Switching to Contact Lenses? Keep Your Eyes Healthy With a Contact Lens Eye Exam

If you’ve decided to start wearing contact lenses, it’s important to schedule a contact lens eye exam with your optician. These exams help you ensure a comfortable fit and effective vision correction.

What’s Different About Contact Lens Eye Exams?

Many elements of a contact lens-specific eye exam are the same as a traditional eye exam; however, the addition of measurements to help determine the shape and size of your eye make the contact lens eye exam a necessity – especially for first-time wearers.

Measurements Taken in a Contact Lens Eye Exam

During your exam, your optician will take several measurements:

Cornea: Your cornea is measured using a keratometer, which analyzes light reflections from your cornea and helps to determine the curvature of the front surface of your eye.
Pupil: The optician will measure your pupil to determine the shape and size, which helps them choose which type of contact lenses you should wear.
Iris: Once the iris is measured, this number is used along with the pupil measurement to help determine the type of coloured lenses you could wear, should that be something you choose.

At Eyewear Experts, each of these measurements are taken using the state-of-the-art Vision R-700 digital eye testing system.

Other Elements of Your Contact Lens Eye Exam

During a contact lens eye exam, your optician will also analyze your ability to produce tears to ensure that your eyes can keep contact lenses moist, as well as the overall health of your cornea. These tests are conducted to ensure you’re able to safely wear contact lenses without damaging your eyes.

Additional Benefits of a Contact Lens Eye Exam

In addition to ensuring your eyes are healthy enough for contact lenses and obtaining eye measurements, a contact lens eye exam helps you and your optician select the right type and brand of contact lenses for your eyes.

For children and seniors aged 65 and older, it’s best to have a contact lens eye exam annually, while adults aged 19 to 64 with healthy eyes can get away with a contact lens eye exam every two years.

To schedule your contact lens eye exam in Red Deer, contact us today.

The Benefits of Progressive Lenses and How They Can Protect Your Vision

As we age, it can become more difficult to see objects clearly. In fact, after age 50, most people notice a mild decline in vision, with difficulties focusing while reading or viewing objects in close range. Thankfully, progressive lenses can make it easier to focus on objects both close up and far away.

What Are Progressive Lenses?

Progressive lenses are designed to help individuals with presbyopia— the gradual loss of one’s ability to focus on nearby objects. Similar to bifocal lenses, progressives help wearers view objects that are near and far away without having to change glasses. However, these lenses don’t have visible lines and instead feature three focal distances: far, intermediate, and near.

Progressives vs. Bifocals: What’s the Difference?

The primary difference between progressive lenses and bifocals is the focal points. While bifocals typically have two visibly marked focal points within a single lens, progressives include three unique focal points: distance vision at the top, intermediate vision in the middle, and near vision at the bottom. This helps to reduce vision issues and symptoms of presbyopia, leading to a more comfortable field of vision.

The Benefits of Wearing Progressive Lenses

Progressive lenses are the best choice when it comes to maintaining optimal vision at various distances. They provide a seamless transition between different prescriptions, ensuring that even when one is both nearsighted and living with presbyopia, they’re able to see using only one pair of lenses. Furthermore, they reduce the chances of image jump, which occurs when an object appears displaced while viewing through bifocal lenses.

Thanks to the convenience of wearing just one pair of glasses to manage multiple vision problems, users are less likely to experience eye strain. Ultimately, this protects the eyes from rapid deterioration and delays the need for prescription changes.

Progressive Lenses in Red Deer, Alberta

Aging eyes may require more than just a single eyeglass prescription. Progressive lenses make it easier for those with multiple vision needs, such as nearsightedness and presbyopia, to view objects at varying distances with a single pair of glasses.

At Eyewear Experts, our opticians provide comprehensive eye examinations with prescriptions ready in as little as one hour. Trust our team to help you find the perfect pair of progressive lenses so you can see clearly. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Diabetic Eye Disease Month: Prioritizing Eye Exams to Reduce Risk

Over 3 million Canadians have diabetes, and while regular diabetic eye exams are an important part of managing their illness, eye exams can also play a pivotal role in the early detection of diabetes for those who haven’t been diagnosed.

