Riverside EyeCare

04/07/2025

Did you know stress can actually make some eye conditions worse? 👀💆‍♀️

Here are 5 eye conditions that can be triggered or worsened by stress:

🔹 Glaucoma – Stress can increase eye pressure, which may speed up vision loss in those with glaucoma.
🔹 Myokymia (Eyelid Twitching) – Ever had an annoying eyelid twitch? Stress is a common culprit!
🔹 Dry Eye Syndrome – Anxiety and stress can reduce tear production, leading to irritation and discomfort.
🔹 Optic Neuritis – Stress may worsen inflammation of the optic nerve, affecting vision.
🔹 Hypertensive Retinopathy – High stress levels can spike blood pressure, which can damage the blood vessels in your eyes.

Managing stress isn’t just good for your mind—it’s essential for your vision! Prioritize self-care, get regular eye exams, and give your eyes the break they deserve.

04/02/2025

👁️✨ April is Women’s Eye Health & Safety Month—a reminder that taking care of your vision is just as important as the rest of your health!

Did you know women are at a higher risk for eye diseases like dry eye, cataracts, and glaucoma? Regular eye exams, UV protection, and a healthy lifestyle can help keep your vision strong for years to come.

This month, prioritize your eye health—because seeing the world clearly is a gift worth protecting! 💙

03/31/2025

Understanding your eye prescription can be a bit like deciphering a secret code. Let’s break it down ⬇️

Sphere (SPH): This number indicates the lens power needed to correct your vision.
• A minus sign (−) means you’re nearsighted (myopic) and need help seeing distant objects.
• A plus sign (+) means you’re farsighted (hyperopic) and need assistance with close-up vision.

Cylinder (CYL): This number measures the degree of astigmatism, which is an irregular curvature of the eye.
• A minus sign (−) indicates a nearsighted astigmatism.
• A plus sign (+) indicates a farsighted astigmatism.

Axis: This number, ranging from 1 to 180, shows the orientation of the astigmatism.

Add: This is the additional magnifying power needed for reading or close-up work, typically for those over 40.

Remember, your prescription is unique to you. Regular eye exams are essential to ensure your prescription is up to date and your eyes are healthy. 👀

03/26/2025

A family history of glaucoma significantly increases your risk of developing this condition. Studies have shown that individuals with a first-degree relative—such as a parent or sibling—who has glaucoma are at a higher risk.

If you have a family history of glaucoma, it’s essential to schedule regular eye exams to monitor your eye health. Early detection and treatment can help preserve your vision.

03/21/2025

March is National Reading Month, a time to celebrate the joy of reading and its importance in our lives. 📚

Clear vision enhances comprehension and reduces eye strain, making reading more enjoyable. Regular eye exams can help maintain optimal eye health, ensuring you can continue to enjoy your favorite books.

Remember, taking care of your eyes is taking care of your mind.📖

03/17/2025

Think you can’t wear contact lenses because of astigmatism? Think again! Advancements in contact lens technology have made it possible for many with astigmatism to enjoy clear, comfortable vision without glasses.

Types of Contact Lenses for Astigmatism:
• Toric Lenses: Designed specifically to correct astigmatism, these lenses have different powers in different meridians to align with the eye’s shape.
• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: these lenses can provide sharp vision and are often recommended for individuals with higher degrees of astigmatism.

Remember, the best way to determine the right contact lenses for your eyes is to consult with an eye care professional. Dr.Checkley can assess your specific needs and guide you toward the most suitable option.

03/17/2025

03/12/2025

March 12 is World Glaucoma Day, a time to raise awareness about this “silent thief of sight.” Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in Canada, affecting more than 450,000 Canadians.

Early detection and treatment are vital to preserving vision. Regular eye exams can help detect glaucoma before significant vision loss occurs.

If you notice any symptoms, consult an eye care professional promptly.

Remember, glaucoma can develop without noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection.

