Amblyopia or lazy eye is the failure of the vision to develop in one eye and is not due to a health problem of the eye. The vision cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contacts. Treatment typically includes vision therapy, eyeglasses, contact lenses, or patching. Surgery will not treat amblyopia. The sooner treatment is initiated, the greater the rate of success.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism affects vision at both distance and near. The front surface of the eye (cornea) or the lens inside the eye is irregular in shape causing the light rays entering the eye to come to focus at two different points and result in blurred vision. It is a common refractive error, just like nearsightedness and farsightedness. Eyeglasses and contact lenses are used to correct for astigmatism.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s crystalline lens that usually develops slowly over time. It commonly affects people over 60 years of age but can occur in younger individuals or newborns. Symptoms include blurred vision, glare around lights, and colours appearing less brilliant. The treatment for cataracts is the surgical replacement of the clouded lens with an implant. Following surgery, it is normal to require a change in glasses.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, is the damage to the retina due to leakage from the fine retinal blood vessels. The majority of these changes are symptomless until extreme stages. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control will help decrease the risk of complications. When retinal changes become sight threatening, laser treatment or surgical intervention may be necessary.
Diabetics should be followed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist annually or sooner if recommended.
Dry eye is caused by a lack of tear production or poorly formed tears that do not adhere to the surface of the eye. It can be caused by aging, medications, hormone changes, or environmental conditions. Symptoms include itchy, watery, red, burning eyes or the feeling of something in the eye. Treatment includes artificial tear drops, ointments or plugging of the tear drainage canals of the eye. Nutritional supplements such as Omega-3 and flaxseed have been shown to be effective in the treatment of dry eyes.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye can become elevated damaging the optic nerve and leading to peripheral vision loss. It affects 2-4% of people over 40 years of age and can be hereditary. Often there are no symptoms of this disease. Once diagnosed, glaucoma treatments are highly effective. Prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment or even surgery may be required. If untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss.
Light rays entering the eye focus beyond the retina and cause objects to be blurred at near. If there is a substantial amount of hyperopia, objects in the distance can be blurred as well. Farsightedness is very common among elementary school-age children and a frequent cause of reading and learning difficulties. It is often associated with headaches when reading or working on a computer. Hyperopia is commonly corrected by eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a hereditary condition in which the macula (the part of the retina responsible for sharp reading vision) fails to function efficiently. It is a common cause of impaired reading or detailed vision and is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Macular degeneration is generally age-related. There are two forms of the condition; the less sight threatening dry form and the more sight threatening wet form. Initial signs include blurred reading vision, a weakening of colour vision, distortion or loss of central vision (e.g., a dark spot in the middle of your field of vision), and distortion of lines(appear squiggly).
Treatment of dry form: Although there is no cure, nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of progression. Vitamins based on the Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS 2) and lutein/zeaxanthin have been shown to decrease the risk of progression by 30%. Lifestyle changes such as not smoking, controlling weight and decreasing exposure to UV light will also decrease the risk of progression of the disease. Learn more about Macumira HERE.
Treatment of wet form: The most recent treatment for this form of AMD requires the injection of a drug, anti Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), into the eye which seals the leaking blood vessels and stops the leakage of blood and fluid into the retina. The treatment is repeated every 4 to 5 weeks until diagnostic tests indicate that the blood vessels are sealed. This treatment has been shown to halt the deterioration of vision in the majority of patients, and to have improved the vision in some. The vision will not be restored to normal. It is possible that leakage will begin again, and then another cycle of treatments will be required.
Light rays entering the eye focus in front of the retina and cause objects in the distance to be blurred while near vision is usually clear. Myopia is corrected by eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Post Vitreous Detachment (PVD)
A PVD is due to the separation of the vitreous gel from the retina. Symptoms are flashes of light and floaters. When a patient has experienced a PVD, they are at a higher risk of a retinal detachment. Therefore, a thorough dilated fundus exam is recommended to rule out any retinal involvement.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is a condition in which the eye can no longer accommodate or focus objects up close to the point where near vision becomes blurred. Presbyopia usually starts between the ages of 38 and 45. People with presbyopia will hold print further away, tilt the paper or increase the light in order to read better. Presbyopia is treated by reading glasses, bifocals, or contacts.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from the underlying tissues of the eye. Most detachments are due to a retinal tear, break, or hole. There is a higher rate of incidence in the highly myopic patient. Symptoms include flashing lights, increase in spots or floaters, or vision loss often described as a shadow or curtain affecting any part of the vision. If a retinal detachment has occurred, time can be critical, therefore the patient should see a specialist as soon as possible. The sooner the retina is reattached, the better the chance of recovering vision.
