vessels in the eye. OCTA measures changes in backscattered light intensity to visualize blood flow within the retina and choroid. By analyzing these variations, it produces high-resolution angiograms that reveal intricate details without using any dye injection.

Depth-Resolved Images

One significant advantage of OCT-Angiography is its ability to generate depth-resolved images. Unlike traditional methods that may require dye injections for contrast enhancement, OCTA provides clear visualization of blood vessels at different depths within the eye. This helps in diagnosing various eye conditions accurately with minimal discomfort for patients. It also enables monitoring disease progression over time effectively.

Benefits Of OCT-Angiography In Eye Care

Early Detection And Monitoring

OCT-Angiography is pivotal in detecting and monitoring ocular diseases promptly. By offering detailed images, it aids in spotting issues like macular degeneration at an early stage. This allows for timely intervention to prevent further vision loss.

OCTA’s ability to provide high-resolution images of the eye’s microvasculature is a game-changer. It offers insights into blood flow patterns, aiding in diagnosing conditions such as diabetic retinopathy with precision. This technology helps optometrists tailor treatment plans effectively based on these intricate details.

Clinical Applications Of OCT-Angiography In Ocular Diseases

Diagnosing and Monitoring Conditions

OCT-Angiography is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring various eye conditions. It plays a crucial role in managing diseases like diabetic retinopathy by providing detailed images of the retinal vasculature. This technology enables healthcare professionals to detect abnormalities early on, before any signs are seen which in doing so allows proper care for provision and prevents vision loss.

Using OCTA helps evaluate other critical eye diseases such as macular degeneration, retinal vascular occlusions, and glaucoma. By visualizing blood flow within the retina and choroid non-invasively, it offers insights into disease progression and response to treatment. For instance, in cases of macular degeneration, OCTA aids in identifying abnormal blood vessel growth beneath the retina that can lead to severe vision impairment if left untreated.

Assessing Neovascularization and Vascular Abnormalities

One significant advantage of employing OCT-Angiography is its ability to assess neovascularization accurately. In conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration or diabetic eye disease where abnormal blood vessels grow uncontrollably, it provides detailed information about their location and extent. Moreover, this technology assists in evaluating vascular abnormalities associated with various eye disorders by offering high-resolution images that guide treatment decisions effectively.

The Future Of OCT-Angiography

Advancements In OCT-Angiography

OCT-Angiography continually evolves to enhance image quality and resolution, allowing for more precise analysis of the eye’s blood vessels. By reducing image artifacts discussed earlier, such as motion or projection artifacts, OCTA can provide clearer and more accurate images. This improvement is crucial for diagnosing various eye conditions promptly.

In the future, advancements in this technology may involve integration of AI, potentially enhancing the ability to identify and address health concerns at earlier stages.

Clinical Applications Expansion

The future holds exciting possibilities for OCT-Angiography beyond optometry. As advancements progress, this non-invasive imaging technique may find applications in other medical fields like dermatology or neurology. In the future, it might be used to visualize skin microvasculature patterns for early melanoma detection or assessing cerebral blood flow dynamics without invasive procedures.

This blog has discussed the world of OCT-Angiography, understanding its inner workings, benefits in eye care, and future potential. With its ability to provide detailed images without dye injection, it stands as a game-changer in diagnosing retinal diseases promptly and accurately.

Now equipped with this knowledge, embrace this technology to elevate your eye care standards and stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of optometry. Keep exploring new horizons in OCTA, for the future holds endless possibilities in revolutionizing how we perceive ocular health.

If you are suffering from an eye emergency or are looking to book an appointment with an optometrist, contact Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today! Call us at 416 656 2020 for our Toronto location, or 416 661 5555 for our North York location.

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1. Astigmatism is Caused by Irregularity in the Cornea

Unlike myopia or hyperopia, with astigmatism you can experience unfocused vision from any distance. This is because for those who suffer from astigmatism, the cornea (the transparent surface of the eye) has a more oblong than spherical shape, similar to a football.

When the cornea is perfectly round, light that enters the eye is focused equally on all planes onto the macula, allowing you to see clearly. An irregularly shaped cornea, however, means that when light enters the eye its rays are focused on different locations within the eye… resulting in blurred vision.

2. There is More than One Type of Astigmatism

While astigmatism can affect vision at any range, there is more than one type of astigmatism, and each affects vision differently. Determining which type you suffer from can help determine the best course of treatment.

