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Common Vision Concerns

Listed below are links that will direct you to information about common eye-related conditions. For more detailed information on these and other conditions, please see your optometrist. They have the proper knowledge, tools and equipment necessary to diagnose, treat or refer to a specialist, if needed.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” is a vision condition where one eye doesn't develop properly during early childhood, often due to an uncorrected prescription or eye misalignment. If detected early, it can be treated with patching, glasses, or vision therapy—but if left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common vision condition where the eye's surface is shaped more like a football than a sphere, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances. It can usually be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery, and regular eye exams help ensure proper care as it can change over time.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or hazy vision that typically worsens over time. Though they are most common with aging, cataracts can be treated with surgery when they interfere with daily life, and early diagnosis through regular eye exams is key.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an inflammation of the eye's outer layer that can be caused by infection, allergies, or chemical irritants, leading to redness, irritation, and discharge. Proper diagnosis and treatment by an optometrist are essential, to prevent complications and avoid spreading infectious forms..

Diabetes and Your Eyes

Diabetes can affect many parts of the eye—causing vision changes, cataracts, glaucoma, and potentially leading to diabetic retinopathy, a serious condition that can cause blindness if untreated. Regular eye exams with your optometrist are essential for early detection and treatment, helping to prevent permanent vision loss from diabetes-related complications.

Digital Eye Strain

Extended screen time can lead to digital eye strain and contribute to the rise of myopia (nearsightedness), especially in children—affecting focus, behaviour, and long-term eye health. Regular eye exams and guidance from your optometrist can help prevent and manage these conditions with personalized strategies, including screen habits, vision therapy, and specialty lenses.

Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, leading to irritation, fluctuating vision, and discomfort. Though it’s often a chronic condition, an optometrist can help manage symptoms with tailored treatments like artificial tears, gels, or tear duct plugs to protect your vision and eye health.

Floaters & Spots

Floaters are tiny specks or strands that drift through your vision, caused by particles in the gel-like fluid inside your eye—common with age but sometimes a sign of a more serious issue. If you notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light, it’s important to see your optometrist promptly to rule out conditions like retinal detachment.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often without early symptoms, and can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection, as treatment with eye drops or laser surgery can help preserve vision before damage becomes irreversible.

Hordeolum (styes)

A stye (or hordeolum) is a painful, red bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked and infected gland, most often due to bacteria. Treatment includes warm compresses and antibiotic ointment, with more serious cases requiring medical intervention by your optometrist.

Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, makes it easier to see distant objects than those up close, often causing eye strain, fatigue, and headaches during near work. It’s easily detected through a comprehensive eye exam and can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or, in some cases, laser surgery.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition where the cornea thins and bulges outward, causing distorted vision that glasses alone can’t fully correct. While not leading to blindness, treatment may include specialized contact lenses or, in advanced cases, corneal transplant surgery to restore clearer vision.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 55, affecting the central part of the retina and making it difficult to read, drive, or recognize faces. While there’s no cure, early detection through annual eye exams and lifestyle changes—like good nutrition and UV protection—can slow its progression and help preserve vision.

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common condition where close objects are clear but distant ones appear blurry, typically developing in childhood and progressing into early adulthood. It can be managed with glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery, but regular eye exams are essential for monitoring and correcting vision changes over time.

Ocular Melanoma

Ocular melanoma is a rare but aggressive eye cancer that begins in pigment-producing cells and most often affects older, fair-skinned individuals with blue eyes. Early detection is critical, as the disease can spread—commonly to the liver—and outcomes vary depending on the tumour’s location within the eye.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the eye’s lens loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on close objects—often noticed in the early to mid-forties. It can’t be prevented, but options like reading glasses, multifocals, contact lenses, or monovision correction can help maintain clear near vision as the condition progresses.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer that affects young children, typically under age five, and develops in the retina—the part of the eye responsible for vision. Early signs include a white reflection in the pupil or a wandering eye, and while treatment often involves removing the tumor, surgery to remove the eye may be required in more severe cases.

Strabismus (crossed eyes)

Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is a condition where the eyes are misaligned, causing double vision or suppression of vision in one eye—often leading to amblyopia if left untreated. Early diagnosis through regular eye exams and treatment with glasses, vision therapy, or surgery can correct the issue and prevent long-term vision problems.

Find an Optometrist

Looking for trusted eye care? Our directory connects you with licensed optometrists across Alberta who are ready to help you protect and improve your vision. Whether you need a routine exam, specialized care, or advice on eye health, find a local optometrist today.

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