Eye Issues & Diseases in Alberta

There are many types of glaucoma, but the main 3 are:

• Open-Angle: This is the most common form of glaucoma, accounting for almost 90% of cases. Open-angle glaucoma occurs when the eyes’ drainage canals gradually become inefficient over time, resulting in increased intraocular eye pressure.
• Angle-Closure: Also referred to as closed-angle or narrow-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma is considered a medical emergency. It is characterized by a sudden rise in intraocular eye pressure due to the angle between the iris and cornea closing.
• Normal-Tension (NTG): With this type of glaucoma, the optic nerve becomes damaged even though internal eye pressure remains in the normal range.

We use several advanced technologies to test for glaucoma, including digital retinal photography and the Topcon Maestro OCT. These technologies, which enable us to detect the earliest signs of glaucoma, are included in our comprehensive eye exam.

Patients can have one or both of the following types of AMD:

• Dry Macular Degeneration (non-neovascular): Dry AMD is identified by yellow deposits known as drusen that form on the macula. These drusen deposits grow in mass and quantity over time, dimming and distorting the patient’s vision.
• Wet Macular Degeneration (neovascular): Wet AMD is the more advanced type of AMD and presents in the later stages of the disease. Wet AMD is caused by the formation of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. These are weak and end up leaking blood and other fluids into the eye, distorting and blurring central vision.