We get a lot of questions about eye care, from vision changes to routine check-ups and what certain symptoms might mean. With so much information out there, it’s not always easy to know what’s true or when you should see an optometrist.

If you have ever wondered about dry eyes, blurry vision, or the best ways to keep your eyes healthy, you are not alone. These are some of the most common concerns we hear from patients every day.

To help, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions about eye care. If your question is not covered here, feel free to reach out. We are always happy to help!

How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam for Optimal Vision Health?

For most adults with no vision problems, an eye exam every two years is enough to keep your eyesight in check. 

However, the frequency of eye exams depends on your age, vision needs, and risk factors. Here are the general recommendations:

Children:

• First exam at six months old
• Second exam at three years old
• Yearly check-ups once they start school to track vision development

Adults (18-64):

• Every two years if you have no vision problems
• Every year if you wear glasses or contact lenses

Seniors (65+):

• Annual exams to monitor natural vision changes that come with age

Some people may need more frequent exams, especially if they have diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or frequent vision changes. If you ever notice blurry vision, eye strain, or discomfort, it is always a good idea to visit an optometrist Calgary AB, no matter when your last exam was. 

What Are the Signs That I Need Glasses or Contact Lenses?

You may need glasses or contact lenses if you experience:

• Blurry vision when reading or seeing distant objects
• Frequent headaches after reading or using screens
• Squinting to see clearly
• Eye strain or fatigue after long periods of focus
• Difficulty seeing at night or increased glare from lights
• Trouble adjusting focus between near and far objects
• Watery, dry, or irritated eyes without a clear cause

In case you notice any of these signs, an eye exam can help determine if corrective lenses are needed.

Why Do My Eyes Feel Dry, Itchy, or Irritated All the Time?

If your eyes often feel dry, itchy, or irritated, it could be due to environmental factors or habits related to your daily routine. 

For example, spending many hours using digital screens reduces how often you blink, causing your eyes to dry out and feel uncomfortable. This issue can be made worse if you’re frequently exposed to things like air conditioning, heating, wind, or allergens, which can further irritate sensitive eyes.

Sometimes, the problem lies with the tears themselves, they might evaporate too quickly or not have the right balance of moisture to keep your eyes hydrated. Fortunately, you can ease this discomfort by using lubricating eye drops, taking regular breaks from screens, and staying well-hydrated. 

Can Too Much Screen Time Damage My Eyes and Vision?

Too much screen time won’t cause permanent damage, but it can lead to digital eye strain, which makes your eyes feel tired, dry, or blurry after long hours of use. This happens because staring at screens reduces blinking, which affects how well your eyes stay moisturized and comfortable.

To prevent discomfort, try the following:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Blink more often: Consciously blinking helps keep your eyes from drying out.
• Adjust your screen settings: Lower brightness, reduce glare, and position your screen at eye level.
• Take regular breaks: Give your eyes time to rest, especially during long work or study sessions.

Making small changes to your screen habits can keep your eyes comfortable and reduce strain, even with extended screen use.

What Should I Do If I Experience Sudden Vision Changes?

Sudden vision changes can be alarming, and it’s important to understand what’s causing them. Temporary blurriness or trouble focusing may result from fatigue, dehydration, or eye strain, but symptoms that persist or worsen should not be ignored.

Blurry vision, double vision, flashes of light, or dark spots could indicate an underlying eye condition that needs attention. Rather than waiting for the issue to resolve on its own, monitor the symptoms closely and seek professional advice if your vision doesn’t return to normal.

How Can I Prevent Eye Strain and Fatigue from Screens?

Prolonged screen time can strain your eyes, but simple adjustments can make a big difference. 

Below is a practical guide to help reduce discomfort and keep your vision healthy:

Tip	Benefit
Follow the 20-20-20 rule	Helps relax eye muscles and reduce focus fatigue.
Blink more often	Keeps eyes hydrated and prevents dryness.
Adjust screen brightness	Reduces glare and minimizes unnecessary strain.
Position your screen correctly	Promotes better posture and reduces eye discomfort.
Take short breaks	Prevents prolonged strain and helps reset focus.
Use blue light filters	Lowers exposure to blue light, reducing eye fatigue.
Stay hydrated	Supports tear production and prevents dry eyes.
Use lubricating eye drops	Relieves irritation and keeps eyes feeling refreshed.

Making these small changes can significantly improve eye comfort and reduce fatigue, allowing you to use screens for longer periods without unnecessary strain. 

Are Eye Exams Covered by Insurance or Provincial Health Care?

In Alberta, the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) covers one comprehensive eye exam per year for children aged 18 and under and seniors aged 65 and older. It also provides coverage for medically necessary eye exams for all Albertans, regardless of age, if the exam is required due to an eye disease, infection, injury, or a specific medical condition.

For adults aged 19 to 64, routine eye exams are not covered under AHCIP. However, many private health insurance plans include coverage for eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses. 

It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to confirm what is included in your plan.

If you are unsure whether your exam is covered, most optometry clinics in Alberta can help verify your eligibility and insurance details before your appointment.

Disclaimer: Coverage policies may change, and eligibility depends on specific circumstances. It is recommended to check with Alberta Health Services or your optometry clinic for the most up-to-date information.

What Foods and Nutrients Help Improve Eye Health?

A balanced diet is essential for maintaining clear vision and protecting against age-related eye conditions. Certain nutrients help reduce eye strain, prevent dryness, and protect the retina from damage caused by UV and blue light exposure. 

Here are the best nutrients for eye health and the foods that contain them:

Nutrient	Benefit for Eye Health	Best Food Sources
Vitamin A	Supports low-light vision, prevents night blindness, and keeps the surface of the eyes hydrated.	Carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Helps maintain healthy tear production, reduces dry eye symptoms, and supports overall retinal health.	Salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts
Lutein & Zeaxanthin	Protects against blue light damage, reduces the risk of macular degeneration, and enhances contrast sensitivity.	Spinach, kale, eggs
Vitamin C	Strengthens eye blood vessels, lowers the risk of cataracts, and helps slow the progression of vision loss.	Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers
Vitamin E	Acts as an antioxidant to protect eye cells from oxidative stress, reducing the risk of age-related damage.	Almonds, sunflower seeds, avocados
Zinc	Supports night vision, helps transport Vitamin A to the retina, and slows the progression of vision loss.	Beef, lentils, pumpkin seeds

Pairing a nutrient-rich diet with proper hydration, reduced screen strain, and regular eye check-ups can help protect your vision for years to come.

The Bottom Line

Caring for your eyes is simple when you have the right information. 

Regular check-ups, healthy screen habits, and a nutrient-rich diet all work together to keep your vision clear and your eyes feeling their best. Small changes, like adjusting your screen time or adding more eye-friendly foods to your meals, can make a big difference over time.

If you still have questions, we are always here to help. Feel free to reach out via email or phone, we’d love to assist you with any eye care concerns!