(604) 256-7681
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness around the world and affects 1 in 100 Canadians over the age of 40. It is caused by high eye pressure, which is why we test this at every annual eye exam at Willoughby Doctors of Optometry. Early detection could save your sight, book your appointment with us online.
This disease is especially difficult to notice on your own, as the progression is painless and very gradual. The disease first affects the sides of your visual field while leaving your central vision untouched. You may find you do not notice things at your sides or out of the corner of your eye.
We use a variety of tests to check for any signs of glaucoma. We use a visual acuity test and visual field test to check your distance vision and field of view, particularly your peripheral vision. The dilated eye exam allows us to see your retina and optic nerve for any signs of damage. We measure the thickness of your cornea through pachymetry and your eye pressure with applanation tonometry.
Your eyes have a certain amount of pressure, known as intraocular pressure, or IOP. If this pressure builds it causes damage to your optic nerve. Over time, this damage beings to erode your peripheral vision. Left untreated, this disease will slowly create tunnel vision and eventually blindness.
Researchers are working hard to discover a way to combat this age-related eye disease. However, there is no way to reverse any vision loss due to glaucoma. The best way to avoid losing your sight to this silent thief is to diagnose it in its early stages and treat it with eye drops or surgery.
There are three main types of glaucoma. The angle is the junction between the cornea and the iris and allows the aqueous humour to drain, regulating the pressure within your eye. The angle configuration determines the type of glaucoma you are facing.
This is the most common form of the disease. It occurs when too much aqueous humour is produced or not enough is drained, creating high IOP. The optic nerve is damaged very slowly over time, leading to gradual vision loss.
This form of glaucoma is very sudden and painful. The angle between the cornea and the iris becomes very narrow or completely closed and the aqueous humour cannot drain, causing a spike in your IOP. This comes with a host of symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, blurry vision, excessive tears, and intense glares or halos around lights.
If you think you are experiencing acute angle-closure glaucoma, please go to the nearest emergency facility for medical attention.
When the IOP is in a normal range and the angles are open for adequate aqueous humour drainage there can still be damage to the optic nerve. The cause is a mystery that doctors are attempting to explain.
We would love to meet you in person.
Drop by our office and say hello. Our team of experienced optometrists and eye care professionals is excited to meet you. We are located in Willoughby Town Centre Mall, on Willoughby Town Centre Dr., just off 208th St.
We require 24 hrs notice for cancelled appointments or a reasonable $50 no show fee will apply.
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Sundays | Closed |
