Prairie Eye Care provides life-changing glaucoma care to those in Winnipeg.
Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in this world, and it can be avoided with proper care. Prairie Eye Care will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you and will help you manage your glaucoma symptoms.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases in which the optic nerve at the backside of your eye may be damaged. This causes vision loss and cannot be repaired once it has been injured, so protecting this vital structure becomes important to maintain proper sight.
Types Of Glaucoma
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There are two types of glaucoma: open-angle and angle-closure.
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle is the most common form of glaucoma, and it tends to develop slowly with no symptoms. This type of glaucoma is caused when the eye’s drainage system becomes clogged, preventing the proper flow of fluid. The pressure in the eye builds and can damage the optic nerve.
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure occurs when your iris (the colored part of your eye) blocks the drainage angle of your eye, causing a rapid rise in intraocular pressure (IOP). This type of glaucoma often causes symptoms such as eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and halos around lights.
Other Types Of Glaucoma
There are other, less common types of glaucoma which include: congenital, low-tension, normal-tension glaucoma, pigmentary, pseudoexfoliative, and steroid.
Risk Factors For Glaucoma
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There are certain risk factors that can increase your chances of developing glaucoma. These include:
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Age: Glaucoma is more common in people over the age of 60.
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Family history: If you have a family member with glaucoma, you are more likely to develop the disease.
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Genetics: Some ethnic groups are at a higher risk for glaucomas, such as African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics.
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Eye injury or surgery: If you have experienced an eye injury, or have had surgery on your eye, you are at a higher risk for glaucoma
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Myopia: People who are nearsighted have a greater risk for developing glaucoma.
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Diabetes: People with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing glaucoma.
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Heart disease: People with heart disease are at a higher risk for developing glaucoma.
Glaucoma Diagnosis
There are a few different ways to diagnose glaucoma. You'll be screened for Glaucoma during every comprehensive eye exam. We go beyond just checking eye pressure, your Prairie Eye Care optometrist can:
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Inspect your optic nerve for damage
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Test your peripheral vision
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Take a picture or computer measurement of your optic nerve, and
Other tests that may be performed include:
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Visual Field Test: This test measures your peripheral vision and can help identify if you have glaucoma.
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Optic Nerve Head Evaluation: This test looks at the optic nerve for damage.
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Pachymetry: This test measures the thickness of your cornea. A thin cornea may be a sign of glaucoma.
Glaucoma Treatment
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Once glaucoma is diagnosed, there is no cure. However, treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and preserve your vision. Treatment options include:
Medication: Medications can be used to reduce eye pressure. These can be in the form of eye drops, pills, or injections.
Laser surgery: Laser surgery can be used to improve the drainage of fluid in your eye.
Surgery: Glaucoma Surgery may be an option if other treatments are not working. There are different types of surgery that can be used to treat glaucoma, and your doctor will discuss the best option for you.
If you have any concerns about glaucoma or would like to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam, please contact Prairie Eye Care today