Eye Disease Treatment
High Tech Eye Disease Treatment
Our Optometrists are highly trained in the treatment and management of eye disease. We can prescribe any topical or oral medications needed to effectively treat eye conditions and we pride ourselves on having the latest technology and diagnostic imaging equipment. Read more about our high tech equipment below.
Alberta Health provides coverage for visits for medically necessary eye problems such as eye infections, inflammation, sudden vision loss, foreign body removal, and other medical eye conditions. There is also coverage for the management of glaucoma, pre/post operative surgical care, and ongoing management of diabetic eye health.
High Tech Equipment for Diagnosis of Eye Disease
Technology has advanced when it comes to eye care, and we pride ourselves on having the latest equipment to diagnose and treat eye disease. Here are just some of the new diagnostic machines you may encounter during your visit with us.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
OCT imaging is similar to an MRI in that it allows for a high resolution cross-sectional view of structures beneath the surface. Prior to this technology, only the surface of the retina was visible. This meant that subretinal or nerve fibre layer disease was often unable to be diagnosed until at a very late stage. The advent of this imaging has allowed for diagnosis of diseases such as glaucoma at a much earlier stage, thus allowing for quicker treatment, and less likelihood of permanent damage. This imaging is especially useful for managing diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. It is also useful in monitoring patients with corneal disease, and in the fitting of custom specialty contact lenses
Optomap (Widefield Retinal Imaging)
The Optomap machine has revolutionized our ability to find and follow retinal disease. Prior to this technology, the only way to examine the outer reaches of the retina was to dilate the pupils. These eye drops rendered patients light sensitive and unable to focus for hours. There was also no way to photo-document anything found. This new device uses low energy lasers to reach the outer reaches of the retina to capture a full 180 degree high-res image in less than a second, without the use of dilating drops! In addition, it allows us to better diagnose retinal conditions based on the wavelengths of light they absorb and emit. A truly amazing tool for eye disease management.
Meibography
The meibography infrared imaging device allows us to visualize the health of the glands inside your eyelids that supply the outer layer of your tears. Dysfunction and atrophy of these glands is by far the most common cause of dry eye disease. Once a gland has died, it never comes back, and the more that drop out, the more significant and harder to treat the dry eye becomes. By imaging and tracking the health of these glands, we can prevent the gland blockage and dropout that leads to eyelid disease and the resulting dry. red and irritated eyes. In conjunction with our new i-pen tear osmolarity tester, we are well equipped to effectively monitor and treat dry eye disease.
Our office offers treatment of the following eye problems. Click a disease to learn more.