What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually as a result of elevated pressure inside the eye. The optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain, and damage to it is permanent and progressive. Without intervention, glaucoma eventually causes complete blindness.
The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, develops gradually over years or decades. Peripheral vision deteriorates first, and because the brain compensates well for peripheral loss, patients often do not notice until central vision begins to be affected. Eyes On Optometry provides comprehensive glaucoma detection and monitoring using advanced diagnostic technology.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
- Adults over 60: The risk of glaucoma increases significantly with age.
- Family history: Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma increases your risk substantially.
- People of African or Hispanic descent: These groups develop glaucoma at younger ages and with greater severity on average.
- Elevated eye pressure: High intraocular pressure is the most directly modifiable risk factor.
- High myopia: Patients with strong nearsighted prescriptions have structurally thinner optic nerves and elevated risk.
- Diabetics: Diabetes roughly doubles the risk of developing glaucoma. This is one more reason why diabetic eye exams in Edmonton are so important.
- Long-term steroid users: Corticosteroid eye drops and systemic steroids can elevate intraocular pressure over time.
How Is Glaucoma Screened and Diagnosed?
A thorough glaucoma screening as part of a comprehensive eye exam in Edmonton includes:
- Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry): A quick, painless test measuring the fluid pressure inside your eye.
- Optic nerve examination: Using a slit lamp and dilating drops when indicated, your optometrist examines the optic disc for signs of structural change.
- Visual field testing: A perimetry test that maps your peripheral vision and identifies any loss patterns consistent with glaucomatous damage.
- Retinal nerve fiber layer analysis (OCT): Produces a detailed cross-section image of the retinal nerve fiber layer, detecting subtle thinning before visual field loss becomes detectable.
- Central corneal thickness measurement: Corneal thickness affects the accuracy of eye pressure readings.
How Often Should You Be Screened for Glaucoma?
- Low risk (no risk factors, under 40): Every two years as part of a routine comprehensive eye exam.
- Moderate risk (one or two risk factors): Annually.
- High risk (family history, elevated pressure, prior ocular hypertension diagnosis): Annually at minimum, sometimes more frequently.
- Confirmed glaucoma under treatment: Every three to six months to monitor pressure control and optic nerve stability.
For a full breakdown of eye exam frequency by age and condition, read our guide on how often you should get an eye exam in Edmonton.
Can Glaucoma Be Treated?
Yes. While lost vision cannot be restored, progression can be halted or significantly slowed with treatment. Early detection through annual screening gives you and your optometrist the most options and the best chance of preserving your vision for life.
Book a Glaucoma Screening in Edmonton
If you have any of the risk factors described above, or if it has been more than a year since your last exam, do not delay. Contact us to book your glaucoma screening in Edmonton today.