We provide comprehensive medical eye care for conditions including dry eyes, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and more.
Diabetes can affect the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Over time, these blood vessels may become damaged or leak, potentially causing swelling, bleeding and changes to vision.
Diabetic retinopathy can develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular eye examinations are important for people with diabetes. Detecting changes early allows for appropriate monitoring, treatment or referral when needed.
Saskatchewan residents diagnosed with diabetes are eligible for an annual diabetic eye examination covered by Saskatchewan Health.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. It often develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
Over time, glaucoma can cause permanent loss of peripheral (side) vision and, if left untreated, may lead to significant vision loss. Because vision already lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, early detection and ongoing monitoring are important.
A comprehensive eye exam can help identify signs and risk factors for glaucoma. If glaucoma is diagnosed, treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser treatment or surgery, depending on the type and severity of the condition.
A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. Cataracts usually develop gradually with age and can cause blurred or hazy vision, increased glare, difficulty seeing at night, faded colours or frequent changes in your glasses prescription.
Cataracts are commonly detected during routine eye examinations. In their early stages, changes in prescription may help improve vision. As a cataract progresses and begins to interfere with daily activities, cataract surgery may be recommended.
During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant. Your optometrist can monitor cataract development and, when appropriate, arrange a referral for surgical assessment.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the macula, the central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. AMD can cause blurred, distorted or missing areas in the centre of your vision while typically leaving peripheral (side) vision intact.
The risk of developing AMD increases with age. Other important risk factors include smoking and a family history of the condition. In its early stages, AMD may cause few or no noticeable symptoms.
Regular eye examinations can help detect and monitor changes associated with macular degeneration. Depending on the type and severity of AMD, your optometrist may recommend additional testing, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements or referral to an ophthalmologist for treatment.
Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly to adequately protect and lubricate the surface of the eye. Many people have a combination of both causes.
Symptoms can include burning, stinging, redness, a gritty or foreign-body sensation, watery eyes and fluctuating or blurry vision. Dry eye can be associated with age, medications, certain health conditions, prolonged screen use, environmental conditions and problems with the oil-producing glands of the eyelids.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of your dry eye. Options may include artificial tears, changes to eyelid care or daily habits, prescription medications and other treatments when appropriate. An eye examination can help determine what’s contributing to your symptoms and which treatment options may be most appropriate.
If you experience a sudden change in your vision or develop a new eye problem, prompt assessment can be important. Our optometrists provide urgent eye care for a variety of eye health concerns.
Contact us if you experience symptoms such as:
• A red, painful or irritated eye
• Sudden changes or loss of vision
• New flashes of light or floaters
• An eye injury or foreign object in the eye
• Sudden double vision
• Significant light sensitivity
• Eye discharge, swelling or suspected infection
Some eye conditions require immediate treatment or referral. If you’re unsure how urgently you should be seen, contact our office at 306-584-1881 and we can help determine the appropriate next step.
For severe eye injuries or other medical emergencies, seek immediate emergency medical care at the Pasqua Hospital.
Considering laser vision correction or other refractive surgery? We offer pre-operative evaluations and referrals for procedures including LASIK, PRK, SMILE and refractive lens exchange.
Your optometrist can assess your vision, prescription and eye health, discuss whether refractive surgery may be appropriate for you, and help arrange a referral for surgical consultation when indicated.