Spots & Floaters
Spots and floaters are tiny flecks or threads, which appear to float in front of your eyes. They are experienced by most people. They are often caused by particles of protein trapped in the fluid inside the eye, or by the deterioration of the fluid due to advancing age.
Occasionally floaters are the result of certain eye diseases or injuries, or they may signal the development of more serious conditions such as retinal detachment. They are usually harmless, but those experiencing a sudden change or increase in spots and floaters or flashes of light should consult their eye doctor.
Strabismus
Strabismus or “crossed eyes” is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other. One or both eyes may turn in (esotropia), out (exotropia), up (hypertropia) or down (hypotropia). Treatment may include the use of eyeglasses, prisms and/or vision therapy. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed.
Styes
A stye is a red tender bump on the eyelid that is caused by an acute infection of the glands of the eyelid. Its appearance can vary somewhat, but it is harmless to your vision. Symptoms include a noticeable swelling with some discomfort and tenderness in the affected area.
Most styes heal without treatment, although the application of hot compresses can help. Unlike a pimple, however, styes cannot be manually ruptured and drained. Antibiotic ointments are available for recurring cases.
Dr. Kerri Winger and Dr. Melissa Robinson are pleased to offer this important library of topics related to vision for our patients. Our
Vision Library provides information and resources related to many issues in eye care. Feel free to browse the categories to learn more about specific areas of interest or
concern. Your doctor is always the best source of information related to your individual eye care and new developments, so be sure to raise any questions or concerns with your
doctor during your appointment.
Legal Disclaimer: All content is provided solely for information and education purposes and should not be considered a substitute
for the advice of an optometrist. Dr. Kerri Winger assume no responsibility or liability arising from any errors or omission or from the use of any information contained
herein.
Amblyopia (Lazy eye)
Amblyopia or lazy eye is the failure of the vision to develop in one eye and is not due to a health problem of the eye. The vision cannot be fully corrected with glasses or contacts. Treatment typically includes vision therapy, eyeglasses, contact lenses, or patching. Surgery will not treat amblyopia. The sooner treatment is initiated, the greater the rate of success.
Astigmatism affects vision at both distance and near. The front surface of the eye (cornea) or the lens inside the eye is irregular in shape causing the light rays entering the eye to come to focus at two different points and result in blurred vision. It is a common refractive error, just like nearsightedness and farsightedness. Eyeglasses and contact lenses are used to correct for astigmatism.
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s crystalline lens that usually develops slowly over time. It commonly affects people over 60 years of age but can occur in younger individuals or newborns. Symptoms include blurred vision, glare around lights, and colours appearing less brilliant. The treatment for cataracts is the surgical replacement of the clouded lens with an implant. Following surgery, it is normal to require a change in glasses.
Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, is the damage to the retina due to leakage from the fine retinal blood vessels. The majority of these changes are symptomless until extreme stages. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control will help decrease the risk of complications. When retinal changes become sight threatening, laser treatment or surgical intervention may be necessary.
Diabetics should be followed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist annually or sooner if recommended.
Dry eye is caused by a lack of tear production or poorly formed tears that do not adhere to the surface of the eye. It can be caused by aging, medications, hormone changes, or environmental conditions. Symptoms include itchy, watery, red, burning eyes or the feeling of something in the eye. Treatment includes artificial tear drops, ointments or plugging of the tear drainage canals of the eye. Nutritional supplements such as Omega-3 and flaxseed have been shown to be effective in the treatment of dry eyes.
Glaucoma is a condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye can become elevated damaging the optic nerve and leading to peripheral vision loss. It affects 2-4% of people over 40 years of age and can be hereditary. Often there are no symptoms of this disease. Once diagnosed, glaucoma treatments are highly effective. Prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment or even surgery may be required. If untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss.
