Glaucoma Diagnosis & Management in South Calgary

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Protecting Your Eyes From the Silent Thief of Sight

Glaucoma is the name for a group of progressive, degenerative eye diseases that can steal your sight. Glaucoma leads to damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for your sight and can lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada, as it often develops gradually without noticeable symptoms. One of the best ways to detect and diagnose glaucoma in the early stages is comprehensive eye exams. There is no cure, but early treatment can prevent further damage and save your vision.

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Types & Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma’s specific cause is unknown, but it is generally associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). However, in some cases, glaucoma can occur without elevated intraocular pressure, which is referred to as normal-tension glaucoma.

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.

Diagnosing Glaucoma

Because most types of glaucoma are related to elevated IOP, we perform a test that evaluates your eye’s internal pressure during every eye exam.

When we diagnose glaucoma, we perform a dilated eye exam that gives a better view of your internal eye, including the optic nerve and retina.

Tonometry is a diagnostic test that measures IOP. At Calgary Family Eye Doctors, we use 2 types of tonometry to do this:

Both tools are useful in measuring your eye’s pressure, which can indicate the presence of glaucoma.

Visit Us at Calgary Family Eye Doctors

Where is Our Office?

Find us just off Southport Road SW on the west side of Macleod Trail.

Where Can You Park?

There is ample free parking directly outside the professional building.

Our Address

11th Floor, 1125-10655 Southport Road SW
Calgary, AB T2W 4Y1

Contact Information

Phone: 403-225-5660
Fax: 403-225-5927
[email protected]

Hours of Operation

Monday
8 AM6 PM
Tuesday
8 AM6 PM
Wednesday
8 AM6 PM
Thursday
8 AM6 PM
Friday
8 AM4 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Our Services

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