How do I know if I have glaucoma if I don't have any symptoms?

To know whether you have glaucomatous damage, you need to have regular eye checkups at least once per year. There are many different types of glaucoma and some people may not experience any signs until they're already quite far into the disease. Acute symptoms of glaucoma are rare and are limited to "narrow angle" types. They may include headaches, blurred vision, redness, pain, halos around lights, and nausea and/or vomiting If you notice any of these signs, see an optometrist immediately.

Is high blood pressure (hypertension) a risk factor for developing glaucoma

While hypertension may increase the risk for glaucoma, the relationship isn't yet clear. However, we do know that LOW blood pressure may in fact be related to glaucoma because in these cases there is a risk that the optic nerve is not getting enough blood flow.

Will I lose my eyesight if I've been diagnosed with glaucoma?

Glaucoma remains one of the leading causes of vision loss in the world. With modern technology, we have made great progress in treating glaucoma and preventing severe consequences such as permanent vision loss.. At Mountain View Optometry in Calgary and Cochrane, we have invested in advanced equipment for detection of early disease, and all our eye doctors are experienced and certified to manage glaucoma.. Today, if glaucomatous changes are detected early enough, our eye doctors can often treat them successfully. Although it is a chronic eye condition requiring lifelong care, glaucoma is much less likely to lead to permanent visual impairment when managed by experienced optometrists

What is the difference between generic drops and brand name drops?

Typically, generic medications are less expensive than brand name ones, which is the only reason why one might consider using them. However, they are not always an equivalent substitution for the branded medications. Differences may exist in the dispensing agent (bottle) as well as the effectiveness of the product. Whenever a generic glaucoma medication is going to be considered, close monitoring by the optometrist will be necessary to ensure that the treatment benefits are maintained.

Different types of glaucoma - what you need to know

November 10, 2022

What is Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common eye disease that affects over 720,000 Canadians, and is the third most common cause of blindness in Canada.

Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up inside the eyeball, causing increased pressure within the eye. This increases the risk of damage to the optic nerves. When left untreated, glaucoma can lead to complete or partial sight impairment.

Glaucoma is more common in people over the age of 60, however it is possible that it can happen at any age. At this time there isn't a cure for glaucoma, but if the disease is treated early the loss of vision can often be prevented.

Because the damage occurs slowly, it may not become apparent until later.

Glaucomas may progress from mild to severe, leading to poor quality of life, increased risks of falls, decreased mobility and difficulties with walking.

Frequently asked questions about glaucoma

Here is Dr. Tom Wilk on different types of glaucoma, symptoms and treatment options

Glaucoma Types

While there are many different subtypes of glaucoma, they all may be grouped into one of two categories:

Open-angle glaucoma
Narrow (or closed) angle glaucoma.

This description has to do with the anatomy of the eye, and the angle between the iris and the cornea. Since the eye’s internal fluid drains through this angle, an imbalance between the fluid produced and the fluid leaving the eye will cause a gradual increase in eye pressure.

Glaucoma Symptoms

In most cases, glaucoma has no symptoms. Known as the “silent thief of sight” there is no pain, irritation or change in vision early on, which is why it can be difficult to find. This is why only about half the people with glaucoma are even aware they have it

When it does become more advanced, it starts to affect peripheral vision. The changes are very subtle, often for many years. In advanced cases the vision loss becomes more centralized and may eventually lead to permanent blindness.

Glaucoma Causes

The cause of this eye disease depends on the specific glaucoma type. An eye injury, genetic abnormality, or age related condition may be a contributing factor. Conditions associated with a higher risk of glaucoma include diabetes, high myopia (nearsightedness) and sleep apnea.

Glaucoma Treatment

Treatment for glaucoma is aimed at lowering internal eye pressure. This may be through glaucoma surgery, or more commonly with the use of pressure-lowering eye drops designed to increase the fluid drainage from within the eye, or slow down its production. The eye drops are used typically one to three times per day.

Diagnosing glaucoma is no longer only about measuring your eye pressure. At MVO we have specialized equipment and optometrists that are experienced with managing glaucoma. Many different variables are assessed and tracked over time.

A comprehensive eye exam and frequent follow up testing is necessary at the interval recommended by your eye doctor to ensure nothing is missed.

Regular eye exams are the best way to ensure your eye health is getting the proper attention.

Frequently asked questions about glaucoma

How do I know if I have glaucoma if I don't have any symptoms?

To know whether you have glaucomatous damage, you need to have regular eye checkups at least once per year. There are many different types of glaucoma and some people may not experience any signs until they're already quite far into the disease. Acute symptoms of glaucoma are rare and are limited to "narrow angle" types. They may include headaches, blurred vision, redness, pain, halos around lights, and nausea and/or vomiting If you notice any of these signs, see an optometrist immediately.
Is high blood pressure (hypertension) a risk factor for developing glaucoma

While hypertension may increase the risk for glaucoma, the relationship isn't yet clear. However, we do know that LOW blood pressure may in fact be related to glaucoma because in these cases there is a risk that the optic nerve is not getting enough blood flow.
Will I lose my eyesight if I've been diagnosed with glaucoma?

Glaucoma remains one of the leading causes of vision loss in the world. With modern technology, we have made great progress in treating glaucoma and preventing severe consequences such as permanent vision loss.. At Mountain View Optometry in Calgary and Cochrane, we have invested in advanced equipment for detection of early disease, and all our eye doctors are experienced and certified to manage glaucoma.. Today, if glaucomatous changes are detected early enough, our eye doctors can often treat them successfully. Although it is a chronic eye condition requiring lifelong care, glaucoma is much less likely to lead to permanent visual impairment when managed by experienced optometrists
What is the difference between generic drops and brand name drops?

Typically, generic medications are less expensive than brand name ones, which is the only reason why one might consider using them. However, they are not always an equivalent substitution for the branded medications. Differences may exist in the dispensing agent (bottle) as well as the effectiveness of the product. Whenever a generic glaucoma medication is going to be considered, close monitoring by the optometrist will be necessary to ensure that the treatment benefits are maintained.