Are Vitalux Advanced Chewable Vitamins Gluten Free?

If you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), your optometrist may recommend taking an eye vitamin such as Vitalux Advanced Chewable to help delay the progression of the condition. But if you also have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, you may be wondering if you can safely take them.

YES, all Vitalux vitamin supplements are gluten free, including the new Vitalux Advanced Chewable.

The new berry flavoured chewable formulation makes taking your ocular vitamins easier and more enjoyable.

To learn more about Vitalux eye care supplements, visit their website at VitaluxVitamin.ca or talk with your optometrist. To stock up on your Vitalux eye vitamins, talk to a Stonewire Optometry team member about our bulk discount rates.

 Vitalux Advanced Chewables are manufactured in Canada!

*Always talk to your optometrist or ophthalmologist before starting any new eye care routine, including ocular vitamins such as Vitalux Advanced Chewables.

 

Book Your Next Eye Exam with Stonewire Optometry
 Kingsway Mall | Edmonton | Alberta 

Adapting to Your New Eyeglasses

With any new eyeglass prescription, there will be some adaptation time that is required to adjust to the new power entirely. Don’t become alarmed; this is a normal sensation that happens to almost everyone. In fact, should be expected.

A large or even subtle change in your eyeglass prescription can result in headaches, dizziness, and the feeling of visual strain. Just changing the frame design or lens brands can also cause adjustment problems. Transitioning into progressive lenses for the first time or increasing the reading power will result in a bit of a visual learning curve.

5 Ways to adapt to your new eyeglass prescription:

1.     Start by putting on your new glasses first thing in the morning.  
2.     Don’t switch back and forth between your new and old glasses.
3.     Sit down and watch tv, read a book or talk with a friend.
4.     Start by wearing your new eyeglasses around the house on a day off.
5.     If you develop a mild headache or eyestrain, only remove the new eyeglasses until this feeling passes and then put them back on.

The bottom line is that most patients adapt to their new glasses within 5-7 days. At Stonewire we recommend trying your new eyeglass prescription for about 14 days before giving up on it.

If you just can’t adapt to your new eyeglass prescription,
then there may be an issue.

Prescription adaptation problems can be the result of how the glasses were manufactured, the lens design, lens quality, frame fit or there may be something wrong with the prescription itself.

We all want to get it right the first time, but sometimes things just don’t work out. We understand that there is both an objective and subjective component to an eye exam, and occasionally things just don’t align.

Simply give us a call, and we would be happy to help get your vision back on track.

This is why Stonewire offers all of its patients a FREE 100-day prescription recheck guarantee. Also, most optical retailers will provide you with a free 1-time prescription adjustment warranty in the first 30-60 days, should it be required.

Book Your Next Eye Exam with Stonewire Optometry
Kingsway Mall | Edmonton | Alberta

We Provide Emergency Eye Care in Edmonton

Stonewire Optometry provides emergency eye care services. Whether you’re an established patient or new to our eye care clinic, we are here to help. Our team of optometrists are trained to handle most eye care emergencies that you may experience, and our clinic is equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment to aid in both the diagnosis and education of your eye condition. Our equipment includes optomap ultra-widefield retinal imaging, retinal photography, digital OCT retinal imaging and computerized visual field testing.

Did you know? Emergency eye care services are covered under Alberta Health Care. Simply show your Alberta Health Care card at the time of the examination.

Should your eye care emergency require the immediate services of an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon), our optometrists will ensure that you are referred immediately to the local on-call ophthalmologist. If your eye condition is less urgent but a referral is still required, they will refer you to the appropriate ophthalmologist that specializes in your condition.

As with any medical emergency, it’s important to be proactive. If you feel that you need to be seen by an eye doctor, please don’t wait until the end of the day to call or walk-in. It’s important to contact our clinic as soon as possible to ensure that you get timely appropriate eye care.

