Your eyes are one of your most important senses, yet many people ignore early signs of trouble. That’s why routine checkups at trusted Calgary eyewear stores are more than just about getting new glasses. These stores often partner with optometrists who check your vision and perform critical eye health screenings, including for glaucoma.
Regular visits to Calgary optometrists provide access to skilled eye care and early detection of issues. Glaucoma, which has been referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” develops without detectable symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent loss of vision.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve. The nerve carries messages from your eyes to your brain. Damage frequently occurs when pressure develops within your eye. This pressure, referred to as intraocular pressure (IOP), can damage the nerve over time.
There are various forms of glaucoma, but open-angle glaucoma is most prevalent. It develops gradually and without pain, so regular testing is crucial. Detecting vision problems early in life through regular eye examinations can help safeguard your vision before permanent damage occurs.
Why Early Detection Matters
Glaucoma rarely creates recognizable signs until it is too late. That is why it is so deadly. Unless tested frequently, individuals are often unaware that they have it until they have lost a significant portion of their sight. The damage is then irreversible at that time.
Testing detects elevated eye pressure and examines your optic nerve for changes. The tests can detect glaucoma in its early stages. Detecting it at the beginning enables physicians to treat the condition and retard its advancement. That is why annual vision exams are essential, particularly for individuals aged 40 and older or those with a family history of the disease.
Types of Glaucoma Tests
Several tests are available to help detect glaucoma. Tonometry is the most popular. It checks the pressure within your eye. A soft puff of air or a small probe touches your eye to produce a reading.
Another test, ophthalmoscopy, enables the physician to examine the optic nerve directly. If there is any indication of swelling or damage, they may perform additional tests such as perimetry. This tests your visual field for blind spots.
Pachymetry measures corneal thickness, which influences pressure measurements. All these tests combine to provide a clear picture of your eye health.
How Tests Guide Treatment
If a test indicates glaucoma, treatment typically begins immediately. The majority of patients take medicated eye drops first. The drops lower eye pressure and prevent damage. In a few instances, physicians might recommend laser treatment or surgery.
Ongoing monitoring is essential. Even with treatment, glaucoma can still cause damage over time. Regular follow-up tests help doctors adjust your care plan as needed. The goal is always the same—preserve as much vision as possible.
Finding Reliable Glaucoma Testing in Calgary
For residents of Alberta, reliable glaucoma testing in Calgary is available throughout the province. Most optical stores and clinics offer comprehensive eye exams, which include optic nerve examinations and pressure tests. It is essential to select a place with state-of-the-art equipment and skilled eye physicians to obtain proper results.
If you’ve never had a test or it’s been more than a year, now is a good time to book one. Many eyewear stores in Calgary include glaucoma screening as part of their standard exams. It’s quick, painless, and potentially life-changing.
Protect Your Eyes for the Future
Your vision is worth too much to take for granted. Routine glaucoma screening offers valuable insights into the health of your eyes and can help prevent serious issues in the future. With convenient services at Calgary eyewear shops and excellent glaucoma screening in Calgary, there is no excuse not to seek out care.
