The most common vision problems are myopia, presbyopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

• Definition: Vision problem characterized by a drop in distance visual acuity.
• Cause: In myopes, images form too far in front of the retina.
• Symptoms: Difficulties seeing far, good near vision.

• Definition: Age-related change in vision characterized by a drop in near visual acuity.
• Cause: In presbyopes, images form behind the retina, and the crystalline lens is no longer able to accommodate, and therefore see up close.
• Symptoms: In presbyopes with no other abnormality, near vision is blurred and distance vision is good.

• Definition: Vision problem characterized by a drop in visual acuity at any distance, but predominantly in near vision.
• Cause: In hyperopes, images form behind the retina.
• Symptom: Near vision is blurred.

• Definition: Vision problem associated with myopia and hyperopia. Like these, astigmatism is an abnormal refractive condition, or ametropia. Usually due to an abnormality in the shape of the cornea, either congenital, or due to a corneal condition.
• Cause: In astigmatics, images form on two different points on the retina. This abnormality affects approximately 10 percent of the population.
• Symptoms: Vision is hazy, blurred, distorted or even doubled at any distance. Visually similar letters and numbers like H and M, and 0 and 8 are confused.

• For babies and toddler (from birth to 24 months): Around 6 months of age
• For preschoolers (2 to 5 years): At 3 years old and before starting elementary school
• For school-age children (6 to 19 years old): Once a year
• For adults (20 to 64 years old): Once every one or two years
• For older adults (65 years old and over): Once a year

An eye exam lasts approximately 30 minutes and is not painful at all. Your optometrist will use a certain number of techniques and a series of tests to assess any possible vision and ocular health problems.

An ophthalmologist performs surgery, treats ocular diseases and conducts eye exams. To find out more, visit the Association des Ophtalmologistes du Québec Website at www.amoq.org.

An optometrist specializes in eye examinations and screening for vision problems, and is licensed to sell eyeglasses and lenses. An optometrist has a doctorate acquired after a five-year university program. Their role is to perform eye and vision exams and detect ocular abnormalities and ocular visual problems. They are also qualified to prescribe, sell and adjust corrective lenses, for eyeglasses and contact lenses alike. They are a member of the Ordre des optométristes du Québec. To find out more, visit the Association des Optométristes du Québec Website at www.aoqnet.qc.ca

An optician can fill an optometrist’s or ophthalmologist’s prescription for eyeglasses or lenses, and sell them. A dispensing optician has a college diploma acquired after a three-year training program. They are a professional authorized to sell and adjust corrective lenses according to prescriptions issued by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They are a member of the Ordre des opticiens d’ordonnances du Québec. To find out more, visit the Association des Opticiens du Québec Website at www.adoqc.com

Watching television in the dark is not recommended. Turn another light source on to avoid eye strain.

Video games in 2D or 3D strain the eyes because they require greater concentration. Take regular breaks when playing them (every 30 minutes).

• Don’t read in low light.
• Have a good light.
• Hold the book at a reasonable distance from the eyes, neither too near nor too far (approximately 35 to 45 cm).
• Favour large-print books.
• Take breaks to avoid straining your eyes.

Though buying lenses on line is only a convenient click or two away, so are the potentially serious ocular complications that can result from making this decision. That’s why we recommend you buy your lenses from a competent professional who will offer you complete after-sales service in a location near you.

These are a number of inconveniences and risks prescription eyeglass wearers might face. For instance, consumers of online prescription eyeglasses (with corrective lenses) forfeit their right to adjustment by professionals. A lack of adjustment or inadequate adjustment to prescription eyeglasses can lead to :

• Persistent discomfort on the part of the wearer (due to poor adjustment of the temples, nose pads or the angle of the glasses).
• Poor visual performance of prescription glasses.
• Double or blurred vision.
• Headaches.

In stores, professionals are on hand to guide you in your choice of frames and the type of lens your prescription requires. Then, every pair of glasses must be adapted to the shape of your face, so you’ll have to be able to try them on. By purchasing your prescription eyeglasses from professionals in stores, you’ll be assured of a quality product and the services and professional advice you need. When you have to get eyeglasses, make sure they’re custom-made!

• Put on and remove your glasses with both hands: You’ll avoid damaging the temples and hinges.
• When you put your glasses down, put them temple-down. If you place them lens-down, they’re more likely to fall.
• Clean your lenses regularly with products designed for the purpose.
• Never use alcohol-based products because they deteriorate the plastic on frames.
• Avoid corrosive products because they can scratch lenses and tarnish frames.
• Wipe your lenses with a micro-fibre cloth.
• Keep your glasses in a case to protect them from impact and dust.

Good visual acuity is essential when you’re driving in the daytime, and it’s especially essential at night. To increase visual comfort, opt for sunglasses with polarized lenses.

In fog, yellow, violet or orange lenses accentuate contrasts and depth.

It is strongly recommended that you do not wear tinted glasses when driving at night.

• Disinfect your lenses to reduce germs and risk of infection.
• Degrease your lenses.
• Remove any calcium and proteins that might be adhering to them.

It’s easy! Simply soak your lenses in the care product. This will clean them and lubricate them, making them easier to put in, and keep in for several days.

Tell-tale signs in your child that might justify a visit to the optometrist include:

• Unprompted and persistent watering of the eyes.
• An absence of tears.
• Red or shining eyes.
• Squinting eyes. In small children, this problem can easily be corrected with special glasses.
• Your baby failing to follow your gaze.

An eye exam is recommended for small children, especially if there are vision problems in the family.

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