Why Diabetic Eye Exams are Important

When a person has diabetes, they often experience changes in the retina—a layer of cells at the back of the eye that’s responsible for processing images and sending signals to the brain, helping it interpret what the eye sees. When these changes in the retina occur, it’s called diabetic retinopathy—a condition that can cause issues such as blurred vision, splotchy vision, or even blindness.

Regular diabetic eye exams can help detect vision issues early and prevent escalation.

Signs of Diabetic Retinopathy

According to Diabetes Canada, 23% of people with type 1 diabetes experience diabetic retinopathy. When it first develops, people often don’t experience any symptoms, which is why it’s important to schedule regular diabetic eye exams.

As the condition progresses, a person may experience:

Blurry vision
Sudden vision loss
Spotty or blotchy vision
Flashes or spots of light in their field of vision

Preventing Retinopathy

While diabetic retinopathy isn’t curable, it can be prevented or delayed with the right approach to treatment. The most important factor in prevention and early detection is regular diabetic eye exams. Diabetes Canada recommends yearly exams for diagnosed individuals; however, your optician may recommend a different schedule depending on the health of your eyes.

In addition to visiting an optician regularly, you can prevent retinopathy by carefully monitoring and maintaining safe blood-glucose levels.

Schedule a Diabetic Eye Exam

As a diabetic, the health of your eyes requires consistent monitoring. Regular eye exams are an important part of diabetes maintenance to help ensure your vision and eye health remain optimal.

Clearer Vision in Just an Hour: Benefits of Our Onsite 1-Hour Lab

If you’re like most people, convenience is high on your list of priorities. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent on the go, or a hard-working student, making time for a long appointment isn’t just inconvenient—it’s impractical.

At Eyewear Experts, our 1 hour eye lab is here to solve that problem. With a state-of-the-art onsite eyewear lab, our opticians can help you prioritize your eye health without sacrificing convenience.

Why Visit Our 1-Hour Eye Lab?

While eyewear providers often take days or even weeks to process your prescription and deliver your new glasses, our 1-hour eye lab can complete and deliver most eyewear prescriptions in an hour.

The benefits of visiting Eyewear Experts for your next eye exam include:

Convenience: Skip the long waits and follow-up appointments by visiting our team of experienced opticians for your next eye exam and 1-hour lenses.
Quality: Our lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experienced professionals who produce high-quality eyewear onsite.
Flexibility: Forgot your eyewear while traveling? Need a quick replacement for broken or scratched lenses? Our 1-hour eye lab can meet your needs without the wait.
Affordability: Our in-house eye lab eliminates the need for a middleman and extra expenses. Those costs savings are passed on to our customers, giving you access to quality lenses at a more affordable price.

What to Expect at Your 1-Hour Eye Lab Appointment

Your appointment at Eyewear Experts is a simple process that’ll have you in and out in a little over an hour, letting you get on with your day quickly. Your appointment includes:

A comprehensive eye exam: Your optician will conduct a range of tests to evaluate your overall eye health and visual acuity.
Precription assessment: Using cutting-edge technology, our optical team will evaluate your vision and provide you with an accurate prescription if one is needed.
1-hour lens crafting: Your new glasses will be created onsite in our 1-hour eye lab, ensuring you walk out with an accurate prescription, usually within an hour.

Book Your Appointment Today

Ready to experience the convenience of 1-hour lenses? Visit Eyewear Experts in Red Deer for your next appointment.

Eye Health Matters: What to Expect in an Eye Exam

The health of your eyes is important. While maintaining good vision is an important factor in your quality of life, regular eye exams can also help your optician detect deeper eye issues, including cataracts and glaucoma, as well as identify potential problems with your overall health, such as diabetes, tumours, and heart disease.

Whether you’ve never had your eyes checked or you’re on a first-name basis with your optician, knowing what to expect at an appointment can make the process much less stressful.

