Proactive Monitoring for Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in Canada. However, if detected early, glaucoma can be managed through medication or surgery, preserving your vision and quality of life.
At Orangeville Optometric Centre, the prevention of eye diseases is our main focus. One of the most effective methods to prevent eye disease and preserve vision is through routine, comprehensive eye exams.
Eye exams can catch signs of eye conditions, such as glaucoma, that may not have noticeable symptoms. If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, book an appointment with us today.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending visual information from the eye to the brain.
Glaucoma has different types and causes, but the most common is open-angle glaucoma. This type is known as the “silent thief of sight” because there are no noticeable symptoms during the early stages.
Types of Glaucoma and Related Risk Factors
Glaucoma has different types and causes, all of which can result in vision loss and blindness if left untreated. During the early stages of glaucoma, it’s common for no symptoms to arise. That’s why routine eye exams are necessary to detect the condition before it progresses.
Several risk factors increase the risk of developing glaucoma. These include a family history of glaucoma, heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, elevated eye pressure, increased age, and a physical injury or surgery to the eye.
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and accounts for about 90% of all cases. Typically, open-angle glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly. It is associated with increased eye pressure, which puts stress on the optic nerve, leading to peripheral vision loss. Left untreated, open-angle glaucoma can cause blindness.
Angle-closure glaucoma is an uncommon but serious condition that can occur gradually or suddenly. It occurs when the drainage system inside the eye becomes blocked, leading to a buildup of fluid inside the eye. It is often associated with symptoms of redness, pain, blurry vision, nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. If you experience these symptoms, seek care immediately.
Secondary glaucoma occurs as a result of an injury, surgery, infection, or tumour in the eye area, which increases internal eye pressure. It can also result from certain medications, medical conditions, and eye abnormalities.
If you experience a hit or knock to the eye, contact us immediately. We can screen for secondary glaucoma to preserve your vision.
Normal-tension glaucoma occurs when the eye pressure stays within the “normal” range, but the optic nerve is still damaged. To check for normal-tension glaucoma, we use OCT scans, retinal imaging, and visual field testing.
How We Screen for Glaucoma
Since glaucoma has different causes and signs, we complete several tests to screen for the condition and monitor it after diagnosis.
We use retinal imaging and OCT scans through our Optos Monaco device to evaluate the health of internal eye structures, including your retina, blood vessels, and optic nerve. We also use tonometry to check your intraocular pressure (IOP), or internal eye pressure.
Additionally, you’ll complete a visual field test. This test checks the entire area your eyes can see without moving. In other words, your visual field includes both your peripheral and central vision. By objectively measuring your visual field and tracking it over time, we can catch signs of glaucoma even if eye pressure is within the normal range.
How We Manage Glaucoma
If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, there are different treatment and management methods available to you. We will discuss your options after a thorough assessment of your eye health and the stage of your condition.
In many cases, glaucoma can be managed with medications, such as prescription eye drops, that help to reduce eye pressure. Your treatment will be combined with regular monitoring to make sure the medication is providing the intended effect. We’ll recommend a new exam frequency to match your needs.
For certain cases of glaucoma, surgery may be recommended. If we determine that surgery is the best course of action to preserve your vision, we will provide you with a referral to a local eye surgeon. We’ll also be there to guide you through each step of the preparation and healing process.
Protect Your Eyes from the Silent Thief of Sight
Routine, comprehensive eye exams are the most effective way to prevent eye disease and preserve vision. Glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms, making eye exams an essential part of your prevention and management plan. Through early detection during an eye exam, glaucoma can be managed with medication or surgery, which helps preserve your vision and quality of life.
If you haven’t had a recent eye exam, book an appointment with us today.
CAN YOUR GLASSES DO THIS?
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OUR FEATURED EYEWEAR BRANDS
Visit Our Location
We’re located on First Street, just across from the Lord Dufferin Centre. Parking is available behind the building with an accessible parking stall beside the entrance to the lot.
Our clinic has an accessible exam lane to accommodate individuals with wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
Our Address
Contact Information
- Phone: 519-941-6761
- Email: info@orangevilleoptometrists.ca
Our Hours
*Open on alternating Saturdays. Book an appointment in advance.
Our Google Reviews
What Patients are Saying
Amazing Doctors. Friendly and knowledgable staff. Makes the whole experience a pleasure. Highly recommended.
– Maureen
Prompt diagnosis of uveitis. Saved my vision. Forever greatful, thank you Dr. Costanzo
– G B
I have been seeing Dr Leblanc for years and now bring my son to see him as well. He is such a pleasure to deal with and although we only see him yearly, he remembers what’s going on in our lives and asks questions. He’s the best!
The reception staff are great as well!
– Trina
I’ve been going here for years. The staff are extremely helpful and very friendly. I especially find they answer all my questions and any concerns that I may have regarding eye care or even the right lenses to choose from. It’s always a pleasure to go there whether replacing my out dated frames or purchasing new frames and lenses for my eye care. They always inform me of specials too so I can add an additional option if desired.
– Kim
We drove from London for our appointment because they had my fiancé’s files. It was very worth the drive there. They were thorough, professional and friendly. We are very happy with our visit and look forward to returning soon to pick up the four new pairs of glasses!
Thank you to all the staff, Dmytro and Marlene
– June
