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Eye Conditions

Comprehensive Care for Your Eye Health

Westwood Optical provides care for a variety of eye conditions that threaten your comfort, health and vision. Our optometrists can treat:

Your Westwood Optical Family Eye Care Optometrist Is Ready to Help

Any eye doctor on our team will be happy to help you overcome these and other eye conditions. Call 204 837-2020 to schedule an appointment!

Cataracts

Protect Your Sight: Recognizing Cataract Symptoms

Although cataracts are common, many people are surprised by this diagnosis because changes in their vision have been occurring gradually. Worldwide, cataracts rank first among the causes of blindness. Any changes in vision are a reason to visit one of our Optometrists for an eye exam. Common signs of cataract development include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Sensation of a film over the eye
  • Dimmed appearance of colors
  • Cloudy or generally dim vision
  • Reduced night vision
  • Appearance of halos surrounding lights
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Development of a yellowish or milky spot in the pupil of an eye
cataract

What are Cataracts?

A cataract represents a clouding of the lens of an eye. Most are age-related and develop in patients 50 or older, however, cataracts can occur in young adults as well as children. They sometimes form after an injury or gradual protein deterioration that results in cloudy fluid in the eye. Disease, heredity, and smoking could also cause them to develop in younger patients.

Cataract Treatment

Once our Optometrists have diagnosed the condition they will refer out for surgical treatment. The ultimate treatment of a cataract is surgical removal, which greatly improves vision. This is normally a simple procedure at an outpatient surgical centre and only takes around 15 minutes. After removing the cloudy lens, the surgeon replaces it with an intraocular lens.

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Computer Vision Syndrome

How to Protect Your Eyes from Screen-Related Strain

At Westwood Optical Family Eye Care, our optometrists and our team of experts, provide eye and vision care for all ages. We diagnose and treat many eye diseases and conditions. One of the more common conditions we treat is computer vision syndrome.

Understanding Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer vision syndrome refers to a condition where the eyes become gradually damaged by exposure to blue light over time. Blue light is the type of light emitted from electronic screens, such as smartphones and computer screens.

Over time, the blue light exposure can cause vision to deteriorate, especially among those who spend a lot of time in front of a screen or mobile device each day. People who suffer from computer vision syndrome may also have other symptoms, such as:

  • Headaches or migraines
  • Dry or irritated eyes
  • General eye discomfort
computer vision syndrome symptoms

The specific symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome can vary greatly from one person to the next, so diagnosing computer vision syndrome will require a consultation with one of our Optometrists to evaluate your symptoms. Typically, we can accurately diagnose instances of computer vision syndrome based on a physical eye examination and review of your symptoms.

Treatment Options

One of the most common treatments we recommend is a pair of blue-light blocking eye glasses. These can be made in both prescription and non-prescription lenses, and are designed to block out blue light just as a pair of sunglasses would block UVA and UVB light from reaching your eyes. These should be worn at all times while working in front of a screen and can help to protect your eyes and vision from further deterioration.

In addition, your eye doctor may also recommend some changes to your work or lifestyle habits. While it may not be possible to reduce the amount of time you spend in front of a screen each day, we may recommend following the "20-20-20" rule while working. This means taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to give your eyes a rest and focus on an object approximately 20 feet away from you. This can make a huge difference in managing computer vision syndrome and its symptoms.

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Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome Services from Your Optometrist

Dry eye syndrome is becoming an increasing problem due to changes in lifestyle. Many individuals suffer with this condition without knowing its cause. This condition brings discomfort and frustration but can be treated easily. Our Optometrists are here to help you find a solution. Once diagnosed we can recommend the best treatment for relief; come visit us for an eye exam today.

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome develops when your eyes produce a tear film that is either unbalanced or insufficient. This is often due to a blockage in your meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing an oil that prevents the evaporation of the tear film.

Risk factors include :
  • Age
  • Screen time
  • Medical conditions (ie. Rheumatoid Arthiritis, Sjogrens etc)
  • Medications
Dry Eye Syndrome symptoms
Symptoms include:
  • Stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Redness of the eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurry vision
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Treatment will help prevent damage to your cornea. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage that could lead to blindness.

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment

The first step in resolving dry eyes is determining the cause. If you are suffering from dry eye disease, it’s best to book an eye exam so our team can provide a proper diagnosis. Once we have diagnosed you with dry eye syndrome, each patient will receive a customized treatment plan. Some of the most common options include:

Home care

Home care involves a daily routine of applying warm compresses to the eyes, particularly if our optometrist at Westwood Optical has also diagnosed blepharitis, the presence of clogged, inflamed oil glands at the edge of an eyelid. Many patients also get relief from over-the-counter artificial tear eye drops purchased from their pharmacy, taking omega-3 fatty acids orally, or making lifestyle changes.

Prescription medications

They typically include steroid eye drops for temporary relief or drugs such as Restatis with anti-inflammatory properties.

Punctal plugs

They are inserted in an eyelid drainage port slow siphoning of tears from the eye’s surface.

