The recommended frequency for eye exams depends on your age and risk factors for eye disease. Here's a
general guide:
Children:
First Eye Exam: No Age Restriction. A child can have an eye exam at any age after birth. Ideally, a child's should have thier first eye exam before 6 months of age.
Second Exam: Childern can have exams yearly to ensure optimal ocular health. At minimum it is recommended between the ages of 2 and 5.
Annual Exams: After that, children should have an eye exam every year.
Adults:
Ages 19-39: Every 2 years (if healthy and no vision problems)
Ages 40-64: Every 1-2 years
Ages 65 and older: Annually
Note: The above is only a recomendation only, more frequent checkups may be needed and
is best determined by your eye care professional.
Eye exams use a standardized eye test chart filled with letters and/or symbols that decrease in size the
further down the chart you go. This is typically called the Snellen Chart, and helps measure your visual
acuity, which is how clear and sharp your vision is at a specific distance.
20/20 vision is considered the standard for normal visual acuity. This means that at a distance of 20
feet, you can see the same level of detail that a person with normal (healthy) vision can also see from
20 feet away.
20/40 vision indicates that your vision is weaker than 20/20. In this case, what a person with the
normal (healthy) eyes can see at 40 feet away, you require it to be closer to you at 20ft to see it.
A higher second number in the fraction (ex. 20/40) indicates slightly weaker eyesight.
Eye prescriptions can seem complex at first glance, but they break down into a few key pieces of
information. Here's a breakdown to help you understand what the numbers on your prescription mean:
OD and OS: These abbreviations stand for Oculus Dexter (right eye) and Oculus Sinister (left eye). They
indicate the specific lens power needed for each eye.
Sphere (SPH): This value indicates the power of the lens needed to correct your distance vision.
A minus (-) sign means you are nearsighted (better vision close up), while a plus (+) sign indicates
farsightedness (better vision far away).
Cylinder (CYL) and Axis: These values come together and define whether you have astigmatism.
Astigmatism is a condition where the cornea has a slightly irregular curvature, causing blurred vision
at all distances. The cylinder value indicates
the power of the lens correction for astigmatism, and the axis indicates the orientation of the
correction. If these values are blank, you don't have astigmatism.
PD, or pupillary distance, refers to the distance in millimeters (mm) between the centers of your pupils. This measurement is crucial for ensuring your eyeglasses or contact lenses are centered correctly for optimal vision.
Imagine looking straight ahead. PD measures the distance between the center of the pupil in your right eye and the center of the pupil in your left eye. Having an accurate PD ensures the optical center of each lens aligns perfectly with your pupils, providing the clearest and most comfortable vision possible.
Eyeglass lenses come in a variety of types to address different vision needs and preferences. Here's a
breakdown of some common options:
Single Vision Lenses: These are the simplest lenses, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness,
or astigmatism.
Bifocal Lenses: These have two distinct sections: one for near vision (reading) and one for
distance vision. They're a good option if you need correction for both but may require some adjustment
as you shift your gaze.
Trifocal Lenses: Similar to bifocals, but with an additional zone for intermediate vision
(computer work).
Progressive Lenses: These lenses offer a smooth gradient of power from top to bottom, allowing
you to see clearly at all distances without visible lines.
Polycarbonate Lenses: Engineered with a lightweight, impact-resistant polymer, these lenses provide
exceptional protection for your eyes. This innovative material surpasses traditional glass in terms of
durability, offering peace of mind for those with active lifestyles. Even in the event of an unexpected
impact, these lenses are designed to resist shattering, minimizing the risk of injury.
High-Index Lenses: Thinner and lighter than standard plastic lenses, especially beneficial for
strong prescriptions.
Photochromic Lenses: These lenses transition from clear indoors to tinted outdoors, acting like
sunglasses.
Polarized Lenses: Reduce glare bouncing off horizontal surfaces like water or pavement, offering
increased comfort during outdoor activities.
The cost of eyeglass lenses can vary depending on the material, type of lens (single vision vs.
progressive), coatings (anti-scratch, anti-reflective),
and prescription complexity. At G&G Eye Doctors, we understand clear vision is a part of healthy living.
That is why not only are our optical selections
budget-friendly, but we also have ongoing promotions that can help you find designer frames to meet your
unique look.
Traditionally, eyeglasses were made from glass. However, modern lenses are primarily crafted from
high-tech plastics. Here are the some common types:
CR-39 Plastic: A standard plastic material, lightweight and affordable.
Polycarbonate: The most impact-resistant option, ideal for active lifestyles and children's
glasses.
Trivex: A newer plastic that combines the impact resistance of polycarbonate with the optical
clarity of CR-39.
High-Index Plastic: A special plastic for strong prescriptions, offering thinner and lighter
lenses.
Choosing glasses involves considering both your vision needs and personal style. Here are some tips:
Consult your eye doctor: They can assess your vision and recommend the best lens type for your
prescription.
Think about your lifestyle: Consider factors like your daily activities and how often you switch between
near and far vision.
Frame selection: Choose frames that complement your face shape and personal taste. Opticians can offer
guidance on finding a good fit.
