Glaucoma Testing

Glaucoma is a serious eye health issue which results in damage to the optic nerve. This group of eye conditions is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada. It can occur at any age, though glaucoma is most common in older adults.

Our optometrists at Lethbridge Eye Clinic are highly trained to diagnose and successfully manage Glaucoma. They are knowledgeable in the most current and technologically advanced methods to preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.

Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a result of damage to the optic nerve. As this nerve deteriorates, blind spots develop in your vision. This nerve damage is often associated with a buildup of fluid pressure in the eye.

There are 4 types of glaucoma:

• Open-angle glaucoma
• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Normal-tension glaucoma
• Pigmentary glaucoma

Risk Factors

It is extremely important to be aware of the risk factors of glaucoma as this eye condition can often cause vision loss before any symptoms are apparent.

• Being over the age of 60
• Having a family history of glaucoma
• Eye injuries
• High internal eye pressure
• Unregulated high blood pressure
• Smoking
• Corticosteroid use
• Diabetes
• Heart disease

The Importance of Regular Eye Tests

Glaucoma is often called ‘the thief of sight’ because it doesn’t produce any noticeable symptoms until it has caused permanent vision loss. Only a comprehensive eye exam can reveal whether or not you have glaucoma.

During a glaucoma screening, we will check:

• Internal eye pressure
• Peripheral vision
• The health of your optic nerve
• The drainage angle of your eye
• Corneal thickness

That’s why it’s very important to schedule regular eye exams with one of our optometrists as we can detect and monitor any changes in your eye health.

Management of Glaucoma

The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower the pressure in your eye and depending on your situation, your treatment options could include:

• Prescription eye drops
• Oral medications
• Laser surgery
• Drainage tubes
• Filtering surgery (Trabeculectomy)
• A combination of these methods.

Protecting your vision and keeping your eyes healthy are our top priorities. We use current treatment techniques and state of the art equipment to help catch the disease in its early stages and prevent vision loss.

For more information on our glaucoma diagnosis and management services, contact our Lethbridge eye clinic at (403) 327-4166

Book A Glaucoma Screening