Eye Health Articles | Chestermere Optometry

A person with one eye that is red and irritated and another eye that is perfectly healthy

Eye Conditions, Eye Health Articles • March 19, 2026

What Is the Difference Between Pink Eye and Allergies?

When you or your child develops red, itchy, and watery eyes, it can be worrying. You want to provide comfort quickly, but first, you need to know what you are dealing with. Is it allergies from playing outside, or is it a contagious case of pink eye? It can be difficult to tell the difference,…

A Myopia view of the Eiffel Tower, blurry in the distance

Eye Health Articles, Myopia • August 13, 2025

What Are Myopia & Hyperopia?

Understanding how the eyes focus light is central to maintaining visual clarity. Two of the most frequently diagnosed vision conditions, myopia and hyperopia, affect this focusing process. Both are refractive errors, which means they occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina. Although they are quite different in…

Smiling person trying on prescription glasses in an optometry store showcasing frame options for long-lasting eyewear

Eye Exams, Eye Health Articles, Eyeglasses • February 20, 2025

How Long Do Prescription Glasses Last?

Prescription glasses are a vital tool for maintaining clear vision and supporting your overall eye health. On average, prescription glasses last between one to three years, depending on factors such as prescription stability, frame quality, and daily care. Proper maintenance and regular eye exams help ensure your glasses remain effective and comfortable for as long…

A young boy smiling during his vision assessment at his routine eye exam.

Eye Exams, Eye Health Articles • July 3, 2024

Are Children’s Eye Exams Free in Alberta?

Visiting your optometrist for comprehensive eye exams is a valuable tool in caring for vision and eye health. The Province of Alberta recognizes this importance, which is why comprehensive eye exams are covered once a year for children until they turn 19 years old. Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams The importance of comprehensive eye exams…

A woman rubbing her eyes after using her laptop for an extended period.

Eye Exams, Eye Health Articles, Eye Strain • April 19, 2024

How Long Does Eye Strain Last?

Our lives often centre around screens in our digital age—we wake up to the soft glow of our phones, spend the day in front of computer monitors, and wind down with a favourite show on the TV or laptop. But there can be a hidden cost with this dependency on digital devices. Digital eye strain…

A senior woman smiling at the camera while having an eye exam with an optometrist.

Eye Exams, Eye Health Articles, Insurance • January 10, 2024

Are Eye Exams Free for Seniors in Alberta?

Under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), seniors aged 65 or older are eligible for 1 comprehensive eye exam every 12 months. But an important note is that although the exam itself is covered, additional tests to help screen for macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal diseases, and any additional needs, such as prescription glasses…

A close-up of two eyes. The eye in the left has cataracts and the one on the right is healthy

Eye Conditions, Eye Exams, Eye Health Articles • July 17, 2023

What Are the First Signs of Cataracts?

Cataracts are a prevalent issue in vision care, particularly among older adults. While they can be a natural part of aging, they are not any less disruptive to your overall health. They can lead to blindness and are already a reality for over 2.5 million Canadians. As we age, the eye's lens starts to yellow…

$a child has an eye exam done to treat refractive errors$

Eye Health Articles • May 30, 2023

Understanding Refractive Errors & How to Treat Them

Despite being so small, our eyes are powerful machines. If your vision is blurry or fuzzy and you or your child come in for an eye exam, there’s a good chance you’ll discover you have a refractive error. A refractive error is a broad category of conditions in which the eye cannot clearly focus light,…

A young woman sitting on her bed and rubbing her eyes after waking up.

Dry Eye, Eye Health Articles • May 19, 2023

Why Am I Waking Up With Dry Eyes?

Many Canadians struggle with dry eyes, and when you live in a dry climate, dry eyes can feel inescapable. Starting your day with dry eyes can set the wrong tone, especially when your symptoms make it difficult to put in your contact lenses, do your makeup, or comfortably work with screens throughout the day. You…

a toddler sits on his mothers lap while having an eye exam done by an optometrist

Eye Exams, Eye Health Articles • August 22, 2022

When Should Children Have Their First Eye Exam

Learning at school is heavily done through visual tools. Because of this, vision problems can play a significant role in learning problems. It’s important to book your child's eye exam to detect early vision issues, such as myopia. Most vision problems do not have easily recognizable symptoms, and the signs presented can be confused with…