Lens coatings: Explore options like anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and UV protection to enhance your
lenses' durability and functionality.
Remember, your eye doctor and optician are valuable resources to help you choose the ideal lenses and
frames for your specific needs and preferences.
Choosing the right eye doctor matters. Here's a breakdown to help you understand:
Optometrist: Optometrists are primary eye care providers. They perform routine eye exams,
prescribe corrective lenses (glasses and contacts), diagnose and treat eye conditions, and manage
certain eye diseases. Think of an Optometrist as your "family doctor but for the eyes".
Ophthalmologist: Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care and have
extensive training and qualifications to perform surgeries.
Similar to how your family doctor might refer you to a cardiologist for specialized care after a routine
checkup, your optometrist can refer you to an ophthalmologist for advanced eye conditions or surgery as
well.
Schedule your eye exam today at G&G Eye Doctors. "Discover a whole new level of eye care."
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) covers eye exams for certain groups of people. Here's a breakdown:
Children (19 years old and younger): OHIP fully covers one comprehensive eye exam per year with
an optometrist.
Seniors (65 years old and older): OHIP covers one major eye exam every 18 months, along with
potentially two additional follow-up appointments for specific eye conditions.
Adults (20-64 years old): Routine eye exams are not covered by OHIP for this age group. However,
if you have a specific eye condition requiring regular monitoring, OHIP may cover an annual exam and
up to two related follow-up appointments.
We recommend calling us and our staff can verify for:
Brampton: (905) 497-1511
Cambridge: (519) 622-1115
The cost of an eye exam in Ontario can vary depending on a several factors. Below are a few factors to
help understans:
1. Is the primary assessment covered by OHIP?
2. The complexity of the exam including additional treatments and/or procedures.
3. Additional imaging/testing not insured by OHIP (ex. OCT & Visual Field for diagnostic Purposes)
4. Medical/vision form completion.
5. Private insurance coverage
At G&G Eye Doctors, ensuring your optimal eye health is our primary focus. Our exam fees reflect the advanced technology we utilize to provide comprehensive evaluations. We prioritize in-depth assessments beyond simply prescribing glasses, aiming for a holistic understanding of your ocular health. To facilitate informed decision-making, we encourage you to research various eye care options and discuss them with us if you still have questions.
While there are many retailers offering glasses online, it is important to get your glasses fitted by a
professional. Here's why:
Ensuring proper fit: Glasses need to be customized to your individual needs, including the
distance between your pupils (PD) and the placement of the lenses in front of your eyes. An improper fit
can lead to eye strain, headaches, and even blurry vision.
Eye health evaluation: During an in-person eye exam, your eye doctor can check for any underlying
eye conditions that could be affecting your vision. Early detection and treatment can help prevent
future problems.
Avoiding risks for children: Especially for children, a comprehensive eye exam is crucial to
detect conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), which can be effectively treated if caught early. Glasses
purchased online may not address this issue properly.
Overall, while online retailers may offer convenience and affordability, prioritizing your eye health is
important. An in-person exam ensures a proper fit for your glasses, reduces the risk of eye strain and
headaches, and allows for a comprehensive eye health evaluation.
Yes! OCT (optical coherence tomography) imaging is an important tool in eye care. It's also commonly referred to as an OCT eye test, OCT vision exam, or OCT eye exam.
Here's why OCT imaging is important:
Detailed Images: It provides high-resolution cross-sectional views of the retina, allowing doctors to see individual layers in much greater detail than traditional eye exams.
Early Detection: This detailed view helps with early detection of eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment in many cases.
Monitoring Treatment: OCT can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for various eye conditions. This allows doctors to adjust treatment plans as needed.
Overall, OCT imaging is a valuable tool for ophthalmologists and optometrists to diagnose, monitor, and treat various eye diseases. If your doctor recommends an OCT scan, it's a safe and painless procedure that can provide valuable information about your eye health.
Yes, digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, can definitely be a cause of eye pain.
Our eyes weren't quite designed for the constant close-up focus required by computer and screen use. Here's what happens:
Focusing Effort: Staring at a screen for extended periods makes your eye muscles work harder to focus and maintain a clear image. This can lead to tired, strained eyes.
Reduced Blinking: When concentrating on a screen, we tend to blink less frequently. This can dry out your eyes, causing irritation and discomfort.
Blue Light: Screens emit blue light, which can contribute to eye strain and fatigue in some people.
Eye pain is a common symptom of digital eye strain. Other symptoms can include:
-Blurred vision
-Dry eyes
-Itchy eyes
-Headaches
-Strained eyelids
If you experience any of these symptoms after using a computer or screen for a while, it's a good sign you may be experiencing digital eye strain.
Yes, you can get eye damage from sun. And it's important for everyone to be aware of it, here's why:
Ultraviolet (UV) Rays: The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are invisible to the naked eye. Over time, exposure to UV rays can damage the structures within your eye, including the cornea, lens, and retina.
Blue iris's contain less melanin and thus absorb less light, increasing risks when compared to brown iris's.
