How to Unclog Meibomian Glands
While meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) canβt be prevented, there are effective ways to unclog these glands (both at home and with the help of an eye care professional) with a gentle massage. […]
Protect Your Eyes from Vision-Threatening Diseases
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects approximately 3.3 million people in Canada. The condition prevents the body from making or using insulin, which leads to unregulated blood sugar levels.
If your blood sugar levels are too high over a prolonged time, it can cause serious health problems. Hyperglycemia can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve problems, and vision problems.
Calgary Family Eye Doctors offers diabetic eye exams in South Calgary. Book your next appointment today.
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Diabetes & Your Eyes
Diabetes can affect many different parts of the eyes and, in some cases, is first detected during an eye exam. Unmanaged diabetes can lead to vision changes, cataracts, glaucoma, and various other conditions that can steal your vision. Some of the first visual signs of diabetes include fluctuating vision, double vision, vision loss, and flashes or floaters.
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common eye diseases that occur due to unregulated diabetes. High blood sugar levels start to damage the retina’s blood vessels, which can begin to swell and leak.
There are 2 main types of diabetic retinopathy:
Both types can affect your vision, so you should visit us as soon as possible if you begin to experience symptoms.
Diabetic macular edema is typically a complication of diabetic retinopathy. When the blood vessels leak fluid into the eye, it can cause swelling in the central part of the retina, called the macula.
The retina is responsible for converting light that enters the eye into a detailed message. When it is swollen, it distorts the message, making it difficult to see clearly. If left untreated, macular edema can lead to irreversible damage and vision loss.
Symptoms to Watch For
If you have diabetes, your optometrist may recommend you come in more frequently for exams. Regular, comprehensive eye exams can pinpoint early signs of eye disease that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Common symptoms of diabetic eye disease include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Frequently changing vision (different day to day)
- Dark areas in vision or vision loss
- Poor colour vision
- Floaters
- Flashers
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important you visit us right away to have your eyes examined.
Book AppointmentVisit Us at Calgary Family Eye Doctors
Where is Our Office?
Find us just off Southport Road SW on the west side of Macleod Trail.
Where Can You Park?
There is 2 hour free parking directly outside the professional building.
Our Address
- 11th Floor, 1125-10655 Southport Road SW
- Calgary, AB T2W 4Y1
Contact Information
- Phone: 403.225.5660
- Fax: 403.225.5927
- Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operation
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
What We Have to Offer
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Why Am I Waking Up with Dry Eyes? 5 Tips for Relief
Typically, dry eyes in the morning are caused by an imbalance in your tear film. This can develop due to environmental factors, poor sleep quality, allergies, and even underlying medical conditions. […]
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Can Carrots Actually Help Your Eyesight?
Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, which is very good for your eyes! But they’re just one piece of the puzzle. A healthy diet and proper eye care are essential for maintaining good eyesight. So, when your world is blurry, itβs generally better to reach for your glasses than a carrot. […]
Why Does It Feel Like Something Is in My Eye?
We’ve all experienced that uncomfortable sensation of feeling as though something is in our eye. You’re blinking like crazy, sure that there’s a speck stuck in your eye, yet no matter how much you look there’s nothing to be found.
This feeling is often called foreign body sensation and can occur for all sorts of reasons, including dry eyes, corneal scratches, conjunctivitisβor maybe something is actually in your eye. It’s a common irritation that can disrupt your daily activities and cause significant discomfort. Whatever the cause, your optometrist can help you figure it out and get you feeling comfortable again. […]
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Myopia Control Lenses: What Are Your Options?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a progressive condition that affects your child’s vision, often impacting their ability to learn, socialize, and play. With the help of an experienced optometrist, myopia control can manage this refractive error and help preserve your child’s vision. What Is Myopia? Myopiaβcommonly referred to as nearsightednessβis caused by a change in the […]
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Can a Sinus Infection Affect Your Eyes?
If you start to notice blurry vision, swelling, and pressure around your eyes, this could be due to a sinus infection. But remember: sinus infections aren’t the only condition that can affect your eyes, so if you’re dealing with vision changes, make sure to talk to your optometrist. […]
Can I Use Expired Eye Drops?
Expired eye drops may not work as efficiently as they would when they’re fresh. Because theyβre no longer effective, they might also lead to an infection. […]
Are Eye Drops Safe for Kids?