Here’s what to expect at your next visit to our Red Deer optical centre.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Prior to visiting Eyewear Experts, prepare a list of your current medications, vitamins, and natural health supplements. It’s also helpful to write down any questions you have about your vision and eye health and bring them with you.

Be sure to also bring your current glasses and/or contact lenses.

During Your Eye Exam

At your appointment, your optician will start by reviewing your medical history and discussing any concerns you may have about your vision or eye health. They’ll perform several tests and assessments to determine the health of your eyes and vision.

Tests may include:

Visual acuity: Your optician will have you read or describe a chart with letters, numbers, or shapes to determine how well you can see and read at a distance.
Eye health: Using a variety of instruments, your optician will check the physical health of your eye, looking at factors such as muscle function, coordination, and general appearance of the cornea, lens, and retina.
Refraction: A tool called a phoropter will be gently placed in front of your eyes, enabling your optician to measure your eye’s movements and near-distance focal ability.

In addition to these tests, your optician may perform other exams depending on your age, your concerns, and the date of your most recent eye exam. This may include testing your visual field or colour vision, pupil dilation, and tonometry to determine your intraocular pressure.

After the Exam

Once your optician has completed your exam, they’ll explain your results and let you know if you require a new prescription or changes to your current one. Depending on the health of your eyes and the prescription strength, you may be able to order contact lenses in addition to your glasses.

If glasses or contacts are prescribed, our optometry assistants will help you select a style of lenses and take measurements to ensure a comfortable fit.

If necessary, you’ll then schedule treatment or follow-up visits.

Receiving Your Lenses

In most cases, your glasses prescription can be filled within one hour at our in-house eye lab using industry-leading eyewear technology to ensure accuracy and comfort.

Schedule an Eye Exam Today

Trust your eye health to Eyewear Experts. We offer eye exams for:

Children of all ages
Adults
Seniors aged 65+
Diabetics

Is Your Glasses Prescription Up-to-Date? Signs You Might Need a Change

A lot can change in a year; your eye prescription is no exception. People often tend to believe that once they have completed an eye exam and received their glasses, they’re set for a number of years. When, in fact, your eye prescription can change over the course of one year.

If you’re noticing some changes in your vision and health, this can be very easy to ignore and chalk up to “an off day,” when the culprit could be your prescription. In this article, we’ll cover the warning signs that you’re eye prescription may be outdated.

How Often Do Eye Prescriptions Change?

When it comes to how often eye prescriptions change, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly. On average, a person’s eye prescription can change between once a year and once every three years. Every individual is unique, and their eye health is influenced heavily by what kind of eyecare routines they have in place.

Some people might experience a change in their prescription once every two years, while someone else with an eye condition might have more frequent changes. The best way to catch any changes in your eye prescription is through routine eyecare and eye exams.

Signs Your Eye Prescription Needs To Be Updated

Frequent Headaches

One of the earliest signs that you need to change your prescription is frequent headaches. Outdated prescriptions can cause eye strain. This is because your eyes have to overcompensate and work harder to see through the incorrect lens.

Other indicators of eye strain include:

Difficulty focusing
Irritated eyes
Double vision

For nearsighted people, the headaches tend to be in the front of the head or right above the eyebrows. On the other hand, farsighted individuals tend to experience headaches after looking at objects closely for an extended period of time. If you are experiencing these kinds of headaches, it’s best to book an eye exam.

Excessive Squinting

If you have begun squinting much more than usual, this is an obvious indicator you’re not seeing well. When people squint their eyes, it allows a smaller amount of light into their eyes, usually resulting in more focus and clarity. However, constant squinting can put significant strain on your eyes, which can worsen vision problems.

While squinting can temporarily help you see better, it shouldn’t be happening while wearing glasses. Additionally, paying particular attention to the time of day the squinting happens is important. If you find you squint more at night, it’s essential to book an eye exam immediately, as this can be an indication of a more serious eye condition.

Blurred Vision

Blurry vision is one of the most apparent signs that you need a new prescription. Blurry vision can come in many different forms. It’s not always a sudden and noticeable change. It can also gradually worsen as your prescription becomes more outdated.

