Can Dry Eyes Cause Headaches?
The discomfort and eye strain from dry eye syndrome can lead to headaches. […]
Your Partner for Eye Disease Management
Eye diseases can come in many different forms and often progress silently, with no early symptoms. If left untreated, they can sometimes lead to more complicated vision issues. That’s why regular eye exams are so important; they can uncover signs of disease before they affect your vision.
Early diagnosis not only makes managing conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts easier but can also help prevent long-term complications.
At Prairie Vision, we bring big-city technology to our clinics in Wainwright and Vermilion, offering diagnostic tools and experienced care to help protect your eyes and vision. Contact us to schedule your appointment today and address eye disease early.
Book Appointment
Your Eyes Deserve Quality Care
Regular checkups with our team allow us to identify issues early and provide personalized solutions to preserve your vision. Whether it’s your first eye exam or ongoing care for a chronic condition, our team is here for every generation of your family.
Early detection is key, and we use our diagnostic technology to thoroughly check your eyes for signs of eye disease or other issues.tions or are at higher risk, we will recommend a customized exam schedule tailored to your needs.
Common Eye Diseases and Conditions We Manage
Age-related eye diseases are the leading cause of blindness in Canada. With over 5.5 million Canadians at risk of sight loss, routine eye exams play a crucial role in protecting eye health and preventing vision loss.
At Prairie Vision, we check for and manage common conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. It is often linked to high intraocular pressure (IOP), but some types can occur even with normal IOP. This condition develops silently, causing irreversible vision loss, often starting with peripheral vision.
At Prairie Vision, glaucoma care includes:
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) to assess optic nerve structure and track changes over time
- Non-contact and other tonometry methods to measure eye pressure accurately and comfortably
- Visual field testing to detect early signs of peripheral vision loss
If diagnosed, treatment may involve prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or co-management with a specialist for surgical care when necessary.
Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s lens that occurs slowly over time. They generally progress painlessly and are caused by the natural aging process, but trauma, medications, overexposure to UV radiation, and health conditions like diabetes can also cause them.
Cataracts are easily diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Mild cataracts can be managed with an updated eyeglass or contact lens prescription, improved lighting, and magnification aids.
When cataracts begin affecting daily life, we provide surgery co-management, working closely with ophthalmologists to coordinate your pre- and post-surgical care for the best outcomes.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that causes the slow breakdown of the macula, the area of the eye responsible for your sharp, central vision. It generally affects those over 55 but can onset at any age.
We use retinal imaging and MacuMira, a leading noninvasive therapy, to detect and manage AMD.
There are 2 types of AMD:
- Dry AMD is the most common form of the disease and occurs when the macula thins with age. It progresses slowly over several years and has no noticeable symptoms. There’s no treatment to recover vision loss due to dry AMD, but exercise, eating healthy foods, and quitting smoking can slow its progression.
- Wet AMD is less common but more severe than dry AMD. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow on the back of the eye and damage the macula. Fortunately, treatments are available for wet AMD, and they’re effective at preventing vision loss and preserving what vision remains.
Early detection through regular exams allows us to slow progression and preserve vision for as long as possible.
Retinal detachment occurs when the thin, light-sensitive lining of tissue at the back of the eye (the retina) pulls away from its usual position. When this happens, the retinal cells are separated from the nourishing blood vessels that provide them with oxygen, endangering your vision.
A retinal detachment is an eye emergency and requires immediate attention. This condition is often painless but can be accompanied by:
- The sudden appearance of many floaters
- Flashes of light in one or both eyes
- Blurred vision
- Gradually reduced side (peripheral) vision
- A curtain-like shadow over your visual field
Aging, underlying health conditions like diabetes, injuries, or other eye diseases can lead to retinal detachment. If you experience a retinal detachment, you’ll likely need surgery to repair it.
Diabetic retinopathy is a retinal disease that can affect those with diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels that supply the retina. At first, diabetic retinopathy can develop without symptoms or mild vision changes, but if left untreated, it can lead to blindness.
Learn more about diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, and how we can help.
Keratoconus occurs when the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, distorting vision. It can make glasses or standard contacts less effective.
We use corneal topography to map the cornea’s curvature and diagnose keratoconus early. Management options include:
- Scleral lenses to provide stable, clear vision and comfort
- Corneal crosslinking (referred out) to strengthen and stabilize the corneal tissue and slow progression
Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or irritants. It often presents with redness, tearing, discharge, or itchiness.
