Hakim Optical Blog

Get the Most Out of Your Vision With These Resources

• What causes retinal detachment? Explore this link from HealthLinkBC.ca to learn more.

• You can learn more about the symptoms of macular degeneration by visiting this link from eyesite.ca.

• Check out this link from MyHealth.alberta.ca for an overview of refractive errors.

• Visit this page from BodyandHealth.canada.com  for tips on choosing the right pair of sunglasses.

• Make sure you know what to expect when purchasing new prescription glasses with this guide from the Ontario Association of Optometrists. 

Never Forget to Change Your Contacts Again with This App!

A number of individuals prefer to wear prescription contact lenses rather than prescription glasses. However, keeping track of when you need to change contacts is essential to maintaining the health of your eyes. 

The new iTunes Contact Lens Tracker app makes it easy for you to track when packets were opened and how many times they were used. This app allows you to specify the change/expiry number of days for the pack from one day up to 366. Get yours today!

Buy contact lenses or pick out your perfect pair of designer glasses by calling Hakim Optical at (416) 924-8866. For more information about our products and services, visit us online. 

What is Glaucoma?

Routine eye exams with your optometrist are an important part of maintaining your vision and identifying your risk for certain eye diseases. One of the most serious eye diseases is glaucoma. According to the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, glaucoma affects approximately one in every 100 Canadians over the age of 40. Check out this overview for more information on this detrimental eye disease.

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease characterized by an increase in ocular eye pressure that negatively affects the optic nerve and leads to gradual vision loss. The three main types of glaucoma are:

• Primary Open-Angle: The most common form of glaucoma, it occurs when there is a clog deep within the drainage canals of the eye.
• Angle-Closure: This condition occurs when the iris is not wide enough as it should be and allows the outer edge of the iris to bunch up over the drainage canals when the pupil enlarges too quickly.
• Normal-Tension: This condition is characterized by damage to the optic nerve that occurs without abnormal eye pressure.

Risk Factors

While the underlying cause of glaucoma is unknown there are several factors that may increase your risk for developing the disease, including but not limited to:

• Increased age.
• Family history of glaucoma.
• Being nearsighted.
• Steroid use.
• Eye injury.
• Being of Asian, African-American, or Hispanic ethnicity.
• Hypertension.
• Corneal thickness that is less than 0.5mm.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of glaucoma develop slowly and do not present themselves until the disease is in an advanced stage. However, some of the most common symptoms of glaucoma include the loss of nerve function and peripheral or side vision. Individuals with angle-closure glaucoma may also experience severe pain, vomiting, nausea, blurred vision, and halos around lights.

Make sure you’re taking care of your vision by scheduling a free eye exam with Hakim Optical. Visit our website or give us a call at (416) 924-8866 for more information. We also offer prescription contact lenses, prescription glasses, and designer glasses. 

What Qualifies as an Eye Emergency?

Knowing what constitutes a minor eye problem as opposed to a medical eye emergency is not always an easy task. You can boost your knowledge and learn when to seek immediate care by reading this overview on eye emergencies.

Sudden Vision Loss

Individuals experiencing sudden vision loss or blindness in one or both eyes should seek immediate treatment, as this may be a sign of a number of detrimental conditions, including:

• Blocked artery in the blood vessels leading into the eye.
• Detached retina.
• Retinal bleeding from age-related macular degeneration.

Extreme Pain

Sudden, extreme eye pain or pain that worsens within a few hours is an eye emergency that may be caused by acute closed-angle glaucoma. In addition to extreme eye pain, individuals with this type of glaucoma may experience redness and feel like their eye is overly “hard.” It is crucial to have these symptoms diagnosed immediately as untreated glaucoma can lead to blindness.

Sudden Sensitivity to Light

Sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, may be a sign of iritis or inflammation of the front portion of the eye. While this is not a serious condition by itself, it may be a sign of another underlying eye condition. When you are experiencing sudden, extreme sensitivity to light that makes your eyes water or causes pain means that it is time to seek immediate care.

Trauma

Trauma or injury to the eye—regardless of the severity—is usually considered an eye emergency. Be sure to seek medical care to ensure that you have not suffered a corneal scratch or intraocular bleeding.

From eye exams and consultations to designer glasses and contact lenses—Hakim Optical does it all. Let us help you take care of your vision and obtain the eyewear you need by contacting us at (416) 924-8866. With more than 100 convenient locations, Hakim Optical is your solution for prescription lenses, sunglasses, and safety glasses. 

Plastic versus Metal Eyeglass Frames

Buying new prescription glasses can be an exciting experience—but with so many styles and materials to choose from, getting started is not always so simple. 

This video provides an overview on the differences between plastic and metal eyeglass frames. Plastic lenses tend to be heavier, thicker, and more rigid—making them ideal for children as they are sturdier and harder to break. Metal frames on the other hand are flexible and lighter, and come in a number of options such as rimless or semi-rimless. You can learn more about how each material affects the number of adjustments needed by watching this full clip.

Hakim Optical offers a number of eyewear options, including designer glasses, prescription glasses, and prescription lenses. Get the perfect pair of glasses or buy contact lenses by calling (416) 924-8866 today!