Glaucoma
This disease currently affects more than 400,000 Canadians with open-angle glaucoma being the most common form.
While anyone can develop glaucoma, it is most common in people over the age of 40, with those of African descent at higher risk of developing open-angle glaucoma. An increased risk of developing angle closure glaucoma has also been linked to Asian and Inuit ethnicities.
What exactly, is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the general name for a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve of the eye, preventing it from sending accurate visual information to the brain.
Usually associated with gradual (occasionally sudden) increases in pressure within the eyeball itself, glaucoma can result in partial or total blindness over time. The damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible, and it is currently the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Glaucoma tends to be inherited, so you should see your optometrist if others in your family have been diagnosed with this disease. Over time, glaucoma will cause loss of vision, and without treatment, it can cause permanent, total blindness within a few years.
Are you at risk?
Age: Over the age of 60, the risk increases slightly each year.
Family History: Over the age of 40 and have a family history of glaucoma.
Medical conditions: Diabetes, variations in blood pressure, and heart disease.
Ethnicity: African, Asian, Hispanic, or Inuit. If you are of the listed ethic descent, you should be checked for glaucoma starting at the age of 35.
Corticosteroid use: Adults who require approximately 14 to 35 puffs of steroid inhaler to control asthma have an increased risk.
Eye Injury: Injury to the eye may cause secondary open-angle glaucoma, which can occur immediately or years later.
Treatment
Glaucoma is treated with eye drops, laser treatments, or surgery. The goal of any treatment is to prevent loss of vision, as vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible. However, the good news is that the disease can be managed if detected early. With medical intervention, most people with glaucoma will not lose their sight.
Taking prescribed medications regularly is crucial to preventing vision-threatening damage, and continuous monitoring is essential if you are diagnosed with glaucoma. There is a delicate balance between managing the condition and its progression over time. Treatments will likely require adjustment in order to effectively control progression.
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We are open Tuesday to Friday (10:00am-6:00pm) & Saturday (9:00am-5:00pm)
“I knew my Gran had Glaucoma, and I kept saying it can't happen to me, but lo and behold I had an early-stage, open-angle glaucoma... so I got immediate treatment for it, which my optometrist said should delay the progression of the disease. Disease at 44? Ack! But good news! All I have to do is put in my prescribed eye drops! Phew”
— Name Withheld
Do you need a glaucoma test?
What is a Glaucoma test? Glaucoma testing involves measuring internal eye pressure and a detailed scan of the retina for signs of disease.
• Only a comprehensive eye exam can reveal whether or not you have glaucoma.
• Increased pressure inside the eye is often a key indicator of glaucoma, although this is not always the case.
• Eye doctors can use a number of tests for eye pressure but will by default, check for signs of glaucoma as part of a detailed exam.
• An examination of the optic nerve and surrounding retina will need to be performed including a detailed visual field, an OCT scan of the optic nerve, corneal thickness mapping, and potentially an evaluation of the drainage system of the eye.
Early detection of Glaucoma is key to having a successful outcome. Glaucoma is a complex condition and many tests are used to screen for the disease. To monitor our patients for glaucoma we measure their eye pressures, their corneal thickness, and have them undergo a detailed optic nerve evaluation with our optometrists. If any risk factors are seen during the examination our doctors will order additional testing. At Vision Plus we have the most sensitive tests for early detection. Glaucoma does not have any initial symptoms and it is important to have annual eye exams to monitor for the disease.
Vision Plus
Optometrists
Steveston Location
12420 No 1 Rd Unit 190,
Richmond, BC V7E 6N2
(DIRECTIONS)
Hours
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Phone: 604.274.2020
Email: contact@vpsteveston.com