specialty eye care in Grande Prairie

eye doctors who care

At Aurora Eye Care in Grande Prairie, our passionate team offers a wide range of specialty services, including myopia control, laser eye surgery consults, eye disease diagnosis and management, emergency eye care, and in-depth eye exams.

We approach every patient’s needs with a holistic perspective, ensuring you receive the most thorough and attentive care possible!

Come see us at Aurora Eye Care for specialty eye care in Grande Prairie, where we provide exceptional care with a friendly touch. Your eye care is important, and the experience should be enjoyable!

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emergency eye care in Grande Prairie

If you or a loved one is experiencing an eye emergency, please get in touch with our team immediately. Please visit your nearest emergency room if the emergency occurs outside our regular office hours.

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visiting an optometrist vs. an emergency room

We recommend calling our team first if your emergency occurs within our regular business hours.

Calling us directly could help you get faster care for chemical splashes, eye trauma, eye disease emergencies, and small foreign particle embedment.

We recommend going to an emergency room immediately for severe eye injuries like cuts, punctures, and burns.

types of eye emergencies

The best way to protect yourself from eye emergencies is to wear appropriate protective eyewear. We offer a range of safety eyewear, and we’ll be happy to recommend a pair that fits your particular needs. Using safety eyewear whenever you’re playing sports, handling dangerous chemicals, or working on a hazardous job site could help prevent eye care emergencies.

Common eye emergencies include:

  • Trauma to the eye
  • Chemical exposure
  • Foreign particle embedment
  • Eye disease emergencies
    • sudden loss of vision, painful or painless
    • eye infections
    • flashes or new floaters in the vision
    • swelling of the tissues on or around the eye

Certain eye diseases like angle-closure glaucoma and wet age-related macular degeneration could lead to emergency symptoms. High myopia can also increase the risk of retinal detachment, another emergency condition. If you are at risk of developing eye disease and experiencing sudden vision loss, eye pain, or eye redness, please contact our team immediately.

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30% of Canadians have myopia

myopia management clinic

That’s right; researchers believe that myopia, also known as nearsightedness, affects 30% of Canadians. And this number is expected to climb even higher.

By 2050, nearly half of the entire world could have myopia.

New research is showing that we can slow down the progression of nearsightedness⁠—which is why, at Aurora Eye Care in Grande Prairie, our optometrists are committed to providing up-to-date, science-based management for myopia. Book an appointment with the Aurora team today.

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what is myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, typically develops in school-age children. It occurs when the eye elongates over time or if the cornea becomes too steep, preventing light from properly focusing on the back of the eye.

Over time, myopia can progress to high myopia, an issue that significantly increases the risk of developing serious sight-threatening conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and myopic maculopathy. For instance, every 1D increase in myopia increases the risk of myopic maculopathy by 67%. (Bullimore, M. A., & Brennan, N. A. (2019). Myopia control: why each diopter matters. Optometry and Vision Science, 96(6), 463-465.)

Managing myopia as early as possible with specialized glasses, contact lenses, atropine eye drops, and vision training could help prevent it from becoming high myopia.

myopia in children

Does your child struggle with nearsightedness? Myopia often begins developing between the ages of 6-14.

Myopia can affect your child’s learning. 80% of your child’s learning happens visually, but issues like myopia can affect their performance at school, sports, and beyond.

Our goal is to prevent the long-term side effects of high myopia for your child and give them the tools for their best vision possible, their whole life through.

Please visit My Kids Vision to learn more and assess your child’s risk factors. Contact Aurora Eye Care to book your child’s routine eye exam and begin the myopia management journey.

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myopia treatment and management options

Luckily, there are several ways to manage myopia.

At Aurora Eye Care, our mission with myopia control is to prevent it from developing into high myopia. The earlier we start managing myopia, the better chance we have to prevent further complications.

We offer a variety of scientifically proven strategies for controlling myopia development, but the very first step is to have an eye exam. Studies show that these strategies are most effective for controlling myopia in children, and the earlier we start, the better the outcome.

atropine eye drops

Low-dose Atropine eye drops are a common strategy for myopia control. Studies have shown that low-dose atropine eye drops can help slow the elongation of the eye by ~50%.**

This eye drop is specially formulated by your pharmacist to the required percentage determined by your optometrist. The treatment is safe, and the main side effects are light sensitivity due to large pupils and near blur. Your optometrist will help to find the right strength for your child to maximize myopia control while monitoring their visual function very closely.

This treatment is often paired with specialty lenses with photochromic tints to compensate for any possible side effects of the medication.

MiSight 1 Day contact lenses

MiSight 1 Day contact lenses use ActivControl Technology to create zones of myopic defocus. Myopic defocusing changes how light focuses on the retina and, in turn, sends signals to the eye that slow down elongation.

