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High myopia – severe nearsightedness – is associated with an increased risk of serious eye diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Vision therapy can address underlying visual problems that can mimic or exacerbate a learning disability.

Here's how eye exams helped save Katie's vision and quality of life. Call Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry to schedule your appointment.

Children and adolescents with diabetes are significantly more likely to suffer from dry eye syndrome (DES) than their non-diabetic peers. Read on to learn why diabetics are at higher risk, and how The Dry Eye Centre at Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry can help.

Car accidents can often result in a concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury that can cause vision problems.

Did you know that poor visual skills can contribute to behavioral problems in children? Read on to learn how vision therapy can help address these behavioral issues and how The Vision Therapy Centre at Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry can help.

Discover why experts say there’s a myopia epidemic, and learn what you can do to keep your kids’ eyes healthy. The Myopia Management Centre at Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry proudly offers myopia management treatments to nearsighted children for healthy and clear life-long vision.

Medication doesn't always work to heal dry eye syndrome's underlying cause. The following natural and holistic remedies may relieve your eye discomfort and relieve your symptoms.

Your eye experts at Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry have compiled our top 7 tips for keeping your eyes healthy and safe this holiday season. Let us know how else we can help!

Did you know that having atrophied meibomian glands can signal uncontrolled blood sugar levels? To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact The Dry Eye Centre at Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry today!

Post trauma vision syndrome (PTVS) can persist long after a concussion, making everyday tasks difficult. Luckily, neuro-optometry can treat many visual post-concussion symptoms. Learn about neuro-optometry and how it can help you.

Did you know that a risk factor for developing myopia (nearsightedness) is living in an urban area? But don’t worry – the myopia management program at The Myopia Management Centre at Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry can help.

If you suffer from headaches accompanied by blurred vision, you may have an underlying problem with your visual system. Read on to discover how blurred vision and headaches are linked, and how Niagara Vision Therapy Centre at Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry can help.

When a child is considered a ‘slow learner,’ parents and teachers often assume the problem is ADHD or a learning disability. Many don’t realize that a visual deficit is at the root of the problem. Find out how vision therapy can help your child succeed in school and in sports.

Caffeinated coffee can be drying to the body, but that may not be true for the eyes. Here’s what you need to know about coffee and dry eye syndrome, and how ​​The Dry Eye Centre at Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry in ​​Niagara-on-the-Lake or St. Catharines can help.

Have you ever seen a child who struggles in school despite trying hard to succeed? They could have an undetected vision problem that makes reading and learning a struggle. If a child’s visual skills are the culprit, vision therapy can help.

It's Contact Lens Safety Month, which makes it the perfect time to brush up on ways to keep your eyes and vision healthy when wearing contact lenses. Here are our top contact lens safety tips to keep your peepers happy.

There are 2 main types of brain injuries - traumatic and non-traumatic. Here, we'll explain the difference between these injuries and how Niagara Vision Therapy Centre at Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry can help.

Traditional myopia correction uses glasses to improve visual acuity, but they are not a solution for controlling myopia’s progression and may even contribute to worsening myopia. Myopia management is an effective treatment program to slow or halt myopia progression.

Eye tracking is a visual skill necessary for academic success. Poor eye tracking skills can compromise your child’s ability to read and learn. Fortunately, vision therapy can help strengthen a child’s eye tracking skills and make reading and learning easier.

Seeing floaters is common and usually nothing to worry about. Yet there are times when floaters are a sign of a serious eye condition. Here’s what you need to know about eye floaters, and how Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry can help!

The most important reason for choosing myopia management is to protect your child’s precious gift of sight from sight-threatening eye diseases. But here’s an added benefit: it may save you money in the long run!

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions in the world, yet many people put up with the discomfort, even though it's very treatable. Here are tips to help you deal with your dry eye symptoms, along with treatment from your eye doctor.

An ocular migraine can cause the sudden appearance of visual distortions, and even temporary blindness in one eye. Either way, an ocular migraine can be quite scary.

Many substances and situations can cause dry eyes, such as certain medications, hormonal changes, and your environment. No matter the cause, having dry eyes feels pretty terrible. Here we list the different symptoms of dry eye and address treatment options.

If you’ve ever wondered why some medical professionals don’t mention vision therapy as a treatment for visual problems caused by a concussion and other medical conditions, you’ll want to read this. Here’s why we think vision therapy is often overlooked.

Here are 5 eye symptoms that you should never ignore. Call Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry without delay if you or a loved one experiences any of these eye or vision problems.

