We Accept Alberta Blue Cross

StoneWire Optometry and Pearle Vision Optical in Kingsway Mall have the ability to direct bill your Alberta Blue Cross vision insurance plan at the time of your next eye exam or eyewear purchase. If you or your employer has added coverage for optical services/vision care to your Alberta Blue Cross Insurance plan, then a portion of or all of your visit or eyewear purchase may be covered.

With so many individuals and local employers offering group coverage through Alberta Blue Cross such as: teachers union (asebp), nurses union and some divisions of the City of Edmonton. StoneWire Optometry is trying to make it more convenient for you to unlock your vision care benefits.

How do I know if I have vision coverage?

1. Your card must be from Alberta Blue Cross
2. Your card needs to say ‘vision’ on it

What’s covered under Alberta Blue Cross Vision Care?

1. Eye Exams
2. Contact Lenses
3. Prescription Eyeglasses
4. Prescription Sunglasses

To learn more about the products and services available through Alberta Blue Cross or the coverage on your current plan, please visit their website at: ab.bluecross.ca or call an Alberta Blue Cross customer service representative toll free at 1.800.394.1964

StoneWire Optometry
Kingsway Mall - Edmonton

Why Does My Eye Twitch?

A twitchy eye is generally considered a non-serious eye condition and is commonly experienced by patients. Medically, an eyelid twitch is referred to as‘Myokymia’.  The twitching sensation is the result of the sudden spasmodic contraction of the obicularious muscle, which is normally used for closing your eyelids. The twitching sensation most often effects the lower eyelid and occasionally can even place pressure on the eyeball itself causing the eye to twitch. Some patients are convinced that their eye is actually twitching, however, this is a vary rare phenomenon.  Symptoms from myokymia can last up to a month and can disappear as quickly as they began.

The most common causes of myokymia include:

• Stress

• Caffeine

• Alcohol

• Fatigue

• Eye infection

• Tourette Syndrome

• Excessive exercise

• Reduced potassium levels 

Although most eyelid twitches are not medically significant, it is always best to visit your optometrist or eye doctor to rule out any other more serious eye related diseases. Treatment for myokymia usually involves rest and relaxation, drinking plenty of water, and eating foods high in potassium. 

Fun Fact: Did you know that seeing your eye doctor for a condition like myokymia is now covered under Alberta Health Care.

If you're concerned about myokymia and your overall eye health, than book a routine eye health examination with one of our optometrists.

Book Your Next Eye Exam with Stonewire Optometry
Kingsway Mall | Edmonton | Alberta

Same Day Delivery - Eyeglasses

If your eyeglasses are broken, you live far away, you’re travelling or you’re just in a hurry, then why not let the people at Pearle Vision Optical in Kingsway Mall help you out with their same day prescription eyewear service.

With an in house optical lab, Pearle Vision can provide you with a same day service on most prescription eyewear. *

Walkin appointments for eye exams are also available from one of our onsite optometrists, so don't forget to update your prescription first!

*some restrictions may apply, please see Pearle Vision in Kingsway Mall for details. 

Book Your Next Eye Exam with Stonewire Optometry
Kingsway Mall | Edmonton| Alberta

Halloween at Kingsway Mall

Your invited to the annual Kingsway Mall Halloween trick or treat bonanza. Come one, come all and join the Halloween fun. Bring your little ghosts, goblins, princess’ and superheroes to Kingsway Mall this Wednesday for a little trick or treating excitement. Be ready to howl!

What: Go shop-to-shop and collect Halloween candy and prizes from local Kingsway Mall merchants.
Why: Your kids will be warm and safe, they’ll actually be able wear their Halloween custom without a parka over top and you can sip a coffee. How civilized!
Where: Kingsway Mall – Edmonton, AB
When: Wednesday October 31, 2012 – 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Optical Assistance for Seniors

Many Edmonton seniors are surprised to learn that the Alberta Seniors Health Benefit program will provide up to $230.00 towards the purchase of new eyewear every 3 years. Most seniors are also surprised to learn that Alberta Health Care also covers the costs associated with a complete eye health examination by an optometrist every year. 

