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…
This pamphlet explains what to expect after your retina surgery. Topics include anesthetic, managing pain, medication and eye drops, activity, and what to expect after surgery (eye protection and/or glasses, using eye drops or ointments, follow-up appointment). The French version of this pamphlet 1114, "Après votre opération de la rétine ," is also available.
Blepharitis is a chronic (ongoing) inflammation (swelling) of the eyelids. It is a common problem. This pamphlet explains the symptoms of blepharitis and how it is treated. Topics include keeping your eyelids clean, how to use a warm compress and create a warm compress bundle, and how to clean your eyelids. Information about what you can do to help your symptoms is also included.
Blepharospasm (also called benign essential blepharospasm) is a rare condition that affects the eyelid muscles on both sides of your face. It causes eyelid twitching or blinking that you cannot control. In severe (very bad) cases, blepharospasm can affect your ability to see. This pamphlet provides the possible cause and a list of symptoms. Topics include who typically gets blepharospasm, how it is diagnosed, treatment, and things you can do to relieve symptoms.
Your doctor has recommended Botox® injections for your blepharospasm (rapid eye blinking) or facial muscle spasms. Botox® blocks the chemicals that cause the spasms in your muscles. Botox® is not a cure. It helps relieve your symptoms for about 3 months. This pamphlet explains what Botox® is and how it works, how to get ready for your appointment, what will happen during and after the treatment, and side effects. The French version of this pamphlet 1783, "Injection de Botox®", is also availabl…
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of your eye. Cataracts can be removed easily with surgery. The surgeon will make a small incision (cut) in the front of your eye. They will remove the cataract. They will then place a clear, plastic lens in your eye behind your pupil. The pamphlet explains the possible risks of cataract surgery, what will happen on the day of surgery, discharge instructions, care at home, and how to use eye drops. A list of symptoms that need medical attention is included. T…
This surgery removes all or part of a damaged cornea (the clear, front part of your eye) and replaces it with healthy donor tissue. A corneal transplant can be done to improve vision, relieve pain, or treat a severe (very bad) infection. This pamphlet explains the 3 main types of corneal transplants, what to expect after surgery, things to remember, and how to use eye drops. A list of symptoms that need medical attention right away is included. The French version of this pamphlet 1718, "Greffe …
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on your cornea (the clear, front part of your eye). Corneal ulcers are usually caused by an infection. They can also be caused by dry eye or other eye diseases. Corneal ulcers are diagnosed with an eye exam. Your ophthalmologist (eye doctor) may take swabs from your eye. This will help them decide which medication will work best if you have an infection. This pamphlet explains how a corneal ulcer is treated, and gives information on pain and follow-up. A list of …
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…
Your vision must meet certain standards for you to have a driver’s licence in Nova Scotia. This explains the tests that may be used to see if it is still safe for you to drive is given.
Endophthalmitis is a type of severe (very bad) eye infection. It can lead to permanent vision loss in the infected eye. The amount of vision loss will depend on what caused the infection and how much damage the infection does to the eye. This pamphlet explains the possible treatments for endophthalmitis, and gives information about follow-up and pain.
This pamphlet will help you learn how to care for yourself safely after surgery. It explains why you may need eyelid surgery, medications to tell your surgeon's office you are taking before surgery, and what will happen during and after your surgery. Information on your dressing, how to use a cold compress, pain, and your follow-up appointment is included. A list of symptoms that need medical attention right away is also given. The French version of this pamphlet 2101, "Opération de la paupière…
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…
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 QE II Health Sciences Centre is included. The French version of this pamphlet 2014, "Préparation en vue d’un…
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…
The choroid and retina are layers in the back of your eye. The choroid has blood vessels that can be changed by disease and age. An indocyanine green chorioangiography (ICG) test takes pictures of the blood vessels in your choroid and retina. These pictures are used to help your ophthalmologist (eye doctor) diagnose and treat any problems you may have, and compare to your future exams. This pamphlet explains how to get ready for this test, how the test is done, and what will happen after the te…
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.
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.
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…
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…