Our team identifies the cause of your conjunctivitis and recommends the appropriate treatment, whether that involves medicated drops, allergy management, or supportive care.
Flashes or floaters can appear as small specks or streaks of light in your vision. While they are often harmless, a sudden onset or an increase in these symptoms may indicate retinal detachment or other retinal issues that require urgent care.
If you experience new flashes or floaters, contact us right away for an eye exam.
Getting the Whole Picture
Our team uses a suite of diagnostic tools to help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear. Our technology allows us to detect eye diseases early and begin preparing a treatment plan that works for you. Our technology includes:
- Optomap: A wide-field retinal imaging system that captures a detailed view of your retina, helping us detect issues like retinal tears, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
- OCT (optical coherence tomography): A noninvasive imaging test that creates detailed cross-sections of your retina, allowing us to diagnose and manage conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration.
- Visual field testing: This test evaluates your peripheral vision, helping us detect changes that could indicate glaucoma or other neurological conditions.
- Non-contact and other tonometry to measure intraocular pressure
- Retinal imaging and corneal topography for detailed analysis of retinal and corneal structure
By combining technology with clinical insight, we can create a complete picture of your eye health.
Protect Your Vision, Schedule Your Eye Exam Today
Early detection is key to managing glaucoma and other eye diseases. At Prairie Vision, our team combines technology with personalized care to help safeguard your sight for years to come. Whether it’s a routine checkup or managing a specific condition, we’re here for you and your family every step of the way.
Don’t wait to prioritize your eye health; book your appointment today at our Wainwright or Vermilion location.
Book AppointmentCome Visit Our Locations
Wainwright
We serve patients of all ages from Wainwright, Viking, Provost, Lloydminster, Macklin, and the surrounding areas.
Our Address
- 2802 15th Ave, Unit 2
- Wainwright, AB T9W 0A4
Contact Us
- Phone: 587-606-0270
- Fax: 780-842-3443
- Email: [email protected]
Our Hours
Monday:
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday:
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday:
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday:
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday:
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
Vermilion
We serve patients of all ages from Kitscoty, Mannville, Elk Point, Dewberry, and the surrounding areas.
Our Address
- 5010 50 Street
- Vermilion, AB T9X 1M5
Contact Us
- Phone: 587-606-0394
- Fax: 780-853-6504
- Email: [email protected]
Our Hours
Monday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed
Blog
How Long Does Eye Fatigue Last?
For most people, eye fatigue is temporary and can resolve within an hour after resting your eyes, but persistent discomfort can last for days if the underlying cause isn’t addressed. […]
When Should You Wear Scleral Contact Lens?
Scleral lenses are recommended when traditional contact lenses or glasses cannot provide comfortable, clear vision, often for people with irregular corneas, advanced dry eye, or other complex eye conditions.
[…]
What Is a Diabetic Eye Exam?
A diabetic eye exam is a screening that focuses on catching vision-threatening complications that might stem from diabetes before they permanently affect your sight.
[…]
What Are Progressive Lenses?
Progressive lenses offer multiple prescription strengths in a single lens. This is helpful for people who need vision correction at multiple distances, allowing them to see well without the hassle of numerous pairs of glasses.
[…]
Is There Vision Therapy for Children?
The good news is that there are vision therapy options for children that can help. […]
Can Dry Eye Cause Floaters?
The reality is that dry eye itself doesn’t directly cause floaters. Nonetheless, the 2 conditions can sometimes be interconnected due to underlying factors within the eye. […]
What Is IPL Eye Treatment for Dry Eyes?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment for dry eyes is a noninvasive therapy that uses light energy to help reduce inflammation, restore oil gland function, and improve tear quality.
IPL can offer longer-lasting relief by targeting a common root cause of symptoms, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
[…]
Why Does My Eyelid Hurt When I Blink?
Plenty of common reasons for eyelid discomfort include eye strain, dryness, allergies, pink eye, and styes. Understanding the underlying differences in these causes can help you take steps to finding relief and recognize when to see an optometrist. […]
Can Myopia Be Reversed?
Myopia, often referred to as nearsightedness, is one of the most common refractive errors in the world today. It’s caused by an abnormal development in the eye’s shape. Unfortunately, once the eye physically changes, myopia cannot be reversed. Although, it’s important to note that some effective myopia control options are available to slow or stop […]
Excessive Blinking in Children: Could It Be a Vision Problem?