Light rays entering the eye focus beyond the retina and cause objects to be blurred at near. If there is a substantial amount of hyperopia, objects in the distance can be blurred as well. Farsightedness is very common among elementary school-age children and a frequent cause of reading and learning difficulties. It is often associated with headaches when reading or working on a computer. Hyperopia is commonly corrected by eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Macular degeneration is a hereditary condition in which the macula (the part of the retina responsible for sharp reading vision) fails to function efficiently. It is a common cause of impaired reading or detailed vision and is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Macular degeneration is generally age-related. There are two forms of the condition; the less sight threatening dry form and the more sight threatening wet form. Initial signs include blurred reading vision, a weakening of colour vision, distortion or loss of central vision (e.g., a dark spot in the middle of your field of vision), and distortion of lines(appear squiggly).
Treatment of dry form: Although there is no cure, nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of progression. Vitamins based on the Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS 2) and lutein/zeaxanthin have been shown to decrease the risk of progression by 30%. Lifestyle changes such as not smoking, controlling weight and decreasing exposure to UV light will also decrease the risk of progression of the disease. Learn more about Macumira HERE.
Treatment of wet form: The most recent treatment for this form of AMD requires the injection of a drug, anti Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), into the eye which seals the leaking blood vessels and stops the leakage of blood and fluid into the retina. The treatment is repeated every 4 to 5 weeks until diagnostic tests indicate that the blood vessels are sealed. This treatment has been shown to halt the deterioration of vision in the majority of patients, and to have improved the vision in some. The vision will not be restored to normal. It is possible that leakage will begin again, and then another cycle of treatments will be required.
Light rays entering the eye focus in front of the retina and cause objects in the distance to be blurred while near vision is usually clear. Myopia is corrected by eyeglasses or contact lenses.
A PVD is due to the separation of the vitreous gel from the retina. Symptoms are flashes of light and floaters. When a patient has experienced a PVD, they are at a higher risk of a retinal detachment. Therefore, a thorough dilated fundus exam is recommended to rule out any retinal involvement.
Presbyopia is a condition in which the eye can no longer accommodate or focus objects up close to the point where near vision becomes blurred. Presbyopia usually starts between the ages of 38 and 45. People with presbyopia will hold print further away, tilt the paper or increase the light in order to read better. Presbyopia is treated by reading glasses, bifocals, or contacts.
Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina from the underlying tissues of the eye. Most detachments are due to a retinal tear, break, or hole. There is a higher rate of incidence in the highly myopic patient. Symptoms include flashing lights, increase in spots or floaters, or vision loss often described as a shadow or curtain affecting any part of the vision. If a retinal detachment has occurred, time can be critical, therefore the patient should see a specialist as soon as possible. The sooner the retina is reattached, the better the chance of recovering vision.
Spots and floaters are tiny flecks or threads, which appear to float in front of your eyes. They are experienced by most people. They are often caused by particles of protein trapped in the fluid inside the eye, or by the deterioration of the fluid due to advancing age.
Occasionally floaters are the result of certain eye diseases or injuries, or they may signal the development of more serious conditions such as retinal detachment. They are usually harmless, but those experiencing a sudden change or increase in spots and floaters or flashes of light should consult their eye doctor.
Strabismus or “crossed eyes” is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other. One or both eyes may turn in (esotropia), out (exotropia), up (hypertropia) or down (hypotropia). Treatment may include the use of eyeglasses, prisms and/or vision therapy. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed.
A stye is a red tender bump on the eyelid that is caused by an acute infection of the glands of the eyelid. Its appearance can vary somewhat, but it is harmless to your vision. Symptoms include a noticeable swelling with some discomfort and tenderness in the affected area.
Most styes heal without treatment, although the application of hot compresses can help. Unlike a pimple, however, styes cannot be manually ruptured and drained. Antibiotic ointments are available for recurring cases.
Optometrists are primary eye care providers who help protect and maintain your vision. They examine eyes, diagnose and treat vision problems and eye diseases, and can prescribe medications, glasses, and contact lenses. They also detect signs of other health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, and work with other healthcare professionals to provide well-rounded care. In addition, optometrists educate patients on how to keep their eyes healthy and contribute to research that advances vision care.
What is the difference between an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, and an optician?
Opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists each play a different role in eye care. Opticians fit and dispense glasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions but do not perform eye exams or diagnose conditions. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who perform eye exams, prescribe corrective lenses, detect and manage eye health issues, and can treat certain conditions. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye diseases and can provide advanced medical and surgical treatment, often seeing patients through referral when more complex care is needed.
What are the Ministry of Transportation vision requirements?
Optometrists are required by law to report to the Ministry of Transportation any patient who does not meet the regulated
requirements for vision. There are no exceptions.
