A visual field test measures your peripheral and mid-peripheral vision (side vision). The pamphlet explains how to prepare for the test, how the test is done, and how to get your test results. The French version of this pamphlet 2100, "Examen du champ visuel", is also available.
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.
The retina is a thin, light-sensitive tissue that lines the inside of the eye. Light enters the eye and is focused onto the retina. This is what lets us see. A retinal detachment (RD) is a condition that happens when the retina detaches (pulls away) from the inside wall of the eye. The retina is not able to work as well, which can lead to blurred vision or vision loss. This pamphlet explains what causes RD, what the symptoms of RD are, who is at risk for RD, and how RD is diagnosed and treated.…
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…
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.
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…
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 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.
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…
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…
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.
Uveitis (u-vee-I-tis) is inflammation (swelling) of the eye, similar to arthritis, but in the eye. Iritis (i-RYE-tis) is a type of uveitis. The inflammation is in the area of the iris, at the front of the eye. This pamphlet explains the symptoms of uveitis and how it is treated.
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.
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…
Tears are made by the lacrimal gland and other tear glands around the eyes. They drain through each punctum into the lacrimal sac, and then into the nose. The puncta are 2 small openings at the nose end of each eyelid. Small silicone (rubber) plugs can be placed into one or both puncta. The plugs block the openings, letting more moisture stay on your eyes to help with dry eyes. If the plugs have openings, they help your tears to drain better. This pamphlet explains what will happen when the pun…