As parents, it’s natural to worry when you notice unusual behaviour in your child, such as excessive blinking. While it may be a temporary habit, excessive blinking in children could indicate a vision problem, such as dry eyes, eye allergies, or the need for vision correction. A children’s eye exam can assess your child’s vision […]
Read More… from Excessive Blinking in Children: Could It Be a Vision Problem?
How Long Do Contact Lenses Last?
Contact lenses offer a convenient and flexible alternative to glasses in vision correction. Understanding the lifespan of your contacts can help you avoid exposing your eyes to lenses that are past their prime—keeping your eyes from drying out, getting irritated, or developing an infection. However, the longevity of contact lenses depends on their type. Some […]
What’s the Difference Between a Contact Lens Prescription & Glasses Prescription
Glasses work with lenses hovering a few millimetres away from your eyes, but contact lenses sit directly on your corneas. This distance must be accounted for when determining the prescription. […]
Read More… from What’s the Difference Between a Contact Lens Prescription & Glasses Prescription
Does Wearing Glasses Make Your Eyes Worse?
In reality, wearing the appropriate prescription glasses can help alleviate strain and improve visual clarity, allowing you to see the world as it’s meant to be seen. […]
Amblyopia vs. Strabismus: What’s the Difference?
While they’re often mistaken or confused for each other, they differ in terms of how your eyes move. Amblyopia is commonly known as “lazy eye”, while strabismus refers to having “crossed eyes”. […]
Read More… from Amblyopia vs. Strabismus: What’s the Difference?
Can Dry Eye Cause Blurred Vision?
If you’ve been experiencing blurred vision and wondering if dry eye is to blame, you’re in the right place. Dry eye can cause blurred vision because of:
Tear film instability
Inflammation
Corneal Damage […]
When Is It Too Late to Treat Lazy Eye?
Lazy eye can be treated using a variety of tools like vision therapy, prism eyeglasses, and surgery. Treatment is most effective during childhood, but it’s never too late to treat lazy eye! […]
Why Is My Baby Rubbing Their Eyes?
Your baby could be rubbing their eyes for several reasons, including tiredness, allergies, irritated eyes, or infection. […]
Why Am I Waking Up with Dry Eyes? Causes & Treatments
The reasons behind morning eye dryness vary widely, including:
Insufficient sleep
Allergic reactions
Irritation from contact lenses
Dehydration
Certain medications
Environmental conditions
An underlying infection […]
Read More… from Why Am I Waking Up with Dry Eyes? Causes & Treatments
Does Alberta Health Care Cover Eye Exams?
Eye exams are only covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for children 18 and under, adults over 65, and those who need an eye exam that is deemed “medically necessary” because of trauma or another medical condition. […]
What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction & How Is It Tested?
During a comprehensive eye exam, an optometrist can check how well the eyes and brain work together. Then, they’ll likely recommend vision therapy—a treatment designed to retrain your visual system to work seamlessly! […]
Read More… from What Is Binocular Vision Dysfunction & How Is It Tested?
What Causes Astigmatism to Worsen?
While many people live with astigmatism without experiencing a significant change in their condition, some may notice a worsening of symptoms if left untreated, with age, and if accompanied by other eye conditions. […]
Do Eye Drops Expire?
Eye drops expire, but they’re generally safe to use until they reach their expiration date. They lose their effectiveness after they expire and may not be as helpful—there’s also a risk of infection. Stay safe and avoid using expired eye drops. […]
What Is Commonly Misdiagnosed as Pink Eye?
Red, watery, uncomfortable eyes—is it pink eye or something else? Many patients may wonder whether they should visit their optometrist right away for an exam or wait to see if their symptoms go away with time. While these symptoms can mean you have pink eye, they may also be something else—like dry eyes, keratitis, or glaucoma. […]
Myopia vs. Hyperopia: What’s the Difference?
Your eyes play an important role in your everyday life, but that doesn’t mean they’ll always be perfect. Refractive errors, like myopia and hyperopia, affect millions of people in Canada. While they share some symptoms and can both be treated with the help of your optometrist, there are some key differences between myopia and hyperopia. […]
Read More… from Myopia vs. Hyperopia: What’s the Difference?