License Classes G (passenger vehicle), M (motorcycle): Visual Acuity of not poorer than 20/50 with both eyes open and examined together. Horizontal
visual field of 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined
together.
License Classes A/AZ (tractor trailer), B (school bus), C (transit bus/motor coach), D (dump truck), E (small school bus), F (ambulance): Visual
Acuity of not poorer than 20/30 with both eyes open and examined together, with the worse eye no poorer than 20/100. Horizontal visual field of 150 continuous
degrees along the horizontal meridian and 20 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.
A waiver program is in place for Class G, G1, G2 applicants and holders who do not meet the horizontal visual field standard.
For more information, you can visit these Websites:
OHIP provides the following coverage for eye exams:
Children up to 19 years of age: One eye examination annually
Adults age 20 to 64 years: As of November 1, 2004, OHIP no longer covers the cost of eye exams for adults unless they have certain conditions which
affect their vision. Examples of these include diabetes, visually significant cataracts, and glaucoma. Other conditions may be determined at the time of your
appointment. Those patients who fall into these categories are allowed one full eye examination annually.
Adults 65 years of age and over (as of September 2023) :
Routine Exam (No specific condition): Covered once every 18 months.
Medical Conditions (Diabetes, Glaucoma, etc.): Covered once every 12 months.
Minor Follow-up Exams: Up to 2 minor assessments covered within the 18 or 12-month period.
Active Conditions: If you have an active or progressive condition (e.g., retinal disease, macular degeneration), you qualify for the annual (12-month) check.
Please see the MOHLTC Website for
more information.
Are my glasses covered by my Insurance Company?
Private insurance coverage is an agreement between the subscriber and the insurance carrier. This may be insurance provided
as an employment benefit or which has been purchased personally. All insurance coverage is not the same and does change from time to time. Optometrist’s offices do
not receive information on the coverage from either the insurance companies or the local employers, and therefore do not know specific benefits or policies. Due to
Federal (PIPEDA) and Provincial privacy legislation, insurance companies will not release to the office basic information such as eligibility dates or available
coverage.
What eye health benefits does 1st Nations provide?
Health Canada provides benefits for 1st Nations through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. This benefit covers
one full eye examination every two years. Any additional appointments may not be covered and the fee will be the responsibility of the patient. These may include
visual fields, contact lens assessments, fundus photography, and emergencies. Let the office know if you are covered by this program when booking your appointment.
We will need your status number to receive prior approval from 1st Nations for your appointment.
There is also limited coverage for glasses through the NIHB program.
1st Nations requires that you use any available private insurance or OHIP coverage before requesting payment through the
NIHB program.
For further information please see the GUIDE TO VISION CARE in the First Nations, Inuit and
Aboriginal Health’s Website.
What eye health benefits do ODSP and Ontario Works provide?
The Ontario Disability Support Plan and Ontario Works cover one full eye examination every two years. Any additional
appointments are not covered and the fee is the responsibility of the patient. These may include visual fields, contact lens assessments, fundus photography, and
emergencies.
Let the office know if you are covered by one of these programs when booking your appointment. You are responsible for
bringing a valid health card and benefit number.
These programs also have some coverage for glasses. The entire cost of the glasses is not usually covered. Please talk to
our dispensary staff or see the ODSP Website for more information.
Do you accept my insurance?
We can direct bill most insurance companies. If you have any questions about your coverage please direct them to your insurance company as they can provide the most up to date and accurate information.
How do I get a New Health Card?
A valid health card is required to obtain OHIP coverage for your eye exam. The new Ontario Health Card is issued with an
expiry date. If your card has expired, is lost or stolen, contact SERVICE
ONTARIO for information on how to renew your health card.
Eye Exams & Appointments
How often should my eyes be checked?
Everyone has different needs for their eyes so it is advised that you follow the specific recommendation of your doctor. In
general, the following guidelines are recommended by our clinic, annually:
Children up to 20 years of age
Contact Lens wearers
Adults with diabetes
Adults with, or at risk of developing, an ocular disease
Adults greater than 64 years of age
Why may I need dilation drops?
