Calgary’s dry climate and increased screen time affect our eyes. This makes finding a good eye specialist in Calgary a top priority. How do you find the right one? This post helps sort through your options, including contact lens prescriptions.
From understanding common eye conditions to finding an eye specialist in Calgary and preparing for your appointment, this is your guide. We’ll also decode confusing eye terms.
Finding an Eye Specialist Calgary: What to Look For
Finding the perfect eye specialist in Calgary involves a few factors. Location and Alberta Health Care coverage are often top concerns. A doctor’s credentials, expertise, and patient reviews are also important.
Check their qualifications and what conditions they treat. Contact clinics for a consultation before deciding. Verify if they offer services covered by the Alberta Health Care card.
Decoding the Jargon: Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, and Opticians
It can be confusing to figure out who does what in Calgary eye clinics. Visit Eye Care Specialists to understand your eye doctor’s scope of practice. This page also lists services covered by Alberta Health Care.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in eye diseases and surgery. Optometrists perform eye exams, offer lens options, and prescribe corrective lenses, such as prescription glasses and contact lenses. Opticians fit glasses or contact lenses using those lens prescriptions.
You can find contact lenses through reputable clinics and online. Follow brand recommendations for hygiene and safe contact lens use. A comprehensive eye exam is often required for a lens prescription, especially for specialty lenses.
Common Eye Conditions in Calgary
Calgary’s climate contributes to specific eye issues. Dry eye syndrome, where eyes don’t produce enough tears, is widespread. This condition can often be managed with medicated eye drops from your Calgary eye specialist. This will require a prescription.
Finding a dry eye specialist in Calgary should start with recommendations. Look for providers with experience in dry eye syndrome. An up-to-date prescription for eye drops may be part of your treatment plan. Other common eye conditions are becoming more common as the prevalence of computer and screen time increase which often causes vision blurry symptoms which you may notice after extensive use. When eyes start becoming blurry over prolonged use of electronic screens it can sometimes indicate there’s some problems arising and medical attention from your doctor and a checkup might be ideal. For your vision health be sure to look after the health of your eyes by ensuring the environment they’re operating in isn’t detrimental to it. Light entering from monitors directly into your eye can be harmful so it’s important to minimize direct contact or prolong exposure and even treat eye issues early to minimize discomfort as it arises. It’s never a bad idea to get checkups with your medical provider frequently, whether your vision blurry is a common recurrence or whether you seek ongoing checkups just for peace of mind. Sometimes they can provide insights into overall issues for our eyes which also has to do with overall wellness too since everything is tied together. An eye health provider in your area may be the solution to resolving ongoing health concerns.
Other issues seen by a Calgary eye specialist include cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens), glaucoma (optic nerve damage), and age-related macular degeneration (affecting central vision). You can be referred by your family physician for a glaucoma screening with a referral form.
Seasonal allergies can worsen eye irritation. Digital eye strain from extended computer and phone use is a growing concern. Learn more about blue light . Your eye specialist can diagnose and treat these and many other conditions.
Preparing for Your Appointment With an Eye Specialist Calgary
Once you’ve chosen an eye specialist in Calgary, prepare for your appointment. It’s helpful to compile questions. Make a list of medications and eye drops you use.
Bring your glasses and an up-to-date lens prescription if possible. Bring your Alberta Health Care card. They can give insight and answer many of the eye-opening questions and more. Many may find the process of getting eye drops, glasses and an eye test a daunting one however the providers themselves can also guide the patient along every step of the way if there are further questions and if there is any assistance needed when they call.
Some eye conditions, like Diabetic Retinopathy , should be addressed through your health care card to reduce financial burden. A family doctor or specialist can answer questions on healthcare needs or emergency eye care. Contact your doctor for more information on emergency eye care.
Be prepared to wait after eye drops. This usually takes time. Many people’s pupils dilate, so don’t drive yourself home. Have someone pick you up or plan for enough transit time. Dilated eyes have difficulty seeing clearly, making driving unsafe.