Studies show MiSight Contact Lenses slow progression by an average of 59%.

lenswear

HOYA MiyoSmart and Essilor Stellest are glasses that use breakthrough lens design to create a peripheral hyperopic defocus.

MiyoSmart uses patented D.I.M.S (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) lens technology and is shown to reduce progression of myopia by up to 62%.

These fit just like regular glasses with slightly more adaptation time.

 

vision training for myopia

In some cases, abnormal visual skills can contribute to worsening myopia. If there is dysfunction in the eye teaming system or focusing system, we can use vision training to treat these issues and subsequently reduce myopia progression.

A custom vision training program can help train these skills.

If you notice your child displaying the following symptoms, contact our team to see how vision training can help them:

  • Difficulty reading
  • Frequent headaches
  • Eye strain
  • Concentration difficulties
  • Double vision
  • Avoiding school work
  • Head tilting
  • Sitting close to screens and books

what to expect during your myopia management assessment

The following testing is performed during your visit:

Axial Length Measurement
This measurement of the length of the eyeball is the gold standard in managing myopia. It allows us to closely monitor any future change in the length of your eye. We expect the eye to grow at a normal rate during adolescence, but if the growth rate outpaces the normal rate, it can cause large prescription changes and stretching and tearing of the retinal tissue.

Binocular Vision Status
Certain issues within the focusing and eye teaming systems can contribute to myopia progression. If a problem is found that may be contributing to a continual change in prescription, we can consider vision training to address the issue. (green link to VT website)

Cycloplegic Refraction
We will measure your prescription both with and without dilating drops to rule out pseudomyopia and get the most accurate prescription we can. Pseudomyopia is a condition where your focusing system overworks or spasms, creating artificially higher myopia. These drops cause light sensitivity and blurred near vision for up to 18 hours. Sunglasses are recommended for after the appointment.

Pachymetry (Corneal thickness)
This is a measurement of the thickness of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. This is an important measurement to determine the structural integrity of the eye and rule out any potential underlying corneal diseases.

Corneal Topography
The topographer gives us detailed information about the shape and contour of the cornea. This is an important measurement when we consider the final prescription as well as the possibility of contact lens wear.

Myopia Consult
After we have gathered all the necessary data you will have dedicated time with the optometrist to discuss all findings and treatment options. Together we will create a plan that will optimize myopia control and is customized to fit your visual needs and lifestyle.

Plan to be at the office for approximately 1.5-2 hours.

contact Aurora Eye Care to begin treating and managing myopia

We want to provide you and your family access to the tools available to slow down myopia progression. The first step is your regular, yearly eye exam, where your doctor will determine candidacy for the myopia management program. If this is the right path for you, we will book you for a Myopia Management Assessment.

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laser eye surgery consult

If you’re considering laser eye surgery, we recommend reaching out to a surgical center to review your options, procedure, pricing and have any questions answered. Unfortunately, there are no surgeons currently offering these services in Grande Prairie.

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laser eye surgery co-management at Aurora Eye Care in Grande Prairie

Aurora Eye Care provides direct co-management with clinics in Edmonton & Calgary. Including:

While Aurora Eye Care doesn’t perform laser eye surgeries, we can determine if it is a good option for you and assist with pre-and post-operative care. We have excellent relationships with all the leading laser eye surgeons in Alberta and work closely to provide you with an amazing experience.

When you’re ready for a pre-operative consultation, call our team to get started!

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laser eye surgery can correct various prescriptions

Refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism are the leading cause of vision impairment in Canada. And while glasses and contact lenses can also help correct your vision, we understand the desire to find a more permanent answer to your blurry vision problems.

the laser eye surgery process

consultation

surgery

co-management

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eye diseases can cause vision loss

eye disease diagnosis and management

Vision is a gift, and we’re proud to be the team you choose to help preserve it.

We’ve spent years helping Albertans care for their eye health and vision, and we’re happy to customize management plans unique to your needs and concerns. Eye diseases are one of the most important reasons to have an eye exam. Many eye diseases have no cure, and several can develop without early symptoms.

By detecting these problems as early as possible, we can help you preserve your vision. Start today by booking an appointment.

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what factors increase the risk of eye disease?

The risk of developing many eye diseases increases with age, making regular eye exams all the more crucial as you grow older.

Several other factors can also increase the risk of potential eye health problems. These include diabetes, smoking, UV exposure, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Some eye diseases can also be hereditary.

eye exams can detect eye diseases

Even if you believe your eyes are currently healthy, regular eye exams detect possible issues before they cause permanent vision loss.

At Aurora Eye Care in Grande Prairie, we use an array of diagnostic technologies to look for eye diseases during your eye exam. We tailor every eye exam we perform to your unique health situation, so we may use a combination of technologies and techniques to get a comprehensive view of your eye health.