Your Optometrist may recommend that drops be used to dilate your pupils during your examination. These drops enable your
doctor to get a better view of the inside of your eyes. Dilation drops allow for a comprehensive retinal examination for patients with high risk backgrounds such as
diabetes, high blood pressure, macular degeneration, and high myopic (nearsighted) prescriptions. Temporary effects of the drops include blurred vision (depending
on your prescription) and light sensitivity which can last 3 to 4 hours on average. Your eyes return to normal once the drops have worn off. Your doctor will decide
how often this type of examination is necessary depending on age, general health and family history. For your safety, we recommend that you bring sunglasses and a
driver to the appointment if you know that your eyes will be dilated.
I see 20/20. Why do I need an eye exam?
A full eye examination includes a check of your eye health (ocular health) as well as your prescription. Many eye diseases
can occur without symptoms, so it is important to have a routine eye exam to screen for potential problems. Some eye diseases include:
Glaucoma
Macular Degeneration
Cataracts
Diabetes
Vascular changes
Retinal Breaks/Tears/Holes/Detachments
Infection/Inflammation
Please browse our vision library for more information on any of the above conditions.
I am pregnant/ breastfeeding. Should I still get my eyes checked?
Yes, sometimes vision can change during pregnancy. This is especially true for patients with certain systemic diseases such as diabetes. You should let
your Optometrist know if you are pregnant or of any complications of your pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes. There are some eye drops which may be used during
your exam. You have the option of opting out of the drops if you do not feel comfortable taking them while pregnant/ breastfeeding.
My contacts feel fine, why do I need an eye exam?
Contacts are a regulated medical device which, if not monitored properly, can result in serious complications to your eye health and vision. Many of
these conditions have no symptoms noticeable to the patient until they reach an extreme stage. Ongoing care (at least annual eye exams) minimizes the long term
risks to your eyes.
How long does an eye exam take?
We generally schedule to allow 30 minutes for an eye exam. If a person has fewer concerns, it may go faster, and if additional tests are required, it could take a bit longer.
How do I book an eye exam?
You can book an exam in several ways. You can fill out our online form on our website, call our office at 905-372-8667, or stop by in person and make an appointment with one of our staff members.
Do you accept walk-ins?
We do not accept walk-ins. You will need to book an appointment in order to be seen by one of our optometrists. We do sometimes have cancellations and can accommodate same day appointments, but they are not always available.
Do you offer emergency eye care?
Our office has a set number of emergency appointments each week. Please call if you are having any urgent issues. If we are unable to accommodate you, we will let you know and you can seek care with another optometrist or visit the emergency room to be referred to an ophthalmologist on call.
Glasses, Contact Lenses & Vision Correction
Glasses can’t improve my vision; what do I do now?
Some people have a decreased visual acuity that cannot be corrected using glasses or contacts. These people are considered
to have low vision. If a person’s visual acuity is less than 20/200 with both eyes open they are considered to be legally blind. The CNIB (Canadian National
Institute for the Blind) offers vision assessments for both the legally blind and those with low vision. They can determine which visual aids (magnifiers/ CCTV /
mobility training etc) can best help you with the tasks you have trouble with because of your vision. It is useful to have an idea of certain tasks you have trouble
with before meeting with the CNIB. (cooking / reading / needlepoint etc). Your Optometrist can help you get signed up and you can meet with the CNIB at one of their
offices, at a community-wide meeting, or within your own home.
For more information about the CNIB, please visit their Website.
The Ontario government offers some funding for low vision devices. The CNIB will determine if you qualify for this service during the vision assessment.
For more information about the Assisted Devices Program, click here.
What are progressive lenses?
Progressive lenses are eyeglass lenses designed to correct vision at multiple distances without visible lines on the lenses. These lenses are designed for people who have a different glasses prescription for near and far.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have an astigmatism?
Yes—you absolutely can. Astigmatism (an irregular shape of the cornea) used to limit contact lens options, but now there are special lenses called toric contact lenses. These are designed to correct the uneven curvature and stay properly aligned on your eye. If you have a higher amount of astigmatism you might require a hard contact lens instead of a soft lens.
Is it OK to buy my contacts or glasses online?
While it may seem more convenient to purchase your contacts or glasses online, there are reasons why it is advisable to
purchase them at an optometrists’ office.
Contacts are a regulated medical device which, if not properly fit and monitored, can result in serious complications to
your eye health and vision. The professional fitting and on-going care provided by your Optometrist minimizes the long term risks to your eyes. Many of these
complications have no symptoms until they reach extreme stages, thus regular appointments are recommended. Patients who purchase their contacts online will be
required to pay an additional fee to have the contact lens fit and vision assessed, or will be asked to remove the contacts before their appointment.
