Eye Health at Every Age
- Simply Benefits Marketing
- Feb 10
- 4 min read
From childhood through adulthood, our eyes adapt to how we live, work, and learn.
Understanding common eye conditions can provide helpful insight into how vision is affected at different stages of life.
In partnership with FYidoctors, Simply Benefits is sharing an overview of common eye
conditions that affect children and adults, along with practical ways to support long-term eye
health.
Protecting your vision starts with regular eye care. View exclusive offers or book an eye exam
with FYidoctors.
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Myopia, or nearsightedness, means close-up objects appear clear while distant objects look blurry, such as a classroom whiteboard or road signs. It occurs when the eye grows slightly longer than average or the cornea is more curved.
Myopia is becoming more common worldwide. About 30 percent of the global population is currently affected, and this number is expected to reach 50 percent by 2050. Approximately one in three children will develop myopia during their lifetime.
Why Myopia develops
Myopia is influenced by a combination of factors:
Genetics: Children with myopic parents are more likely to develop it.
Environment: Less time outdoors and limited exposure to natural light can contribute.
Lifestyle: Increased screen use and near-work, both at school and at home, play a role.
Signs to watch for
Children may not notice or mention vision changes. Common signs include squinting, moving closer to screens, rubbing their eyes, or experiencing headaches.
Diagnosis and management
Myopia is diagnosed during a routine eye exam. While it cannot be cured, modern myopia
management options can help slow progression. Personalized care plans may include
specialized glasses, contact lenses, eye drops, or overnight Ortho-K lenses. Regular eye
exams, outdoor time, and screen breaks also support eye health.
Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough quality tears to stay comfortably lubricated. Tears rely on a balance of watery, oily, and mucous layers, and when this balance is disrupted, irritation and blurred vision can occur.
Risk factors
Dry eye disease may be influenced by climate, prolonged screen use, certain medications,
hormonal changes, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can include a gritty or burning sensation, redness, watery eyes in windy conditions, blurred vision, frequent blinking, screen discomfort, and light sensitivity.
Management and care
Many people find relief through simple lifestyle changes such as staying hydrated, using a
humidifier, wearing sunglasses outdoors, taking screen breaks, and applying warm compresses.
A comprehensive eye exam can confirm whether symptoms are due to dry eye disease and
help guide a personalized treatment approach.
Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain refers to eye discomfort caused by extended periods of focused visual activity, particularly when using digital devices. It has become increasingly common as screen use has grown at work, school, and home.
Why it happens
Prolonged screen use reduces blinking and increases visual effort at close distances. Poor
lighting, glare, posture, and outdated or uncorrected prescriptions can add to the strain.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may include dry or watery eyes, blurred or double vision, headaches, neck or
shoulder discomfort, light sensitivity, and difficulty concentrating.
Helpful habits
To reduce strain, try following the 20-20-20 rule, positioning screens at arm’s length and slightly below eye level, adjusting lighting and brightness, blinking regularly, and ensuring eyewear supports your screen distance.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that affect the optic nerve and become more common with age. It affects hundreds of thousands of Canadians and often develops gradually, which is why routine eye exams are important.
Risk factors: Risk increases with age over 60, family history of glaucoma, certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, previous eye injuries, long-term steroid use, and significant refractive errors.
Detection and treatment: Glaucoma can often be identified through routine eye exams using advanced diagnostic testing. While it cannot be cured, treatments such as prescription eye drops or surgery can help
manage the condition and protect vision.
Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are small shapes that drift across your vision and are commonly noticed as we age. They are often described as spots, threads, or cobweb-like forms.
Why floaters occur
Floaters usually develop as the vitreous gel inside the eye becomes more liquid over time,
allowing collagen fibers to clump together. Posterior vitreous detachment is a common,
age-related change that affects many people by their mid-60s.
Diagnosis and treatment
Floaters are typically evaluated during a dilated eye exam. Most do not require treatment and become less noticeable over time. For persistent or disruptive floaters, treatment options such as laser therapy or surgery may be discussed.
When to book an exam
If floaters appear suddenly, increase quickly, or are accompanied by flashes of light or changes in vision, an eye exam should be booked promptly.
Supporting eye health at every stage
Eye health evolves throughout life. Regular eye exams help monitor changes, support early detection, and ensure your vision is comfortable for your daily activities.
Through this partnership, Simply Benefits and FYidoctors are committed to helping individuals and families stay informed and confident about their eye health.
Exclusive offers for Simply Benefits members
Save on frames and lenses
20% off regularly priced frames and lenses
Everyday value on lifestyle packages
10% off lifestyle package frames and lenses
Savings on contact lenses
10% off all contact lenses
These offers can be found in the Simply Benefits app under Simply Perks, or redeemed online or in-store at FYidoctors, Visique, Bonlook, and solis optics.
Even when vision feels fine, regular eye exams are important. They can reveal early signs of up to 270 health conditions, including stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and neurological conditions. Adults are recommended to have an eye exam every one to two years, annually if managing a health condition, and children and seniors every year.
Simply Benefits and FYidoctors are helping members see more clearly, both today and for the future!