One facet of blurry vision that can confuse some people is if only one eye is blurry while the other is fine. It’s super common for your eyes to have different prescriptions. Any changes in your vision should always warrant your booking an eye exam. Blurry vision can also be a signal for other eye conditions like cataracts that need more extensive eyecare and treatment.

Tired, Achy Eyes

Eye fatigue is another symptom of eye strain. If you’re struggling to see objects around you clearly, your eyes will work harder to compensate. This leads to them becoming tired and achy more easily. Additionally, this kind of eye fatigue will be constant and persistent.

Eye fatigue caused by incorrect prescription differs from eye fatigue due to lack of sleep, colds or the flu, and allergies. These examples would only cause a temporary strain. If you’re experiencing eye fatigue that persists for more than two to three days, chances are your prescription is the culprit.

Light Sensitivity

If bright lights, either from indoor sources or the sun, are making you squint, cover your eyes, or even make you shut them completely, it’s best to book an eye exam. Although this doesn’t always mean your prescription is out of date, it does mean some underlying issues need to be addressed.

Light sensitivity can indicate the following:

Your eyes are straining and working overtime
An eye infection
Other vision conditions

Let Eyewear Experts Help You Keep An Eye On Your Eye Prescription

The best way to prevent these above issues is by ensuring you routinely book eye exams to help monitor your eye prescription as it changes. Here at Eyewear Experts, we specialize in helping our clients see clearly and live their lives comfortably. We offer comprehensive eye exams that are tailored to your individual needs. Our technicians understand the importance of having both regular eye exams and routine eyecare.

If you’ve noticed a change in your vision, it’s time for an eye exam. Contact us to book an appointment, or come on into one of our Red Deer eyecare clinics today!

Clear Vision For a Bright Future: August is Cataract Awareness & Youth’s Eye Health Month

August brings not only sunny days but also a vital reminder to take care of our eyes. This month is dedicated to two significant observances – Cataract Awareness Month and Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month.

These campaigns aim to raise awareness about eye health, educate the public about cataracts and youth’s eye care, and encourage proactive steps toward maintaining clear vision for people of all ages.

Cataract Awareness Month

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition typically occurs as a natural part of aging when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or hazy vision. While cataracts can develop gradually, causing minimal interference at first, they can progress to the point of significantly impacting daily activities.

Throughout August, various eye health organizations, healthcare professionals, and community groups come together to spread awareness about cataracts and their prevention. The campaign highlights the importance of regular eye check-ups, especially for those over the age of 60, as early detection can lead to better treatment outcomes.

Cataract Awareness Month also serves as a reminder that cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can restore clear vision. The campaign strives to dispel misconceptions and fears surrounding the surgery and encourages individuals to seek timely intervention if they experience symptoms of cataracts.

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Youth’s eye health is equally vital and requires special attention. Undetected vision problems can have a profound impact on a child’s learning and development. This month-long campaign emphasizes the significance of regular eye exams for youth, starting from a young age.

Pediatric eye conditions, such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes), can be successfully treated if identified early. Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month encourages parents, caregivers, and educators to be proactive in observing any signs of vision issues in youths and seek professional eye care when needed.

Furthermore, promoting eye safety is a key aspect of this campaign. With youth engaging in various activities during the summer, it becomes crucial to safeguard their eyes from potential injuries. Encouraging the use of protective eyewear while playing sports or engaging in outdoor activities can significantly reduce the risk of eye-related accidents.

Simple Steps for Maintaining Healthy Vision

Whether you’re young or old, prioritizing eye health is essential for maintaining a high quality of life. Here are some simple steps that you and your family can take to ensure good eye health:

Schedule regular eye exams – Routine eye check-ups can help detect eye conditions early, facilitating timely treatment.
Protect your eyes from UV rays – Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection when spending time outdoors, even on cloudy days.
Eat a balanced diet – Nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, fish, and citrus fruits can support eye health.
Limit screen time – Encourage children to take breaks during prolonged screen use to reduce digital eye strain.
Practice eye safety – When engaging in sports or activities that pose a risk of eye injury, wear protective eyewear.
Avoid smoking – Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts and other eye conditions.

