Interview with Dr. Bryce Ford, MD FRCSC
Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Calgary
DWL: What are some preventative care tips you can provide to help ensure optimal eye health?
Dr. Ford: Sunglasses should be worn when outdoors. A good rule of thumb is that if it’s bright enough that you find yourself squinting, you should be wearing sunglasses. Sunglasses do not need to be expensive; there is a poor relationship between price and effectiveness. Ideally, you want shades that conform to US ASCI standards (cut out 99% of the UVA and UVB light), provide good coverage including stray light from the side, and look stylish enough so you’ll wear them.
Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from sun-related damage including eyelid skin cancer, pterygia, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
If you’re doing any activity that includes the possibility of high-velocity objects (weed eating, badminton, hammering, opening champagne corks, etc.) then you should always be extremely careful to protect your eyes and wear proper protective eye wear.
DWL: There are different types of eye specialists. When should one seek care from an Optometrist versus an Ophthalmologist?
Dr. Ford: There are many different types of eye care professionals. Of these, there are two groups classified as ‘eye doctors’.
Optometrists complete four years of Optometric school, usually after first completing an undergraduate degree. Their scope of practice varies to some extent across North America, but their primary role in Canada is examination of eyes, diagnosis of eye problems, and prescription of glasses and contact lenses.
Ophthalmologists complete medical school after an undergraduate degree, and then perform a five year residency in Ophthalmology in which they learn about diagnosis and management of the full spectrum of eye problems. Their role includes examination and diagnosis of eye issues, as well as treatment including eye drops, lasers and surgery.
DWL: What are some warning signs that one needs to watch out for that signifies serious eye problems?
Dr. Ford: Most serious eye problems are not subtle and include symptoms that would suggest to most that they should see an eye care professional: blurred vision in one or both eyes; eye pain; redness; light sensitivity, or significant discharge. However, there are also some severe eye conditions such as glaucoma which have no symptoms until they become advanced. For that reason it’s important to get regular eye exams, particularly if you have a family history of eye disease.