Myopic Astigmatism – occurs when corneal irregularity makes one or both ocular axes project in front of the retina, similar to myopia (nearsightedness)

Hyperopic Astigmatism – occurs when one or both of eye’s principal meridians focus light behind the retina, similar to hyperopia (farsightedness)

Mixed Astigmatism – the result of one principal meridian being near-sighted, and the other being far-sighted

3. Astigmatism May Be Genetic

The cause of astigmatism is still unclear, but it is likely that it is a genetic trait, as many people with astigmatism are born with it. An oddly shaped eye, similar to your eye colour, is most likely passed down through the generations. While astigmatism could be caused by eye trauma or injury to the eye, it is more likely that there is nothing you could have done to avoid it! The next time you see your parents, be sure to say “thank you” for your unique eye shape!

4. It is Important to Catch Astigmatism Early

While non-life-threatening, astigmatism symptoms can grow worse over time, especially if the eyes are left uncorrected. While deterioration often occurs quite slowly, you will eventually notice that your vision has declined. It is important to catch symptoms early to avoid deterioration, as well as other complications that could come with astigmatism.

In children, especially, astigmatism can lead to more serious, permanent eye conditions. Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, can develop more easily in children with astigmatism, due to differences in the sharpness of vision between the eyes. Regular eye exams are essential for the early detection of astigmatism, no matter your age.

5. An Optometrist Can Easily Detect Astigmatism

It is often difficult to detect astigmatism on your own, as many symptoms can be easy to miss. The main symptom of astigmatism, blurry vision, can be quite minor and easy to miss. Additionally, accompanying symptoms such as headache and fatigue are common, and could easily be mistaken as a different issue. Daily tasks, such as computer or device use, can cause similar symptoms, and cause you to overlook an astigmatism.

It is important that you remain vigilant when it comes to your eye health and visit your optometrist for regular exams. An optometrist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, measuring your visual acuity by performing several vision tests. Reading near and at a distance, using lenses to test your eyes’ ability to focus will help your optometrist identify any abnormalities in your eye and vision. They will even be able to perform a corneal topography exam to measure other qualities that are unique to your eyes!

6. Astigmatism is Treatable

If you are diagnosed with astigmatism, do not fret; while astigmatism can cause problems with your vision, it is not an eye disease, and will not affect your overall health. Unlike many eye diseases, it is also treatable! Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. The most permanent solution is refractive surgery, as this will reshape your cornea, bringing it a rounder shape allowing increased clarity in your vision. In some cases, if the astigmatism is light, your eye doctor may not recommend corrective lenses at all!

It is important to consult your optometrist to determine whether you have astigmatism, and to determine the proper course of treatment. If you believe that you are suffering from astigmatism, or are having other difficulties with your vision, contact the optometrists at Dr D’Orio Eyecare. To book an appointment visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment or call us at 416 656 2020 for our Toronto location, or 416 661 5555 for North York.

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1. Keep Eyes Protected During Yard Work

Autumn means the end to the growing season, and brings with it the need to rake leaves, prepare garden beds for spring, and complete household tasks before the first snowfall. Keep your eyes protected from any stray leaves, plant matter, or other pieces of debris by wearing protective glasses or goggles. If you are wearing contacts while completing your yard work you should ensure that you disinfect them afterwards. If you notice that your eyes are feeling sore or that you are experiencing foreign body sensation—if your eyes feel gritty or sandy—after completing tasks such as yard work, it is important to see your eye doctor to ensure your eyes are free of debris. Your eye doctor will be able to identify and remove any debris caught in your eye, as well as prescribe treatments to prevent infection or other damage to your eyes.

2. Have a Spooky and Safe Halloween

While October may be “spooky season,” there is nothing spookier than an infected eye! Costume contact lenses and Halloween makeup can create issues for your eyes, and while they may enhance your costume they should be used with caution. Even if you already wear contact lenses regularly, costume lenses can be dangerous as they are not properly fitted to your eyes and may not be properly sanitized before use. Improper contact lens use could cause irritated eyes, or even lead to serious infections. Similarly, costume makeup can enter the eyes causing irritation if not applied and removed properly. If you feel that your costume just wouldn’t be the same without spooky lenses, head to your eye doctor to be fitted for contacts! Lastly ensure that you are taking care around your eyes when applying costume makeup to keep your eyes safe and healthy.

3. Prevent Seasonal Dry Eyes

Colder weather also often means drier air both inside and outside the home. This dry air can lead to dry eyes, which may be accompanied by burning, irritated, red, or even watery eyes. If you are experiencing seasonal dry eyes, you may be able to find relief with artificial tears to keep your eyes moist. Wearing sunglasses will help not only with the sun, but will also shield your eyes from cold dry winds. Portable humidifiers can also help if you find a room in your house is particularly dry. If dry eyes persist, see your eye doctor for proper treatment in order to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable throughout the year.

