Glaucoma treatment in Edmonton
About 400,000 Canadians are impacted by glaucoma. This condition develops slowly and gradually damages the optic nerve, resulting in irreversible vision loss. You can limit its most devastating consequences with early diagnosis and intervention.
Medication and surgery can control the disease and prevent further loss of sight. Book an eye exam with an optometrist at Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. in Edmonton to ensure you detect this common eye disease in its earliest stages to protect your eyesight.
Types of Glaucoma
Primary open-angle glaucoma
Primary open-angle glaucoma, the most prevalent type, occurs when the eye produces too much aqueous fluid or the liquid drains too slowly. The increased fluid pressure damages the optic nerve, a bundle of about a million fibres that send signals from the eye to the brain. When the nerve fibres are damaged, your brain receives fewer signals. This type of glaucoma usually affects peripheral vision first.
Angle-closure glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is less common than primary open-angle glaucoma but progresses much more rapidly. As the eyes age, the lenses grow bigger, narrowing the space between the iris and the cornea. This narrowing can block the aqueous fluid from draining from the eye, resulting in a quick spike in fluid pressure. This form of glaucoma is considered a health emergency, as it can cause irreversible vision within a day. If you develop a suddenly red, painful, and blurry eye you should be seen immediately. Call one of our offices or go directly to emergency.
Secondary glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma can be due to an injury, infection or tumour that puts undue fluid pressure on the eye. Certain medications and medical conditions can also cause secondary glaucoma. Other conditions that your optometrist can detect may also put you at risk for various secondary glaucomas.
Normal-tension glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma happens even though the eye fluid pressure is normal. No one knows why this happens to some people, although one theory suggests a lack of blood flow to the eye as a possible cause.
Ask us anything
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). However, not all cases of glaucoma are linked to high eye pressure—some individuals develop the condition despite having normal eye pressure, making the exact cause not fully understood. Without early detection and treatment, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Glaucoma?
While glaucoma can affect anyone, certain factors increase your risk, including:
- Age 60 and older – The risk increases significantly with age.
- Family history – A family history of glaucoma raises your likelihood of developing the disease.
- Medical conditions – Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can contribute to optic nerve damage.
- Eye injuries – Trauma to the eye, even years prior, can lead to glaucoma.
- Prolonged use of corticosteroids – Long-term use of steroid medications (including eye drops) can increase eye pressure.
- Other eye conditions – Retinal detachment, inflammation, or tumours can trigger glaucoma.
If you have one or more risk factors, scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams with an optometrist is crucial for early detection and prevention.
What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
One of the most challenging aspects of glaucoma is that it progresses slowly and painlessly, often without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred. This is why it is commonly referred to as the “silent thief of sight.”
However, certain forms of glaucoma, such as acute angle-closure glaucoma, can cause sudden and severe symptoms, including:
- Painful red eyes
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Nausea and headaches
If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention, as acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency that can lead to rapid vision loss if untreated.
Can Glaucoma Cause Blindness?
Yes, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada. The disease destroys optic nerve fibres over time, leading to gradual vision loss. Unfortunately, because glaucoma often has no symptoms in its early stages, many people don’t seek medical attention until it is too late.
The good news is that early detection through routine eye exams allows for intervention and management, which can slow or prevent further vision loss.
How is Glaucoma treated?
While there is no cure for glaucoma, treatments focus on reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) to slow the progression of the disease. Common treatment options include:
- Medications – Prescription eye drops or oral medications help lower eye pressure by reducing fluid production or improving drainage.
- Laser therapy – A non-invasive laser procedure can improve fluid drainage and lower eye pressure.
- Surgical intervention – If medications and laser treatments are ineffective, surgical procedures or tiny drainage implants may be necessary to regulate eye pressure.
Your optometrist in Edmonton will monitor your condition and refer you to an ophthalmologist if surgical intervention is required.
How Can I Prevent Glaucoma?
Because glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and ongoing management are essential in preventing vision loss. You can lower your risk by:
- Scheduling regular eye exams – A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to detect glaucoma before it causes significant damage.
- Managing underlying health conditions – Keeping blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol under control can reduce the risk of optic nerve damage.
- Using prescribed eye drops consistently – If diagnosed, following your optometrist’s treatment plan can help maintain healthy eye pressure.
- Living a healthy lifestyle – Eating a nutrient-rich diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can contribute to better eye health.
Glaucoma Testing and Treatment In Edmonton
The best defense against glaucoma is early detection. At The Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. in Edmonton, we offer comprehensive eye exams to identify signs of glaucoma before vision loss occurs. Schedule your appointment today to safeguard your sight for the future!
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