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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
587-353-5061 Book Appointment

Aging and Vision

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Is your iphone/android getting harder to see?  Are you moving your cell phone further away from your eyes to see it clearer? With age come changes to our vision, some more serious than others. There are things you can do to protect your eye sight. Primarily having your eyes examined annually is key to early detection and diagnosis of vision problems.

Common Eye Problems

The following common eye problems should be monitored.

  • Presbyopia is a gradual loss of the ability to focus or see objects or small print up close. This is a normal aging change that may cause symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, and/or tired eyes at the end of the day. Readers, progressives or bifocals can be prescribed as well as multifocal contact lenses.
  • Floaters are spots or “cobwebs” that seem to float across your vision. You may notice these in a well-lit room or outdoors on a bright day. Floaters can be a normal part of aging OR a sign of a more serious problem such as retinal detachment, hole or tear. If you see new floaters and/or flashes of light, come in to see Dr.Farrah immediately as this is a medical emergency.
  • Tearing or watery eyes can come from being sensitive to light, wind, or temperature changes, or having dry eyes. Dry eyes are more commonly seen in women especially during menopause. Sometimes tearing is a sign of a more serious eye problem, like an infection or a blocked tear duct. If you are experiencing redness, soreness, irritation, burning sensation, sandy-gritty feeling, and blurred vision come in to see Dr. Farrah.
  • Droopy eyelids can be seen when gravity, loss of elastic tissue in the skin, and weakening of the connective tissues of the eyelid frequently contribute to this lax and redundant eyelid tissue commonly affecting the upper eyelids. This can obstruct the superior field of vision, a fullness or heaviness of the upper eyelids, “bags” in the lower eyelids, and wrinkles in the lower eyelids. If you are suffering from droopy eyelids, we can assess the cause and review treatment options.

Eye Diseases And Disorders

The following eye conditions can lead to vision loss and blindness. Early detection leads to better treatment options.

  • Cataracts is a clouding of the eye’s lens causing blurred or hazy vision. Cataracts need to be monitored as the larger they become the greater the vision reduction. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness around the world. If you have a cataract, Dr. Farrah can watch for changes over time to see if you would benefit from surgery with an Ophthalmologist.
  • Glaucoma – Primary Open angle glaucoma is the most common type of Glaucoma resulting from increased fluid pressure inside the eye. If not treated, it can lead to vision loss and blindness and has no early symptoms or pain. Glaucoma if detected early can prevent visual field loss can be managed with prescription eye drops, lasers, and/or surgery.
  • Retinal disorders that affect aging eyes include:
    • Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD.  AMD is a common eye condition among people age 50 and older. It affects the macula that provides sharp, central vision needed for seeing objects clearly.  Smoking, age and family history are the biggest risk factors and there are few symptoms in the early stages.  Dr. Farrah will evaluate your macula during your annual eye examination and assess your risk factor for AMD and review ways to be preventative through special dietary supplements.
    • Diabetic retinopathy.  If you have diabetes, be sure to have a dilated eye exam covered by Alberta Health Care once a year.  Dr. Farrah will communicate with your general practitioner regarding your ocular findings.   Keeping your blood sugar under control can prevent diabetic retinopathy or slow down its progression.
    • Retinal detachment IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. The retina separates from the back of the eye causing symptoms of new floaters, flashing light, and/or curtain veiling over your eye.  If you experience these symptoms give our office a call immediately, Surgery or laser treatment can often prevent loss of vision.

 

Being preventative is key to maintaining good vision over your lifetime. Tips Dr. Farrah recommends to patients include:

  1. Annual eye examinations for all ages. Do not take your vision for granted – you only have 2 eyes so protect them for life.
  2. Wearing sun wear all year long to prevent damage to all parts of the eye.
  3. Exercising 30 minutes daily (cadio) to maintain good heart and eye health
  4. Eating a healthy diet: up to 5 fruits and veggies a day (especially dark leafy greens), taking your Vitamin D or getting adequate sunshine daily, omega 3 or having salmon at least 1-2 times a week, drinking enough water throughout the day, and reducing caffeine intake.
  5. Taking breaks on the computer via the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take your eyes off your computer and look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  6. Enjoying your life and taking a moment during the day to be grateful for everything you have including good eyesight.

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Supporting Ocular Surface Healing and Comfort

The membrane contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed over the cornea, it acts as a protective layer that supports healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Potential Benefits

  • Supports Healing: Helps promote natural healing of the eye’s surface.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Its natural properties may help calm inflammation.
  • Improves Comfort: May help relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
  • Supports Recovery: Helps support the healing of the ocular surface.

Who May Benefit?

Amniotic Membrane Therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief. An eye care professional can assess your eyes and determine if this treatment is appropriate.

How Does It Work?

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta and contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. During treatment, a specially prepared membrane is placed over the eye’s surface to act as a biological covering and support healing.

What to Expect

Before treatment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine whether Amniotic Membrane Therapy is suitable for you.

  • Before Treatment: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, and the area is prepared.
  • Membrane Placement: The preserved and sterilized membrane is placed over the cornea.
  • After Placement: A special contact lens may be used to hold the membrane in place.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed when needed.
  • Follow-Up: Regular visits help monitor healing and the membrane’s absorption or integration.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, a foreign body sensation, or temporary blurred vision after treatment. Improvement in symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.

Understanding Dry Eye and Your Treatment Options

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is an important part of managing symptoms. Our team can assess your eyes and help develop a management plan based on your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect both eyes and may cause different symptoms, including:

  • Stinging or Burning – A burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes.
  • Eye Redness – Red or irritated eyes.
  • Light Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Excessive Watering – Eyes that water more than usual.
  • Blurred Vision or Eye Fatigue – Blurry vision or tired, strained eyes.
  • Foreign Body Sensation – A feeling that something is in your eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has several components that work together to keep the surface of the eye comfortable and protected. Dry eye can occur when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute to dry eye, including:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Eyelid problems
  • Gland dysfunction
  • Certain health conditions
  • Living in a dry climate
  • Extended screen time

One common factor is blockage of the Meibomian glands, which produce the lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, tear evaporation can increase and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Management

Managing dry eye involves more than simply using eye drops. Our team can help develop a personalized plan that may include targeted in-office treatments, nutritional guidance, and home care based on your needs. 

Home care may include:

  • Warm Compresses: Used as part of a regular eye-care routine.
  • Lid Hygiene: Keeping the eyelids and surrounding area clean.
  • Artificial Tears: May be recommended to help manage dryness and discomfort.

In-Office Treatment Options

For patients with more severe dry eye symptoms, targeted in-office treatments may be considered. Available options include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
  • LipiFlow Therapy

These treatments may be used as part of dry eye management for symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and irritation. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so treatment is not the same for everyone. A thorough assessment can help identify factors affecting your tear film and determine which management options may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, redness, light sensitivity, or other symptoms, speak with our eye care team about your dry eye management options.

Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
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