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
Our eyes are remarkable organs that grant us the gift of sight, allowing us to perceive the world around us. However, like all aspects of our health, our eyes require regular care and attention. Eye exams are a fundamental component of maintaining your vision and identifying potential eye health issues, and should be a regular […]
What Are Bifocal Glasses and How Do They Work?
When it comes to correcting refractive errors, there are many solutions available. And when dealing with issues like presbyopia, a common solution is bifocal lenses. These lenses contain 2 different prescriptions within a single lens—one for near vision, and one for distance vision, allowing for convenient vision correction for common age-related refractive errors. What Are […]
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Can You Sleep with Contact Lenses?
Are you wondering if it’s safe to sleep with contact lenses in? The short answer to this question is: it’s not recommended. During contact lens exams, eye care professionals emphasize the importance of proper lens fitting, care, and usage. While some contact lenses are designed for overnight wear, sleeping in your lenses can pose risks […]
How to Tell If Your Sunglasses Are Polarized
Sunglasses are a great way of protecting your eyes from sun damage and keeping you comfortable when you’re playing or working outside. But not all sunglasses are made equal. For example, if you spend a lot of time around water or large reflective surfaces, polarized sunglasses could be a great option. Fortunately, it’s not hard […]
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How to Properly Clean Your Glasses: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a quick glasses clean, most of us are guilty of a quick breath on the lenses and wiping them on our shirts. But this isn’t an ideal way to clean glasses and could damage your stylish prescription glasses. Rinsing with clean water, using a cleaning solution or a gentle soap, and wiping dry with […]
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Does Wearing Glasses Make Your Eyes Worse?
In reality, wearing the appropriate prescription glasses can help alleviate strain and improve visual clarity, allowing you to see the world as it’s meant to be seen. […]
Test 3
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Amblyopia vs. Strabismus: What’s the Difference?
While they’re often mistaken or confused for each other, they differ in terms of how your eyes move. Amblyopia is commonly known as “lazy eye”, while strabismus refers to having “crossed eyes” […]
Read More… from Amblyopia vs. Strabismus: What’s the Difference?
Test 2
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat […]
Can Dry Eye Cause Blurred Vision?
If you’ve been experiencing blurred vision and wondering if dry eye is to blame, you’re in the right place. Dry eye can cause blurred vision because of: Tear film instability Inflammation… […]
Test 1
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat […]
What to Expect at a Kids Eye Exam
As your child grows and develops, their eyes are constantly changing. This can make it difficult for them, or you, to realize they’re having a problem with their vision. With so many things in their early years depending on their vision, it’s vital that they attend regular eye exams to make sure their eyes are […]
Can I Wear Blue Light Glasses All the Time?
A friend may recommend blue light glasses if your eyes hurt when looking at digital screens like your computer. These glasses can help filter blue light for however long you wear them. If you’re a frequent screen user, you might wonder if you can wear these glasses all day. While you can wear your blue […]
What Is a Contact Lens Fitting?
Contact lenses are a great option for those who do not want to have corrective laser surgery or do not want to be constantly wearing glasses. As with any other corrective measures for your vision, an eye exam will determine what is needed to make you see clearly. Much like a regular eye exam, a […]
Where Should Glasses Sit On Your Nose?
Many people need glasses to help them see, but only some know how to find a properly fitted frame for their face. A good pair of glasses should rest comfortably on the bridge of your nose and not press against your brow or cheeks. However, they shouldn’t be so close to the tip of your […]
How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?
Planning for Your Eye Exam When it’s time for your routine eye appointment, or you’re ready to update your frames or lenses, how much time should you set aside? A complete eye exam usually takes less than an hour. However, the length of your exam depends on the tests performed and your individual eye care […]
Do Contact Lenses Expire?
It’s best to play it safe when it comes to your eyes. You should have your eyes examined regularly and take proper care of the prescription glasses or contact lenses that your eye doctor prescribes. If you’ve ever looked at the box your contacts came in, you might have noticed an expiration date on the […]
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Our Locations
Wainwright
- 2802 15th Ave, Unit 2
- Wainwright, AB T9W 0A4
- Phone: 587-606-0270
- Fax: 780-842-3443
- Email: [email protected]
Vermilion
- 5010 50 Street
- Vermilion, AB T9X 1M5
- Phone: 587-606-0394
- Fax: 780-853-6504
- Email: [email protected]