Detecting & Diagnosing Eye Diseases
An eye exam is an important part of preventative healthcare. Not only will your optometrist ensure your eyewear prescription is providing the vision you want, during an eye exam they’ll also check for the development of eye diseases.
Many eye diseases can damage your vision permanently and many progress without any noticeable symptoms, particularly in the beginning.
Early identification is crucial to the treatment and management of eye diseases. If your optometrist catches them early enough, they may be able to slow down progression or prevent vision loss.
Your sight is precious. Safeguard it today with a comprehensive eye exam.
Book AppointmentDiabetic Eye Diseases
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of eye diseases. Diabetic retinopathy and diatbetic macular edema can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy often progresses slowly and, like many eye diseases, may not present visible symptoms until irreversible vision loss occurs. Diabetic macular edema is quite serious and can impact the ability to read, write, drive, and recognize faces.
Both conditions can be identified early with a comprehensive diabetic eye exam. If you have diabetes, book your appointment now.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases generally characterized by damage to the optic nerve, usually by high intraocular pressure.
Pressure builds up inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve and causing irreversible vision loss. Often, the progression of glaucoma is slow and symptom-free, earning the disease the nickname "the silent thief of sight."
There are several types of glaucoma:
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Fluid buildup caused by blockage of the eye’s drainage channels can increase intraocular pressure (IOP) and cause open-angle glaucoma. Generally, peripheral vision is the first thing impacted, followed by central vision.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the space between the iris and cornea narrows, trapping fluid in the eye. When the pressure rises as a result of this fluid, angle-closure glaucoma occurs.
It can appear suddenly (acute) or progress gradually (chronic). Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. Sudden onset headaches, blurry vision, eye redness, or halos appearing around lights mean you should call your optometrist immediately.
Other Types of Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma occurs when intraocular pressure is caused by eye trauma, injury, or infection.
When the optic nerve is damaged but intraocular pressure remains within normal range, normal-tension glaucoma may be the cause.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
Glaucoma risk factors may include:
- A family history of glaucoma
- Extreme refractive errors
- Past eye injury or trauma
- Use of certain medications
- Heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
Cataracts
As you age, the clear lens of your eye can harden and become opaque. This is called a cataract. They are often the result of the normal aging process, though they can appear congenitally in children.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts generally develop without pain or redness. Some symptoms of cataracts might include:
- Foggy or blurry vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Seeing halos around lights
- Muted color vision
- Sensitivity to light
Preventing Cataracts
Cataract growth can be slowed by protecting the eyes from UV rays. A great pair of sunglasses can help! Eating foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries, apples, artichokes, and dark green veggies like kale and broccoli may also help to prevent cataracts.
Cataract Treatment
Often, obstructions to vision as a result of cataracts can be remedied through corrective lenses. But, cataracts can increase in size and may get to a point where glasses or contact lenses no longer provide the vision you want. In this case, we may recommend surgery.
If you’re having a difficult time driving or performing your job safely, are struggling to watch television or read, or are experiencing challenges with daily activities that are decreasing your quality of life, it might be time to explore surgery.
Cataract surgery is safe and effective, and we will ensure you understand the procedure and your options.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes the breakdown of the macula, the area of the eye responsible for central vision. Damage to the macula can lead to central vision loss.
The central vision is responsible for reading, writing, driving, and recognizing faces, so any loss of vision in this area may make day-to-day tasks difficult.
People with AMD may not experience any pain or symptoms as the disease progresses. If straight lines begin to appear wavy or your central vision blurs in a way that cannot be corrected by glasses, it’s time for an eye exam.
There are 2 types of AMD:
Dry AMD
We’re on the Lookout for Early Signs of Eye Disease
Regular, comprehensive eye exams are the best defence against eye diseases that can cause irreversible vision loss.
Book your appointment today and let us examine your eyes for early signs of eye disease.
Book AppointmentCome Visit Us
Our Address
- 268 Stewart Green SW
- Calgary, AB T3H 3C8
Contact Information
- Phone: 403-217-3322
- Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operation
Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
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Our Blogs
Effective Myopia Management: Exploring Treatment Options Beyond Glasses
MyopiaWhile glasses are a tried-and-true solution, more advanced options, such as specialty contact lenses and eye drops, are now designed to manage myopia more effectively. […]
Can You Wear Contacts With Pink Eye?
Contact Lenses, Eye Conditions, Eye HealthDuring pink eye flare-ups, ditching your contact lenses for eyeglasses is strongly advised. Switching to glasses helps prevent further discomfort and reinfection, and promotes further healing.
Once the infection has cleared and you’ve been given the green light to continue wearing contacts by your eye doctor, it’s vital to dispose of any contaminated lenses. Use a fresh new pair, and practice proper contact lens care.
[…]
Dry Eye Disease: Could Your Contacts Be the Cause?
Contact Lenses, Dry Eye Treatment, Eye HealthWhile contact lenses can offer incredible convenience and clarity, they can also be the culprit behind dry eye disease. […]
Effective Myopia Management: Exploring Treatment Options Beyond Glasses
While glasses are a tried-and-true solution, more advanced options, such as specialty contact lenses and eye drops, are now designed to manage myopia more effectively. […]
Can You Wear Contacts With Pink Eye?
During pink eye flare-ups, ditching your contact lenses for eyeglasses is strongly advised. Switching to glasses helps prevent further discomfort and reinfection, and promotes further healing.
Once the infection has cleared and you’ve been given the green light to continue wearing contacts by your eye doctor, it’s vital to dispose of any contaminated lenses. Use a fresh new pair, and practice proper contact lens care.
[…]
Dry Eye Disease: Could Your Contacts Be the Cause?
While contact lenses can offer incredible convenience and clarity, they can also be the culprit behind dry eye disease. […]
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Focus West Optometry
- 268 Stewart Green SW
- Calgary, AB T3H 3C8
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P: 403-217-3322
[email protected]