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Other Eye Conditions

Additional Conditions We Treat

At Westwood Optical, we provide care for a variety of eye conditions that threaten your comfort, health and vision:

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia is a condition in which the brain discounts or minimizes the input from one eye in favor of the other. Ambylopia can seriously impair depth perception. Vision therapy and other treatments can help restore binocular vision.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelid which may be related to dry eye syndrome, meibomian gland dysfunction, fungal infections or mite infestations. Your eye doctor at Westwood Optical can determine the cause of your blepharitis and prescribe the appropriate remedies.

Strabismus

Strabismus involves a misalignment of one or both eyes. The affected eyes may point inward or outward, or they may be out of vertical alignment with each other. Strabismus can cause double vision, encouraging the brain to reject one visual field (amblyopia) in compensation. Vision therapy, prismatic lenses and eye exercises can help normalize many cases of strabismus.

Eye Infections

Eye infections can be viral, bacterial or fungal in nature. Conjunctivitis, an infection of the membrane lining the eyelid and sclera, is a common problem in children, contact lens wearers and others whose eyes are exposed to contagions. Your Westwood Optical optometrist can administer antibiotics, anti-viral drugs or home remedies to suit your particular form of eye infection.

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Schedule an Eye Exam

Our experienced team at Westwood Optical is here to support your family’s vision at every stage of life.

Maintain clear, healthy vision with comprehensive, personalized care.

Legal Notice

The information below applies to all the information contained on the westwoodoptical.com Website.

The users of this Website agree to comply with the terms set out below.


TERMS OF USE

Westwood Optical owns and operates a Website at westwoodoptical.com (hereinafter referred to as the “site” or “Website”). Unless specified otherwise on the site, it is accessible to all users (hereinafter, the "user"). Refrain from using this Website unless you agree to comply with the conditions.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INFORMATION

Information on this Website is intended for informational purposes only and has no contractual value. Westwood Optical reserves the right to modify the content of this site. At any time, without prior notice. Westwood Optical assumes no liability for errors or omissions in the content of this Website or for information reliability or completeness of said information.

Information published on this Website is based on marketing, statistical or commercial services or other sources the Westwood Optical considers reliable and are the sole responsibility of their authors and not of Westwood Optical. We do not assume any liability for the accuracy or completeness of said information and in no circumstance should this information be regarded as such. Opinions and information as presented on this site reflect our position as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice.

UPDATING OF THE WEBSITE UNDER THE RESPONSIBILITY OF Westwood Optical

Westwood Optical, its employees and directors will not be liable for damages incurred as a result of the information published on this site, for the views and advice published, expressed or implied regardless of its nature.

Westwood Optical expressly refuses any and all responsibility for the manner in which the user of the site may use the information contained, in any decisions that may be made and in the actions that may or may not be taken based on said information.

COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

Presentations made and contained on this site are the intellectual property of Westwood Optical. Reproduction in whole or in part of this site on any other medium in prohibited without the express permission of Westwood Optical.

User may solely use the information contained on this site for personal use. Reproduction in whole or in part of said information on paper may only be performed for personal use. Said information is not to be copied, distributed or transmitted to third parties nor may it be inserted in a document or other medium.

HYPERTEXT LINKS

The links to external Websites and their content shall not be prejudged and Westwood Optical will in no way be held responsible for any direct or indirect prejudice that may result from gaining access to and usage of said sites.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Westwood Optical draws the attention of the user to the fact that all communication transmitted through this Website remains in the public domain and not the private domain. Westwood Optical cannot accept responsibility for the security of the transmission of information.

The confidentiality and integrity of the information circulating over the internet cannot be ensured. Westwood Optical cannot accept responsibility in the case that data contained on this site is intercepted.

Westwood Optical site uses cookies. These cookies are small text files saved on the hard disk of a user's computer. These files are completely harmless and cannot contain viruses. These cookies are used to analyze visits to the site. Westwood Optical calls upon Google Analytics to help track how users use the site. The number of visitors, path taken to access the site and length of each visit are measured. The cookies cannot, in any way, identify the user. All data is completely anonymous and compiled solely for the purpose of improving the site and tailoring the content to the needs of its visitors.

The person responsible for the protection of personal information is the owner of : Westwood Optical

VIRUSES AND TECHNICAL GLITCHES

Westwood Optical makes no representations that the content of this site is free of infections, viruses, worms, Trojan horses and/or other codes with contaminating or destructive properties. It is the user's responsibility to take protective measures.

Westwood Optical DECLINES ALL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE EVENT OF ANY INTERRUPTION OR NON-AVAILABILITY OF THE SERVICE

Under no circumstances shall Westwood Optical be held responsible for transmission errors of any sort, such as loss of or damage to data, or changes of any type whatsoever, including direct or indirect damage resulting from the use of the services provided on this site.

JURISDICTION

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the province of Manitoba. Any dispute arising of this Agreement shall be brought before the court in the judicial district of Westwood Optical's head office.
Address:
3210 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
R3K 0Y6;
Tel: 204 837-2020.

PUBLISHING FIRM

Westwood Optical
3210 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
R3K 0Y6
Tel: 204 837-2020

Acceptance of the Privacy Policy

Thank you for visiting westwoodoptical.com (the “Website”), provided to you by Westwood Optical (“We”). We respect the privacy of every individual who visits the Website and are sensitive to privacy issues on the Internet. We believe it is important that you know how we deal with information received about you.