Important: If you should experience an eye emergency after regular business hours that you feel is serious and warrants immediate medical attention, please proceed directly to the Royal Alexandra Hospital emergency department. You may also contact Alberta Health Link at their new 811 number to get medical assistance from a registered nurse.

Eye Health: Seasonal Allergies & Itchy Eyes

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, spring time in Edmonton may not be your favorite time of year. Itchy, watery, blood shot eyes and that stringy mucous discharge can make spring time down right miserable. 

If you're like most Edmontonians, you've probably tried every over the counter eye drop in search of relief. In some instances they may do the trick, but make sure to read the label and follow the recommended dosage and frequency. If you're not experiencing relief from these commonly available products, it may be time to see an optometrist. An optometrist can prescribe varies prescription eye drops that can help to reduce or eliminate your ocular allergy symptoms. 

Note: An ocular allergy visits to your optometrist is covered under Alberta Health Care.  

Book your next eye exam in Edmonton with a 
Doctor of Optometry at Stonewire in Kingsway Mall.

Community: Join us for a workout!

Join Dr. Ross McKenzie this Sunday as he works out with the personal trainers of Blitz Conditioning in Kingsway Mall. Every Sunday in February, Blitz Condition is hosting a free full body high intensity interval training session. These workouts are a great way to get your blood pumping and improve your overall personal fitness.

The Details:

• Date: February 1, 8, 15, 22

• Time: 10am to 11am

• Location: Meet in front of the Gap

• Bring: A yoga mat, a sweat towel, water bottle and an open mind.

• Why: Because your body wants you too.

To learn more about Blitz Conditioning, visit their website.

Book your next eye exam in Edmonton with a 
Doctor of Optometry at Stonewire in Kingsway Mall.

20/20 Vision Care: Bring Things into Focus

If the eye chart is a little out of focus in your life, let Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall help put things back in focus. Our Doctors of Optometry are trained to detect and treat various vision conditions, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, amblyopia and presbyopia.

An eye exam is a fast, simple and painless way to ensure that you see all life has to offer. It’s recommended that adults have a routine eye examination every 1 to 2 years, while children and seniors should have their eyes examined yearly.

If your optometrist finds even a subtle change in your vision prescription, this can have a dramatic impact on your quality of life. Updating your eyeglass or contact lens prescription can help to improve your night vision, reduce eye strain on the computer and reduce unwanted headaches caused from squinting.

Book Your Next Eye Exam at Stonewire Optometry
Kingsway Mall | Edmonton | Alberta

The Clinic: Are you Looking for an Edmonton Eye Doctor?

Many eye conditions are not immediately apparent and don’t have any obvious signs or symptoms. Having a regular eye exam with a Doctor of Optometry provides them an opportunity to examine your eyes for asymptomatic conditions, while ensuring that your eyeglass and contact lens prescription are up to date.

Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall uses the latest diagnostic equipment to evaluate your eye health and eyewear prescriptions. So if you’re looking for a new optometrist in the Edmonton area, look no further! We would love to become your new eye care providers.

Book your next eye exam in Edmonton with a 
Doctor of Optometry at Stonewire in Kingsway Mall.

Eye Awareness: October is Children's Vision Month

Image Via: Alberta Association of Optometrists & Canadian Association of Optometrists

October is children’s vision month and the Canadian Association of Optometrists wants everyone to know the importance of comprehensive eye exams. Approximately 1 in 6 children has a vision problem. The best way to check for vision problems is through a thorough eye examination by a Doctor of Optometry. Vision screenings are great for finding big problems, but they can miss more subtle issues which may impact their learning at school. 

Book your annual eye exam with a Doctor of Optometry at 
Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall Today.

Contact Lens Corner: It's probably time to change your contact lenses

Are you like most contact lens wearers who forget to dispose of their contact lenses on time? Then it may be time to find a solution. Over wearing or extending the life of your contact lenses can lead to increased contact lens intolerance, dry eye sensation, and blurry vision. Waiting to change your contact lenses until they become uncomfortable is an eye infection waiting to happen.

