Glaucoma Awareness Raised By Top Calgary Optometrists: Identifying Risk Factors and Importance Of Dilation Eye Exams With OCT Scans
Glaucoma, often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, leading to progressive and irreversible vision loss. What makes glaucoma particularly insidious is its asymptomatic nature in the early stages, which means that individuals may not realize they have it until significant vision loss has occurred. This lack of noticeable symptoms underscores the importance of regular eye examinations in detecting and managing this potentially blinding disease. Call our Eye Clinic in Southcentre Mall to book a dilation eye exam with an OCT scan. Know that our expert Calgary Eye Doctors will take care of you. Keep in mind that the eye exam cost in Calgary for a glaucoma exam is covered under Alberta Health Care as well.
Glaucoma Explained By An Experienced Calgary Optometrist
Glaucoma affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. The condition occurs when there is damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. As the optic nerve deteriorates, peripheral vision is often affected first, gradually progressing to central vision loss if left untreated.
Calgary Eye Clinic Optometrists Explore Glaucoma Symptoms
One of the most concerning aspects of glaucoma is its asymptomatic nature, especially in the early stages of the disease. Unlike conditions such as cataracts or macular degeneration, which may cause noticeable changes in vision, glaucoma often develops without any obvious symptoms. In many cases, individuals are unaware of the gradual loss of peripheral vision until the condition has advanced significantly.
This lack of symptoms can be attributed to the way glaucoma typically affects the optic nerve. Unlike other parts of the body, the optic nerve does not contain pain receptors. Therefore, damage to the optic nerve does not cause pain or discomfort, making it difficult for individuals to recognize that something is wrong until significant vision loss has occurred. If you are concerned about glaucoma, we recommend doing a search for the best Optometrist in Calgary and heading to the eye clinic near you for a dilation eye exam to investigate glaucoma.
Furthermore, the progression of glaucoma can be slow and gradual, with visual changes occurring so subtly that they may go unnoticed. Many people with early-stage glaucoma may assume that changes in their vision are simply a normal part of aging or attribute them to other factors, such as eyestrain or fatigue.
The asymptomatic nature of glaucoma underscores the importance of regular comprehensive eye examinations, particularly for individuals at higher risk of developing the disease.
Risk Factors That Qualified Calgary Optometrists Consider
Risk factors for glaucoma include:
Age: The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age, particularly after the age of 60.
Family history: Individuals with a family history of glaucoma are at higher risk of developing the condition themselves.
Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, are more prone to developing certain types of glaucoma.
Medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease may increase the risk of glaucoma.
Eye health: Certain eye conditions, such as high myopia (nearsightedness), thin corneas, and previous eye injuries, may increase the risk of glaucoma.
Narrow angles: The anterior chamber of the eye is the space between the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) and the iris (the colored part of the eye). This chamber is filled with aqueous humor, a fluid that nourishes the surrounding tissues and helps maintain the shape of the eye. In a healthy eye, aqueous humor is produced by the ciliary body and flows through the pupil into the anterior chamber, where it drains out through the trabecular meshwork, a sieve-like structure located at the angle formed between the cornea and iris. Narrow angles occur when the angle between the iris and cornea is reduced, resulting in obstruction or blockage of the trabecular meshwork and impaired drainage of aqueous humor from the eye. Reduced drainage of aqueous humor leads to an increase in intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve over time, causing glaucoma.
Elevated intraocular pressure: Intraocular pressure refers to the fluid pressure inside the eye. It is maintained by a balance between the production of aqueous humor by the ciliary body and its drainage through the trabecular meshwork and other pathways. Elevated intraocular pressure can occur due to factors such as increased production of aqueous humor, obstruction of its outflow, or decreased drainage capacity. High IOP puts mechanical stress on the optic nerve, leading to compression, reduced blood flow, and ultimately, damage to the optic nerve fibers. Over time, this damage can result in irreversible vision loss characteristic of glaucoma.
Cup-to-disc ratio: The cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) is a measurement used in the assessment of the optic nerve head, which plays a critical role in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. The optic nerve head is the point where the optic nerve exits the back of the eye (retina) and enters the brain, transmitting visual information. The CDR refers to the proportion of the optic nerve head that is occupied by the "cup," a central depression, relative to the total size of the optic nerve head, represented by the "disc." A large cup-to-disc ratio indicates that a significant portion of the optic nerve head is cupped, meaning that the central depression is relatively large compared to the overall size of the optic nerve head. This can suggest structural changes associated with optic nerve damage, which is a hallmark of glaucoma. A large CDR does not necessarily indicate glaucoma on its own, but it raises suspicion and prompts further evaluation for signs of glaucomatous damage, such as thinning of the neuroretinal rim, nerve fiber layer defects, or visual field loss
The best Optometrists in Calgary will take a thorough history at the beginning of an eye exam, thus identifying what risks pertain to you. If they deem it necessary, a dilation eye exam will be arranged where a 3D OCT scan will be performed. The good news is the eye exam cost in Alberta is covered under Alberta Health Care for these visits, thus making it a free eye exam with coverage.