By spreading awareness about cataract prevention and children’s eye health, we can collectively work towards a future with clearer vision for everyone.

At Eyewear Experts, we take pride in offering the best eye care experience possible. Our team of experienced optometrists provides expert eye exams, ensuring that your vision is in the best hands. We believe in staying ahead of the curve, which is why we invest in state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

But our commitment to excellence doesn’t end there – with our Onsite 1Hr Lab, you can walk out with your new glasses the same day as your appointment, saving you time and giving you the clearest vision without delay. Your eye health and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we look forward to serving you with exceptional care and convenience at Eyewear Experts.

Why You Should Choose Computer Glasses for Better Vision

Did you know that internet traffic has increased by a whopping 60%? This means that many more people spend a significant amount of time on computer or phone screens. Whether for work or recreation, it’s essential to be mindful of how this can affect the health of your eyes. Over time, it’s possible to experience blurry vision. If you’ve started to notice this and other adverse effects, don’t worry because there’s a solution. Are you wondering what can keep your eyes safe and sound? Keep reading to learn how you can use computer glasses for better vision.

WHAT IS COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME?

Computer vision syndrome is a catch-all term for various symptoms that can crop up after prolonged computer usage. Aside from blurred vision, you may experience headaches that increase in severity over time. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the discomfort can take the form of backaches. Your eyes can also suffer in a variety of ways. The blurry vision is often accompanied by dryness, itchiness, and even redness. Many people experience a general light sensitivity as well. While these symptoms are temporary, they can become chronic issues. Given enough computer screen time, there may even be permanent damage to your eyes. With prescription lenses from Eyewear Experts, you can protect your eyes and avoid dealing with these issues regularly.

WHAT ARE COMPUTER GLASSES?

Since a screen is almost always near your eyes, the best computer glasses can help you focus your eyes more quickly. Since the lens helps with an even focus, you won’t have to tilt your head backward when trying to see the screen. You may think that your reading glasses are enough. However, computer screens tend to have a bit more distance than regular reading material. This is why glasses explicitly designed for the computer are necessary. There are several types of computer glasses, including single vision, flat-top bifocal, and variable focus. If you spend several hours or more at a computer, then it’s time to schedule a visit with the Eyewear Experts for a pair of computer glasses made just for you. Consulting with a professional can also let you know if you should wear computer glasses over your contact lenses or not.

ARE YOU READY TO BENEFIT FROM COMPUTER GLASSES?

Now that you’ve learned how to use computer glasses for better vision, it’s time to say goodbye to blurriness. The sooner you start protecting your eyes, the healthier they’ll be. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about this product. You can always rely on Eyewear Experts. We provide high-quality frames, contact lenses, prescription lenses, and sunglasses. We also offer eye testing, repair and maintenance services, and more. Feel free to stop by our location at Downtown or Gasoline Alley. We look forward to helping you attain a clear vision.

Hottest Sunglasses Trends of the Season

Finding the perfect pair of sunglasses does more than protect your eyes from the sun; it also does wonders for your style! However, finding the right look means keeping up with the latest trends. After all, you want to look stylish whether you’re at the beach or in the backyard. Here are some of the latest sunglasses trends, so you can protect your eyes and look sharp at the same time.

GEOMETRIC SHAPES

The elongated rectangle look is one of the hottest sunglasses trends this year. It’s big and bold yet elegant and stylish at the same time. The shape works well whether you go colourful or classic black. You can find rectangular shades this season from designers like Versace and Prada.

COLOURFUL LENSES

Playing with colour is a great way to add personality to your shades. Plus, you can pick colours that complement your skin tone and hair colour. Colourful lenses are one trend appearing across different designer brands. The good news is that there are so many colours for sunglasses that you’re no longer limited to one or two shades. Colourful sunglasses can also make a great statement piece.