4. Identify and Treat Fall Allergies

Seasonal allergies are very common in the autumn season, causing red, itchy and even swollen eyes. Pollen, mold, dust, and dander can all affect allergy sufferers during the fall season. One of the largest allergens found in the fall season is ragweed, and many people who are affected by spring allergies may also be susceptible to ragweed. Ragweed pollen can travel exceptionally long distances, so even if you do not see it you may be affected by it! Another common allergen, mold, also becomes more present in the autumn season. Damp ground cover created by fallen leaves is a perfect environment for mold growth, and so allergy sufferers should keep their contact with fallen leaves to a minimum. If you are finding that you are experiencing eye discomfort due to your allergies, you should see your eye doctor as they can prescribe treatment options to provide relief.

5. Keep Your Hands Clean!

Finally, the autumn season not only brings with it cold weather, but it’s prime season for the return of the common cold and flu. In order to prevent not only the spread of colds, but also to prevent eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), you should ensure that you are washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your eyes. Washing your hands regularly with warm water and soap will help to minimize the risk of catching or transmitting any viruses or infections during this time. If you are unable to access a traditional hand wash station, use your sanitizer to keep your hands infection free while on the go… but be especially careful to avoid touching your eyes, as the alcohol content of hand sanitizer means it can cause serious irritation or damage if it comes in contact with your eyes.

With so much to do this autumn season, make sure that you are not missing out by using these tips to keep your eyes safe and healthy. If you have any additional questions about your vision health or feel you are having difficulties with your vision this autumn, the optometry team at Dr. D’Orio Eyecare is here to help. To book an appointment visit drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment or call us at 416 656 2020 for our Toronto location, or 416 661 5555 for North York.

The post 5 Ways to Keep your Eyes Healthy this Autumn appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.

Lazy eye (otherwise known as amblyopia) can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the type, severity of the case, and the age of the patient. In the past, treatment for lazy eye would begin before a person turns 8 years old, however, recent studies show that lazy eye can be treated in everyone, regardless of their age. Though, early diagnosis can lead to a better outcome.

Here’s how optometrists treat lazy eye:

Corrective Eyewear

The first and most effective way to treat lazy eye is to simply correct the vision using corrective eyewear. By ensuring that each eye reaches the highest visual acuity possible, the lazy eye will begin to gain better vision and essentially “get used” to seeing the world clearly.

Vision Therapy

Vision therapy is one of the most highly successful ways of improving visual acuity, binocular vision, reading fluency and depth perception. There are many different types of vision therapy programs that can help lazy eyes with:

• Accommodation (focusing)
• Fixation (visual gaze)
• Saccades (eye jumps)
• Pursuits (eye tracking)
• Spatial skills (eye-hand coordination)
• Binocular vision (the eyes working together)
• Stereopsis (3-D vision)

These vision therapy programs will help the two eyes (the one that is lazy and the one that is functioning properly) work together by creating a deep neurological connection between the two eyes and the brain.

Eye Patching

It involves placing an eye patch over the stronger eye, therefore forcing the lazy eye to work and develop a better connection to the brain. This accommodating work that the lazy eye does will strengthen and recover its vision. Length of treatment is dependent on the age of the person and on how long the lazy eye has been present for.

Although these are the most popular forms of treatment for lazy eye, other treatments include:

• Atropine eye drops (drops put into the strong eye that makes vision blurry, forcing the lazy eye to do extra work. Similar to eye patching method)
• Surgery (the most invasive method and is not always recommended if the eyes are aligned)

If you or your child suffers from lazy eye but don’t know what treatment to go about, call the professionals at Dr. D’Orio Eyecare. As expert optometrists, we can help you achieve comfortable and clear vision. Contact us today at either of our locations to book an appointment.

The post How is Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) Treated? appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.

Here’s why you should drive with sunglasses:

UV Protection

Sunglasses aren’t just meant to help dim the brightness of the world around you. They are also a preventative measure taken to protect your eyes from damaging UV rays, ultraviolet radiation and harsh glares from reflected sunlight. Wearing sunglasses while driving will indeed help you see better, which will make your driving experience easier as well as safer, but it will also help you protect your vision and keep you driving for many more years to come.

Polarization

UV protection offered in most basic model sunglasses doesn’t offer you the best vision quality. Polarized lenses use a filter that helps improve colour contrast and neutralize glare so that you can see better while driving. This will help your eye comfort, response times to things on the road and make you an overall better driver.

Lens Colours

Different coloured lenses can help to adjust your visualization of your surroundings so that certain colours and shapes appear more prominent and distinct than they would be otherwise. For example, rose-coloured glasses help to enhance greys and whites, which can help make snow-covered hills and objects more visible against different coloured backgrounds. For drivers, brown-tinted or grey-tinted lenses are ideal as they cut light intensity without distorting colours.

Seasonal Sunlight

Sunlight differs in intensity during different times of the year. Drivers will find the most difficulty with the bright and blazing sun in the seasons of both summer and winter. Sunglasses, especially polarized and coloured ones, will help to diffuse light and help you see better while on the road.