Online retailers of glasses will provide a number of frame and lens options to choose from. It is not always possible to
determine if the frames are from discontinued stock or the lens options provided include the latest advancements. When purchasing glasses, the frame fit, patient’s
prescription, and function of the glasses must be taken into consideration. These services are not available online. Purchasing your glasses from an Optometrist
provides face-to-face guidance on the lens design options, proper fit, and function of the glasses. The optometric assistants are trained in taking the required
measurements for your bifocal or progressive lenses. Continued care and adjustments of your glasses is included when you purchase them at our office.
Eye Conditions & Symptoms
How can I have Dry Eyes if my eyes are watering?
The eyeball is covered by a lubricating tear film which is composed of three layers; MUCUS, WATER, and OIL. These three
layers must be in perfect volume and relationship to work properly. In dry eye syndrome it is common for the water content to be reduced to the point that the mucus
and oil layers mix together. Our body tries to compensate by producing more water, which comes in contact with the defective tear film and runs off, resulting in
excess watering of the eyes. The result is often stringy mucus and symptoms of burning, gritty, sandy eyes with excess tearing. There is no known cure for dry eyes,
but your optometrist will work with you to identify the problem and control the symptoms. There are other causes of watering eyes such as blocked drainage tubes
from the eyelids, therefore you should see your Optometrist to determine the cause.
Why do my eyes hurt after screen time?
Digital eye strain is a common condition caused by prolonged use of screens like computers, tablets, and smartphones. It can lead to symptoms such as tired, dry, or irritated eyes, blurred or double vision, headaches, and even neck or shoulder pain. It often occurs due to factors like screen glare, poor lighting, improper viewing distance, and reduced blinking during screen use. Taking regular breaks (like the 20-20-20 rule), improving your workspace setup, and ensuring your vision is properly corrected can help prevent and reduce symptoms. Your optometrist can also recommend or prescribe treatments for dry eye to improve comfort and keep your eyes healthy.
Can vision problems cause headaches?
Yes, vision problems can cause headaches, but not all headaches are caused by vision problems. If you are having headaches, it is a good choice to have an eye exam to rule out visual causes.
Children’s Eye Care
At what age should a child have their first eye exam?
Our office recommends your child have their first eye exam at six months of age. Preschool children should have at least one eye exam between the ages of two and five.
How do I know if my child needs glasses?
Common signs your child may need glasses include: squinting the eyes, holding head at an angle or closing or covering one eye frequently, rubbing eyes frequently, complaining of headaches or that eyes hurt, sitting to close to the TV or holding handheld devices very close, or having trouble concentrating on school work. Keep in mind that many children with eye problems will not complain at all, because they assume everyone else sees like them too.
Are screen devices harmful to children’s eyes?
Many parents wonder how much screen time is appropriate for young children. While there’s no clear evidence that screens harm eye development, excessive use has been linked to other health concerns, including attention issues, increased risk of obesity, and myopia (nearsightedness), partly due to less outdoor activity.
Experts recommend avoiding screen time for children under 2 (except for video calls), and limiting it to no more than one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5, allowing more time for active play and healthy development.
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the use of the services provided on this site.
JURISDICTION
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the province of Ontario.
Any dispute arising of this Agreement shall be brought before the court in the judicial district of
Lakefront Optometry's head office. Address: 200 Division Street
Cobourg, ON
K9A 3P7; Tel: 905 372-8667.
PUBLISHING FIRM
Lakefront Optometry
200 Division Street
Cobourg, ON
K9A 3P7 Tel: 905 372-8667
Acceptance of the Privacy Policy
Thank you for visiting lakefrontoptometry.com (the “Website”), provided to you by Lakefront Optometry (“We”). We
respect the privacy of every individual who visits the Website and are sensitive to privacy
issues on the Internet. We believe it is important that you know how we deal with information
received about you.
This privacy policy (the “Privacy Policy”) explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect
the personal information of our customers and Website users ("you"), describes the types of
information we may collect from you or that you may provide to us, and our practices for
collecting, using, maintaining, protecting, and disclosing that information. The Website is for
general audiences and is not specifically targeted to or intended for use by children.
We will only use your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy unless
otherwise required by applicable law. We take steps to ensure that the personal information that
we collect about you is adequate, relevant, not excessive, and used for limited purposes.