Eye Exams: A Closer Look
A visit to your eye specialist in Calgary will involve standard procedures. Many eye exams start with ophthalmic testing and an eye chart. This measures vision clarity. Expect drops before an eye exam . A dilated eye exam helps eye specialists see inside the eye with clarity.
You’ll need extra time for the drops. Dilating widens your pupils, letting the doctor examine the back of your eye. These eye exams also give the physician more insights on various eye syndromes which may be occurring but hasn’t surfaced into physical effects.
There are even retina specialists available for highly qualified and combined experience with treatment of macular degeneration and a wide variety of options including various lens options and the latest surgery laser technologies. After testing, discuss eye health, management, and recommended tests. Tests include those for medical eye conditions, vision problems, and overall healthcare concerns.
Beyond Vision Correction: Other Services Offered by an Eye Specialist
Many Calgary eye specialists offer more than glasses prescriptions. Cosmetic procedures, like blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), are gaining popularity. Cataract surgery is also commonly performed in Calgary.
Less invasive options like skincare treatments minimizing wrinkles are available. Consult a cosmetic medical provider for these treatments. If you suspect your eye is infected and there is light sensitivity occurring then speak with a healthcare professional as they are able to guide you and refer you to eye infections treatment in your area which may involve eye drops, or prescription glasses in some instances.
Calgary eye specialists also treat eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, a common eye condition for some demographics, along with dry eye disease being some of the few very prevalent medical eye conditions in today’s time. These may require treatment options such as eye drops which you will have to use with caution following the instructions by a physician to address discomforting medical eye conditions which causes uncomfortable sensation or some degree of difficulty with light sensitivity depending on the eye syndrome in question.
Surgical options, including refractive lens exchange and advanced techniques like ocular oncology, are available for complex cases. Ocular oncology is a specialized field dealing with eye cancers. Eye specialists provide various levels of care as needed. If the condition can be managed by your Calgary eye specialist in the eye clinic at a basic eye checkup on the main floor where the checkup usually happens or it requires highly qualified professionals like a cataract surgery specialists that are the highest level available that one might require depending on what your treatment goals are – you will be given all of the available options including costs associated to what your current health care coverage offers as most clinics and highly qualified providers do accept a variety of insurances for many health services such as this.
FAQs about Eye Specialist Calgary
What is the best doctor for eye problems?
The “best” doctor depends on your specific issue. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in eye conditions and surgery. Optometrists handle eye exams and corrective lens prescriptions.
Finding the right match is key. Start with family recommendations and then explore online suggestions and ratings. An optometrist would handle vision correction for those with blurry vision or an up-to-date lens prescription and visual field checkup. For age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma screening and surgery options your optometrist may be able to answer many of these eye-opening questions but often they work hand in hand with other physicians like those in family medicine. Inquire more with your Calgary eye specialist and eye care provider about specific options that is suitable for you in a thorough assessment.
Do I need a referral to see an ophthalmologist in Alberta?
Some Alberta clinics prefer a referral, while others offer consultations without one. Call ahead to understand their process and requirements.
Is eye doctor covered by Alberta Health Care?
Coverage varies. Some visits are covered, while others are not, particularly emergencies or specialist care. Eligibility criteria exist for certain services. Inquire directly for accurate information about your specific situation.
Can opticians treat eye problems?
Opticians do not treat eye conditions. They fill prescriptions from your optometrist for corrective lenses. Learn about their training here.
They ensure your glasses or contacts fit comfortably for clear vision. While options like skincare and emergency support exist, costs and Alberta Health Care coverage vary. Contact providers for details on treatment, costs, and coverage. The availability of eye infection treatment differs among providers, so call ahead.
Conclusion
Finding the right eye care can be confusing. Choosing an eye specialist in Calgary depends on your needs. Start your search online or ask for medical and family advice.
Preparation and knowledge empower you to protect your vision. Your Calgary eye specialist is there to support your eye health journey. For more information about eye syndrome that you or your family may be susceptible to consult a physician for early screening and prevention measures so that your vision health and care can be looked after and maintained.