Childhood myopia — nearsightedness — is reaching epidemic proportions. Fortunately, there are steps parents can take to reduce their child’s risk of developing myopia.

Every child should have a comprehensive eye exam before the start of the new school year. Just as you wouldn’t consider sending them to school without a backpack or a lunch box, make sure their eyes and vision are ready for the challenges ahead.

High myopia isn’t just difficulty seeing faraway objects. It can actually increase the risk of developing serious eye diseases later in life. Read on to find out how you can slow or halt your child’s myopia progression.

Children with ADHD commonly have visual problems, such as convergence insufficiency, tracking difficulties, and others. Fortunately, vision therapy is an effective treatment for these and other lagging visual skills. Read on to learn more!

Did you know that Nerf® guns, a supposedly safe children’s toy, have been shown to cause eye injury in certain cases? What makes them so dangerous?

Hyperopia affects near vision in children and young adults. Want to know more about hyperopia? Here we explain ways to recognize the condition and help your child if they have it.

Whether you call it eye goop, crusties or gunk, there are times when a bit of mucus around your eyes is normal — and times when it’s not. Learn how a dry eye optometrist can help.

In this article, we explore the various ways a stroke can negatively affect a person’s vision and explain how a neuro-optometrist can help rehabilitate vision.

Children with IEPs — individualizedsupport in school — are more likely to experience problems with their eyes’ ability to track, team and focus, but these problems are rarely detected in a standard school screening. A comprehensive developmental vision exam can detect these and other problems with your child’s visual system.

Cataract surgery not only improves vision. Research suggests that cataract surgery may also prevent cognitive decline.

Myopia management, an optometrist-developed program, can slow and even halt the progression of a child’s myopia. Read on to learn more.

Here’s how you can celebrate National Sunglasses Day on June 27.

Studies have found a correlation between asthma and dry eye syndrome. Fortunately, a dry eye optometrist can help by treating your uncomfortable dry eye symptoms.

If you’ve experienced a traumatic brain injury, you might still be experiencing some visual problems. Schedule an appointment with a neuro-optometrist, who can diagnose and treat visual problems resulting from your head injury.

Working at home has many benefits, but it can also trigger computer-related eye strain. Here are some proven ways to reduce digital eye strain, whether at home or in the office.

Myopia — nearsightedness — affects your ability to see faraway objects. Unless myopia is managed during childhood, it raises the risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases later in life. Find out more about myopia management.

Is your vision blurred, or do you experience other vision problems following your head injury? A Neuro-Optometrist near you will tailor a treatment program to help you see clearly again.

Here’s what you need to know about why visual problems can go undetected, and how vision therapy can help your child develop healthy vision.

At some point in our lives, we've all had our eyes examined using an eye chart – whether during a school screening or at the optometrist's office. But what exactly is the chart and what does it measure? Read on to find out!

Depression is an illness that can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including the eyes. Researchers are currently investigating whether depression can cause dry eye symptoms.

Bloodshot eyes can be harmless, but may also be a sign of an underlying eye condition.

Can you pass myopia, or nearsightedness, onto your kids? According to research, there is definitely a genetic component. Fortunately, myopia management can slow myopia progression.

Your child's eyesight may be excellent but have subpar visual skills that keep them from reaching their potential. Vision therapy can improve visual skills and boost your child’s performance in school and in sports.

Macular degeneration is a major cause of vision loss. Here are 6 ways to help lower your risk of developing this sight-threatening condition.

A blow to the head can badly disrupt the connection between your brain and your eyes and cause problems like blurry or double vision and sensitivity to light. Fortunately, a neuro-optometrist can treat your concussion-related visual symptoms.

If your child spends too much time in front of screens, it’s important to set limits and establish routines to protect both their general health and their eye health and help prevent the development or progression of myopia.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, your optometrist will monitor its progression and manage your symptoms. Once you need surgery, your optometrist can direct you to an eye surgeon.

Did you know that spending time in a climate-controlled airplane cabin can dry out your eyes? Find out what you can do to keep your eyes hydrated the next time you fly.

A head tilt or turn isn’t just a physical quirk. It can be a sign of a vision problem that may have a neurological basis. If turning or tilting your head helps you see better, schedule an eye exam with a neuro-optometrist to identify the underlying cause.

This March, in honor of National Save Your Vision Month, we’ve compiled a list of 5 essential ways to help you keep your eyes healthy and strong.

Vision therapy trains the eyes to move and focus properly. It is especially suitable for children, whose visual problems can often be resolved when diagnosed and treated early on.

There are many reasons why your eyes may feel itchy and sore. However, new research suggests that these symptoms can also be linked to COVID-19.