Choose Quality

Sunglasses are available to purchase almost anywhere; the gas station, the mall, the drugstore, etc. Although it may be tempting to pick up a pair at any of these convenient locations, especially because they are inexpensive, it is our professional recommendation that you consider investing in a quality pair of sunglasses. Quality sunglasses will protect your eyes better than off-the-rack glasses. In addition, off-the-rack glasses cannot be customized to suit your particular needs.

Stay safe while driving and invest in a proper pair of sunglasses today. One investment in a high-quality pair of sunglasses can last up to several years all the while keeping you safe while driving. Call us today at either of our locations to book an appointment: Toronto location (416) 656-2020, North York location (416) 661-5555.

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What is Dark Mode?

Dark mode (or dark theme) is a setting on most smartphone devices that invert a colour scheme, essentially making all backgrounds dark and all texts light. Most devices come with the light mode as the default setting, but you can access dark mode through your phone’s digital display settings if you want to change it up.

Advantages of Dark Mode

Dark mode comes with plenty of advantages that you may not have considered before such as:

• Extended battery life: dark mode can actually save up to 30% more battery throughout the day, which means needing to charge your phone less often. This is extremely handy in public spaces where outlets and chargers may not be readily available.
• Reduced glare: Bright light from light mode can cause an irritating glare. Using dark mode will cut this glare and make it far more comfortable for you to look at your phone.
• Reduced exposure to blue light: Blue light can be extremely damaging to the eyes and can actually interrupt or inhibit sleep cycles. Most optometrists and eye health care professionals advise to avoid blue light as much as possible and to always wear blue light protective lenses.

Is Dark Mode Better for Your Eyes?

Dark mode is definitely far more helpful in terms of comfort in viewing your phone because it is far easier on the eyes than a stark white background.

Unfortunately, dark mode requires our pupils to dilate more in order to take in information in dark mode. When our pupils dilate, our sharpness of vision lessens, making it potentially difficult for some people to see in dark mode. If you have myopia, astigmatism or experience halation (light spreading to create a foggy/blurry appearance), you may have more trouble viewing things on your phone when it is in dark mode.

So, overall, dark mode is better for your eyes, but it may not work for some people. If you don’t know whether you should put your phone in dark mode or if you have certain conditions that would make viewing your phone or other screen devices difficult, visit your optometrist for a checkup. Dr. D’Orio Eyecare, optometrist in Toronto and North York, can help you manage computer eye strain and help you achieve the best vision possible. Call us today at either of our locations to book an appointment: Toronto location (416) 656-2020, North York location (416) 661-5555.

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Causes

Dry eyes occur when tears are not able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes either because they do not produce enough of them or because they are of poor quality. Dry eyes is often caused by dry environments, computer use, reading, schoolwork, and other close viewing situations that require focus for lengthy periods of time.  In this way, you may only experience dry eyes in certain situations/ environments such as on airplanes, in air-conditioned rooms, riding bikes, or looking at screens. 

Different things cause different dry eye symptoms. Environmental stressors such as wind, smoke, and dry air can be causes of increased tear evaporation whereas decreased or poor quality tear production can be caused by aging, medical conditions, side effects of medications, and/or tear duct damage from inflammation. 

Effects

If you experience dry eyes, you may feel:

–      Discomfort

–      Stinging or burning sensations

–      Stringy mucus in or around your eyes

–      Sensitivity to light

–      Eye redness

–      Sensation of having something in your eyes

–      Difficulty wearing contact lenses

–      Difficulty driving at night

–      Watery eyes (the body’s response to irritation of dry eyes, different from tear production)

–      Blurred vision or eye fatigue

–      Itchy eyes

–      Heavy eyes

–      Sore eyes

Prevention

You can prevent the symptoms of dry eyes by:

–      Avoid air blowing into your eyes

–      Adding moisture to the air

–      Wearing wraparound sunglasses or other protective eyewear

–      Taking breaks during long, focused tasks

–      Being aware of your environment

–      Positioning your computer screen below eye level

–      Stop smoking and avoid smoke

–      Use artificial tears regularly

When To See a Doctor

See a doctor if you are suffering from these dry eye symptoms and experiencing extreme discomfort and pain. Your optometrist can help you determine the best way to fix your dry eye problem and/or refer you to a specialist if necessary. 

Don’t struggle through the discomfort of dry eyes. This article and your optometrist can help you understand the condition better in order to get appropriate treatment. If you are looking for an Eye Clinic that prioritizes eye health, call us at one of our locations to book an appointment and we’ll be happy to assist you. 

The post All About Dry Eyes: The Causes, Effects, and Prevention of Dry Eyes appeared first on Best Optometrist in Toronto.