Many parents have questions about the safety and efficacy of eye drops for their little ones. Most eye drops are safe for children with the guidance of a healthcare professional. Different types of eye drops serve different purposes, such as alleviating dryness, treating infections, or irritation and allergies. […]
How Do I Know If I Need Glasses?
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Where Should Glasses Sit on the Nose?
When it comes to eyewear, itβs crucial that your glasses have a perfect fit. If your eyeglasses don’t fit well, then they might not correct your vision effectively. Whether you’re at your computer, enjoying the outdoors, or reading a book, a correctly fitted pair of glasses can be the difference between comfort and frustration. So […]
Do Sunglasses Block Blue Light?
While all sunglasses are made to shield your eyes from UV rays, some come with lenses designed to block blue light. […]
Are Blue Eyes More Sensitive to the Sun?
Blue eyes have less melanin, a pigment that provides some protection against the UV rays from the sun. Melanin helps to absorb light, and with less of it, blue eyes are more susceptible to damage from bright sunlight. […]
What Is an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) Test?
An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) test may sound like a mouthful, but the process itself is more straightforward. An OCT is a non-invasive test that allows your optometrist to take detailed cross-section pictures of the back of your eye. Including an OCT test during your eye exam allows for early detection and monitoring of various […]
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How Is a Contact Lens Prescription Different Than Glasses?
Contact lenses and glasses (regular and sun) require different prescriptions. But why?
Contact lenses sit directly on the eye requiring adjustments for factors like curvature and oxygen flow
Eyeglasses are positioned a short distance away from the eyes, requiring modifications to correct for the distance between the lens and the eye and the angle of light entering the eye […]
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Are Phone Screens Bad for Your Eyes?
Constant use of our phone screens can lead to digital eye strain, but there are ways to help reduce your risk of the uncomfortable symptoms and further eye damage. Here are 6 tips to prevent eye damage from your phone:
Screen position
Screen contrast
Reduce glare
20-20-20 rule
Don’t forget to blink
Get regular eye exams […]
10 Common Causes of Blurry Vision
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Can You Swim with Contact Lenses?
Exposing contact lenses to water can introduce various risks to your eye health, so itβs best to avoid swimming with contact lenses whenever possible. […]
What Causes High Eye Pressure & How to Reduce It
Fluid buildup, eye trauma, medications, and other eye conditions are all potential causes of an increase in eye pressure. Typically, one of the keys to reducing it is treating the root cause. […]
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What Can Cause Red Eyes in a Child?
Some common contributing factors to red eyes in children include:
Viral conjunctivitisΒ
Bacterial conjunctivitisΒ
Corneal abrasion or foreign body
BlepharitisΒ
Allergic eye disease […]
Pink Eye vs. Stye: How to Tell the Difference?
Pink eye and styes are 2 common eye conditions that can cause redness and irritation. A couple of differentiating characteristics are the presence of a bump that could indicate a stye and more localized redness or swelling. […]
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What Are the Early Warning Signs of Macular Degeneration?
Common early warning signs of macular degeneration include:
Blurry central vision or distorted lines
Difficulty recognizing familiar faces or reading
Empty or blind spots in the central vision […]
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Is Rubbing Your Eyes Bad?
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What Is Myopia Control?
Severe myopia can increase a child’s risk of sight-threatening conditions developing later in life. For this reason, myopic control methods, such as specialized lenses and contacts, aim to slow myopia progression. […]
Astigmatism vs. Myopia vs. Hyperopia: Whatβs the Difference?
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Top 7 Tips to Improve Eyesight Naturally
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Are Eye Exams Free in Alberta? Understanding Your Vision Coverage
Basic eye exams for children under the age of 19 and seniors 65 and older are covered by Alberta Health Care. Retinal imaging, however, which is a very important part of assessing ocular health, is not covered by AHC and is recommended at every full exam. Most ocular health exams done for medical reasons like eye infections, removing foreign bodies, diagnosing and managing eye diseases, etc., are covered by AHC for all ages. […]
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Why Does My Eye Hurt When I Blink?
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What Are the Early Warning Signs of Glaucoma?
The early warning signs for glaucoma include increased pressure in the eye, gradual loss of peripheral vision, and, on occasion, blurry vision. […]
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Types of Lenses for Glasses: What Are Your Options?