Privacy laws in Canada generally define "Personal Information" as any information about an
identifiable individual, which includes information that can be used on its own or with other
information to identify, contact, or locate a single person.
By accessing or using the Website, you are accepting the practices described in this Privacy
Policy, and you are consenting to our processing of your information as set out in this Privacy
Policy. We may modify or update this Privacy Policy from time to time; if we change this Privacy
Policy in a manner that materially impacts your privacy rights, we will provide a notice to you.
Your continued use of the Website or our services after any modification to this Privacy Policy
will constitute your acceptance of such modification. However, when required by law, we will
confirm your consent to the revised Privacy Policy terms. This Privacy Policy is incorporated
into and considered a part of the Website Terms and Conditions of Use, located here
What information we collect
We collect and use several types of information from and about you, including:
Personal Information, that we can reasonably use to directly or indirectly
identify you, such as your full name, email address, telephone number and any other
identifier we may use to contact you online or offline.
Non-personal information is information that does not directly or
indirectly reveal your identity or directly relate to an identified individual, such as
demographic information, or statistical or aggregated information. Statistical or aggregated
data does not directly identify a specific person, but we may derive non-personal
statistical or aggregated data from Personal Information. For example, we may aggregate
Personal Information to calculate the percentage of users accessing a specific Website
feature.
How we collect the information
Information You Provide to Us
The information we collect directly from you may include:
Communicating with us: When you contact us about our services or to make other inquiries, we collect the content of those
communications, as well as your full name, email, phone number, and any additional information that allows us to answer your request.
Information We Collect While You Interact With Us Through Cookies and Other Automatic Data
Collection Technologies
We use your information, including your Personal Information, to manage our business and to
maintain and develop commercial relationships with you. We will collect, use, and disclose such
information only to the extent that is necessary for those purposes.
We use information that we collect about you or that you provide to us, including any Personal
Information:
To provide you with information, products, or services that you request from us.
To fulfill the purposes for which you provided the information or that were described when
it was collected, or any other purpose for which you provide it.
To improve the Website, products or services, marketing, or customer relationships and
experiences.
To allow you to participate in interactive features, social media, or similar features on
the Website.
To measure or understand the effectiveness of the advertising we serve to you and others,
and to deliver relevant advertising to you.
In any other way we may describe when you provide the information.
For any other purpose with your consent.
Partnership with Microsoft Clarity and Microsoft Advertising
We may partner with Microsoft Clarity and Microsoft Advertising to capture how you use and interact with our website through behavioral metrics, heatmaps, and session replay to improve and market our products/services. Website usage data is captured using first and third-party cookies and other tracking technologies to determine the popularity of products/services and online activity. Additionally, we use this information for site optimization, fraud/security purposes, and advertising. For more information about how Microsoft collects and uses your data, visit the Microsoft Privacy Statement.
How we share your information
We will not rent or sell your information to third parties without your consent. We only share
your data as specifically provided in this Privacy Policy.
Other Disclosures
In addition to any disclosure you may have consented to or permitted under the terms of this
Privacy Policy, we may transfer your data, including Personal Information to third parties in
the following limited circumstances:
information you expressly consent to be shared;
when relating to anonymized information (individuals cannot be identified by it);
when you decide to make the information indexable by search engines, to share or to
distribute the information to people or otherwise to make it available to the public;
to satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process or enforceable governmental request
within or outside your country of residence when we have a good faith belief that the law
requires it;
to enforce this Privacy Policy, the Terms, or an agreement, including investigation of
potential violations thereof;
to detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, security or technical issues, or protect the
operations or you;
to protect our rights, property or safety as well as yours, the public, or others;
in connection with an acquisition, merger, change in control, debt financing,
reorganization, sales of assets, bankruptcy or other change of our corporate structure or
status; or
as necessary in connection with the performance of requested services or solutions, or as
otherwise appropriate in connection with a legitimate need.
How we store and secure your information
Information Security
We are committed to protecting the confidentiality, integrity, availability and privacy of your Personal Information. We have put appropriate physical, technological and procedural security measures in place designed to help prevent your Personal Information from being lost, used, modified or accessed in an unauthorized way, or improperly disclosed. Examples of such measures include restricted access to offices, training of personnel, using passwords and well-defined internal policies and practices. We also use encryption technology and Secure Socket Layers ("SSL") in all areas of the Website where your personal account information is required.