During your eye exam, we review your complete health history and your vision needs. We’ll measure your depth perception and colour vision, assess the length and shape of your eye, and digitally image your retina and other internal eye structures.

Perhaps the best part of our exam process is measuring your eye pressure with unique “no air puff” technology.

Our strategies include using technology to help us detect signs of glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetes-related eye diseases.

By being thorough, we can give you accurate and useful information so you get treatment and care that works for you.

cataracts

glaucoma

age-related macular degeneration

diabetes-related eye disease

at Aurora Eye Care in Grande Prairie, we develop management strategies custom to you

There are several ways we can help manage potential eye diseases and preserve your vision. In some cases, we may recommend surgeries and would be happy to put you in touch with a qualified ophthalmologist to perform the procedure.

However, before we can recommend a treatment, we encourage you to have regular eye exams. Get help preserving your vision today and book an appointment.

catch the “silent thief of sight” in its tracks

glaucoma eye exams in Grande Prairie

Glaucoma is among the leading eye diseases in Canada.

In many cases, glaucoma can develop with no noticeable symptoms during its early stages, earning the name “the silent thief of sight.” Our team will search for these signs and develop strategies to help protect your vision using our array of diagnostic technology.

It’s never too early to find the help you need. Book an appointment at Aurora Eye Care today.

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the risk of glaucoma rises with age

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affect your optic nerve, the part of your eye responsible for carrying the information that your retina collects to your brain. Most types of glaucoma develop slowly, but certain variations can cause sudden emergency symptoms we need to address immediately.

Age is among the most common risk factors for developing glaucoma, but your risk can also increase if your family has a history of the disease or if you have myopia.

there are several types of glaucoma

Our team can detect which type of glaucoma you have during a comprehensive eye exam.

There are 3 important ways to do this: measuring your eye’s intraocular pressure (IOP) with a tonometer, observing your optic nerve using ocular coherence tomography or fundus photography devices, and monitoring changes to your peripheral vision using a visual field analyzer.

High intraocular pressure (IOP) is often associated with the development of glaucoma. However, some forms of the disease can occur without affecting your IOP, so we will need to examine your optic nerve to determine if you have glaucoma.

glaucoma treatments in Grande Prairie

In most cases, glaucoma does not cause immediate or noticeable symptoms. In fact, without an eye exam, you may not know you have glaucoma at all.

Over time, however, glaucoma can affect your peripheral vision. You may develop tunnel vision, but it can also lead to complete vision loss.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma, but we can recommend a few different strategies to help preserve your vision.

book a glaucoma exam today

If you think you might be at risk of developing glaucoma, book an eye exam at Aurora Eye Care in Grande Prairie today. Detecting the disease as early as possible can help create strategies that could preserve your vision.

eye care for diabetics in Grande Prairie

Diabetes is a serious health concern in Alberta.

About 17% of Alberta’s population lives with prediabetes, and another 9% lives with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes—both of which can increase the risk of several eye diseases.

Using an array of diagnostic technologies, Aurora Eye Care is proud to help our diabetic patients find ways to preserve their eye health and prevent vision loss. If you have diabetes, please get in touch with us today to book your regular eye exam.

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diabetes increases the risk of eye disease

If you have diabetes, The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends having an eye exam every year.

Diabetes is a systemic health condition that affects how your body manages sugar in your bloodstream. High blood sugar can lead to many health issues, including some that affect your eyes.

Some diabetes-related eye diseases can develop without noticeable symptoms for years. By having annual eye exams, our team can detect these issues and find strategies to preserve your eye health.

diagnostic technology for diabetic vision issues

We can observe your retina using various technologies. During your eye exam, we may use devices like:

  • Ocular coherence tomography
  • Fundus photography
  • Tonometry

These devices can help detect signs of several eye diseases, including those related to diabetes.

potential eye diseases and conditions for diabetics

One of the most common eye diseases associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. This disease occurs when high blood sugar levels affect the blood vessels in your retina, causing them to bulge, break, and leak fluids. Leaking fluids can damage your retina, leading to permanent vision loss.

In advanced cases, your retina may create abnormal blood vessels to help compensate for fluid loss. However, these vessels can also break, forming scar tissue and increasing the risk of retinal detachment.

Diabetic retinopathy isn’t the only disease connected to diabetes. You may also have a higher risk of developing:

Contact our team immediately if you have diabetes and experience blurry vision, flashes of light, floaters, or sudden vision loss.

treating potential eye issues for people with diabetes in Grande Prairie

Managing diabetes with the help of your physician is the first step towards preventing diabetes-related eye diseases. However, additional treatments or management strategies may be recommended.

Should further intervention be required, you may be referred by one of our optometrists to an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) for treatment.

your vision is important to us

If you have diabetes, we’re here to help preserve your vision. Please contact us today to book an appointment at our optometry clinic in Grande Prairie.

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