Glaucoma is a group of progressive eye diseases that damage the optic nerve. Since the optic nerve is responsible for relaying visual information from the eyes to the brain, this damage can result in irreversible vision loss and blindness.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada, and eye exams are an essential tool for detecting it before it causes life-changing vision loss. When glaucoma is diagnosed and treated early enough, vision loss can be slowed and even prevented.
Glaucoma often progresses slowly and with no symptoms during its early stages, making it especially dangerous if you’re not regularly having eye exams. Once you notice symptoms, the disease is in its advanced stages and has likely caused significant damage.
There are many types of glaucoma, each presenting with its own range of symptoms.
Common symptoms of open-angle glaucoma include
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency and presents with extreme and sudden symptoms, including:
Optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma is usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), although the exact relationship between them is unclear.
An increase in IOP is due to a buildup of fluid (aqueous humour) in the eye that drains through a tissue called the trabecular meshwork. The various types of glaucoma affect the eye’s ability to drain the aqueous fluid, resulting in a buildup of pressure that damages the optic nerve.
There are 2 primary types of glaucoma:
Although many glaucoma types are related to increased IOP, an unusual form of glaucoma called normal-tension glaucoma damages the optic nerve even though the eye’s IOP remains within the normal range. Experts believe it may be related to a sensitive optic nerve that’s more prone to damage.
Being aware of the risk factors associated with glaucoma can help prevent irreversible vision loss. These factors include:
Glaucoma testing is included in every comprehensive eye exam at Leet Meldrew Eye Care. We’ve invested in advanced diagnostic equipment that gives us a detailed look at the health of your eyes. Helping you manage your ocular health is why we do what we do, so we use this technology to provide you with accurate diagnoses.
The Heidelberg Retinal Tomography (HRT) machine is a non-invasive tool used to diagnose, monitor, and manage glaucoma. Using a special laser, the HRT takes 3-dimensional photographs of the optic nerve and retina.
Gonioscopy is a non-invasive tool used to check the drainage angle between your iris and cornea. This angle is difficult to see during traditional tests, so a gonioscopy is an essential tool for diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma in all its stages.
Although damage caused by glaucoma can’t be reversed, additional damage, vision loss, and blindness can be prevented with early detection, regular checkups, and continuous treatment.
There are many types of eye drops used to control glaucoma. Most of them are designed to control internal eye pressure by increasing the fluid outflow in the eye or by reducing fluid production.
Oral medications are used in combination with prescription eye drops to reduce internal eye pressure.
The various surgical and laser therapy options available are intended to improve fluid drainage in the eyes, ultimately reducing pressure buildup.
Anyone can get glaucoma. Since it develops with no symptoms in its early stages, eye exams are your best chance at protecting your eyesight. Please book your appointment today, and learn about preventing and managing glaucoma symptoms.
You can find us in the professional building on Kingston Road between Orchard Valley Court and Valley Farm Road. Our office is Suite 214, adjacent to the Pickering YMCA Employment and Community Services.
Leet Meldrew Eye Care