To learn more about what’s covered through the Alberta Seniors Health Benefit program or to sign up, visit the Alberta Government website at Alberta.ca 

If you are already enrolled in the Alberta Seniors Health Benefit program, accessing your eye care benefits is easy. Simply provide your optical provider with your Alberta Health Care number along with a valid government issued photo-ID at the time of purchase.  

Book Your Next Eye Exam with Stonewire Optometry
Kingsway Mall | Edmonton | Alberta

We Accept Alberta Blue Cross Insurance

Stonewire Optometry and Pearle Vision Optical in Kingsway Mall have the ability to direct bill your Alberta Blue Cross vision insurance plan at the time of your next eye exam or eyewear purchase. If you or your employer has added coverage for optical services/vision care to your Alberta Blue Cross plan, then a portion of or all of your visit or eyewear purchase may be covered.

With so many individuals and local employers offering group coverage through Alberta Blue Cross such as: teachers union (asebp), nurses union and some divisions of the City of Edmonton. Stonewire Optometry in Kingsway Mall is trying to make it more convenient for these people to access their vision care benefits.

How do I know if I have vision coverage?

1. Your card must be from Alberta Blue Cross
2. Your card needs to say ‘vision’ on it

What’s covered under Alberta Blue Cross Vision Care?

1. Eye Exams
2. Contact Lenses
3. Prescription Eyeglasses
4. Prescription Sunglasses

To learn more about the products and services available through Alberta Blue Cross or the coverage on your current plan, please visit their website at: ab.bluecross.ca or call an Alberta Blue Cross customer service representative toll free at 1.800.394.1964

Book Your Next Eye Exam with Stonewire Optometry
Kingsway Mall | Edmonton | Alberta

AIR OPTIX & Breakfast Television Contest

Starting October 15, 2012 keep an eye out on Breakfast Television for commercials talking about the new AIR OPTIX AQUA MULTIFOCAL contact lenses. Designed for patients with active lifestyles who require bifocal or progressive eyeglass lenses, this contact lens may provide comfortable vision at all distance or at least allow you to read the menu after your hockey or soccer game.

Fact: Contact lens usage drops off after the age of 40, because of near vision problems out of traditional contact lenses.

So before you give up on your contact lenses, talk to your Kingsway Optometry eye doctor about whether or not multifocal contact lenses like AIR OPTIX AQUA MULTIFOCAL may be a part-time solution to your vision needs.

During this promotion, viewers can also register at breakfasttelevision.ca to win a $3000 trip to the Caribbean plus a year’s supply of AIR OPTIX contact lenses.

Dry Eye Syndrome: Signs/Symptoms/Causes

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common visual concerns that eye doctors see on a daily basis. It is often confused for ocular allergies or other eye health conditions, leading to inappropriate or ineffective treatment options. As such, it is important to know the signs of symptoms of dry eye syndrome and what can cause it or makes it worse.

Typical signs & symptoms may include:

• Scratchy/Gritty Sensation
• Burning/Stinging
• Redness
• Itchy Eyes
• Sharp pain
• Blurred vision or fluctuating vision
• Excess tearing

Common causes may include:

• Aging
• Environment factors
• Reduced blinking
• Contact lens wear
• Eyelid conditions (meibomianitis & blepharitis)
• LASIK and other refractive surgeries
• Medications (antihistamines, acne medications, water pills, etc.)
• Hormonal changes, including menopause
• Medical conditions (diabetes, arthritis, thyroid problems, Sjogren’s, etc.)

If you think that you may have dry eye syndrome, talk to one of our Kingsway Optometry eye doctors about possible treatment options during your next eye test.

Contact Lenses: up to $100.00 off Purchase Price

Kingsway Optometry is happy to announce 3 great new in-store contact lens purchase deals for you to choose from.

Deal #1: AIR OPTIX (1-month disposable contact lenses)

• Save up to $50 off your next purchase of AIR OPTIX contact lenses.
• Purchase 4 boxes of AIR OPTIX, AIR OPTIX for ASTIGMATISM or AIR OPTIX AQUA MULTIFOCAL monthly disposable contact lenses and receive a $35.00 rebate, or purchase 4 boxes of AIR OPTIX NGIHT & DAY AQUA overnight wearable contact lenses and receive a $50.00 rebate.