COLOURFUL FRAMES

Another way to add a pop of colour to your outfit is to choose colourful frames. From soft pink to sky blue and everything in between, you can stay on trend by shopping for glasses in this style. It’s a great way to add a bit of flair and fun to your outfits and come across as more playful. Colour also has a significant impact on how we feel. Pick a shade that calls to you and makes you feel confident. Designers leading this trend include Louis Vuitton and Versace.

GOING RETRO

They’re classic styles for a reason! Timeless looks such as aviators, rounded frames, and other retro looks are hot right now. You can find plenty of designers pulling on classic designs this season. Styles like aviators will always be trendy and look great with various looks and outfits.

SLIM FRAMES

Slim and tiny sunglasses are making a comeback this year. The style was quite popular in the 50s and made a resurgence in the 90s. Celebrities such as Kendall and the Hadid sisters were sporting the slim frame look last year, which continues to be a big trend this year. Since slim styles are much smaller, be sure to opt for higher UV protection to keep your eyes safe from the sun.

CLEAR FRAMES

Clear frames for sunglasses are taking off and gaining popularity. Clear or translucent frames are subtle but no less fashionable than their bold counterparts. Clear frames also go with any outfit and complement any skin tone.

STYLISH SUNGLASSES TRENDS FOR EVERYONE

These sunglasses trends suit anyone and can easily take your style up a notch. Of course, the best way to find the perfect frames for you is to try them on. We carry one of the largest inventories of popular sunglasses brands in Western Canada! Book a visit with us to find that perfect pair of shades today.

Latest Eyewear Trends to Revamp Your Look in 2023

A whopping 74% of Canadians require some form of vision correction.

Eyewear isn’t anything to be ashamed of in 2023. In fact, most people think of glasses as just another accessory that you use to complete your look. Whether or not you need corrective lenses all the time, you can follow eyewear trends to take your style in different directions.

In this post, we’re going to show you a few of the latest eyewear trends and tell you how to choose glasses in 2023. When you go to an eyewear shop, you’re going to be overwhelmed with the variety of shapes and colours frames come in, so keep reading and find out which ones you should choose.

Sustainable Eyewear

One big trend that isn’t really all about style is the move toward sustainable eyewear. More young people are looking for ethically sourced fashion to lower their carbon footprint.

Eco Eyewear is a company that sells frames made from recycled plastics found in the ocean. Bamboo frames and other sustainable materials are becoming more trendy as well.

Thin Metal Frames

A look that’s been coming back in is thin metal frames, which were popularized in the 60s and 70s. It’s a simple yet elegant look that doesn’t draw too much attention to the fact that you’re wearing glasses.

Tinted Lenses

You can go with thin metal frames, but if you want to make more of a statement, you can opt for tinted lenses. This is a big trend with sunglasses, but prescription sunglasses and transitions look great with colored frames as well.

Interesting Geometry

If you prefer being bold with your eyewear, then you’ll be happy to know that geometric glasses are all the rage right now. Octagons and hexagons are great when you’re dealing with thinner frames, while elongated cat-eye shapes are perfect with thicker plastic frames.

Printed Frames

It used to be that tortoiseshell was the only outside-the-box colour that you’d get on your frames, but no longer. Many people are opting for bold colours, and clear frames are even coming into style.

If you’re someone that really wants to let their personality shine through their eyewear, these latest eyewear trends are great news. There are so many choices these days that there are shapes, sizes, and colours for everyone.

Rounded

The 60s never really went away as a style. This is certainly true when it comes to trends in eyewear, as shown by the growing interest in rounded frames. You can channel your inner John Lennon with smaller circular frames that don’t take up much real estate on your face but make a significant impact on your look.

Chasing Eyewear Trends in Red Deer

These are a few of the many eyewear trends of 2023. You can’t make big eyewear decisions without trying a few pairs on, however, so come on down to Eyewear Experts in Red Deer.

We have a huge inventory encompassing all of the biggest brands and trends in eyewear. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve probably got it, so book your appointment today and complete your look with a new pair of glasses.