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– Progressive lenses
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ZEISS Lenses: The Complete Guide
Whether youβre looking for eyeglasses for everyday wear or prescription sunglasses to keep your eyes safe in the sun, quality matters. ZEISS has been making quality prescription lenses for over 160 years. They have lens options for many lifestyles, regardless of your vision needs. We all have different vision needs. For example, some people may […]
How to Tell if a Contact Lens Is Still in Your Eye
Many Canadians wear contacts as an alternative to eyeglasses or laser eye surgery. Contacts can offer comfort and convenience while youβre moving through your daily tasks. You could even forget youβre wearing themβuntil suddenly something changes. Maybe they fell out, or worse, maybe they got stuck. You may panic, rub your eye, try to blink […]
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How Do Contact Lenses Work?
When it comes to vision correction, there are several options available, including contact lenses. These small and versatile lenses offer an alternative to traditional eyeglasses, allowing you to have clear vision without compromising your comfort or style. But how exactly do contact lenses work? Contact lenses work by correcting your natural refractive error. They bend […]
What Does 20/20 Vision Mean?
When it comes to maintaining clear vision, thereβs a certain term often thrown around during eye exams that may not be well understoodβ20/20 vision. Itβs used by optometrists to describe optimal vision or visual acuity, but what does this term actually mean? 20/20 vision is the term used to describe normal visual acuity (the clarity […]
Can I Wear Blue Light Glasses All the Time?
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Is Glaucoma Hereditary?
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What to Expect at a Kids Eye Exam
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What Can Video Games Do to Your Eyes?
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Do Contact Lenses Get Thicker with Prescription?
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What Does Retinal Imaging Show?
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How Often Should Glaucoma Patients Be Checked?
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How To Tell if a Baby Needs Glasses
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Can an Optometrist Tell if You Have Diabetes?
Dealing with diabetes can be difficult and might leave you feeling overwhelmed. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can give you the power to manage your diabetes with confidence. There are many ways to diagnose diabetes early, including through regular eye exams. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in Canada, so regular eye exams and […]
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Do Contact Lenses Expire?
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Are Floaters in the Eye Dangerous
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Does My Child Need Glasses?
Healthy Vision for Our Little Ones We all want our children to be happy and successful in their endeavours, and healthy vision can play a massive part in a childβs overall wellness. Our kids grow up fast, and their eyes develop right alongside them. How can you tell if theyβre hitting the correct visual milestones? […]
What Happens If I Wear My Contacts Too Long?
Contact lenses can be a great alternative to glasses. For many people, contact lenses are easy to wear, more comfortable, and more aesthetically pleasing than traditional eyeglasses. Even though many people prefer contacts over glasses, they do require more maintenance and care. Contact lenses can be a lot more work than glasses and need to […]
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How Do Optometrists Test for Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada, and you may not even notice anything is wrong until vision loss occurs. If you have undiagnosed glaucoma, how do you identify this disease before your vision is affected? A series of tests used during a comprehensive eye exam can detect any eye problems. […]
How Too Much Screen Time Impacts Kidβs Eye Health
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COVID-19 Update – Our promise to you.
