 |
|
||
|
| Home \ Our Eye Care Services \ Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma Testing | |
 |
Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma Testing
Macular Degeneration
The Macula: is the centre focus point of the retina inside the eye. Any damage to this area can cause significant loss of vision. There are currently 2.1 million people with macular degeneration (AMD) in Canada, and this is increasing by 180,000 new cases per year. Risk increases with age and currently 30% of Canadians 55-74 years of age, and 40% over the age of 75, have some form of AMD. AMD causes 54% of the blindness in patients older than 40. Early detection is the key to preventing or delaying vision loss. In the case of the most common form, "dry" AMD unless it's detected in a routine eye exam, you may not realize that you have the disease until it reaches an advanced, visually permanent stage. We at Optomeyes are dedicated to providing the highest diagnostic capabilities to our patients. We are the first practice in Western Canada to test for AMD using an MPOD scanner. With our new Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) scanner we can now detect one of the major risks for AMD years before AMD changes can be detected on the retina. Also, Digital Retinal Imaging can detect many other degenerative changes much earlier than previously possible. Many of the AMD risk factors can be controlled or even eliminated. This is one of the main reasons why regular eye examinations, especially after the age of 40 are so important to long term eye health.
GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma has often been referred to as the silent thief of vision. There are no symptoms to glaucoma, you cannot notice the changes taking place in your sight until vision loss is severe and in its advanced stages.
It is not one entity, but a group of diseases. It is OFTEN, but not always, associated with increased eye pressure resulting in damage to the optic nerve leading to loss of vision. It occurs in 3 - 5% of the population. It can occur at any age but prevalence increases greatly with age.
The good news is Glaucoma is treatable. Damage done is not reversible however, so it is most important to detect glaucoma as early as possible. Treatment of glaucoma is usually a simple eye drop. Occasionally glaucoma is treated by laser surgery.
The risk factors - some people are more at risk: age greater then 50 and any family history, and:
There is no single "test" for glaucoma - the test for glaucoma is a complete Comprehensive Eye Examination.
These tests are all required to diagnose and monitor glaucoma and are all done at OPTOMEYES Squamish and West Vancouver:
If you have a family history of Glaucoma or Macular Degeneration it is recommended by the Canadian Optometric Association to receive a Complete Eye Exam done every year.
     
|
