Keeping Your Eyes Healthy
Regular eye examinations by your optometrist can help detect early signs of eye disease so you can get the needed treatment.
At Island Eyecare, maintaining your ocular health and vision is important to us. Each eye exam involves modern technology so we can help provide fast and accurate diagnoses for you and your family.
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Preventing Vision Loss & Protecting Clarity
Eye diseases are the leading cause of blindness in Canada. Unfortunately, many of these vision-stealing conditions don’t show clear signs early on. You could be losing your sight without even realizing it until you develop signifcant vision loss.
That’s why getting your eyes checked regularly can help protect your sight. A thorough eye exam can catch problems early on, assessing for any common signs of damage.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that causes the central part of the retina, called the macula, to deteriorate over time.
The macula is responsible for our central vision, allowing us to see colour and subtle details. When it becomes damaged, our vision is hindered.
AMD is often related to the natural aging process, but it has also been linked to a family history of AMD, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, and low macular pigment density.
Types of AMD
There are 2 types of AMD:
- Dry AMD is the more common type of AMD. It progresses gradually and is often related to drusen, protein deposits that collect behind the retina.
- Wet AMD is less common but more severe. It can develop rapidly, causing weak blood vessels to suddenly rupture and leak blood or fluid into the macula. Wet AMD carries a high risk of permanent vision loss and is considered a medical emergency.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause significant vision loss by damaging the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain.
Known as “the silent thief of sight,” its symptoms are often so gradual that they go unnoticed. The only way to detect early signs is through a thorough eye exam.
There are 3 main types of glaucoma: open-angle, normal-tension, and angle-closure. Our eye doctors assess your eye pressure, optic nerve, corneal thickness, and overall eye health to diagnose and develop a personalized plan for managing glaucoma and protecting your sight.
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. It occurs when the drainage angle of the eye remains open, but the fluid (aqueous humor) drains slowly, causing pressure to build up in the eye. This can damage the optic nerve over time, leading to complete vision loss.
Normal-tension glaucoma, like open-angle, is typically slow-progressing. However, it can cause optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure. It’s believed that other factors, such as reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, may contribute to the condition.
Angle-closure glaucoma is a less common type of glaucoma that occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, often due to the iris (the colored part of the eye) pressing against the cornea. This blockage can lead to a sharp increase in eye pressure, causing pain, blurred vision, and potentially blindness if not treated promptly.
Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency and requires immediate professional attention.
Cataracts
Although cataracts are easy to treat, they are the leading cause of blindness in Canada. Cataracts cause the natural lens in the eye to become opaque, impacting vision.
In the early stages, cataracts can be managed with eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, as the condition progresses, you may find that corrective eyewear no longer gives you clear vision. At this point, you may need cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery involves removing the opaque natural lens in your eye and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens.
During your eye exam, we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding cataracts or the surgery.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” is a condition that occurs when the whites of the eyes become irritated and inflamed, appearing pink or red.
There are 4 types of conjunctivitis, 2 of which are incredibly contagious, so it’s important to visit your optometrist if you experience any symptoms.
If your eyes are swollen, itchy, sore, or have excessive discharge, please visit your optometrist as soon as possible.
Types of Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is contracted by direct contact with infectious bacteria. Bacterial conjunctivitis is extremely contagious and is often resolved with antibiotics.
Viral conjunctivitis is caused by a viral infection often related to the common cold. It is incredibly contagious and can be contracted through an upper respiratory infection.
Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction to irritants such as dust, pollen, or animal dander. It isn’t contagious, is usually seasonal, and can be controlled with antihistamines.
Chemical conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to a harmful chemical or pollutant, like chlorine in a pool. Chemical conjunctivitis is not contagious.
If your eyes are swollen, itchy, sore, or have excessive discharge, please visit your optometrist as soon as possible.
Our Priority Is Helping You Take Care of Your Eyes
We want to help you enjoy clear, healthy vision. With regular eye exams, we can keep an eye on any changes over time and personalize our support for your family’s needs.
If you have any concerns about your vision or how your eyes feel, book an appointment. We take your concerns seriously and are here to help.
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Community Award
- Platinum in Administrative Services
- Platinum in Contact Lenses
- Platinum in Eyeglasses
- Platinum in Sunglasses
- Platinum in Opticians
- Platinum in Optometrists
Dry Eye Services & Diagnostics
At Island Eyecare, we work hard to find innovative ways to invest in your eye health and vision. We offer a range of modern technologies and treatment options to help alleviate dry eye and offer you genuine relief.
Our main goal is to get to the root of your symptoms, so you can enjoy longer-lasting relief from red, scratchy eyes.
Rediscover Clearer Vision with MacuMira
Island Eyecare is excited to offer MacuMira, a groundbreaking, noninvasive treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). If you have vision loss caused by dry AMD, MacuMira could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
This clinically tested technology uses microcurrent stimulation to help nourish and restore your vision, improving your ability to see and experience life with greater clarity. Schedule a consultation with us to learn if MacuMira can help you take the first step toward clearer vision.
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University Teaching Program
Dr. Shaun MacInnis is thrilled to serve as a Clerkship supervisor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science. The Clerkship program offers students invaluable hands-on experience, significantly enhancing their clinical, diagnostic, and management skills.
Our Location in Sydney
Find us in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on the corner of Welton Street and Spruce Street. Our office is down just from the Sydney Memorial Chapel. There is ample free parking next to our building.
Our Address
- 117 Welton Street
- Sydney, NS B1P 5R6
Contact Information
- Phone: 902-539-0800
- Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operations
Our Google Reviews
Our Testimonials
Super friendly services. Cleanliness and sterilization routines were impeccable! You will feel 100% safe and comfortable here. They also have very modern and numerous pieces of equipment to assure that every aspect of your eye care is investigated thoroughly!
Ron D.
Outstanding practice! Dr. Shaun MacInnis has totally re-vamped this facility with the most advanced technologies in eye care and vision needs. Extremely professional, knowledgeable, and courteous staff. I highly recommend Brittany, a tremendous optician, who is sure to provide you with excellent service for all of your eyewear needs! She is superior in her field! Well done Island Eyecare!
Elizabeth M
Professional and courteous staff, took time to explain and answer questions. Very thorough examination and use of the latest technologies to support the doctor.
Alan A.
It’s always a great experience going to Island Eyecare. Shaun and staff are extremely knowledgeable and always a great pleasure to deal with! Shout out to Jessica who made my visit today a little brighter with her awesome personality and helpfulness. 🙂
Deanna H.
Loved my experience. The inside was completely made over, which completely blew me away. The staff were extremely helpful and up to date with the latest trends and technologies. The eye care professional was professional and very thorough.
Roddie M.
