Blog

Optometrist points to a retinal scan on a monitor while a seated patient looks on attentively in an eye exam room.

Optomap, Technology • August 7, 2026

How Optomap Helps Detect Eye Diseases Earlier

Key Takeaways Optomap retinal imaging captures up to 80% of the retina (the back of the eye) in a single scan. It can detect early signs of eye diseases and systemic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Many patients tell us that the process is quick and comfortable. Images are stored so the eye…

Close-up of a human eye with a blue iris, dark pupil, and dark lashes against light skin.

Contact Lenses • July 21, 2026

Can You Get Coloured Prescription Contact Lenses?

Key Takeaways Coloured contact lenses are available with prescription correction for nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia) A contact lens exam and valid prescription are important, even for purely cosmetic lenses. Only purchase lenses from approved sources to reduce the risk of damage to your eyes. Different tints work differently depending on your natural eye colour.…

Adult inserting a contact lens while looking in a bathroom mirror, with a contact lens case and solution bottle on the counter.

Contact Lenses • June 26, 2026

Do Contact Lenses Expire?

Key Takeaways Contact lenses do expire, and the expiry date should be printed on both the box and each blister pack. After the expiration date, the lens and solution are no longer guaranteed to remain sterile. Wearing expired lenses can increase the risk of eye infections and, in some cases, corneal damage. Contact lens solution…

A extreme close-up of a person's light blue eye with severe redness and bloodshot sclera, illustrating symptoms of conjunctivitis or ocular allergies.

Eye Care, Eye Conditions • June 1, 2026

Allergy Eyes vs Pink Eye: What Your Eye Symptoms Might Mean

You wake up to find your child’s eyes looking red, puffy, and uncomfortable. Or maybe it’s your own eyes that feel irritated. You immediately wonder what’s going on: Is this the start of contagious pink eye, or is seasonal pollen the culprit? Being able to tell the difference between allergies and pink eye often comes…

A pair of tan-framed Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses displayed on a branded white stand in a retail setting.

Glasses, Technology • April 12, 2026

Meta AI Glasses: Features Might Interest You

Picture this: You’re at the park, and your little one finally masters the monkey bars. You reach for your phone to capture the moment, but by the time you open the camera app, their triumphant grin is gone. At Orchard Park Optometry, we know that this is a familiar story for any parent, trying to…

A driver's perspective from inside a car at night, showing streaked and blurred traffic lights characteristic of astigmatism.

Astigmatism, Eye Care • March 25, 2026

Can Astigmatism Be Corrected?

You might notice that vehicle headlights & tailights, or streetlights at night have a starburst effect, or that words on a page seem to have ghosting or shadowing of the letters. Maybe you have a 70” TV but still struggle to read subtitles or see the scores during hockey games. This common experience can be…

A macro close-up of a human eye, representing the silent progression of glaucoma and the importance of identifying early symptoms like loss of peripheral vision.

Eye Conditions, Eye Health • February 23, 2026

What Is Usually the First Sign of Glaucoma?

You want to protect your family’s health, and that includes their vision. When you think about eye conditions, you might expect there to be obvious initial symptoms when something is wrong. But when it comes to glaucoma, the signs can be surprisingly subtle or even absent in the beginning. For the most common type of…

Close-up image of various vaping devices.

Eye Health • January 22, 2026

The Benefits of Quitting Vaping for Your Eye Health

You probably know that vaping isn't great for your lungs or overall health, but you might not realize the impact it can have on your vision. At our practice, we focus on your family’s overall eye health, including understanding how habits like vaping can affect the delicate parts of your eyes, possibly leading to discomfort…

A person applying eye drops to their eye for relief from dry eyes, holding the dropper near the eyelid and carefully administering the drops. The focus is on the person’s eye and the bottle.

Contact Lenses, Eye Care, Eye Conditions • December 21, 2025

Can You Sleep with Contact Lenses?

It’s a question many families ask the team at Orchard Park Optometry, especially with busy schedules. You might wonder if it’s truly a problem to leave your contact lenses in overnight. Contact lenses should be removed before sleeping to protect the eyes. While some extended-wear contact lenses are approved for overnight use, many optometrists do…

Diagram showing three stages of retinal detachment: a healthy eye, an eye with the retina beginning to detach, and an eye with advanced retinal detachment.

Eye Conditions, Eye Health • November 29, 2025

How Long Can Retinal Detachment Go Untreated?

You rely on your vision for everything, so noticing a sudden change can be unsettling. Whether it's a new floater or a strange flash of light, it's natural to wonder if it's a minor issue or something that needs attention. Understanding the signs of serious eye conditions helps you protect your family's sight. When it…