Saskatoon, SK / (306) 242-4186
(306) 803-5778
Saskatoon, SK / (306) 242-4186
It takes one hour a year to lower your risk of losing peripheral vision to glaucoma. The onset of glaucoma is so gradual and painless that it is extremely rare to notice the signs yourself. During your annual exam we test for the early signs of this common eye disorder, so you can manage it before you lose vision.
Glaucoma develops due to high intraocular pressure (IOP). This high pressure puts added stress on the optic nerve, slowly damaging it. Your optometrist will examine your optic nerve for signs of glaucoma. This damage is irreversible but it is preventable. Your IOP is tested at your regular eye exam through the air puffs test and/or applanation tonometry.
You may know this test as the air puffs test. The optometrist’s staff puffs air against your cornea to flatten it. Eyes with a high IOP require a stronger puff of air to push on the cornea. If the optometrist feels this test has indicated high intraocular pressure they will use other tests for a more definitive result.
This form of tonometry is much more conclusive than it’s non-contact counterpart. The force needed to flatten the cornea is measured to give the optometrist an accurate measurement of your intraocular pressure. A high IOP indicates a higher possibility of developing glaucoma.
There are different types of glaucoma, some more severe and sudden than others. A regular eye exam can detect early signs of all these forms and can save you from vision loss.
This type of glaucoma is very severe and requires immediate medical attention.
If the angle between the cornea and iris shuts suddenly, the fluid in the eye is trapped and cannot drain. This creates a surge of pressure in the eye which does damage to the optic nerve. This is accompanied by a number of other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting, plus red eyes and blurred vision. If you experience any of these, seek medical attention.
This form is responsible for up to 90% of all glaucoma cases. You slowly and painlessly lose your vision, beginning with the periphery. Once the vision loss is noticeable it is too late to do anything to reverse it.
The cause of this form is that too much fluid is being produced in the eye or not enough fluid is being drained through the ducts due to a blockage. , This creates higher IOP and damage to your optic nerve. If detected early, further vision loss can be prevented.
In this type of glaucoma, all tests show normal IOPs. Inexplicably, your optic nerve becomes damaged.
Make an appointment today to lower your risk of losing your sight to glaucoma.
There is no cure for glaucoma. Oral medication and eye drops are available for treatment. If your eyes do not respond to this medication, laser surgery may be suggested. You can help prevent glaucoma by living a healthy life, free of cigarettes and with low alcohol consumption.
Come visit us! Our practice is located on the corner of Pinehouse and Primrose, near Lawson Heights Mall and the Lawson Civic Centre.
| Monday: | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday: | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Friday: | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday: | Closed, but we’d be happy to see you at Stonebridge Eyecare, Broadway Eyecare, or Brighton Eyecare! |
| Sundays: | Closed |
| Holidays: | Closed |