The good news is that there are ways to protect your eyes from further sun damage:
Sunglasses: Wear sunglasses that block out 99% of UVA and UVB rays. Look for a label that says "UV protection" or "UV 400."
This can help minimize and reduce the chance UV induced ocular damage.
Schedule an Eye Exam at G&G Eye Doctors and ensure your ocular health is free of damage.
Astigmatism (also sometimes called astigmatisme) is a common vision problem that affects how the eye focuses light.
Normally, a healthy cornea (the clear part of your eye) and lens curve smoothly in all directions, like a smooth ball. This allows light rays to focus properly onto the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye, resulting in clear vision.
However, with astigmatism, the cornea or lens has an irregular curvature, more like an egg than a ball. This irregular shape causes light rays to bend unevenly, blurring your vision at both near and far distances.
There are several treatment options available, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and even corrective surgery in some cases.
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) does not cover the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
However, at G&G eye
Doctors, we understand vision is essential in living a healthy and happy life. Therefore, we periodically have
promotions which include Prescription Eye Glasses Free with your Eye Exam (conditions apply). We encourage you
to call and inquire about current promotions and sales offered.
*Promotions are subject to change without notice and vary by location. Please check with your nearest location for current offers.
Even if you feel healthy and your vision seems fine, regular eye exams are still important for maintaining good eye health. Here's why:
Early Detection: Many eye diseases, like glaucoma and macular degeneration, can develop without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. A comprehensive eye exam can detect these conditions early on, when treatment is most effective.
Overall Health: Your eyes can also provide clues about your overall health. Eye exams can sometimes detect signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health conditions.
Baseline Evaluation: Having a baseline eye exam establishes a record of your healthy vision. This allows your doctor to compare future exams and identify any changes that might occur over time.
Schedule an Eye Exam today and ensure healthy and clear vision for your future!
In the case of an eye emergency, seeking professional medical attention as soon as possible is crucial. Here's what you can do:
See your eye doctor immediately. They are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye emergencies.
G&G Eye Doctors understands emergencies happen and thats why we accept walk-in appointments to minimize wait times.
Optometrists can often treat emergencies directly. This includes removing foreign objects, addressing ocular hypertension, uveitis, and many more conditions.
Even if specialist care is needed, seeing an eye doctor first is beneficial. Emergency rooms can have long wait times, which can be detrimental for some eye conditions.
G&G Eye Doctors has a vast network with ophthalmologists across the GTA. This allows them to streamline emergency cases and get you the necessary surgical intervention quickly, if and when needed.
When it comes to eye emergencies, prompt action is essential. While the information above highlights the services offered by G&G Eye Doctors, the most important takeaway is to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible.
The above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. If you cannot reach your eye doctor, seek care at your nearest hospital immediately.
At G&G Eye Doctors we are happy to help with your eyeglass repair needs. We provide complimentary in-store adjustments, including screw tightening and nose pad adjustments or replacements.
If your glasses are in need of a little TLC, simply come visit our store in Brampton or Cambridge. We'd be glad to help with your glasses repair and get you seeing clearly again!
In Ontario, regular eye exams are recommended for children to ensure healthy vision development. Here's a breakdown of the recommended schedule:
First Eye Exam: No Age Restriction. A child can have an eye exam at any age after birth. Ideally, a child's should have thier first eye exam before 6 months of age.
Second Exam: Childern can have exams yearly to ensure optimal ocular health. At minimum it is recommended between the ages of 2 and 5.
Annual Exams: After that, children should have an eye exam every year.
The good news is that eye exams for children 19 years and younger are at no charge to you in Ontario. Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers the cost of the basic exam itself.
Looking for a Kids Optometrist near you? G&G Eye Doctors boasts highly skilled and knowledgeable pediatric optometrists ready to care for your child's vision.
Basic Eye Exams for Seniors are covered by OHIP. Here's a breakdown:
Seniors aged 65 and over with certain eye conditions:
- Glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, etc.
* Covered for one comprehensive exam every 12 months.
Seniors aged 65 and over without the above conditions:
* Covered for one comprehensive exam every 18 months.
Additional considerations:
OHIP may cover additional follow-up visits if needed between your regular check-ups.
* While OHIP covers a basic eye exam, it doesn't cover additional tests
like OCT (optical coherence tomography) or visual field analysis (unless a pathology or disease already exists).
These advanced tests can be helpful for a more comprehensive assessment of your eye health, allowing early detection
and intervention before damage occurs, especially if you have certain risk factors or concerns.
We recommend discussing the importance of additional testing with your eye doctor during your eye exam.
OHIP covers an eye exam every 18 months for 65 and over without progressive eye diseases. OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) is an insurance plan.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor every year after age 65 [AAO eye health].
Some factors may influence how often you need checkups: These include pre-existing conditions, current medications, and any noticeable changes in vision.
Talking to your doctor or optometrist is the best way to determine the ideal checkup schedule for your individual needs. They can advise on the frequency of comprehensive exams and dilated eye tests, which provide a more thorough view of your eye health.