During your comprehensive eye exam, we will take the time to ensure all your visual needs are addressed. Eye examinations are an important part of preventative health care. Many eye conditions start with no obvious symptoms and people do not know that a problem exists in its early stages. Our aim is to identify problems early when treatment options are better. Some of the conditions that we can detect during an eye exam include lazy eye, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. We are also able to diagnose damage from systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Eye Exams
We recommend annual eye exams for children, seniors, contact lens wearers and for people who have diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Children up to the age of nineteen and adults who are sixty five and older are covered through Alberta Health Care for the cost of their exam.
Retinal Photography
Have you ever wondered what the inside of your eye looked like? Until now, this was a view that only your optometrist could experience. We are excited to have one of the first Zeiss Clarus 500 cameras in the Edmonton area which provides a wider view than other retinal cameras. A digital photo of your optic nerve, macula and blood vessels provides us with valuable information on the health of not only your eyes but your overall health as well since it aids in the diagnosis of diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. Having a retinal photo on your file also allows us to compare your eyes in the future for any potential changes that may occur.
Contact Lens Fittings
Recent advances in contact lens technology now allow more people than ever to wear contact lenses comfortably. Daily disposables, astigmatism correcting lenses, bifocal lenses, extended wear lenses and contact lenses for dry eyes are just a few of the different types currently available. We are pleased to stock Acuvue Oasys and Purevision 2 contact lenses for retail sale.
It is important to remember that contact lenses are prescription medical devices and must be handled responsibly. We will select a brand for you based on your prescription, lifestyle, comfort requirements and tear chemistry. If you have never worn contact lenses before we will teach you how to insert, remove and care for your contacts to minimize potential risks.
Ocular Emergencies
If you are experiencing eye pain, redness, double vision, sudden loss of vision, flashes of light, floaters or any other concerning symptoms, please contact us immediately at (780) 963- 5416. Dr. Gartner or Dr. Dwernichuk are happy to see you for an emergency appointment. If this is after business hours please proceed to the Stony Plain Emergency Room or the Royal Alexandra Hospital Emergency in Edmonton.
Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Retinal photography provides a clear view of the retinal surface, but an OCT scan will give an in depth view of all ten layers that make up the macula which is invaluable in diagnosing diseases such as macular degeneration. An OCT scan of the optic nerve can aid in the diagnosis of glaucoma. This latest technology in use daily at Stony Plain Eye Centre, allowing us to diagnose and treat these damaging eye conditions.