Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0140

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Your eyes are filled with a fluid made by the ciliary body. This fluid flows through the pupil, in front of the lens, and then out through a drain called the trabecular meshwork. Glaucoma is a disease where increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve. It usually happens when the trabecular meshwork (drain) does not work and fluid cannot drain from the eye. Fluid buildup in the front part of the eye increases pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. This damage may at first caus…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0465

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Laser treatment uses a strong beam of light (laser) that can be focused to treat certain diseases of the retina. The 3 most common diseases treated with a laser are – retinal holes or tears, diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy), and other problems with retinal blood vessels. The pamphlet describes getting ready for a laser treatment, what will happen during treatment, and care after.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0134

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This pamphlet explains how to get ready for eye surgery. Topics include where to go, cancelling your surgery, and getting ready (what you can eat and drink, medications, and what to do if you have diabetes). Information about scents, valuables, and what to bring to the hospital is included. What to expect if you are having a local anesthetic or a general anesthetic is given. A map of the QEII Health Sciences Centre is included. The French version of this pamphlet 2014, "Préparation en vue de la…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0141

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If the pressure inside your eye stays too high after using drops and/or laser treatments, you will need surgery to treat your glaucoma. You may have a trabeculectomy or a shunt procedure. This pamphlet explains what a trabeculectomy and a shunt procedure are, and what will happen after the surgery. Instructions for your care at home are provided, including discomfort, wearing an eye shield, using eye drops, and activity. A list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention is provided. T…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2020.

Pamphlet Number

0282

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Botox injections may be used to treat blepharospasm (rapid eye blinking) or facial muscle spasms. Botox blocks the chemicals that are causing the spasms and they go away. Botox is not a cure but gives temporary relief from symptoms. This pamphlet describes getting ready for the injection, treatment, and side effects. The French version of this pamphlet 1783, "Injection de Botox®", is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2019.

Pamphlet Number

0176

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This surgery makes a new path so tears can drain directly into your nose. A plastic tube may be put in during surgery and taken out 6 weeks to 12 months later, depending on your eye surgeon. A brief description of getting ready for surgery, during surgery, and care after is listed. Symptoms that need medical attention are noted. The French version of this pamphlet 2097, "Intervention pour débloquer les canaux lacrymaux", is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2020.

Pamphlet Number

0136

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The cornea is the clear front part of your eye. Your eye doctor has recommended a corneal transplant because you are not able to see well through your cornea or it is causing you pain. A donor cornea will be used to replace the damaged or diseased part of your cornea. Instructions for after your procedure and care at home are provided. The French version of this pamphlet 1718, "Greffe de cornée (kératoplastie)", is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0459

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Diabetic retinopathy happens when changes take place in the blood vessels near the retina, causing leaks or bleeding. Diabetic macular edema is a swelling of the macula (very small centre area of your retina, which gives you the central vision needed to do things like reading, watching TV, and seeing faces) that may be caused by diabetes, happen after eye surgery, or happen for no known reason (idiopathic). The pamphlet describes these disorders, their treatment, and how to control them. The Fr…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0402

Available Online

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Your health care provider has recommended laser iridotomy to prevent or treat your angle closure glaucoma (a specific type of glaucoma). This pamphlet explains glaucoma and laser iridotomy. It describes getting ready for the treatment, how the treatment is done, and care after. Possible risks are listed. The French version of this pamphlet 1945, "Iridotomie au laser", is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0582

Available Online

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Your health care provider has talked with you about why your eye or the contents of your eye must be removed. This pamphlet will help you learn how to safely care for yourself after your procedure. The medical term for eye removal is enucleation. The medical term for removing the contents of the eye and leaving the outer coat (sclera) behind is evisceration. Both procedures mean permanent loss of the eye. This pamphlet explains what will happen before and after your surgery, including wearing a…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2019.

