Comprehensive Glaucoma Care in Edmonton: Expert Diagnosis and Treatment
During your regular eye exam, our optometrists use specialized diagnostic equipment to gain a full understanding of your inner eye health, optic nerve health, and eye pressures, allowing them to uncover the early signs of glaucoma and optic nerve disease.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by damage to the optic nerve, usually caused by increased pressure within the eye. This damage can lead to gradual vision loss or even blindness if left untreated.
According to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), glaucoma affects approximately 295,000 Canadians, making it one of the leading causes of vision loss in the country.
Thankfully, intraocular eye pressure or IOP can be controlled with medicated eye drops and, in some cases, surgery. At Helio Optometry in Edmonton, our eye doctors utilize high-tech screening equipment to detect eye diseases like glaucoma as early as possible. In addition, our optometrists are committed to every aspect of patient care, from education to action. At Helio Optometry, our optometrists actively treat glaucoma. But first, we take the time to explain the value of each treatment option to make sure you're comfortable and confident in the treatment plan.
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition and one of the leading causes of blindness — when left untreated.
With Helio Optometry's advanced diagnostic equipment and personalized treatment options, you can count on our eye doctors to manage your glaucoma and protect your eyesight for years to come.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common and causes about 90% of all the cases we see. It usually develops slowly over many years, and the initial signs of open-angle glaucoma are often subtle. It occurs when the drainage path between the cornea and iris becomes blocked, gradually building up fluid and increasing eye pressure.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Although angle closure is more uncommon than open-angle, it's much more urgent. First, it requires immediate medical attention, as symptoms and vision loss can occur quickly. It occurs when the iris restricts or completely clogs the drainage path, preventing fluid circulation and rapidly increasing the pressure in the eye. Angle-closure glaucoma is more common in people of Asian descent and in people who are more farsighted or hyperopic.
People at risk of angle closure may have a preventative peripheral-iridotomy (PI) treatment performed.
Glaucoma Has Almost No Warning Signs or Symptoms.
You may not notice the early signs of glaucoma, but we will. Commonly referred to as the 'Silent thief of sight,' glaucoma often has no signs or symptoms until its later stages. At Helio Optometry, we have the tools necessary to catch even the slightest variations in your eye pressures and optic nerve heads. As vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, regular eye exams are the best preventative measure. Our state-of-the-art eye care technology enables our doctors to diagnose and develop personalized glaucoma treatment plans well before symptoms show to preserve your eye health, clarity — and quality of life.
Why Should You Choose Helio Optometry in Edmonton for Your Glaucoma Eye Care?
At Helio Optometry, we are known for our excellent customer service and patient care. We serve you with a smile, treat you like family, and talk to you about every test we perform and the results we receive. So whether you have a family history of glaucoma or you've been told you're at risk of developing glaucoma, we would love to see you.
When it comes to protecting your eyesight from glaucoma, our optometrists and certified ophthalmic technicians understand that there's no replacement for early detection. We use cutting-edge technology like Optomap Ultra-Widefield Imaging, 3D OCT Imaging Scans, Pachymetry, Goldman Applanation Tonometry, and Zeiss Humphrey Visual Fields. We then develop individualized glaucoma treatment plans as soon as we have a concern. We believe in proactive eye care.