BC Doctors of Optometry

Eye Health Library

Double Vision

What is double vision? If you see two of whatever you are looking at, you may have a condition known as double vision, also referred to as diplopia. What causes double vision? There are two possible causes of double vision: Failure of both eyes to coordinate together, a condition referred to as “strabismus.” If the

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Diabetes and Your Eyes

What is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that prevents your body from making or using insulin, which in turn leads to increased sugar levels in your bloodstream, known as high blood sugar. How does diabetes affect the eye? Diabetes and its complications can affect many parts of the eye. Diabetes can cause changes in:

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Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer covering the surface of the inner eyelid and a portion of the front of the eye. Conjunctivitis has several causes and affects people of all ages. What causes conjunctivitis? Three main types of conjunctivitis: infectious, allergic, and chemical.  Infectious conjunctivitis: also

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Colour Deficiency

What is colour deficiency? Colour deficiency occurs when your ability to distinguish colours and shades is different from normal. Colour deficiency is more common in males than females, with one in 10 males having a colour deficiency. What causes colour deficiency? Colour deficiency results from an imbalance in the three kinds of cones in the

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Blepharitis

What is blepharitis? Blepharitis is a common condition that causes eyelid inflammation. It is a chronic external eye disorder resulting in red, burning, and irritated eyes. What causes blepharitis? Blepharitis is caused by inflammation of the oil glands behind the eyelashes. These oil glands are responsible for producing the outermost layer of tears. With blepharitis,

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Astigmatism

What is astigmatism? Astigmatism is a refractive error that occurs when the front surface of your eye (cornea) or the lens inside the eye is slightly irregular in shape. This results in blurred vision or distortion at all distances. Astigmatism is not a disease, but a common visual condition. What causes astigmatism? Astigmatism is caused

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Cataracts

What is a cataract? When the lens within your eye becomes cloudy and opaque, it is called a cataract. Cataracts vary from extremely small areas of cloudiness to large opaque areas that cause a noticeable blurring of vision. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but often at different rates. Who gets cataracts? Cataracts happen with

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Bell’s Palsy

What is Bell’s palsy? Bell’s palsy is a common condition that results from facial nerve weakness or paralysis. It usually only affects one side of the face including the forehead and lower facial areas. Several physical manifestations of Bell’s palsy include: Difficulty closing one eye Slurred speech Drooping of one corner of the mouth Inability

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