Glaucoma Care
in Mississauga, ON
Glaucoma is a severe eye condition that can lead to vision loss if not detected and treated early. Millcreek Vision Care is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to manage and treat glaucoma, ensuring the best possible outcomes for you and your family.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, essential for good vision. This damage is often caused by increased pressure in the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, particularly in older adults, but it can affect individuals of all ages. Early detection is crucial to prevent significant vision loss.
What does a Glaucoma? Work-up Involve?
Diagnosing glaucoma involves a series of tests that allow our optometrist to assess your eyes' health thoroughly. We utilize advanced technology to perform a detailed glaucoma work-up, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
As part of the glaucoma work-up, OCT is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take detailed cross-section pictures of your retina. This test measures the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, helping detect early signs of glaucoma. The detailed images provided by OCT allow our optometrist to monitor any changes over time and determine the severity of the condition.
Visual Field Test
Another crucial component of the glaucoma work-up is the visual field test, which measures your peripheral vision, often affected first by glaucoma. During this test, you will look straight ahead while lights are flashed in your side vision. You will press a button each time you see a light, helping us identify any blind spots or vision loss in your peripheral vision. This information is essential in diagnosing glaucoma and monitoring its progression.
How We Help Manage Glaucoma at Millcreek Vision Care
Effective glaucoma management requires a personalized approach that includes regular monitoring, medication, and sometimes surgical intervention. We create individualized treatment plans to help manage your condition and protect your vision. If surgery is recommended, we will refer you to a local, trusted eye surgeon for the best care possible.
Medications
Prescription eye drops are often the first line of treatment for glaucoma. These medications work by reducing fluid production in the eye or improving drainage, thereby lowering IOP. Consistent use of these eye drops as prescribed is essential for effective management.
Surgery
In cases where medications and laser therapy are not sufficient, surgical options like trabeculectomy or the implantation of drainage devices may be recommended. These procedures help create a new pathway for fluid to drain from the eye, effectively lowering IOP.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), can enhance fluid drainage from the eye, reducing IOP. This minimally invasive procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and involves minimal discomfort.
Regular Monitoring
Ongoing monitoring is vital to ensure that glaucoma is effectively managed. Regular check-ups allow our optometrist to assess your IOP, evaluate the health of your optic nerve, and perform visual field tests. This continuous monitoring helps us adjust your treatment plan as needed to keep your glaucoma under control.
Glaucoma Care Near Me
At Millcreek Vision Care, we are committed to providing exceptional care for glaucoma patients in Mississauga. If you suspect you may have glaucoma or have noticed changes in your vision, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Early detection and treatment are vital to preserving your vision and maintaining your quality of life.
