Detecting Eye Disease, Preserving Vision

Your eye exam isn’t only a chance for us to make sure you see clearly. It’s also our best opportunity to assess you for any eye diseases, many of which can start to threaten your vision even before showing symptoms.

We use advanced diagnostic technology to assess your visual health both inside and out. If we detect anything that requires treatment, we’ll work with you to take the steps needed to safeguard your vision.

Your peace of mind is important to us. If you’re ever concerned or curious about your vision, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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Who’s at Risk for Eye Diseases?

As you age, it’s important to pay close attention to your visual health and any vision changes. If you’re over 60, you’re at a higher risk of glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and, if you have diabetes, diabetic retinopathy.

A family history of glaucoma or AMD raises your risk of both those diseases. And those with diabetes or high blood pressure are also at an increased risk of eye disease.

Symptoms to Watch For

The following could be signs of an eye disease or an eye care emergency. If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, we encourage you to come see us as soon as possible so we can help.

Visual symptoms to watch for include:

Sudden increase in floaters
Sudden increase in flashes of light
Loss or decrease in vision, even temporary
Fluctuations in your vision
Wavy or blurry vision or difficulty making out faces
New difficulty seeing at night
Too many tears/watering eyes
Loss of peripheral vision

A Storied History of Quality Eye Care

We use diagnostic technology to help us detect and track eye diseases. We use Optomap imaging for a wide-angle view of your retina and optical coherence tomography for a cross-sectional view of your retina. We may dilate your eyes before performing these tests.

Glaucoma

Many types of glaucoma, including the most common type called primary open-angle glaucoma, are characterized by high internal eye pressure. We use a tonometer to test the pressure inside your eye and visual field testing to assess your peripheral vision.

Catching glaucoma early, before you notice vision loss, gives us the best chance to manage the disease. Medicated eye drops can control the pressure in the eye in the early stages, but surgery may become necessary to preserve vision.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition affecting the macula of the eye, which is responsible for central vision. AMD can develop without any noticeable symptoms, but eventually, symptoms include:

Straight lines appearing wavy
Loss of some colour vision
Dark or empty spots in central vision
Loss of the ability to see things clearly

Early treatment for dry AMD, the most common form of AMD, includes vitamin supplementation and smoking cessation.

Wet AMD, which is less common but can cause rapid vision loss, is typically treated with medication.

Cataracts

Cataracts occur in just about everyone as the lens of the eye becomes cloudy with age. Cataracts usually develop slowly over many years but can come on more rapidly. They result in blurry vision, loss of colour vision, difficulty seeing at night, and eventual vision loss.

Early on, adjustments to your glasses prescription, along with magnifying lenses and good lighting, can help with your vision. Eventually, surgery to replace the natural lens with an artificial one may be required and can restore your sight.

Diabetic Retinopathy

For those with diabetes, uncontrolled blood sugar over many years can lead to damage to the delicate blood vessels inside the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy.

We can diagnose diabetic retinopathy early, before symptoms become apparent, during a diabetic eye exam.

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