Our promise to you. Wow! What a whirlwind these last few months have been; we’ve all seen some challenges during these unprecedented times. On April 30th our government made the announcement that allied health services can return to offering non-urgent routine care. We are beyond happy to announce that we are open once again, doing […]
COVID 19 and Eye Emergencies
At Calgary Family Eye Doctors we are hoping you and your family are staying safe during these unprecedented times. If you are on our email list you will already know that we are seeing eye emergencies only, at the moment. We are currently not providing routine eye exams. We are dispensing glasses and contact lenses […]
Options for elective corrective eye surgery
Have you ever thought about getting elective eye surgery to correct your vision? Many people decide to have corrective surgery to eliminate the need for glasses or contacts. The most well-known type of surgery is laser eye surgery. There are also non-laser surgery options, such as implantable lenses (or ICLs). Types of corrective laser surgery: […]
10 things to remember when wearing contact lenses
Contact lenses are a popular option for vision correction; many people prefer them to glasses. Contact lenses do have several benefits, such as being able to wear non-prescription sunglasses and having better peripheral vision. However, contact lenses are a medical device that sit on your eye (they sit on a layer of tear fluid on […]
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Presbyopia: an overview
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May is Vision Health Month
May is Vision Health Month! Throughout the month, eye care professionals in Canada and around the world will work to raise awareness about eye health. Good eye health is important for everyone, regardless of age. In fact, we recommend that children go for their first comprehensive eye health exam at six months of age, and […]
Eye See You education program launch
We’re very excited to announce the launch of Eye See You, our community outreach and education program for children. It’s designed to complement the province-wide Eye See Eye Learn program, which provides free prescription glasses to children in kindergarten. Since Calgary Family Eye Doctors is a participating clinic in the Eye See Eye Learn program, […]
Myopia in children: what you need to know
Approximately 30% of Canadians are myopic, and that number continues to rise. While myopia affects people of all ages, there has been a recent rise in the number of children who are myopic. Currently, about 6% of children between the ages of 6 and 8 are myopic; by the time kids reach the ages of […]
Colour blindness: an overview
The world is full of colour. Life is permeated by vivid and brilliant colours, and colour can have an impact on what we see and how we perceive the world. But what if you see colours in a different way than most people? What is colour blindness? Colour blindness is the inability to distinguish between […]
Why it’s important to wear sunglasses in the winter
Sunglasses are usually seen as a summer accessory, along with hats and sunscreen. But, just like hats and sunscreen, it’s important to wear sunglasses in the winter. Even though the weather is colder (and snowier) and the days are shorter, UV rays are still hitting us. Here are three reasons why it’s important to wear […]
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2019 Prescription Eyewear Trends
New year, new glasses! (Right?) But before you head out to buy your new glasses this year (hopefully at our clinic, of course!), letβs take a look at some of the trends for prescription eyewear for 2019. Shapes A lot of people have glasses that are more neutral in shape (that is, shapes that are […]
Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness; in Canada alone, there are over 400,000 people who suffer from glaucoma. It’s called the “silent thief of sight” because it usually occurs with no symptoms. What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve. Glaucoma occurs when there is […]
Diabetes and your eyes
If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you’ve likely been told that you need to get your eyes checked yearly. Have you wondered why your family doctor is telling you that you need to see your optometrist to help monitor your diabetes? The short answer is that in an eye exam, your optometrist […]
Introducing the Dry Eye Clinic
A note: if this post looks familiar to you and you’re a newsletter subscriber, that’s because this post was initially released as a newsletter to our patients. If you’d like to sign up for our newsletter, please sign up here. Do you suffer from dry eyes? Have you tried multiple drops and found only temporary […]
Vision Coverage: What is Covered by Alberta Health?
Here is a brief overview of Alberta Health’s vision coverage. Children Alberta Health covers one complete eye exam for children and teens under the age of 19 every benefit year (a benefit year is July 1 – June 30). They will also cover one partial exam and one diagnostic procedure. Please note that Alberta Health […]
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5 Ways Your Glasses Prescription Can Change Rapidly
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Children’s Vision Issues
While children may have symptoms that can indicate a vision or eye health problem, it’s also possible for vision issues to be asymptomatic. In these cases, the only way to detect them would be through a comprehensive eye health exam. […]
Children and Eye Health: The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
October is children’s vision month, so throughout the month, we will be working to bring awareness to children’s eye health. This month, we wanted to talk about the importance of children’s eye exams, and why focusing on their eye health is just as important as focusing on our own. […]
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Digital Eye Strain
It’s no secret that people are spending more and more time on digital devices. After all, we’re very much a plugged-in society. But how does all this screen time affect our eye health? Does it have an effect at all? […]
Blue Light
Soβ¦what exactly is blue light? Essentially, it is a high energy light that is visible to the human eye. All light that we see falls along the visible light spectrum (remember the acronym ROYGBV?). […]
Eye Care Missions
A few years ago, I was lucky enough to volunteer with VOSH International to perform ocular examinations for the underprivileged in Belize. It was one of the most incredible and memorable trips I have ever taken. Belize is a beyond-beautiful country with such friendly and kind people. The first few days were spent on the […]
International Eye Care Missions
Volunteering with international eye care missions has changed my life. My inaugural trip was serving as a translator for an eye care team in Guatemala.Β […]
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About Us
Eye Exams
Specialty Eye Exams
Brands
Calgary Family Eye Doctors
- 11th Floor, 1125-10655 Southport Road SW
- Calgary, AB T2W 4Y1
- Phone: 403.225.5660
- Fax: 403.225.5927
- Email: [email protected]