Pamphlet Number

1173

Available Online

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This pamphlet describes what to expect before, during, and after surgery to remove a part of the bony wall in the orbit (eye socket). Care after discharge from hospital is discussed.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Palliative Care Services. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2020.

Pamphlet Number

1150

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This pamphlet will help you and your family learn more about cornea donation. Palliative care patients may be able to donate their corneas. Some myths and facts about cornea donation are provided, as well as the reasons why some people may not be able to donate. Common fears and misunderstandings, what to do if you decide to change your mind, and information given to your family about your donation are outlined. Testimonials from recipients are provided. The French version of this pamphlet, 219…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. QEII. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

1392

Available Online

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The retina is the lining at the back of your eye. Your retina must be healthy for you to see well. The Retinal Acuity Meter (RAM) is a test used to measure how much vision you have in your retina. The test shows how much vision is possible even if you have blurred vision. For example, the RAM can show how much vision you will have after a cataract is removed. This pamphlet explains getting ready for the test, how the RAM is done, and what to expect after the test. The French version of this pa…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Central Zone. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2020.

Pamphlet Number

1573

Available Online

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Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids. This pamphlet provides a list of signs and symptoms. Topics include how blepharitis is treated, cleaning your eyelids, and relieving symptoms.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

0460

Available Online

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The retina is a very thin delicate tissue at the back of the eye that turns light into images. The macula is the very small central area of your retina. It gives you the central vision needed to do things like reading, watching TV, and seeing faces. There are 2 types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD): dry and wet. With dry AMD, changes happen slowly over months or years. There is no treatment for dry AMD. With wet (also called ‘exudative’) AMD, changes often happen quickly. It is possib…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2020.

Pamphlet Number

1761

Available Online

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Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a common eye condition that can cause floaters (dots or spots) and flashes of light in your vision. PVD happens when a gel at the back of the eye starts to shrink with age and becomes liquid. This gel, called the vitreous humor, is normally attached to the ‘film’ of the eye, called the retina. When the vitreous humor shrinks and pulls away from the retina, it can detach itself (come apart from) from the retina in some places. This pamphlet explains what ca…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2021.

Pamphlet Number

1840

Available Online

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Thyroid eye disease (also known as Graves’ eye disease) may happen when you have a problem with your thyroid gland. Graves’ eye disease can affect the skin, fat and muscles around your eyeball. It can cause redness and swelling within your eye socket. This pamphlet explains how thyroid eye disease is diagnosed, what the treatment is, and what you can do to help. The French version of this pamphlet 1919, "Ophtalmopathie thyroïdienne", is also available.

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1989

Available Online

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Ptosis is the medical word for a droopy eyelid. This pamphlet explains what ptosis is, how it is treated, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. The pamphlet will help you learn how to care for yourself safely after surgery, including how to care for your dressing, use a cold compress, and deal with discomfort. Information on follow-up care and a list of symptoms that need medical attention is included. The French version of this pamphlet 2112, "Opération du ptosis (paupière tomb…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

1998

Available Online

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Losing your sight can be upsetting. You may feel scared, sad, or frustrated – this is normal. This pamphlet gives information and advice from health care professionals on adjusting to vision loss. Topics include types of vision loss, tips for getting used to vision loss (like staying safe at home, and using supportive and adaptable technology), and how vision loss affects your loved ones. Examples of computer software, apps, and things you can use at home are provided. Information on CNIB suppo…

Nova Scotia Health Authority. Eye Care Centre. Halifax, NS: Nova Scotia Health Authority , 2022.

Pamphlet Number

0463

Available Online

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This pamphlet explains what to expect after your retina surgery. Information is given about what to expect if you were given a local anesthetic (medication to freeze your eye) or a a general anesthetic (medication to put you to sleep during surgery). Other topics include what to expect if you have gas or air placed in your eye during surgery, what to do if you have a gas bubble or an air injection in your eye, managing pain, medication and eye drops, activity, and what to expect after surgery (…