Deal # 2: FreshLook (2-week disposable coloured contact lenses)

• Save up to $25.00 off your next purchase of FreshLook contact lenses.
• Purchase 2 boxes of FreshLook ColorBlends, FreshLook Colors or FreshLook Dimensions coloured contact lenses and receive a $25.00 rebate.

Deal # 3: DAILIES  (1-day disposable contact lenses)

• Save up to $100.00 off your next purchase of DAILIES AquaComfort Plus contact lenses.
• Purchase 8 (90 Pack) boxes of DAILIES AquaComfort Plus 1-day disposable contact lenses and receive a $100.00 rebate.

These great contact lens deals are only available in-store at Kingsway Optometry, offer expires December 31, 2012. See a store associate for details. Valid eye exam and contact lens fitting are required.

Back to School Eye Exams

Book your children in for their back to school eye exam at Kingsway Optometry. A comprehensive eye test by one of our optometrists will help to ensure that they are ready for another school year.

Your child’s eye test will include a comprehensive eye health examination along with a complete vision check for eyeglasses. Children should receive their first eye test by 3 years of age or as young as 6 months of age if you or pediatrician have any concerns or there is a family history of vision or medical problems.

Eye health exams and vision testing is covered under Alberta Health Care for children 18 years of age or younger. There is no charge for you child to be seen by an optometrists for annual eye exams and vision tests.

If your child already wears eyeglasses, please talk to us about healthy contact lens options for sports, recreation or school.

Contact Lens Irritation & Smoke

With campfire season upon us, it’s time to be reminded about things that can lead to ocular irritation. Campfire smoke and cigarette smoke can contaminate your contact lenses and lead to ocular surface irritation and dryness.

If your eyes become sore and irritated, remove your contact lenses immediately. Use an artificial lubricating drop such as Systane Ultra to flush the eye out and rehydrate the ocular surface. Discard the contaminated contact lens or thoroughly rinse and clean the lens before reusing it. Never put a contact lens into a red irritated looking eyeball, as this can result in a serious eye infection. If the redness does not disappear or your vision seems blurry, seek the guidance of an optometrist.

FYI: Visits to your optometrists for eye infections are now covered under Alberta Health Care. A valid Alberta Health Care card is required.

The Best Pair of Glasses for Your Favourite Sport

There is a little professional athlete inside all of us. Our competitive nature comes out with friends, colleagues and family reunions. But in order to perform at your best, you must have clear, comfortable vision in all lighting conditions. Our eyes tend to lead our actions.

Athletic eyewear begins with a routine eye health and vision examination with an optometrist. Your optometrist can help determine if corrective lenses are required or if you have any oculomotor (eye movement) problems holding you back from peak performance. Your eye doctor can also suggest vision correction solutions based on your eye health, lifestyle and activities. One pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses may not be adequate for everything.

Sports eyewear can help prevent blunt trauma or injuries and improve visual comfort. Eyewear can also be sport-specific, and we’ve provided a few helpful hints to consider when shopping for your new eyewear.

Running Glasses

Look for eyewear that will not easily slip down your nose when you sweat or bounce when you run. Running eyewear must be comfortable for long distances and offer 100% UV protection. Trail runners should look for shatter-resistant lenses to protect their eyes from tree branches (ask for polycarbonate or trivex/phoenix lenses).

Cycling Glasses

Look for polarized sunglasses to help cut down road glare and improve the visibility of potholes and obstacles. The frames must provide adequate protection from the wind and elements, especially when leaning forward on the bike. They should fit seamlessly and comfortably under your helmet. Non-polarized sunglasses tend to be more favourable for mountain biking as they produce more consistent shadows during dynamic movements.

Golf Glasses

Look for polarized sunglasses that do not cause peripheral distortions. These distortions can make it difficult to read the greens for proper ball movement. Low quality, high wrap frames and lenses are not an option. Look for quality sunglass brands worn by the professionals on tour.

Fishing Glasses

See what you’re trying to catch by wearing polarized sunglasses. These lenses will knock out the glare from the water’s surface and allow you to see into the water.

Racket Sports

Squash, racketball and tennis are high-velocity sports that require properly fit athletic eyewear. There are numerous potential causes for an eye injury during a typical match; from the ball, the racket or another player. Once again, look for shatter-resistant lenses to protect your eyes, and safety frames designed to withstand high impact. Consider a headband or strap to ensure that the eyewear does not move.

