Everything You Need to Know About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada. At Blink Eyewear, our qualified optometrists provide comprehensive glaucoma testing services to detect this condition early and help prevent vision loss.

---

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss, or even blindness, by damaging the optic nerve. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye. Patients who may be at risk of developing this eye disease include those who: 

• Are over the age of 60
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Smoke
• Have suffered an eye injury
• Have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease

The Importance of Visiting Your Optometrist Regularly 

Early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma is the only way you can prevent this eye disease from severely affecting your vision. Your optometrist is in the best position to accurately diagnose whether you have this condition and determine the best course of treatment. 

Comprehensive Glaucoma Testing Services in Calgary 

At our Calgary eye clinic, our highly qualified optometrists provide comprehensive eye health care for kids, seniors, and adults. From glaucoma testing to cataract management and emergency eye care, we can help you maintain optimal eye health and minimize your risk of vision loss. 

Want to know more? 

CONTACT US

What Are the Different Types of Glaucoma? 

Glaucoma is the name of a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transferring visual information from the eye to the brain. If the optic nerve is damaged, it can result in sight loss and even blindness. 

Some of the different types of glaucoma include: 

1. Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma and occurs when the eye’s drainage canals become blocked and the fluid accumulation causes pressure buildup within the eye, thus damaging the optic nerve. Vision loss is gradual with no early warning signs.

2. Angle Closure Glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is much more rare than primary open angle glaucoma and occurs when the drainage canals get blocked or covered over. With this type of glaucoma, eye pressure can rise very quickly. Symptoms include eye pain, nausea, headaches, and blurred vision. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your optometrist immediately.
    
3. Normal Tension Glaucoma. Also called low-pressure glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma is when the optic nerve gets damaged even though the eye pressure is not excessively elevated. Some of the risk factors include a family history of glaucoma and cardiovascular disease.
    
4. Secondary Glaucomas: This refers to glaucoma that develops as secondary to, or as a complication of, other conditions including cataracts, eye trauma, diabetes, eye surgery, or tumors. As with other types of glaucoma, the sooner the eye pressure is normalized, the more likely vision is to be preserved.

What Is Glaucoma Testing and Why Is It Important? 

Glaucoma testing involves measuring the internal eye pressure and a detailed scan of the retina for signs of the disease. Because glaucoma often shows no signs in the early stages, only a comprehensive eye exam can reveal whether or not you have the disease. 

Some of the tests involved in a glaucoma exam include: 

• Tonometry: This is used to measure intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye).
• Ophthalmoscopy: Also referred to as a dilated eye exam, your optometrist will use this to examine the shape and colour of your optic nerve.
• Perimetry: This is a visual field test to examine your field of vision.
• Gonioscopy: This test examines the angle in the eye at which the cornea meets the iris.
• Pachymetry: Your eye doctor will use this test to gauge the thickness of your cornea. 

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A GLAUCOMA TEST 

Remember, most types of glaucoma are asymptomatic, which means that people with the disease don’t experience any symptoms until the disease has progressed and caused significant damage. That’s why testing is so important, especially if you are at risk. 

We Can Help Protect Your Eye Health and Vision 

To find out more about the benefits of glaucoma testing and how our team of qualified optometrists can help enhance your eye health and protect the integrity of your vision, contact us at our Crowfoot (403-547-5417), West Springs (403-242-0999) or Creekside (403-516-2292) branches.