Glaucoma Diagnosis & Management in South Calgary

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma.

The eye drains the aqueous fluid through its drainage system, but when this system becomes inefficient over time, it can no longer drain effectively. When the aqueous humour can’t drain properly, it builds up and exerts pressure on the optic nerve, causing damage.

Primary open-angle glaucoma typically develops gradually without symptoms. You will likely not notice any symptoms until you have significant vision loss.

Secondary glaucoma occurs due to an injury, infection, or tumour in or around the eye. It can also happen due to medical conditions, medications, or other abnormalities.

Angle-closure glaucoma is the less common but much more severe type of glaucoma. It is considered an eye emergency and should be addressed by a medical professional as soon as possible.

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage angle between the cornea and iris suddenly closes or becomes blocked. This causes the aqueous fluid to build up rapidly, increasing eye pressure very quickly.

When this happens, it’s referred to as an acute attack and may be coupled with pain, sudden vision loss, or nausea. If you’re experiencing an acute attack, please visit your emergency room immediately.

Normal-tension glaucoma often occurs when the eye’s internal pressure stays within the “normal” range, but the optic nerve still sustains damage. The cause for normal-tension glaucoma is unknown but is theorized to be related to an inadequate blood supply or poor perfusion.