This privacy policy (the “Privacy Policy”) explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect the personal information of our customers and Website users ("you"), describes the types of information we may collect from you or that you may provide to us, and our practices for collecting, using, maintaining, protecting, and disclosing that information. The Website is for general audiences and is not specifically targeted to or intended for use by children.

We will only use your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy unless otherwise required by applicable law. We take steps to ensure that the personal information that we collect about you is adequate, relevant, not excessive, and used for limited purposes. Privacy laws in Canada generally define "Personal Information" as any information about an identifiable individual, which includes information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single person.

By accessing or using the Website, you are accepting the practices described in this Privacy Policy, and you are consenting to our processing of your information as set out in this Privacy Policy. We may modify or update this Privacy Policy from time to time; if we change this Privacy Policy in a manner that materially impacts your privacy rights, we will provide a notice to you. Your continued use of the Website or our services after any modification to this Privacy Policy will constitute your acceptance of such modification. However, when required by law, we will confirm your consent to the revised Privacy Policy terms. This Privacy Policy is incorporated into and considered a part of the Website Terms and Conditions of Use, located here


What information we collect

We collect and use several types of information from and about you, including:


How we collect the information

Information You Provide to Us

The information we collect directly from you may include:

Information We Collect While You Interact With Us Through Cookies and Other Automatic Data Collection Technologies
Information We Collect About You From Third Parties

How we use your information

We use your information, including your Personal Information, to manage our business and to maintain and develop commercial relationships with you. We will collect, use, and disclose such information only to the extent that is necessary for those purposes.

We use information that we collect about you or that you provide to us, including any Personal Information:

Partnership with Microsoft Clarity and Microsoft Advertising

We may partner with Microsoft Clarity and Microsoft Advertising to capture how you use and interact with our website through behavioral metrics, heatmaps, and session replay to improve and market our products/services. Website usage data is captured using first and third-party cookies and other tracking technologies to determine the popularity of products/services and online activity. Additionally, we use this information for site optimization, fraud/security purposes, and advertising. For more information about how Microsoft collects and uses your data, visit the Microsoft Privacy Statement.


How we share your information

We will not rent or sell your information to third parties without your consent. We only share your data as specifically provided in this Privacy Policy.

Other Disclosures

In addition to any disclosure you may have consented to or permitted under the terms of this Privacy Policy, we may transfer your data, including Personal Information to third parties in the following limited circumstances:

  1. information you expressly consent to be shared;
  2. when relating to anonymized information (individuals cannot be identified by it);
  3. when you decide to make the information indexable by search engines, to share or to distribute the information to people or otherwise to make it available to the public;
  4. to satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process or enforceable governmental request within or outside your country of residence when we have a good faith belief that the law requires it;
  5. to enforce this Privacy Policy, the Terms, or an agreement, including investigation of potential violations thereof;
  6. to detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, security or technical issues, or protect the operations or you;
  7. to protect our rights, property or safety as well as yours, the public, or others;
  8. in connection with an acquisition, merger, change in control, debt financing, reorganization, sales of assets, bankruptcy or other change of our corporate structure or status; or
  9. as necessary in connection with the performance of requested services or solutions, or as otherwise appropriate in connection with a legitimate need.

How we store and secure your information

Information Security

We are committed to protecting the confidentiality, integrity, availability and privacy of your Personal Information. We have put appropriate physical, technological and procedural security measures in place designed to help prevent your Personal Information from being lost, used, modified or accessed in an unauthorized way, or improperly disclosed. Examples of such measures include restricted access to offices, training of personnel, using passwords and well-defined internal policies and practices. We also use encryption technology and Secure Socket Layers ("SSL") in all areas of the Website where your personal account information is required.

In addition, we limit access to your Personal Information to those employees, agents, contractors and other third parties who have a business need-to-know. They will be required to process your Personal Information only on our instructions and they are subject to an obligation of confidentiality. Our service providers are required to maintain adequate security protections in place designed to help safeguard your Personal Information and are not permitted to use it for any purpose other than fulfilling services to us.

If you have any questions about securing your personal data, please contact us in accordance with the “How to Contact Us” section below.

Information Retention

We will retain your Personal Information for as long as it is needed:

  1. to provide the products and services that you have requested;
  2. to communicate with you about a purchase or a request you have made to us;
  3. to manage your choices and rights you have exercised pursuant to this Privacy Policy;
  4. to comply with our legal and regulatory obligations and to demonstrate compliance,
  5. to resolve disputes and to enforce our rights and agreements.

We may retain non-personal information that has been sufficiently aggregated or anonymized for a longer period.

Once the retention period is over, we will dispose of your Personal Information as provided for in our internal data retention and disposal policy.

Where We Store Information

We use facilities operated by "Amazon Web Services" and located in Canada as our information storage and processing infrastructure. Our service providers can also, from time to time, store your Personal Information in accordance with purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy.


How to contact us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, you can contact us at 204 837-2020.