Book an eye exam now at:

https://riversideeyecare.ca/request-an-appointment

03/10/2025

March 9–15, 2025, marks World Glaucoma Week, a time to raise awareness about this “silent thief of sight.” Glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection.

Watch for these early signs:
▪️Redness: Persistent redness in the eye.
▪️Peripheral Vision Loss: Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision.
▪️Halos Around Lights: Seeing rainbow-colored halos around lights, especially at night.
▪️Blurred Vision: Experiencing blurred or hazy vision.
▪️Tunnel Vision: Narrowing of the visual field, leading to tunnel vision.

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult an eye care professional promptly. Early detection and treatment are vital to preserving vision.

Remember, glaucoma can develop without noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection.

03/08/2025

Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at Riverside Eyecare! 🌸

Today, we celebrate the strength, wisdom, and resilience of women worldwide. At our clinic, we’re proud to be an all-female team dedicated to providing exceptional eye care. Did you know that female optometrists currently make up 43% of optometrists, and 68% of students graduating from optometry school?

We are honored to contribute to this growing community of women in optometry, empowering our patients with clear vision and exceptional care. Here’s to strong women everywhere—may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them. 💪👩‍⚕️

03/05/2025

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month! 👀💼

Did you know that prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, causing discomfort and potential long-term issues? In fact, a study by the American Optometric Association found that 65% of adults experience digital eye strain symptoms.

To protect your vision at work:

1.Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

2.Adjust Screen Position: Position your monitor about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level to reduce strain.

3.Reduce Glare: Use anti-glare screens and adjust lighting to minimize reflections on your screen.

4.Blink More Often: Consciously blinking helps keep your eyes moist and reduces dryness.

5.Use Proper Lighting: Ensure ambient lighting is about half as bright as typical office lighting to reduce eye strain.

6.Adjust Screen Settings: Modify brightness, contrast, and text size to comfortable levels.

7.Take Regular Breaks: In addition to the 20-20-20 rule, take regular breaks from screen time to rest your eyes.

Let’s prioritize our eye health this month and every month!

02/28/2025

Just like you wear SPF even when the sun’s hiding behind the clouds, your eyes need protection too!

UV rays can still reach your eyes on overcast days, increasing the risk of long-term damage like cataracts and macular degeneration.

At Riverside Eyecare, we offer a great selection of sunglasses, prescription or non-prescription, to keep your eyes safe and stylish no matter the weather.

02/24/2025

Did you know your heart health can affect your eye health? ❤️👁️

Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes not only impact your heart but can also lead to serious eye problems like diabetic retinopathy or hypertensive retinopathy, where the blood vessels in the eyes are damaged. Regular eye exams can help catch early signs of heart-related issues, keeping both your eyes and your heart in check.

Take care of your whole body—schedule an eye exam today!

https://riversideeyecare.ca/request-an-appointment

02/21/2025

Feeling the strain after a long day on screens? You’re not alone! 😫💻

Digital eye strain is a common issue caused by prolonged screen use, leading to symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and neck or shoulder pain. But don’t worry—there are ways to prevent it! Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. And remember to blink often to keep your eyes hydrated! 👀✨



Take care of your eyes while you work and play—book your eye exam today!

02/19/2025

Eye drops are often used to treat specific conditions like allergies, infections, or glaucoma. They contain medications designed to target the root cause of the problem, such as reducing inflammation or controlling eye pressure. On the other hand, artificial tears are primarily used for dry eyes—they mimic natural tears to provide moisture and lubrication, helping to relieve discomfort caused by dryness, environmental factors, or prolonged screen time.

If you’re unsure which option is best for your eyes, our team can help guide you to the right solution. Book your eye exam today!

https://riversideeyecare.ca/request-an-appointment

02/14/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day to all our amazing patients! 💘

We just wanted to take a moment to say—we think you’re spec-tacular! 😎

Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or taking a moment for yourself, we hope your day is filled with love and joy.

Take care of those beautiful eyes! 👁️💝