Regular eye exams are often overlooked by Canadians, yet they play a crucial role in protecting vision, particularly in detecting and preventing glaucoma. As of early 2023, there have been around 728,000 Canadians living with a glaucoma diagnosis. But the truth is that there are many more who have glaucoma and aren’t aware of it.
At Village Eye Centre, we take your vision seriously, and that means making sure that all of the people in the Edmonton, Downtown Edmonton, and Sherwood Park communities are up to date with their eye exams. By providing personalized care and top-notch service, we help ensure that eye diseases like glaucoma don’t rob you of your precious gift of sight.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma, known as the "silent thief of sight," is a group of eye diseases that can lead to irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma can have various causes and may present with different symptoms depending on the type and stage of the condition. The primary cause of glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure, which can occur due to a buildup of fluid in the eye or impaired drainage of this fluid. However, other factors such as genetics, age, ethnicity, family history, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to the development of glaucoma.
What makes it a particularly challenging problem is that it often shows no symptoms in its early stages. By the time glaucoma symptoms become noticeable, the damage may already be irreversible. Take control of your eye health today and schedule eye exams with a qualified eye doctor. Contact Village Eye Center in Edmonton Downtown.
The Role of Regular Eye Exams in Early Glaucoma Detection
Regular eye exams are essential for early detection of glaucoma when treatment options are most effective.
Shockingly, recent surveys reveal that many Canadians are neglecting eye exams: 1 in 4 individuals who don’t use corrective glasses/lenses has not had an eye exam in over a decade. This concerning trend underscores the need for eye exams to prevent vision loss and blindness.
Comprehensive Eye Exams in Edmonton and Sherwood Park
If it’s been a while since your last comprehensive eye exam, schedule an eye exam at Village Eye Center in Sherwood Park. Even if you believe your vision is okay and haven’t noticed any symptoms, an eye exam with an optometrist near you can go a very long way.
We look forward to helping you keep your eyes healthy for a lifetime!
Glaucoma FAQs
1. How regularly should I get eye exams to detect glaucoma?
According to the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS), it is recommended to undergo Glaucoma testing as follows:
- Individuals over the age of 40 should have an eye exam at least once every 3 years.
- Over 50: at least every 2 years.
- Over 60: at least once every year.
2. What are the treatment options for glaucoma?
There is no cure (yet) for glaucoma, but if it's caught early, it can be managed to help preserve your vision and prevent vision loss. Treatment options for glaucoma include medication, laser therapy, and surgical procedures, all aimed at reducing eye pressure and preventing optic nerve damage.