Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, the part of the eye that carries visual information to the brain. In Edmonton, many people are surprised to learn that glaucoma can develop slowly and without pain. Regular screening during a comprehensive eye exam is how changes are often found early, before they affect daily life.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma usually involves damage to the optic nerve over time. In many cases, this is linked to pressure inside the eye being higher than the eye can tolerate, but glaucoma can also occur when eye pressure is in a typical range.
The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, develops gradually. The drainage area of the eye becomes less efficient over time, pressure can build slowly, and the optic nerve can be affected. Another type, angle-closure glaucoma, is less common and can come on quickly with symptoms such as eye pain, headache, nausea, and sudden blurred vision. Sudden symptoms like these need same-day care.
Why Glaucoma Often Has No Early Symptoms
Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of sight because early changes may not cause noticeable symptoms. Vision loss usually starts with side, or peripheral, vision, which is easy to miss in everyday life. You may still read clearly and pass a basic vision check while early damage is happening.
By the time central vision is affected, the condition is usually more advanced. That is why screening matters even when your eyes feel fine and your vision seems clear. An eye exam looks at the health of the eye, not just how well you see on a chart.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but some factors raise the risk. These include being over 60, having a family history of glaucoma, having diabetes or high blood pressure, being very near-sighted, and having had an eye injury or eye surgery in the past. People of African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage may also have a higher risk for certain types.
If you have one or more of these factors, your optometrist may recommend more frequent exams or additional testing. Sharing your family history at your appointment helps the clinic plan the right screening for you.
What Happens During Glaucoma Screening?
Screening is part of a comprehensive eye exam and usually includes several checks. Your eye pressure is measured, often with a quick test. The optic nerve is examined, sometimes after drops are used to widen the pupil so the back of the eye can be seen more clearly.
You may also have a visual field test, which checks your side vision, and imaging or measurements of the optic nerve and drainage angle when needed. No single test on its own confirms glaucoma, so results are looked at together and compared over time at follow-up visits.
How Often Should You Have Your Eyes Checked?
Adults should have regular comprehensive eye exams, and seniors and people at higher risk are often advised to be checked every year. Children under 19 and seniors have eye exams covered by Alberta Health Care. If you have been told you are a glaucoma suspect, your optometrist will set a follow-up schedule that fits your results.
Infinite Eyecare is located at 4275 23 Ave NW in Mill Woods, Edmonton, and offers direct billing to most major insurers. If you have not had an eye exam in a while, or glaucoma runs in your family, booking a screening is a practical next step.
Call Infinite Eyecare at 780-425-0003 to book your eye exam in Mill Woods, Edmonton.