Can I Swim in My Contact Lenses?

No, is the general answer to this question. Swimming in contact lenses may increase your risk of developing a serious eye infection, corneal scarring or vision loss. Contact lenses are porous like sponges and will absorb microbes, chemicals and other impurities from the water. These impurities are then left in constant contact with the surface of the eye, increasing the likelihood of ocular surface disease.

If you must swim in your contact lenses, it’s important to always wear a good fitting pair of swimming goggles, and never open your eyes under water without wearing goggles. Contact lenses can swell and adhere to the surface of the eye, or they may fall out and be lost. Once you get out of the water, it’s important to discard your contact lenses and open a fresh new clean pair. If you swim regularly, you may want to consider try a 1-Day disposable contact lens instead. These lenses should also be discarded after swimming and a fresh new clean pair inserted for the reminder of the day.

Book your next eye exam with an optometrist at Kingsway Optometry and ask about your options for swimming.

Open for Eye Exams

Kingsway Optometry is open early, open late and is now open every Saturday & Sunday. We keep increasing access to our eye care clinic to better serve our growing customers base. With over 70 years of eye care experience we continue to evolve and adapt to our customers needs.

Book your next eye exam with Kingsway Optometry at a time that works for you! Book Now.

Are you at risk?

Do you know your risk factors when it comes to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the leading cause of vision loss in Canadians over the age of 50? There are many known risk factors for developing age-related macular degeneration, some of which you can control. It’s especially important for patients with a family history to start considering lifestyle modifications early on, as they have a 4 times great risk of developing ARMD.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for age-related macular degeneration

• A Family History of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
• Age 50+
• Female > Males
• Light coloured eyes
• Ethnicity - Caucasians are at the greatest risk

Modifiable Risk Factors for age-related macular degeneration

• Smoking Cigarettes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Being Overweight
• Eating fatty foods
• A diet low in fresh fruits & vegetables
• A diet low in omega-3
• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Excessive sunlight exposure

Before you get caught, please talk to your optometrist about age-related macular degeneration and what you can do to reduce your overall risk. Annual eye exams by an optometrist may also help to detect the early warning signs of age-related macular degeneration and ensure timely intervention.

Is it time for a change?

Are you’re like most contact lens wearers who forget to change their contact lenses on time? Then it may be time to find a solution. Over wearing or extending the life of your contact lenses can lead to increased contact lens intolerance, dry eye sensation, and blurry vision. Waiting to change your contact lenses when they feel dirty or get uncomfortable is an eye infection waiting to happen.

If you wear a 2-week disposable contact lens like Acuvue Oasys with Hydraclear Plus, then change them with every paycheck. If you wear a 1-month disposable contact lens like Air Optix Aqua Comfort Plus, then change them on the 1^st day of every month. You can also consider switching into a 1-day disposable contact lens like Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus or Acuvue TruEyes and enjoy a clean new contact lens every day.

If technology is more your thing, consider joining Acuminder by the makers of Acuvue Brand contact lenses. This online tool allows you to schedule text message or email reminders on when to change your contact lenses, reorder contact lenses, and schedule your next eye exam.

Don't forget, anyone who wears contact lenses should see their eye doctor at least once a year for a complete eye health examination.

Better Vision = Better Grades?

Having better vision may equate to achieving better grades at school. The classroom environment challenges children to focus on distance and near objects throughout the school day. Ensuring that your child’s eyes work properly may help out with their academic performance.

Parents understand the need for eyeglasses in nearsighted children who have problems seeing the board. However confusion still exists in farsighted children, who appear to have no problems seeing at all. Farsighted children may seem to lack focus and concentration when reading and writing. This is because their eye muscles must work harder to sustain concentration on near tasks. This increased focusing demand can cause general fatigue and may occasionally lead to frontal headaches. Child often compensate for this by trying to limit or avoid near point tasks for extended periods of time.

So please don’t be shy in talking to your optometrist about any classroom or learning problems that your child may be having. A new pair of eyeglasses may not provide all the answers, but it may help to eliminate vision problems from your list of concerns.

Summer is almost here!

With the sun now rising and setting a little earlier each day in Edmonton, our thoughts have once again gone back to the topic of sun protection. Sunglasses provide 2 key benefits to patients: reduced exposure to harmful ultra-violet rays and improved visual comfort in bright sunlight. So what is the best option?

