Did you know that glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada? At Blink Eyewear, our qualified optometrists provide comprehensive glaucoma testing to protect your eye health and help prevent any vision loss.
Glaucoma is an eye condition that is caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye. This results in damage to the optic nerve and is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60.
For most forms of glaucoma, there are no warning signs and the effect is so gradual that you may not notice any change in your vision until the condition is at an advanced stage. That’s why it’s so important to visit your optometrist for regular glaucoma testing.
Some of the signs you may want to look out for include:
- Severe headache and eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Halo around lights
- Blurred vision
- Eye redness
Comprehensive Glaucoma Testing at Blink Eyewear in Calgary
At our Calgary eye clinic, we offer comprehensive and advanced glaucoma testing services to diagnose and treat the condition early, before any vision loss has occurred. Our qualified optometrists have the knowledge and experience to protect the health of your eyes and ensure the quality of your vision.
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What Can I Expect From a Glaucoma Test?
Because glaucoma presents no early warning signs, regular and comprehensive eye exams and glaucoma tests are critical to protecting your vision and preventing any damage caused by glaucoma.
Some of the tests you can expect from your comprehensive glaucoma testing appointment include:
- Eye Pressure Test. Also known as tonometry, this test is a key part of glaucoma testing and uses a tonometer to measure your eye pressure. This is important because high eye pressure can be a sign that you have glaucoma, or you’re at an increased risk of developing it.
- Gonioscopy. This refers to an examination of the front outer edge of your eye, where the fluid drains. If this area is blocked, it can affect the pressure in your eye.
- Visual field examination. During this test, your optometrist will look for any missing areas of vision. If you can’t see anything in your peripheral (side) vision, it may indicate the presence of glaucoma.
- Optic nerve assessment. Glaucoma can damage your optic nerve, which is why its assessment is important during a glaucoma test. Your optometrist will use eye drops to enlarge your pupils and then assess your optic nerve using a slit lamp.
Do I Need So Many Different Glaucoma Tests?
Diagnosing glaucoma is not always easy and straightforward. A comprehensive eye exam, as well as careful examination of your optic nerve, is key to accurate diagnosis and treatment. Your optometrist will take into consideration many different factors before making a decision about your treatment. If your condition is particularly difficult to treat, you may be referred to a glaucoma specialist.
Who Should Consider Regular Glaucoma Tests?
At our Calgary eye clinic, we often recommend that our patients have an eye exam at least once a year. However, if you are at risk of developing glaucoma, more frequent tests are advised.
Am I at risk of developing glaucoma?
Patients who are advised to have more frequent eye exams and glaucoma tests include those who:
- Are over the age of 60
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Have suffered an eye injury
- Smoke
- Are taking certain medications such as steroids
- Have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or sickle cell anemia
Remember: Early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma is the only way that you can stop this eye condition from severely affecting your vision. Only a qualified optometrist can accurately diagnose whether you have this eye condition and determine the correct course of action.
Call Today
To find out more about our comprehensive glaucoma testing services and how our optometrists can help protect your ocular health and the clarity of your vision, visit one of our three branches, Crowfoot (67 Crowfoot Terrace NW, T3G 4J8), West Springs (1009 873 85 St SW, T3H 0J5) or Creekside (12192 Symons Valley Rd NW, T3P 0A3).
Alternatively, you can contact our team by filling out our online contact form.