If you wear a 2-week disposable contact lens like Acuvue Oasys or Acuvue Advance, then change them with every paycheck. If you wear a 1-month disposable contact lens like Air Optix Aqua Comfort Plus or Biofinity, then change them on the first or last day of every month.

The alternative to these extended contact lens modalities is to also consider switching into a 1-day disposable contact lens like Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus, Acuvue 1-Day Moist, Acuvue TruEyes or the all new Dailies Total 1 and enjoy a clean new contact lens every day.

If technology is more your thing, consider joining Acuminder by the makers of Acuvue Brand contact lenses. This online tool allows you to schedule text message or email reminders for when it’s time to change your contact lenses.

Book your annual eye exam with a Doctor of Optometry at 
Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall Today.

Did You Know? Reading in Dim Light

Reading in dim light will not cause you to go blind, but it can increase visual strain. Dim light causes your pupils to increase in size, which requires your eye muscles to work harder in order to keep the page in focus. This increased ocular effort may lead to headaches or visual fatigue. As such, we usually recommend that people avoid reading in dim light and opt for a nice reading lamp instead.

Book your annual eye exam with a Doctor of Optometry at 
Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall Today.

Why Does My Eye Twitch?

A twitchy eye is generally considered a non-serious eye condition and is commonly experienced by patients. Medically, an eyelid twitch is referred to as‘Myokymia’.  The twitching sensation is the result of the sudden spasmodic contraction of the obicularious muscle, which is normally used for closing your eyelids. The twitching sensation most often effects the lower eyelid and occasionally can even place pressure on the eyeball itself causing the eye to twitch. Some patients are convinced that their eye is actually twitching, however, this is a vary rare phenomenon.  Symptoms from myokymia can last up to a month and can disappear as quickly as they began.

The most common causes of myokymia include:

• Stress

• Caffeine

• Alcohol

• Fatigue

• Eye infection

• Tourette Syndrome

• Excessive exercise

• Reduced potassium levels 

Although most eyelid twitches are not medically significant, it is always best to visit your optometrist or eye doctor to rule out any other more serious eye related diseases. Treatment for myokymia usually involves rest and relaxation, drinking plenty of water, and eating foods high in potassium. 

Fun Fact: Did you know that seeing your eye doctor for a condition like myokymia is now covered under Alberta Health Care.

If you're concerned about myokymia and your overall eye health, than book a routine eye health examination with one of our optometrists.

Book Your Next Eye Exam with Stonewire Optometry
Kingsway Mall | Edmonton | Alberta

Optical Assistance for Seniors

Many Edmonton seniors are surprised to learn that the Alberta Seniors Health Benefit program will provide up to $230.00 towards the purchase of new eyewear every 3 years. Most seniors are also surprised to learn that Alberta Health Care also covers the costs associated with a complete eye health examination by an optometrist every year. 

To learn more about what’s covered through the Alberta Seniors Health Benefit program or to sign up, visit the Alberta Government website at Alberta.ca 

If you are already enrolled in the Alberta Seniors Health Benefit program, accessing your eye care benefits is easy. Simply provide your optical provider with your Alberta Health Care number along with a valid government issued photo-ID at the time of purchase.  

Book Your Next Eye Exam with Stonewire Optometry
Kingsway Mall | Edmonton | Alberta

Dry Eye Syndrome: Signs/Symptoms/Causes

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common visual concerns that eye doctors see on a daily basis. It is often confused for ocular allergies or other eye health conditions, leading to inappropriate or ineffective treatment options. As such, it is important to know the signs of symptoms of dry eye syndrome and what can cause it or makes it worse.