In addition, we limit access to your Personal Information to those employees, agents, contractors and other third parties who have a business need-to-know. They will be required to process your Personal Information only on our instructions and they are subject to an obligation of confidentiality. Our service providers are required to maintain adequate security protections in place designed to help safeguard your Personal Information and are not permitted to use it for any purpose other than fulfilling services to us.
If you have any questions about securing your personal data, please contact us in accordance with the “How to Contact Us” section below.
Information Retention
We will retain your Personal Information for as long as it is needed:
to provide the products and services that you have requested;
to communicate with you about a purchase or a request you have made to us;
to manage your choices and rights you have exercised pursuant to this Privacy Policy;
to comply with our legal and regulatory obligations and to demonstrate compliance,
to resolve disputes and to enforce our rights and agreements.
We may retain non-personal information that has been sufficiently aggregated or anonymized for a longer period.
Once the retention period is over, we will dispose of your Personal Information as provided for in our internal data retention and disposal policy.
Where We Store Information
We use facilities operated by "Amazon Web Services" and located in Canada as our information storage and processing infrastructure. Our service providers can also, from time to time, store your Personal Information in accordance with purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy.
How to contact us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, you can contact us at 905 372-8667.
Cookie Policy – lakefrontoptometry.com
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are and how we use them. You should read this Policy to
understand what type of cookies we use, the information we collect from the cookies, and how
that
information is managed. For further information on how we handle, store and keep your personal
data
secure, see our Term of use.
What are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files which are stored on the browser or hard drive of your computer or
mobile
device when you visit a webpage or application. A “session cookie” stores temporary information
that
is deleted when you close your web browser or turn off your computer or device. A “persistent
cookie” enables the site to recognize when you return to it and remains stored on your computer
until you delete it. Cookies work to make your experience browsing our site as smooth as
possible by
remembering your preferences the next time you visit the site.
What types of cookies do we use?
There are four variety of cookies which operate on our website:
Essential cookies allow you to be able to experience the full functionality
of
our site. Without these cookies, some parts of our site may not work as they
should.
Performance cookies tell us how you use our site and help us to improve it.
For
example, these cookies count the number of visitors to our website and see how visitors move
around when they are using it. This helps us to improve the way our site works, for example,
by
ensuring that users find what they are looking for easily. The information collected by
these
cookies is anonymous.
Google Analytics is a performance cookie used to track visits to
our
website and user behaviour on site. The data collected is anonymous and is used for
benchmarking purposes to monitor the performance of our site and to measure user
engagement on our site.
Social media cookies from social media sites such as
Facebook, Instagram, and
Pinterest
are used to enable social media buttons on our site to work. Social media buttons
allow
you to share content and interact with your social network. These social media
platform
may set their own cookies on your device. We do not control the settings of these
cookies so we suggest you check the social media website for more information about
their cookies and how to manage them. Our website will not collect or store any
personally identifiable information from the user. To find out how you can opt out
of
accepting these cookies, please visit the cookie policy and privacy policies of the
social media site.
Customizer cookies allow our site to remember your preferences, helping to
customize your experience on our site.
Our customizer cookie, which helps us to manage the technology and cookies which are
used across our site.
Targeting/advertising cookies are set by third party advertising partners
through our digital touchpoints to build profiles based on your interests. These cookies
enable
us to send you relevant content and advertising based on your preferences and track the
effectiveness of our ad campaigns.
Below are several advertising and targeting cookies that are used to identify
different
browsers and devices. They collect data anonymously for the purposes of ad
selection,
reporting, behavioural targeting, and cross-device advertising (i.e. associating
multiple devices together). In some instances, we may provide a hashed version of
your
email address or other information to the platform provider for such proposes. More
information can be found at the following links.
How do you change cookie preferences or block cookies?
Within your browser, you can choose whether you wish to accept cookies or not. Different browsers
make different controls available to you. Generally, your browser will offer you the choice to
accept, refuse or delete cookies at all times, or those from providers that website owners use
i.e.
third party cookies, or those from specific websites. Each browser’s website should contain
instructions on how you can do this.
If you block cookies on our website, you may be unable to access certain areas of our website and
certain functions and pages will not work in the usual way.
Changes to the Cookie Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. If we make significant changes we will let you know
but
please regularly check this Policy to ensure you are aware of the most updated version.
This Cookie Policy was last updated on February 10, 2025.
