Why Are My Eyes So Sensitive to Light?

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Dr. Patrick J. Brodie

A parent squinting and holding a hand to their eyes to shield themselves from bright light while the child talks to an optometrist.

Your eyes become sensitive to light when your tear film dries out or when a health condition affects your visual system. […]

Does OHIP Cover Eye Exams?

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Dr. Patrick J. Brodie

Navigating OHIP coverage for eye care can feel a little confusing, especially with recent updates. Your family’s vision health is important to us, and we understand that knowing what’s covered and what you’ll have to pay helps you plan. Your eligibility for an OHIP-covered eye exam in Ontario depends on your age and specific health […]

Is Blepharitis Contagious?

Posted on November 4, 2025 (November 4, 2025) by Dr. Patrick J. Brodie

Close-up of a human eye with a red, swollen bump on the upper eyelid, showing signs of a stye or eyelid infection.

The short answer is that blepharitis can sometimes be contagious, but it depends on the underlying cause. […]

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts and Glaucoma?

Posted on September 28, 2025 (September 28, 2025) by Dr. Patrick J. Brodie

Close-up of an older adult's eye on a plain gray background.

The symptoms of cataracts include clouded vision, sensitivity to light, and frequent prescription changes, while glaucoma symptoms often start with peripheral (side) vision loss, eye pain, and seeing halos around lights.
[…]

Can You Use Contact Lens Solution as Eye Drops?

Posted on August 30, 2025 by Dr. Patrick J. Brodie

Someone putting eye drops in their eyes.

Contact lens solution should not be used as eye drops. It’s formulated to clean and disinfect lenses, not to safely lubricate or soothe the eye. […]

What Is Commonly Misdiagnosed as Pink Eye?

Posted on June 4, 2025 (June 4, 2025) by Dr. Patrick J. Brodie

Close-up of an eye that's red due to pink eye or another condition.

Pink eye might be common, but there are several other conditions that mimic pink eye’s symptoms. These eye conditions can include:

Allergies
Blepharitis
Dry eye disease
Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Styes
Iritis
[…]

Is Glaucoma Hereditary?

Posted on April 8, 2025 (May 10, 2025) by Dr. Patrick J. Brodie

An optometrist in lavender scrubs uses a pen and a human eye model to demonstrate eye disease.

Glaucoma can be hereditary. If a parent, sibling, or family member is diagnosed with glaucoma, you have a higher risk of developing it and should be proactive about your eye health.
[…]

How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?

Posted on January 27, 2025 (January 27, 2025) by Dr. Patrick J. Brodie

An optometrist uses a slit lamp machine to examine a patient's eyes.

Typically, a comprehensive eye exam lasts between 30 to 60 minutes […]

Can You Use Expired Eye Drops?

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Dr. Patrick J. Brodie

A patient happily holding a bottle of artificial tears.

Staying on top of your ocular health includes monitoring what you’re applying to or around your eyes. Like medication, makeup, or skincare, using expired products, like eye drops, can negatively impact our health and well-being. No matter the type, all eye drops expire. Accidentally using expired drops once won’t necessarily cause harm, but continuing to […]