Practical reading for the moments between eye exams. Explore vision, comfort and caring for your eyes at every stage of life.
23 articles
Everyday eye healthA few small specks drifting through your vision may be harmless. A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light or a dark curtain across your sight may not be. These symptoms can…
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Contact lensesColoured contact lenses can turn ordinary eyes into those of a vampire, cat, zombie or favourite movie character. That may complete a Halloween costume, but the lenses themselves should…
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Everyday eye healthIf menus suddenly seem to be printed in smaller type, your phone is probably not shrinking its font. The more likely explanation is presbyopia, a normal age-related change that makes it harder…
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Comfort & dry eyesWildfire smoke has become a familiar part of Alberta summers. We usually hear about its effect on breathing, but poor air quality can also be hard on the eyes. Smoke contains gases and fine…
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Contact lensesSwimming is one of the best parts of an Alberta summer. But if you wear contact lenses, there is one thing you should do before heading into a pool, lake or hot tub: take them out. Contact…
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Contact lensesContact lenses can provide clear vision without getting in the way of work, sports or everyday life. They are also medical devices that sit directly on the surface of your eyes. When lenses…
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Everyday eye healthMost people know it may be time for an eye exam when road signs become blurry, reading gets harder or an old pair of glasses no longer seems to do the job. But determining whether you need…
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Everyday eye healthAfter a long Alberta winter, most of us are happy to see brighter days again. But sunglasses are more than a warm-weather accessory. They are an important part of protecting your eyes from…
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Everyday eye healthGlaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss in Canada. What makes it especially concerning is that it can develop without pain, discomfort or noticeable changes to your sight. By…
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Everyday eye healthWinter driving is one of the most demanding skills for drivers in Alberta. Snow-covered roads, low sun angles, reduced daylight, and oncoming headlight glare all place significant strain on…
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Everyday eye healthJanuary is one of the busiest months in my clinic for eye strain complaints. After the holidays, routines return, daylight hours are short, and many Albertans spend long stretches indoors…
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Everyday eye healthCold wind and dry indoor air can leave your eyes burning, watery or gritty. Learn what can help and when to arrange an eye exam.
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Everyday eye healthDiabetes can affect your eyes before you notice a change in your vision. Learn what an eye exam checks and discuss screening with your optometrist.
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Comfort & dry eyesWhen most people think of allergy season, they think of spring. But here in Alberta, October brings its own unique wave of allergy-related eye problems. Every fall, I see an increase in…
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Family eye careEvery year as back-to-school approaches, I see the same pattern in my exam room: children returning to school with headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, and trouble focusing in class. In…
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Everyday eye healthAs both an optometrist and a lifelong Toronto Blue Jays fan, I’ve often found myself in awe of what happens on the baseball diamond. Sitting in the stands or watching on TV, I’ll see a…
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Everyday eye healthIn the past few weeks, the WNBA, women’s basketball, has dominated headlines—and not just for record-breaking attendance and viewership. Two viral moments reminded us of something every…
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Family eye careNearsightedness (myopia) is one of the most common concerns I hear at my clinic in Spruce Grove. Parents always ask: “My child can’t see far away—do they need glasses?” It’s often the first…
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Comfort & dry eyesDry eyes, that burning, gritty, or just plain uncomfortable feeling—especially after a long day—can be irritating and dangerous if not dealt with in a safe, healthy way. Dry, irritated eyes…
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Everyday eye healthBlurry vision can feel like a sudden disruption to your world, casting a haze over everything from reading fine print to recognizing faces across a room. It’s not just an inconvenience—it’s…
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Everyday eye healthMeet Dr. Amy Bakelaar, an independent optometrist practising at Specsavers Spruce Grove Centre.
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Everyday eye healthWhat does 20/20 mean on an eye chart? Learn what visual acuity measures and why it tells only part of the story.
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Comfort & dry eyesIf your eyes feel scratchy, gritty, or constantly irritated, you’re not alone—and it’s not something you have to live with. Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common complaints I hear from…
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Book an eye exam →Or call (587) 400-9890
Dr. Amy Bakelaar