Detecting & Diagnosing Eye Diseases
An eye exam is an important part of preventive healthcare. Not only will your optometrist update your lens prescription, but during an eye exam, they’ll also check for the development of eye diseases.
Many eye diseases can damage your vision permanently and progress without any noticeable symptoms, particularly in the beginning.
Early identification is crucial to the treatment and management of eye diseases. If your optometrist catches them early enough, they may be able to slow down progression or prevent vision loss.
Your sight is precious. Safeguard it today with a comprehensive eye exam.
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Diabetic Eye Diseases
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, which can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Diabetic retinopathy often progresses slowly and, like many eye diseases, may not present visible symptoms until irreversible vision loss occurs. Diabetic macular edema is serious and can impact reading, writing, driving, and recognizing faces.
Both conditions can be identified early with a comprehensive diabetic eye exam. If you have diabetes, book your appointment now.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases generally characterized by damage to the optic nerve, usually by high intraocular pressure.
Pressure builds up inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve and causing irreversible vision loss. Often, the progression of glaucoma is slow and not easily noticeable, earning the disease the nickname “the silent thief of sight.”
There are several types of glaucoma.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Fluid buildup caused by blockage of the eye’s drainage channels can increase intraocular pressure (IOP) and cause open-angle glaucoma. Generally, peripheral vision is the first thing impacted, followed by central vision.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the space between the iris and cornea narrows, trapping fluid in the eye. When the pressure rises as a result of this fluid, angle-closure glaucoma occurs.
It can appear suddenly (acute) or progress gradually (chronic). Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. Sudden onset headaches, blurry vision, eye redness, or halos appearing around lights mean you should call your optometrist immediately.
Other Types of Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma occurs when intraocular pressure is caused by eye trauma, injury, or infection.
When the optic nerve is damaged, but intraocular pressure remains within normal range, normal-tension glaucoma may be the cause.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
Glaucoma risk factors may include:
- A family history of glaucoma
- Extreme refractive errors
- Past eye injury or trauma
- Use of certain medications
- Heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
Cataracts
As you age, the clear lens of your eye can thicken and become opaque. This is called a cataract. They are often the result of the normal aging process, though they can be present at birth.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts generally develop without pain or redness. Some symptoms of cataracts might include:
- Foggy or blurry vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Seeing halos around lights
- Muted colour vision
- Sensitivity to light
Preventing Cataracts
Cataract growth can be slowed by protecting the eyes from UV rays—a great pair of sunglasses can help! Eating foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries, apples, artichokes, and dark green veggies like kale and broccoli may also help to prevent cataracts.
Cataract Treatment
Often, obstructions to vision as a result of cataracts can be remedied through corrective lenses. But, cataracts can increase in size and may get to a point where glasses or contact lenses no longer provide the vision you want. In this case, we may recommend surgery.
If you’re having difficulty driving or performing your job safely, are struggling to watch television or read, or are experiencing challenges with daily activities that are decreasing your quality of life, it might be time to explore surgery.
Cataract surgery is safe and effective, and we will help you understand the procedure and your options.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes the breakdown of the macula, the area of the eye responsible for central vision. Damage to the macula can lead to central vision loss.
The central vision is responsible for reading, writing, driving, and recognizing faces, so any loss of vision in this area may make day-to-day tasks difficult.
People with AMD may not experience any pain or symptoms as the disease progresses. If straight lines begin to appear wavy or your central vision blurs in a way that glasses cannot correct, it’s time for an eye exam.
There are 2 types of AMD. Click each title to learn more.
Dry AMD
Dry AMD is the most common type of AMD, accounting for 90% of cases. It occurs when parts of the macula become thinner due to aging and accumulate tiny clumps of protein.
Wet AMD
The less common type of the disease, wet AMD, is responsible for the majority of cases of blindness as a result of AMD. Wet AMD occurs when blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid into the macula.
We’re on the Lookout for Early Signs of Eye Disease
Regular, comprehensive eye exams are the best defence against eye diseases that can cause irreversible vision loss.
Book your appointment today, and let us examine your eyes for early signs of eye disease.
Request AppointmentVisit Our Location
Find us on the corner of Douglas and Alpha, just north of the Mayfair Shopping Centre.
Our Address
- 3196 Douglas Street
- Victoria, BC V8Z 3K6
Contact Information
- Phone: 250-361-4444
- Fax: 250-361-4424
- Email: [email protected]
Our Hours
Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
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Ask the Doctor
EducationQuestion: My mother sees an ophthalmologist a few times a year to monitor her glaucoma. We have a strong family history of this disease on both sides of the family, but I do not have any signs of developing it yet. Should I be seeing an ophthalmologist or my family optometrist for routine checkups in […]
What is the difference between cheap sunglasses and optical- quality sunglasses?
Sun GlassesQuestion: What is the difference between cheap sunglasses and optical- quality sunglasses? Answer: Inexpensive sunglasses and optical-quality sunglasses may look similar at first glance, but there are some key differences between the two. One of the main differences is in the quality of the lenses. Optical-quality sunglasses use high-quality lenses that are designed to protect your eyes […]
I have never worn contact lenses before
Contact LensesQuestion: I have never worn contact lenses before, but would like to wear them when I am exercising. How do I go about finding the right ones for me? Answer: Contact lenses are an excellent option for those who require a prescription, but cannot or do not want to wear glasses. There are many factors that go […]
Ask the Doctor
Question: My mother sees an ophthalmologist a few times a year to monitor her glaucoma. We have a strong family history of this disease on both sides of the family, but I do not have any signs of developing it yet. Should I be seeing an ophthalmologist or my family optometrist for routine checkups in […]
What is the difference between cheap sunglasses and optical- quality sunglasses?
Question: What is the difference between cheap sunglasses and optical- quality sunglasses? Answer: Inexpensive sunglasses and optical-quality sunglasses may look similar at first glance, but there are some key differences between the two. One of the main differences is in the quality of the lenses. Optical-quality sunglasses use high-quality lenses that are designed to protect your eyes […]
I have never worn contact lenses before
Question: I have never worn contact lenses before, but would like to wear them when I am exercising. How do I go about finding the right ones for me? Answer: Contact lenses are an excellent option for those who require a prescription, but cannot or do not want to wear glasses. There are many factors that go […]
Land Acknowledgement
We respect and acknowledge the lək̓ʷəŋən People, a subset of the Coast Salish, also known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, on whose territory we do our work. Our clinic recognizes the colonization, attitudes, and systems that have been put in place that have drastically altered Indigenous Peoples relationship with the land.
We as a team recognize the importance of educating ourselves on the systemic oppression of settler generations that has greatly changed the lives of Indigenous Peoples. We place the utmost importance on reconciliation and will continue to aid in this effort however we can.
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Mayfair Optometric Clinic
- 3196 Douglas Street
- Victoria, BC V8Z 3K6
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P: 250-361-4444
[email protected]