Glaucoma Services at Yaletown EyeCare

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that can lead to irreversible vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. Early detection and appropriate treatment are essential in managing this potentially devastating condition. At Yaletown EyeCare, our team of experienced optometrists provides comprehensive glaucoma assessments and personalized treatment plans, helping individuals maintain optimal eye health and minimize the risk of vision loss.

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterized by damage to the optic nerve, typically caused by increased pressure within the eye. There are several types of glaucoma, the most common being open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. The exact cause of glaucoma is not well-understood, but factors such as age, genetics, and high intraocular pressure are known to increase the risk of developing the condition.

Glaucoma affects the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. Over time, elevated pressure in the eye can cause damage to the optic nerve, resulting in a gradual loss of vision. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness.

Glaucoma Prevalence and Statistics in Canada

In Canada, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, affecting approximately 400,000 individuals. It is estimated that roughly 50% of those affected are unaware they have the condition, as glaucoma often presents with no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This highlights the importance of raising awareness about glaucoma and encouraging regular eye examinations for early detection and treatment.

Certain demographics are more susceptible to glaucoma, such as individuals over 60, those with a family history of the condition, and people of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent. Increasing awareness within these at-risk populations is vital to promoting early diagnosis and mitigating the impact of glaucoma on eye health and vision.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

The signs and symptoms of glaucoma can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. In the early stages, glaucoma often presents with no noticeable symptoms. Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, typically develops slowly and causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision. Over time, this vision loss can progress to tunnel vision if left untreated.

On the other hand, angle-closure glaucoma can develop suddenly and cause acute symptoms such as eye pain, redness, blurred vision, halos around lights, and nausea. This form of glaucoma is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Due to the often asymptomatic nature of early-stage glaucoma, regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial in identifying the condition and initiating timely treatment.

Glaucoma Diagnosis at Yaletown EyeCare

At Yaletown EyeCare, our optometrists conduct comprehensive eye examinations to assess your eye health and detect any signs of glaucoma. These examinations include thoroughly evaluating your intraocular pressure, optic nerve head, and visual field. State-of-the-art diagnostic tests such as tonometry, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) may provide a detailed assessment of your eye structure and function.

Our experienced optometrists are dedicated to accurate glaucoma diagnosis and will guide you through the examination process, ensuring your comfort and understanding at every step.

Glaucoma Treatment and Management

While there is no cure for glaucoma, various treatments are available to help manage the condition and prevent further vision loss. Our optometrists at Yaletown EyeCare will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on your specific needs and the severity of your glaucoma. Treatment options for glaucoma include:

• Eye drops: Prescription eye drops are often the first line of treatment for glaucoma. These medications reduce intraocular pressure by decreasing fluid production or increasing fluid drainage.
• Laser therapy: Laser procedures, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI), can improve fluid drainage and lower eye pressure.
• Surgery: Surgical interventions, such as trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage devices, may be considered in more advanced cases or when other treatments have proven ineffective.

Ongoing monitoring and regular eye exams are crucial for individuals with glaucoma to ensure the effectiveness of their treatment plan and to adjust therapies as needed.

Please note: We will refer to our local glaucoma ophthalmology specialists for any lasers, surgeries and most co-managements of glaucoma.