Basic Sunglasses

Basic sunglasses simply decrease the intensity of the light around us equally. They help to protect the eyes from the suns harmful ultra-violet rays, and are really one of the best choices for athletes looking for consistent vision during dynamic sporting activities.  Basic sunglasses will typically cost less then polarized lenses and can be found the seasons trendiest new frame styles.

Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses decrease the intensity of the light around us, and they reduce or eliminate the reflections or glare that come off flat surfaces like snow, water and roads. By eliminating glare, polarized sunglasses improve visual contrast and help to reduce fatigue and eye strain.  Polarized lenses are best suited for less dynamic activities or flat surfaces like in driving, fishing, boating, etc.

What lens colour is the best?

Lens colour seems to come down to personal choice and fashion for a lot of people. It is a myth however, that darker sunglasses provide more ultra-violet light protection then lighter tints. Darker tints help to reduce more of the suns overall intensity, but quality sunglasses regardless of tint should all block at least 99% of UV-A and UV-B rays. Your eye doctor may recommend darker tints like grey and black during the summer months when the suns rays are far more intense. But during the winter months they may recommend brown tints, as they can add a sense of brightness to a dull flat light day. Light and dark tints are available in polarized and non-polarized sunglass styles, as well as in prescription and non-prescription style sunglasses.

Itchy Eyes?

Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Do you fear going outside in the summer because of ocular irritation, nasal congestion and sneezing? Red, burning, watery, itchy eyes are just some of the typical ocular symptoms experienced by allergy sufferers in our clinic. Patients with allergies can also experience contact lens intolerance, blurred vision and pain. Not a great combination when all you want to do is get outside and play.

Trying to treat and manage ocular allergies can be a difficult chronic battle. If you have mild allergy signs and symptoms, consider trying some of these non-pharmaceutical treatment options for seasonal allergies first.

• Shower and wash your hair every night before going to bed and after being outside. Allergens can stick to your hair and eyelashes further increasing ocular symptoms.
• Make sure you thoroughly remove your makeup at night and regular change your mascara brushes.
• Change your pillowcases, bed linens and bath towels regularly.
• Consider switching into a 1-day disposable contact lens. Inserting a fresh, clean contact lens into your eye each day guarantees that you will not be inserting any old allergens back into your eyes.
• Try to reduce your contact lens wearing time as much as possible. Only insert your contact lenses prior to leaving the house, and remove them when you get home.
• Use contact lens approved lubricating eye drops to help flush your eyes free from allergens throughout the day. This same rule also applies to non-contact lens wearers.
• Consider removing the carpets from your bedroom and house, and switching to a hard surface flooring option such as tile or hardwood. If this is not an option, have your carpets professionally cleaned.
• Consider adding a humidifier to your furnace to help reduce the amount of dust and allergens in the air. A portable option can also work for smaller areas or in your office at work.
• Change your furnace filters regularly, and have your furnace cleaned annually. Also consider adding an air purifier to help clean the air.
• If you have a pet, keep them out of your bedroom and limit the areas of the house their allowed to go.

If you still find that your seasonal allergy symptoms are unmanageable, please stop by our eye clinic for a complete eye health examination by one of our optometrists. Our eye doctors may be able to prescribe some prescription and non-prescription eye drops that can provide added relief. They can also confirm that what you have is in fact ocular allergies and not another underlying problem instead.

Pressure

 

January is glaucoma awareness month across North America. Glaucoma is a painless eye condition that usually develops slowly over time and is often related to elevated eye pressure.

Did you know?

1. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and accounts for approximately 10% of all cases of vision loss.
2. There is presently no cure for glaucoma, but there are numerous treatment options available to help slow the progression. These include medicated eye drops and various surgical procedures.
3. Everyone is at risk of developing glaucoma, including children. However, patients with a family history of glaucoma or patients of African American decent are at a higher risk.
4. African Americans are 5 times more likely to develop glaucoma and 15 times more likely to loose their vision. Glaucoma is currently the leading cause of vision loss amongst African Americans.

Have you had your eye pressures checked lately? If not, call our office and book an eye health examination with one of our optometrists. .

To learn more about glaucoma, please visit the glaucoma research foundation at www.glaucoma.org