Services & Eye News

Primary Eye Care

Each optometrist performs a complete eye exam consisting of a case history to determine your particular visual needs. Services are: refraction of your eyeglass prescription for driving, reading and computer work; an assessment of your binocular vision; an examination of your ocular health including the cornea, pupil, lens, optic nerve and retina. The following are some of the eye conditions we see at the clinic:

Lazy eye (amblyopia & strabismus), cataracts, various types of glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, retinal tears/holes/detachments, ‘pink or red eye’, recurrent corneal erosion, keratoconus, blepharitis,  pterygium, etc. which can be sight-threatening if left unchecked & untreated.

We also provide:

– computerized VISUAL FIELD testing for optic nerve damage or macular function (30 degrees and 10 degrees)

– digital retina photography for tracking structural integrity of the optic nerve, macula, retinal blood vessels & surrounding tissues

– LASIK or PRK laser vision refractive surgery co-management

– the HRT3 (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph) exam for early detection of glaucoma-related change in the optic nerve head. The HRT3 is a high resolution laser that takes a series of 3-D scans of the optic nerve and measures up to 28 million individual points per exam.

– Myopia-control therapies consultation & prescribing (e.g. Carl Zeiss Myovision lenses, atropine therapy, hi-add multifocal contact lenses)

– *NEW 2019* OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography, including FAF-fundus autofluorescence & EN FACE features) is a non-invasive imaging test using light waves to scan the deep cellular layers of the retina for thickness & structural change due to diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine drug toxicity, glaucoma etc.

*NEW 2020-2021* Individualized counseling or guidance on scientifically-backed nutritional & dietary intervention to prevent and combat common eye diseases, that are not taught extensively in optometry/medical schools

Low Vision

Dr. Edward Chan is an authorized low vision provider with the ADP (assistive devices program) run by the Ministry of Health of Ontario. Certain eye conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma etc. can cause irreversible damage to the eye leaving a person legally blind.

In low vision cases, ordinary eyeglasses have limits. The doctor prescribes and fits high powered telescopes, microscopes, filters and magnifiers to help restore some vision. A low vision person may be able to regain the ability to perform some daily activities again such as reading.

Click on the “Low Vision” tab on the homepage for details.

Multifocal Rigid Contact Lens

We fit & dispense soft and rigid contact lenses to patients for over 17 years.  There is a surge in those who wear or used to wear contact lenses but require additional near reading/computer prescription.  We now specialize in fitting & dispensing more comfortable RIGID bifocal/multifocal contact lens, which may perform well for those with dry eyes & had limited success with conventional soft lenses.


EYE SCIENTIFIC NEWS

SAFFRON:  A Miracle Spice for Eye Health? 

Aside from adding colour & flavour to dishes, saffron has been shown to have promising medicinal properties, according to recent studies.  This mysterious & exotic spice may even help prevent AMD (age-related macular degeneration) !

MYOPIA BOOM:  Not Enough Time Outdoors?

Developing research out of Australia (Nature Journal, March 2015, p276-278) suggests a link between rise in near-sightedness (myopia) and the amount of time children spend outdoors.  Sunlight stimulates dopamine (a growth inhibitor) release in the retina, which blocks elongation of the eye, responsible for myopia.  The study show adding 40 minutes of outdoor exposure a day decreased the rate of myopia in students by 10%

ATROPINE EYEDROPS HELP CONTROL CHILDHOOD MYOPIA PROGRESSION

Atropine has been shown by studies in Asia to slow the rapid worsening of near-sightedness (myopia) in those age 6-12 of Asian descent.   Four short-term studies between 1989 and 2010 found atropine produced an average reduction of myopia progression of at least 81% among near-sighted children.

COFFEE PROTECTS OUR EYESIGHT?

Researchers from Cornell University NY report that drinking coffee may protect against deteriorating eyesight, even blindness.  Besides caffeine, coffee contains7-9% chlorogenic acid (CGA), an antioxidant that could be powerful neuroprotector & block oxygen deprivation in parts of the body.  Studies found reduced mortality in mice retinal ganglion cells pretreated with CGA when exposed to oxidative stress, thus helping to prevent retinal degeneration

VITAMIN C REDUCES CATARACT PROGRESSION?

Researchers from King’s College in UK found that dietary vitamin C had a preventative effect on cataract progression.   Seven micronutrients were analyzed:  potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, vitamins C / E & folate.  Results showed vitamin C was associated with both better baseline scores & a 33% risk reduction of cataract progression.

NEW TREATMENT FOR DRY EYES?

University of Waterloo scientists have developed a nanoparticle-based topical solution to combat dry eyes with a single weekly application.  Such solution gradually delivers the correct amount of drug-infused nanoparticules to the ocular surface over a period of 5 days before complete metabolism by the body.  One weekly dose can replace 15+ doses of the traditional treatments and causes no irritation.  If clinical trials are conclusive, this therapeutic modality could be available on the market within 5 years.  

ARTIFICIAL RETINAS SEE THE LIGHT

Israel scientists have developed an artificial retina that could restore sight in some patients.  Research teams worldwide are trying to create a device that can replace retinas damaged by diseases such as AMD (age related macular degeneration) or diabetic retinopathy.  However, all the devices offered so far use metallic parts, have cumbersome wiring or low resolution.  The Israeli researchers combined semiconductor nanorods and carbon nanotubes to create a wireless, flexible, light-sensitive film that could be used to replace a damaged retina.

DIETARY NITRATES MAY LOWER GLAUCOMA RISK

A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology Journal found that those with a diet high in nitrates (found in leafy green vegetables such as kale or spinach) had a reduced risk of primary open-angle glaucoma by between 20-30%.  The researchers advised further intervention & observational investigations.

EYE DROP INSTEAD OF EYE INJECTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF AMD?

Current injection treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of blindness, can cause pain, tearing & infections inside the affected eye.  Now scientists can deliver the injected drug in the form of eye drop instead, with the same therapeutic outcome & reduction in health care costs.  The drop uses a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) to deliver the drug to the posterior chamber of the eye within minutes.  Convenient & revolutionary!

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