Does your child struggle at school or with reading? The following toys and games can help develop important visual skills to help your child thrive in school and in life.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to give your eyes some love. Here are 10 ways you can give your eyes the attention they deserve, to protect them both now and in the future.

Research suggests that children who are obese may have a higher risk of developing high myopia. Read up to learn why and discover what you can do about it.

3D vision plays a key role in our ability to safely and securely navigate many facets of our everyday lives. We’ve compiled our top 4 reasons why 3D vision is so important.

After brain surgery, patients may experience double vision (diplopia) resulting from a disruption of the ocular muscles or nerves. Prism glasses and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help correct post-surgery diplopia.

An eyelid twitch can develop for a number of reasons, and most of the time it’s not a cause for concern. Find out what may be causing your eye to twitch and what can relieve it.

Isotretinoin, popularly known as Accutane, is a very effective acne medication that may cause eye dryness. In this article, we explain why it causes dry eye symptoms and what you can do to prevent or treat such an occurrence.

For many children, COVID-19 restrictions have meant more time indoors, and more time spent on digital screens. According to research studies, this has led to a worrying increase in myopia progression. Fortunately, there are ways to slow and sometimes stop myopia from worsening.

Your children's vision is their primary window into the world around them. Keeping their eyesight healthy is an important part of allowing them to experience life to the fullest. Read these 5 tips!

If your child spends a significant amount of time playing online video games, here’s what you need to know about how it can contribute to the onset and progression of myopia — nearsightedness.

With an increase in online learning comes an increase in digital eye strain and convergence insufficiency, two conditions that can be effectively treated with vision therapy.

Did you know that pregnancy hormones can affect your vision? Read on to learn about the possible visual changes that some women may experience while expecting, and what warning signs to look out for.

Blinking plays a crucial role in maintaining the right amount of moisture on the eye’s surface. If you don’t blink properly or enough, it can leave your eyes feeling dry and irritated. Fortunately, there are certain blinking exercises you can perform to prevent your eyes from becoming dry.

Collisions are a fact of life for many amateur and professional athletes. Unfortunately, head injuries raise their risk of developing sometimes incapacitating conditions and diseases in the future. Here are 6 conditions associated with sustaining multiple concussions.

Children whose visual skills aren’t fully developed find it difficult and frustrating to read. Learn why your child may not want to read, and how vision therapy can help.

Red, itchy, irritated eyes are no fun. Here are 7 tips for alleviating the discomfort of dry eye syndrome.

Not sure if you should have LASIK surgery? Here are a few reasons why ortho-k lenses make a great alternative to refractive surgery.

A blow to the head may result in a blow to one’s self-esteem. Read on to learn why and how a neuro-optometrist can help.

Creating healthy living habits is a great way to preserve your vision throughout your lifetime. These can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.

People with autism have trouble processing and responding to sensory input, including visual input. What many don’t realize is that visual problems may be causing or contributing to the visual sensory issues some autistic people experience. When this is the case, vision therapy can often help.

Myopia (nearsightedness) is the most common refractive error in children. While glasses and contact lenses can help correct a person’s vision, they don’t cure or slow the progression of myopia.

Dry eye syndrome can leave your eyes red, irritated, and itchy. If you ignore your symptoms, other complications can arise. Treating your dry eye syndrome is essential for your eye health and vision.

Eye care is just as important for children as it is for adults. The sooner you teach your children how to care for their eyes, the more likely they will be to ingrain these habits for life. Here are some tips for kids!

Do your eyes become irritated and itchy when you wear contact lenses? Could be dry eye syndrome, allergies or the contact lenses themselves. Read on to find out what to do if you experience contact lens discomfort.

Poor visual skills can impact a child's self-esteem and confidence levels. Find out how vision therapy can unlock your child’s hidden potential and offer them the confidence and happiness they deserve.

Mosquito bites are annoying but on the eyelid they can be particularly uncomfortable and even impact your vision. Find out what you can do to treat the bite at home, and when it's a good idea to contact your optometrist.

Playing outdoors offers numerous benefits, including delaying the onset of myopia. Read on to learn why that is, and learn why slowing myopia progression is vital for your child’s eye health.

Do you have a lump on your eyelid? It could be a chalazion. Learn what a chalazion is, how to treat it and prevent it from recurring.

Lyme disease, an infection caused by a tick bite, can affect many parts of your body, including your eyes. Learn how Lyme disease can harm your eyes if not treated promptly.