Typical signs & symptoms may include:

• Scratchy/Gritty Sensation
• Burning/Stinging
• Redness
• Itchy Eyes
• Sharp pain
• Blurred vision or fluctuating vision
• Excess tearing

Common causes may include:

• Aging
• Environment factors
• Reduced blinking
• Contact lens wear
• Eyelid conditions (meibomianitis & blepharitis)
• LASIK and other refractive surgeries
• Medications (antihistamines, acne medications, water pills, etc.)
• Hormonal changes, including menopause
• Medical conditions (diabetes, arthritis, thyroid problems, Sjogren’s, etc.)

If you think that you may have dry eye syndrome, talk to one of our Kingsway Optometry eye doctors about possible treatment options during your next eye test.

Back to School Eye Exams

Book your children in for their back to school eye exam at Kingsway Optometry. A comprehensive eye test by one of our optometrists will help to ensure that they are ready for another school year.

Your child’s eye test will include a comprehensive eye health examination along with a complete vision check for eyeglasses. Children should receive their first eye test by 3 years of age or as young as 6 months of age if you or pediatrician have any concerns or there is a family history of vision or medical problems.

Eye health exams and vision testing is covered under Alberta Health Care for children 18 years of age or younger. There is no charge for you child to be seen by an optometrists for annual eye exams and vision tests.

If your child already wears eyeglasses, please talk to us about healthy contact lens options for sports, recreation or school.

Contact Lens Irritation & Smoke

With campfire season upon us, it’s time to be reminded about things that can lead to ocular irritation. Campfire smoke and cigarette smoke can contaminate your contact lenses and lead to ocular surface irritation and dryness.

If your eyes become sore and irritated, remove your contact lenses immediately. Use an artificial lubricating drop such as Systane Ultra to flush the eye out and rehydrate the ocular surface. Discard the contaminated contact lens or thoroughly rinse and clean the lens before reusing it. Never put a contact lens into a red irritated looking eyeball, as this can result in a serious eye infection. If the redness does not disappear or your vision seems blurry, seek the guidance of an optometrist.

FYI: Visits to your optometrists for eye infections are now covered under Alberta Health Care. A valid Alberta Health Care card is required.

Can I Swim in My Contact Lenses?

No, is the general answer to this question. Swimming in contact lenses may increase your risk of developing a serious eye infection, corneal scarring or vision loss. Contact lenses are porous like sponges and will absorb microbes, chemicals and other impurities from the water. These impurities are then left in constant contact with the surface of the eye, increasing the likelihood of ocular surface disease.

If you must swim in your contact lenses, it’s important to always wear a good fitting pair of swimming goggles, and never open your eyes under water without wearing goggles. Contact lenses can swell and adhere to the surface of the eye, or they may fall out and be lost. Once you get out of the water, it’s important to discard your contact lenses and open a fresh new clean pair. If you swim regularly, you may want to consider try a 1-Day disposable contact lens instead. These lenses should also be discarded after swimming and a fresh new clean pair inserted for the reminder of the day.

Book your next eye exam with an optometrist at Kingsway Optometry and ask about your options for swimming.

Are you at risk?

Do you know your risk factors when it comes to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the leading cause of vision loss in Canadians over the age of 50? There are many known risk factors for developing age-related macular degeneration, some of which you can control. It’s especially important for patients with a family history to start considering lifestyle modifications early on, as they have a 4 times great risk of developing ARMD.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for age-related macular degeneration

• A Family History of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
• Age 50+
• Female > Males
• Light coloured eyes
• Ethnicity - Caucasians are at the greatest risk

Modifiable Risk Factors for age-related macular degeneration

• Smoking Cigarettes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Being Overweight
• Eating fatty foods
• A diet low in fresh fruits & vegetables
• A diet low in omega-3
• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Excessive sunlight exposure

Before you get caught, please talk to your optometrist about age-related macular degeneration and what you can do to reduce your overall risk. Annual eye exams by an optometrist may also help to detect the early warning signs of age-related macular degeneration and ensure timely intervention.