Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that affects millions worldwide and can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. The challenge? It develops quietly, often without obvious symptoms, until damage is already done.
That’s why regular eye exams are essential, and early detection can make all the difference in preserving your sight. At Legacy Eye Care, our experienced team uses diagnostic technology to screen for glaucoma and tailor your care plan to keep your eyes healthy.
Contact us to book your eye exam today and take the first step in safeguarding your sight.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). It usually develops slowly and without pain, earning it the nickname “the silent thief of sight.”
At Legacy Eye Care, we screen for glaucoma in every exam using our technology to catch it early and help protect your vision.
Types of Glaucoma
There are several forms of glaucoma, each with different causes and progression patterns:
Open-Angle Glaucoma
The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, accounts for about 90% of glaucoma cases in Canada. It develops slowly over time with no early symptoms. Vision loss often isn’t noticeable until significant damage has already occurred.
This type of glaucoma results from poor fluid drainage within the eye, leading to increased pressure and optic nerve damage even when the drainage angle appears normal.
Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Like acute closed-angle glaucoma, chronic angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle closes. But unlike acute closed-angle glaucoma, it happens gradually over weeks or sometimes years. The only symptom is vision loss.
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
A medical emergency, acute angle-closure glaucoma, occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea suddenly becomes blocked. This causes a rapid rise in eye pressure and symptoms like:
- Severe eye pain
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss.
Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma develops due to an underlying issue such as eye trauma, inflammation, diabetes, or certain medications. It can mimic other glaucoma types but requires treating the root cause as part of management.
Diagnosing Glaucoma
Glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms, making early detection essential to preserving your vision.
At Legacy Eye Care, we use a combination of innovative diagnostic tools to thoroughly assess your eye health and catch the earliest signs of glaucoma, even before you notice any changes in your sight.
Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is a key risk factor for glaucoma. We measure your eye pressure using two reliable methods:
- Non-contact tonometry (air puff test): Measures eye pressure using a quick puff of air.
- Tono-Pen: A handheld tool that gently touches the eye’s surface for a fast and accurate IOP reading.
OCT uses light waves to create high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve. This allows us to detect subtle changes in the eye’s internal structure, sometimes years before vision loss begins.
OCT is a vital tool in monitoring glaucoma progression and guiding personalized treatment plans.
One of the first types of vision affected by glaucoma is peripheral (side) vision. During a visual field test, you’ll respond to small lights flashing in various parts of your visual field. This test helps us spot patterns of vision loss that may indicate glaucoma or other neurological eye conditions.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
While glaucoma can’t be cured, it can be managed. Treatment aims to control IOP and prevent further vision loss:
- Prescription eye drops to reduce eye pressure
- Oral medications, in some instances
- Laser treatment, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- Surgical procedures for advanced or unresponsive cases
We’ll work closely with you to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Glaucoma?
While anyone can develop glaucoma, you may be at higher risk if you have:
- Elevated intraocular pressure
- A family history of glaucoma
- Diabetes or other systemic health conditions
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Age over 60
When Was Your Last Eye Exam?
Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, but with regular eye exams and experienced care, you can protect your vision. At Legacy Eye Care, we’re here to support you every step of the way with personalized treatment and modern diagnostics.
Book your next eye exam today to stay ahead of glaucoma and protect your sight for years to come.
Keeping Your
Vision in Focus
Check Out Our Google Reviews
Small-town, Amazing Brands!
- Etnia Barcelona
- FYSH
- Kate Spade
- Michael Kors
- Mark Jacobs
- Oakley
- Ray-Ban
- Eco
- OTP
- Perry Ellis
- Etnia Barcelona
- FYSH
- Kate Spade
- Michael Kors
- Mark Jacobs
- Oakley
- Ray-Ban
- Eco
- OTP
- Perry Ellis
Stop By Our Clinic!
You can find our beautiful clinic close to Starbucks and Wendy’s, just off 43rd Avenue in Atim Creek Centre. We direct bill to all major insurance providers, including Blue Cross, Manulife, Canada Life, Sun Life Financial, Alberta Works, Desjardins, and so many more!
Our Address
- #119-3003 43 Avenue
- Stony Plain, AB T7Z 0H4
Contact Information
- Phone: 780-968-9665
- Fax: 780-968-9611
- Email: reception@legacyeyecare.ca
Hours Of Operation
About Us
Eye Care
Contact Lenses
Legacy Eye Care
- #119-3003 43 Avenue
- Stony Plain, AB T7Z 0H4
- Phone: 780-968-9665
- Fax: 780-968-9611
- Email: reception@legacyeyecare.ca