Glaucoma is a collective term for a number of eye conditions that cause increased pressure in the eye resulting in damage to the optic nerve and irreversible vision loss. It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma can affect people of any age but it most commonly occurs in people aged 60 or over. This disease is sometimes called the” silent thief of vision” because it often does not cause any symptoms in its earliest stages making detection by a patient difficult.
Regular screening by your optometrist and early detection and treatments are key to slowing the progress of glaucoma and maintaining vision before permanent loss can occur. There is no cure for glaucoma, but with strategic and meticulous screening and monitoring through Bower Eye Care it can be managed.
The Main Risk Factors For Glaucoma
Glaucoma can affect anyone at any age, but there are certain risk factors associated with higher incidence of glaucoma. These include:
- Age (over 60) and a family history of glaucoma
- Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure
- A history of eye injury or eye surgery
- Prolonged steroid use
- Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Thin corneas
Types Of Glaucoma
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: One of the most common forms of glaucoma, this type occurs when the drainage pathways of the eyes become clogged and the increased pressure causes damage to the optic nerve.
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A closed-angle between the iris and the cornea reduces fluid drainage and causes increased pressure in the eye.
- Secondary Glaucoma: The increased pressure of secondary glaucoma may come from injury, eye surgery, inflammation, or as a reaction to certain medications.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: In this type of glaucoma, damage to the optic nerve occurs even though there is no increase in eye pressure. The cause of normal-tension glaucoma is unknown.
What To Expect During A Glaucoma Screening
During a glaucoma screening appointment your optometrist will perform a variety of tests aimed at assessing eye pressure and fluid drainage as well as optic nerve health. These tests may include:
- Eye Pressure Test: Tonometry uses a puff of air to measure eye pressure.
- Gonioscopy: An examination of the drainage pathways at the front of your eye.
- Visual Field Test: This test will detect any areas of vision loss.
- Optic Nerve Assessment: This test will provide insight into your optic nerve health.
- Corneal Thickness: Pachymetry measures the thickness of the cornea.
See Clearly in Calgary
Bower Eye Care provides an elevated level of eye health care to Calgarians with the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies.
We promise an elevated eye care experience for you and your family so that you can take control of your eye health ensure a lifetime of clear vision with the support of our optometrists and eye care professionals.
Call us at: 1-403-719-9990
Book AppointmentA Better Vision For Red Deer
Bower Eye Care has a clear vision of eye care for Red Deer.
Our expert team of optometrists and eye health professionals bring cutting edge diagnostics and treatment technologies to your city so you can see a future with optimal eye health and better vision for you and your family. Visit our Red Deer clinic and ensure healthy eyes for a lifetime.
Call us at: 1-403-309-2255
Book AppointmentComplete Eye Care For Your Family
From your child’s first eye exam through to the treatment and management of age-related disease, Bower Eye Care is your family’s ally in optimal eye health and clear vision for a lifetime. Our skilled and knowledgeable team offers complete eye care services with a patient-centered approach and a focus on education and empowerment.
Glaucoma Screening FAQs
A typical appointment for glaucoma screening will take 45- 60 minutes.
Glaucoma screening is covered under your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.
You can book glaucoma screening at Bower Eye Care by calling 1-403-719-9990 in Calgary, 1-403-309-2255 in Red Deer, or through our online form.
Your Eye Health, Your Way
Bower Eye Care is committed to a patient-centred and collaborative approach to long-term eye health, diagnosis, treatment, disease management, and vision correction. The first step on the journey to a lifetime of ocular well-being and clear vision begins with a comprehensive eye exam. Take control of your eyes and book your children’s, adults', or senior’s eye exam today.
Your Guide To Clear Vision
With a focus on compassionate care and patient education, we promise to give every Bower Eye Care patient the time they need to understand their diagnosis, their treatment strategy, and their prescription for clear vision. Choose the best guide for your journey to optimal eye health with the team at Bower Eye Care.
Call us today at Calgary location: 1-403-719-9990 or Red Deer location: 1-403-309-2255
Reach out to us at our Calgary location by fax at 1-403-719-9992 or Red Deer location at 1-403-309-2241