Dr. Chris Surdykowski - Optometrist

10/14/2025

"Colourblindness"... What Is It?
Colourblindness isn’t really what it sounds like. Most people with the condition can see some colours correctly but can’t pick out others. “Colour deficiency” might be a better name. Whatever you call it, it’s more common in men than women. About 1 in 12 men have a colour deficiency, compared with about 1 in 200 women.

With the most common kind of colour deficiency, it's hard to tell the difference between some shades of red and green. Other people have a type that makes you confuse certain shades of blue and yellow. Either one can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Most people who have a colour deficiency are born with it. That’s because it usually begins with the genes you get from your parents. Those genes don't provide your eyes the proper information on how to make blue, red, and green pigments for your cones. Without the pigments, the cones can’t detect the proper colours and the brain misinterprets the colour value.

Colour deficiency can also affect some people who aren’t born with it. Certain eye diseases can lead to it, and it also can happen along with leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, sickle cell anemia, or alcohol use disorder.

Some drugs, including some that treat heart disease, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, nervous ailments, or emotional disorders can have an effect on colour perception. Colour perception issues also can come from working around chemicals like fertilizers or solvents. But while things like taking certain drugs or working with certain chemicals can cause secondary colour deficiency, it is uncommon.

Living With It...
Apps for your cellphone or tablet computer can tell you what colour something is. You take a photo, and when you tap on a place in the image, the app tells you the colour. Some apps can even tell shades of colours. If you have red-green colour deficiency, special lenses may let you see colours more clearly, although their effectiveness is widely controversial. For instance, special lenses to correct for colour deficiency are not permitted for pilots.

10/10/2025

08/11/2025

08/11/2025

As many are aware, I’m no longer practicing at Frederick Plaza. My office is now located at Specsavers in Conestoga Mall in Waterloo. I had hoped to inform as many patients as possible regarding the move, prior to the change unfortunately, the current practice owner did not permit this.

If your last eye exam was performed at Frederick Plaza and you need a copy of your prescription for spectacles or contact lenses, this can be attained by calling the Frederick Street office.

If you’re looking to book an appointment, this can be arranged by calling Specsavers Waterloo at 226-686-1931.

For patients arranging appointments at Specsavers at Conestoga Mall, you may request your clinical chart by calling to arrange picking them up at Frederick Street office (519-745-2020) or directing them to be faxed to Specsavers Waterloo (fax: 226-772-3366).

I hope this is helpful.

08/07/2025

In recent weeks, we have seen an increase in the amount of people complaining about eye irritation and the wildfires could be to blame. Smoke is an irritant and so irritants coming in contact with your eyes can cause inflammation.
People with sensitive eyes may be feel the sting even more.

It can make the eyes feel dry, scratchy, heavy and gritty, after which they become red and watery.

To optimize eye health it is best to stay indoors and away from smoky areas. There are also other measures you can take.

Using air purifiers can help too. As well as using sunglasses or wraparound glasses that prevent contact on the surface.

Artificial tears can also bring back moisture to your eyes.
These are lubricating eye drops that can be placed on the surface of the eyes to help to flush out the irritants.

The elderly, those who are very young, people with underlying health problems and pregnant women may be most at risk.

CTV’s Heather Senoran has tips to prevent eye irritation as smoke continues to billow across Ontario.Subscribe to CTV News to watch more videos: https://www....

08/06/2025

The eyes of an electrician after being zapped by 14,000 volts of electricity.

His shoulder touched a live wire and the current passed through his entire body, including the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.

The effect was two bizarre star-shaped electrical burns in his eyes, according to The New England Journal of Medicine.

07/25/2025

Red Flag on Popular Lash Trend?

Eyelash extensions are growing in popularity among young women, promoted widely on social media for their glamorous appearance and low-maintenance appeal. There can be underestimated risks associated with eyelash extensions. Some of the concerns and complications range from conjunctivitis and allergic reactions to more serious conditions like keratitis and corneal ulcerations.

In practice, I’ve seen several patients develop conjunctivitis after receiving eyelash extensions. These cosmetic procedures are increasingly promoted on social media, often promising a glamorous look and striking eyes with minimal effort. However, behind this pursuit of aesthetic enhancement lies a frequently underestimated risk to ocular health.

•What are some risks associated with eyelash extensions?

Eyelashes serve to protect the eyes from external irritants. Extensions are applied to a particularly sensitive area and are not without risks. We see a growing number of patients presenting with dry eye, eyelid inflammation, conjunctivitis, allergic reactions to adhesives, or infections. Extensions also place added weight on the natural lashes, and over time, this repeated trauma can lead to natural lash loss. While regrowth may occur initially, it can eventually result in eyelash alopecia or misdirected regrowth, where lashes curve inward toward the eye rather than outward — causing significant discomfort. �In more severe cases, complications such as keratitis or corneal ulcerations may develop.

•What causes these complications?

The glues used to apply false lashes can be harmful. Some contain substances known to cause irritation and allergic reactions, such as formaldehyde or cyanoacrylates. Using these just millimetres from the cornea can trigger inflammation. Any eye injury is serious and can result in severe, even irreversible, complications. Application technique can also be an issue. Some salons may not follow strict hygiene protocols and may spread bacteria like staphylococcus. There’s often no requirement for technician training, so mistakes in handling extensions or improper disinfection of tools can occur.

•What precautions should be taken by those considering eyelash extensions?

The reputation of the salon should be carefully checked. Staff should wear gloves and masks, disinfect their hands, and use sterilized, single-use tools. The procedure occurs very close to the eye, which is delicate, and must be performed correctly. Extensions should also be used sparingly. It’s not about banning them, but common sense and moderation should take priority over beauty at all costs.

If an individual has a history of allergies, this should be discussed in advance with their primary care doctor or allergist. Some salons also use UV lamps to speed up glue curing, but UV exposure is harmful to health — for both the client and the technician. Salons using UV should be avoided.
Finally, if after the procedure the person experiences discomfort or a sensation like sand in the eye, they should seek medical attention immediately.

07/24/2025

DEeye exam…