Post traumatic vision syndrome is a group of visual deficits caused by a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Fortunately, neuro-optometric rehabilitation can improve your functional vision post-TBI so that you can get back to doing the things you love most.

It's important to understand that vision and learning are intertwined. Make sure your child’s vision isn’t holding them back from succeeding in school by scheduling a comprehensive eye evaluation today!

Do people with dry eye syndrome have to forgo wearing eyeliner and other eye makeup? Although eyeliner can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction, there are steps you can take to safely wear eye makeup without compromising your eye health.

You may be familiar with dry eye syndrome, but still have some questions. Here, you’ll find answers to 7 of the most frequently asked questions about this common eye condition.

Is your child nearsighted (myopic)? Here’s what you need to know about myopia and how it can lead to sight-threatening eye disease in the future.

Although COVID is still present in our lives, we are slowly returning to a semi-normal life. With so many disruptions this past year, the one thing that should be consistent is your child's back-to-school eye evaluations.

Is your child showing signs of a vision problem? Discover the different signs and symptoms that can indicate a vision problem, and learn what you can do to help your child thrive.

If you wear contact lenses, you likely appreciate the freedom it provides. But did you know that wearing contact lenses in water or while sleeping can damage your eyes?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can impact your vision, making it difficult to do simple tasks like reading and driving. Here are a few things you can do to avoid getting a TBI.

Choosing the right eye drops to relieve dry eye syndrome can be a real challenge, as there are several brands and products on the market. Learn all about the types of artificial tears available and start feeling better today.

If you wake up in the morning with itchy, burning eyes, you may have dry eye syndrome. Wonder how this happens when your eyes are closed all night? Read on to find out!

In most cases, a stroke leaves survivors with lasting visual symptoms that can make it hard to function. Thankfully, a neuro-optometrist can help by identifying any overt and nuanced visual dysfunction and providing neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy.

Lazy eye (amblyopia) affects the vision of the affected eye, causing blurry vision even with corrective eyewear. Learn what may be causing your child’s lazy eye and how vision therapy can help.

Since blue eyes contain very little melanin — a pigment that helps block out light, including the sun’s harmful UV rays and blue light — they often feel more sensitive to bright light. Find out more.

More and more children are being diagnosed with myopia, a common refractive error associated with developing serious eye diseases later in life, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. Find out what myopia is and how to prevent it from progressing

Here’s another reason for parents to send their kids out to play. Research shows that spending 2 hours or more outdoors lowers the risk of developing myopia and slows its progression.

Although caffeine has a diuretic and drying effect, it also has tear-producing properties that can potentially lessen your dry eye symptoms.

It’s important to get the facts straight. Here are 5 myths — and truths — about vision therapy.

Most stroke survivors experience some degree of visual dysfunction following a stroke. Here are the 4 main types of visual complications that may result from a stroke and ways neuro-optometry can help.

Dilated eye exams make it possible for eye doctors to better assess your eye health and are the only way to detect certain eye diseases.

Using your computer for long periods of time can irritate and dry your eyes. The condition is so common that researchers have coined it computer vision syndrome. Learn more about the causes and treatments of this condition.

Multifocal contact lenses can help people with presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) see clearly, whether focusing on close or distant objects.

Boys who exhibit inattention and hyperactivity are at risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and potentially, vision problems. Find out how TBIs and vision are related and what you can do to help your child following brain injury.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is more than just blurry vision. Here’s why parents of myopic children should consider myopia control, and what we can do to help.

Eyes that protrude can signal an underlying medical condition and can cause uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Your dry eye optometrist can help.

Ever wonder why rock superstar Bono wears sunglasses, even when indoors? It's not due to his "look", but rather is related to managing his glaucoma.

In certain cases, vision therapy may help manage the symptoms of myopia (nearsightedness). Read on to discover the hows and the whys.

A reduction in hormones during menopause, may lead many women to experience symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Read on to learn about the link between menopause and dry eye syndrome.

Eye herpes can cause several uncomfortable symptoms and recurring flare-ups. In extreme cases, it can lead to blindness. Discover how your eye doctor can help.

Myopia is an eye condition with increasing prevalence. While there is a lot of information out there on myopia, there are also many misconceptions. Read on to discover the REAL facts.

Vision problems are often missed during your child’s school vision screenings. Having them undergo a comprehensive eye exam can help detect any underlying vision problems. Help your child enjoy learning by giving them the tools they need to succeed with vision therapy.

Many factors contribute to vision loss, some of which may even be relevant to you. Read on to learn what puts a person at risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases, and discover what an eye doctor can do to help.

Sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure and heart failure; it also causes eye-related issues. Find out how your eye condition may be linked to sleep apnea.

While occupational therapy and vision therapy have some similarities, they are actually very different. Read on to learn about their differences, and find out whether you should have your child see a vision therapist.

Glare is that annoying bright light that causes you to squint. It also can cause eye strain when using your computer. Luckily, anti-glare coated glasses offer many benefits, such as reduced glare, allowing you to see and feel better.

While rare, LASIK surgery can occasionally cause dry eye symptoms. It is essential to speak to your eye doctor to determine your risk and effectively address the condition.

Vision therapy is a doctor-supervised program. What’s perhaps most exciting is that it works for children too.

Dry eye syndrome is more common in women than it is in men. Read on to learn why, and how we can help diagnose and treat the cause of your dry eye syndrome.

If current trends continue, roughly half the world’s population will have myopia (nearsightedness) by 2050. But is the growing rate of myopia due to increased use of digital devices?

It may surprise you to learn that contact lenses can be safely worn by children aged 8 and over. Read on to learn more about contact lenses for the younger demographic.

Confidence is one of the keys to success. If your child is struggling in school or in sports, it could be due to a vision problem. Find out how vision therapy can improve your child’s visual skills and boost their self-confidence.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases causing damage to the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss or blindness. While there is a lot of information out there on glaucoma, there are also many misconceptions. Read on to learn to discover the REAL facts.

Though some people think vaping is a harmless alternative to traditional smoking, it can actually cause a whole host of health problems — including dry eye syndrome.

Ever wonder why your eyes tear up when you chop an onion? Here’s why these savory bulbs make you cry, and how you can reduce discomfort when cooking with them.

Here are 15 common things you might be doing that can increase your risk of suffering with vision loss or an eye disease. Read on to learn what they are, and what behaviors you may want to consider adjusting.

Contact lenses that don’t fit properly can cause discomfort and even eye damage. During a contact lens exam, your eye doctor will perform various tests to ensure you get the right prescription and the proper fit.

The increased use of video conferencing due to COVID-19 has had a surprising impact: A boom in cosmetic procedures. Here’s why eye doctors are concerned about the eye health risks these procedures pose.

The older one gets, the more the eye changes and the higher the risk of developing sight-threatening conditions. Learn about why middle-aged people need reading glasses and when to visit the eye doctor.

If you or your child is new to wearing contact lenses, read our Top 5 Tips to make the adjustment easier.

Sunglasses aren’t just for summer. Why not, you ask? Read on to find out why sunglasses are just as much “fall wear” as jackets are.

Consuming certain vitamins and nutrients can support your eye health and potentially ward off serious eye diseases and conditions. Read on to find out more!

Myopia or nearsightedness is most commonly corrected with prescription glasses or contact lenses. As children grow, their prescription often gets stronger, what we call “progressive myopia”. Our eye doctors can help.

Eye floaters are usually normal. But what causes them and when do they indicate a serious eye problem that needs emergency eye care?

Driving long distances, prolonged screen time and even reading can cause eye strain symptoms like headaches and blurry vision. Here are some eye exercises that can help you relax your eyes and find relief.

Adjusting to new eyeglasses can take time, but persistent visual or eyestrain symptoms that accompany your new eyewear could warrant a call to your optometrist.

To get maximal eye protection from your sunglasses, consider replacing them every two years, according to a study conducted in Brazil. Over time, protective UV coatings become less effective.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, we have been going above and beyond to ensure that people are receiving emergency eye care. If you're having an eye emergency call your Niagara-on-the-Lake or St. Catharines optometrist first.

Your toddler may show every sign of good eyesight including the ability to see objects in the distance, however that doesn't necessarily mean that he or she doesn’t have a vision problem.

Make your resolution for healthy vision this year with increased awareness of the leading cause of blindness worldwide.

This is the one way you can be sure that you or your child’s eyes are truly safe during Nerf shooting:

Despite the fact that it is one of the most common eye problems, a surprisingly large percentage of patients are not aware of it.

Chances are it affects you or someone you know. November has been dedicated as a time to spread awareness about the disease, its risk factors and the effects it has on your body, your daily life and the lives of your loved ones.

Red, itchy, watery eyes and swollen eyelids (along with sneezing, congestion or a runny nose)...

Refractive errors including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia.

‘Tis the season for giving, and parents, grandparents, family and friends need to know how to choose toys and games that protect children’s health and eyesight.

Have you ever thought about how vision works? It's an incredible system and process!

Prevention and treatment for eye complications associated with Diabetes

Home Eye Injury Awareness and Prevention