Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve, the vital link between the eye and the brain responsible for vision. This damage often results from abnormally high pressure in your eye and can lead to blindness if not diagnosed and treated early.
At Crest EyeCare in Winnipeg, MB, we are dedicated to providing our community with the highest standard of eye care, including the early detection, management, and treatment of glaucoma.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of sight" because it typically has no symptoms in its early stages. Without regular eye exams, people with glaucoma may not realize their vision is deteriorating until significant damage has occurred. There are several types of glaucoma, but the two most common are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma.
Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, occurs when the eye's drainage canals become clogged over time, leading to increased eye pressure. This gradual process does not cause any pain or immediate vision changes, making regular screenings crucial for early detection.
Angle-closure glaucoma is less common and can occur suddenly, characterized by a rapid increase in eye pressure. Symptoms can include severe eye pain, nausea, redness in the eye, and blurred vision. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Several factors can increase your risk of developing glaucoma, including:
- Age: People over 60 are at higher risk.
- Family history: Having a family member with glaucoma increases your risk.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can increase your risk.
- Eye injuries: Injuries to the eye can result in secondary glaucoma.
- Corticosteroid use: Long-term use of corticosteroid medications, especially eyedrops, can increase your risk.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Early detection of glaucoma is crucial for effective treatment and preventing vision loss. At Crest EyeCare, we use the latest diagnostic tools to measure your intraocular pressure (IOP), inspect the drainage angle of your eye, assess optic nerve damage, and test your peripheral vision.
Treatment for glaucoma focuses on lowering the pressure in your eye to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment options include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition and how well it responds to initial treatments.
Why Choose Us for Your Glaucoma Care?
At Crest EyeCare in Winnipeg, MB, we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care for our patients. Here are a few reasons why you should choose us for your glaucoma care:
- Expertise: Our team of eye care professionals is highly trained in the latest glaucoma diagnosis and treatment techniques.
- Advanced Technology: We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
- Patient-Centered Care: We understand that dealing with glaucoma can be challenging. Our team is dedicated to supporting you through every step of your journey, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
- Preventive Approach: We emphasize the importance of regular eye exams to detect glaucoma and other eye conditions early when they are most treatable.
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss if not properly managed. At Crest EyeCare, we are here to provide the comprehensive care you need to protect your vision.
Contact us today to schedule your eye exam and take the first step towards safeguarding your sight.