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TREATMENT FOR GLAUCOMA IN WINDSOR AND TECUMSEH
At Bellemore Optometry and Eyes on Tecumseh, we are committed to helping you maintain your eye health. We do that by helping you combat glaucoma in Windsor and Tecumseh. This eye disease is the number one cause of blindness across the world. However, you can protect yourself from it with early detection and intervention.
The experienced optometrists at our clinics have years of experience helping clients deal with glaucoma in Tecumseh and Windsor. We use state-of-the-art technology and equipment to examine your eyes and provide the required care.
Please get in touch with us if you'd like to set up an appointment at our clinics.
WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma is a disease that affects the nerve fiber layers in the eye, which are responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. Damage to these nerves is irreversible and can lead to visual field loss.
While glaucoma is often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), there are several types of the disease, each with different causes and risk factors:
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Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma. It begins slowly, with the eye's drainage angle remaining open but becoming less efficient over time. This leads to increasing pressure and damage to the nerve fibres.
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Angle-closure glaucoma: The eye angle becomes blocked, causing rapid increased eye pressure. This type of glaucoma is very painful and very damaging. This should be considered a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
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Normal-tension glaucoma: As the name suggests, this type of glaucoma develops even when eye pressure is normal. The cause often remains unclear.
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Congenital glaucoma: This condition is rare, affecting infants and children suffering from abnormalities in the drainage system of their eyes. Again, this requires urgent medical care.
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Secondary glaucoma: This glaucoma is a result of other existing health conditions such as history of uveitis, lens exfoliation syndrome, pigment dispersion syndrome, injuries, complications from medication and many more.
Your vision matters. Routine and regular eye exams are essential for catching glaucoma early. Schedule your checkup today!
WHAT CAUSES GLAUCOMA?
Generally, IOP is the culprit behind glaucoma. However, it can also develop in an eye with normal eye pressure. Some contributing factors are:
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Age
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Family history of glaucoma
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Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure
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The long-term usage of steroid medication
Are you worried that you're at risk of glaucoma? Please schedule an examination at our clinic.
THE IMPACT OF GLAUCOMA ON YOUR VISION
This disease is considered dangerous because it begins with no prior symptoms. When the optic nerve gets damaged, people experience peripheral vision loss. As the damage spreads, the loss moves to the central vision, causing tunnel vision. Eventually, complete vision loss is experienced.
Early detection and intervention can slow and even halt the development of this disease. This is why we recommend a test every one to two years for those over 40.
SYMPTOMS OF GLAUCOMA
In the early stages, glaucoma is not noticeable. As the disease spreads, you might experience:
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Peripheral vision loss
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Tunnel vision
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Eye discomfort
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Eye pain
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Halos around eyes
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Nausea
If you have experienced these symptoms or anything unusual, please contact us immediately.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
To diagnose or test for glaucoma, we carry out painless tests, which include:
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Eye angle exam
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Corneal thickness measurement
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Dilated eye exam
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Eye pressure check
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Optic nerve imaging
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Visual field test
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Optical coherence tomography
These tests help detect the disease early and monitor its development. The only way to get the appropriate care is to take them routinely.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
There is no cure to treat glaucoma and the already-existing damage to the optic nerve. However, routine testing and early intervention can help prevent vision loss and manage the disease. Most treatments aim at lowering the IOP and protecting the optic nerve. These include:
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Eye drops
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Oral medicines
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Surgery
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Laser therapy
At our clinics, we have years of experience in diagnosing, treating and managing this disease. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatment options to protect your vision. Our team will tailor your treatment to meet your needs and provide comprehensive eye care.
FAQs
The following are some commonly asked questions about glaucoma:
Can Glaucoma Be Cured?
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for this disease. However, it can be halted and managed through the proper treatment and early detection.
How Will I Know I Have Glaucoma?
The only way to determine whether you're suffering from this eye disease is to have eye tests that measure the health of your optic nerve and check your eye pressure.
Routine testing will help prevent complete vision loss. If you're over 40 and have a family history of glaucoma, please schedule an examination with us.
Who is Generally at Risk for Glaucoma?
Individuals above the age of 40 are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and ancestry increase the chances of its appearance.
CONTACT US
We would be delighted to serve you at our two clinics. You can make an appointment to visit us. Both of our locations also carry the latest eye products.