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…
During orbital decompression surgery, the eye surgeon will remove a large part of the bony wall in the orbit (eye socket). This pamphlet explains why you may need this surgery, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. It also gives information about your follow-up appointment and lists medical symptoms that need attention right away.
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.
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 your vitreous humor (a gel at the back of your eye) starts to shrink and becomes liquid. A healthy vitreous humour is attached to a part of your eye called the retina. When the vitreous humour shrinks, it can detach (come apart) from parts of the retina. This pamphlet explains what causes PVD, the symptoms of PVD, and how PVD is diagnosed an…
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…
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…
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 …
Ophthalmic imaging is when images (pictures) are taken of the eye. These pictures are used to detect (find) eye conditions. Types of ophthalmic imaging include: external photography, colour fundus photography, slit-lamp photography, and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). This pamphlet explains how to get ready for ophthalmic imaging, how ophthalmic imaging is done, and what will happen after it is done.
Light is reflected from objects and enters the pupil. It passes through the lens and vitreous (clear jelly-like fluid) onto your retina. Your retina changes light into a message. The optic nerve carries the message to your brain. When the brain receives the message, you have vision. Your retina is as thin as tissue paper. Change or damage to the retina can cause vision loss. This pamphlet explains how you can tell if your retina is damaged, what kinds of damage can happen to the retina, and typ…
The Urgent Eye Clinic provides medical, surgical, and emergency eye care. It is also called the Red Eye Clinic. The Clinic is run by a team of staff and resident ophthalmologists (eye doctors), nurses, and orthoptists (eye health professionals who specialize in how your eyes move and your vision develops). You must be referred to the Clinic by a doctor, an eye care provider, or another health care provider. Your appointment time will be based on how serious the issue is. This pamphlet explains …
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.