Comprehensive Eye Exams At Our Eye Clinic In Southcentre Mall Calgary
Regular eye examinations are essential for detecting glaucoma in its early stages when treatment can be most effective. Based on your eye exam, your Calgary Optometrist may recommend further testing to assess for glaucoma. A comprehensive glaucoma work-up typically involves a series of evaluations and tests aimed at assessing various aspects of eye health and function, with a focus on identifying risk factors, detecting glaucoma, and monitoring disease progression. Here are some key components commonly included in a glaucoma work-up:
Medical History: Your Calgary Optometrist will review your medical history, including any previous eye conditions, surgeries, family history of glaucoma, and systemic health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, which may increase the risk of glaucoma.
Visual Acuity Testing: Visual acuity testing measures your ability to see details at various distances using an eye exam chart. This helps assess the clarity of your central vision, which may be affected by glaucoma in later stages.
Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Measurement: Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a key risk factor for glaucoma. Goldmann applanation tonometry is considered the gold standard for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP). In this method, a small probe gently touches the surface of the cornea after application of numbing eye drops. The amount of force required to flatten a specific area of the cornea is measured and used to calculate IOP. Goldmann tonometry provides accurate and reliable IOP measurements, which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma.
Gonioscopy: Gonioscopy is a procedure used to examine the drainage angle of the eye, which is important for determining the type of glaucoma and assessing the risk of angle closure. A special lens is placed on the eye to visualize the structures of the drainage angle. This testing will be done at the dilation eye exam.
Optic Nerve Evaluation: Dilated fundus examination allows the eye care professional to examine the optic nerve head at the back of the eye. Changes in the appearance of the optic nerve, such as cupping or thinning of the neuroretinal rim, may indicate optic nerve damage characteristic of glaucoma.
Visual Field Testing: Visual field testing, also known as perimetry, assesses your peripheral vision. Loss of peripheral vision is a common early sign of glaucoma. Various techniques, including automated perimetry and static or kinetic confrontation testing, may be used to evaluate visual field function. The Humphrey visual field is usually used and will be done at the dilation eye exam.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the optic nerve head, retinal nerve fiber layer, and macula. It helps detect structural changes associated with glaucoma and monitor disease progression over time. These 3D OCT scans are usually done at the dilation eye exam.
Pachymetry: Pachymetry measures the thickness of the cornea, which can influence intraocular pressure measurements and may be a risk factor for glaucoma. Central corneal thickness is an important consideration in glaucoma diagnosis and management.
Assessment of Risk Factors: Other factors such as age, ethnicity, family history, and systemic health conditions may influence the risk of developing glaucoma and its progression. These factors are considered as part of the overall evaluation and management plan.
Glaucoma Dilation Eye Exam Calgary Eye Doctor Results
A comprehensive glaucoma work-up aims to gather detailed information about your eye health, identify any signs of glaucoma or risk factors, and establish a baseline for monitoring changes over time. Based on the results of the evaluation, your Optometrist can recommend appropriate management strategies tailored to your individual needs, which may include regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, medication, laser treatment, or surgery to preserve vision and prevent vision loss associated with glaucoma.
Glaucoma Treatment Options Considered By Calgary Optometrists
Treatment options for glaucoma aim to lower intraocular pressure and may include eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity and type of glaucoma.
Conclusion
In conclusion, glaucoma's asymptomatic nature highlights the importance of proactive eye care and regular screenings, especially for individuals at higher risk of developing the disease. By detecting glaucoma early and initiating appropriate treatment, vision loss can be minimized, allowing individuals to maintain their quality of life and independence for years to come. Take charge of your eye health today at our Eye Clinic in Southcentre Mall! Our expert team of Calgary Eye Doctors is here to ensure your vision remains clear and healthy. If your Calgary Optometrist determines you may be at risk for developing glaucoma, Alberta Health Care covers the eye exam cost of glaucoma work-ups, making additional testing and follow-ups essentially become a free eye exam for you. Don't wait until symptoms arise; early detection is key in preventing vision loss. Visit us for a comprehensive eye examination and let us help safeguard your sight for years to come. Call our Eye Clinic in Southcentre Mall for a dilation eye exam for glaucoma including a 3D OCT scan. Our Calgary Eye Doctors have walk-in eye exam availability every day.
