Glaucoma Screening
Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve, affecting peripheral vision and messes with the ability of the eye to decipher and transmit information to the brain. Glaucoma, if not detected and treated, can lead to blindness. This is why it is very important to have a regular glaucoma screening in Calgaryfor the purpose of prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
Glaucoma detection can be tricky. There are instances that aside from the feeling of pain, there are visible symptoms such as eye pain, eye redness, dilated pupils, as well as headaches and nausea. But there are also some cases that involve a glaucoma patient having no visible symptoms or any pain or discomfort.
Glaucoma Testing
For early detection, prevention and treatment, a comprehensive eye exam should be done every year with a Calgary Optometrist. This examcan detect eye conditions such as glaucoma through various tests includingTonometry, which measures the pressure in the eye. Theproduction of fluid in the eye can also be determined, which can indicatea problem in the eye if fluid production is found to be over or under producing.
The visual acuity exam determines the ability of the eye to see clearly at varying distances. The patient is to read a standard eye chart from about 20 feet away testing the eye’s ability to read the chart both with and without glasses or contact lenses.
The visual field testing is used to measure the entire vision area of the eyes, including peripheral vision. The patient is to determine the dimmest light on a certain area within his field of vision. This is to determine if there are any blind spots due to optic nerve damage, which is a major symptom of glaucoma.
Prevention and Treatment
To lower the chances of having glaucoma, you should take care of your eyes as well as your entire body. Visiting your Calgary optometrist each year can help with ensuring your ocular and overall wellness. Having a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of glaucoma, while being physically active and consciously minimizing the exposure of stress on the eyes,caused by computer monitors and “blue-light” emitted by smartphones,can lower the risks of development.
The treatment for early stages of glaucoma is the application of eye drops that lower intraocular pressure.The prescribed application should not be lessened or skipped despite the absence of pain as it will aggravate damage to the optic nerve. In worst cases of glaucoma, the only option is receiving glaucoma surgery. The common approach to this treatment is through laser, although it still depends on the severity of the patient’s condition. Book a glaucoma screening in Calgary today if you are experiencing any of the symptoms described.