(306) 700-3471
Warman, SK / (306) 242-4433
Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up in the front portion of your eye. This extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye and can ultimately damage your optic nerve and cause tunnel vision. If left untreated it will continue to reduce your field of vision until you experience irreversible, vision loss.
There are different types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma and normal tension glaucoma. The space between your iris and cornea is full of a liquid called the aqueous humour. Typically this space is constantly being filled and drained, but if too much fluid is produced or the aqueous humour is unable to drain effectively it can cause problems.
Open-angle glaucoma occurs when the aqueous humour is not able to drain properly because there is a blockage between the cornea and the iris. This is the most common type of glaucoma and is particularly dangerous because in its early stages there are no warning signs – no pain, vision loss and no other hints that something is wrong.
This serious disease can lead to devastating and irreversible vision loss if it is allowed to progress. The sneaky nature of this disease means that the best defence is a good offence. Regular eye exams are essential to detecting the early warning signs of open-angle glaucoma.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a rarer form of glaucoma and occurs when the angle between the iris and cornea is too shallow. This form of glaucoma usually occurs when the iris is pushed forward, narrowing the gap and making it difficult for the aqueous fluid to drain properly. This can cause your eyes intraocular pressure (IOP) to spike and can cause serious and irreversible damage to your optic nerve.
This type of glaucoma has a sudden onset with symptoms that can include:
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is incredibly serious. If you experience any of these symptoms seek immediate medical attention or call our office and book an emergency appointment.
Normal tension glaucoma can occur when the eye’s drainage system is fully functional and there is no buildup of pressure in the eye but there is still damage to the optic nerve. There are treatments available to prevent or halt optic nerve damage and sight loss, but as always early intervention is key.
Here at Warman Eye Care we pride ourselves on providing top quality eye care. Part of that promise includes testing for diseases like glaucoma. To help reduce your chances of experiencing vision loss we make sure to test for glaucoma and other ocular diseases every time you come in for an exam.
It is never too early to get tested for glaucoma. Request your appointment today!
Currently there is no cure for glaucoma, and there is no way to reverse any damage it has caused to the optic nerve. However, with early detection and treatment we can delay the progression of the disease.
Glaucoma can be managed using a variety of techniques including eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty and surgery. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma your optometrist will work with you to determine which management strategy is best for you and your eyes.
Warman Eyecare is worth the visit! Stop in to say hi, and to meet our staff. We’re down the street from the high school on Klassen Street and 6th Avenue, directly behind the Tim Hortons.
Monday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
Friday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: | Closed, but we’d be happy to see you at Stonebridge Eyecare, Broadway Eyecare, Brighton Eyecare, or Invision Eyecare! |
Sundays: | Closed |
Holidays: | Closed |