Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in Winnipeg

We use a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose glaucoma. During the exam, we perform the following tests:

• Visual acuity test: this test measures your vision quality at a distance.
• Visual field test: this test measures your peripheral vision. Since glaucoma can cause tunnel vision, this test is often an effective way to detect the disease.
• Tonometry: this test measures eye pressure, which can be a useful indicator of whether glaucoma is present.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT imaging): OCT imaging measures and displays the structures inside of the eye, including the optic nerve.

Glaucoma cannot be cured, though in most cases it can be managed. Managing glaucoma requires an ongoing partnership between doctor and patient. We prescribe medications and a treatment plan, following up with regular exams to make sure you are following our recommendations effectively.

Some glaucoma medications can cause discomfort, but it is vital that you consult with us before discontinuing their use. Most treatment regimens for glaucoma are only effective for those who follow them carefully.

Comprehensive eye exams are the best way to diagnose cataracts. During the eye exam, we can detect cataracts with the following tests:

• Visual acuity test: this test measures your vision quality at a distance.
• Dilated eye exam: we use special eye drops to dilate your pupils, making it easier to take detailed images of your eye and its structures
• Biomicroscope test: this test allows optometrists to observe cataracts in greater detail

In cataract-removal surgery, we replace your eye’s natural lens with a plastic intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL takes over all functions of the old lens and cannot be seen or felt after the procedure.

There are several types of cataract-removal surgery, but they all follow the same general process:

• We use a local anesthetic to numb your eye and the surrounding tissues.
• We prep the lens for removal, either by breaking it into small pieces via ultrasound or preparing to take it out in one full piece.
• We insert the IOL in place of the natural lens.
• We observe you for a few hours and then send you home to recover. Note that you will not be able to drive immediately after the surgery and will require a safe way to get home.

AMD comes in 2 forms: wet (neovascular) or dry (non-neovascular). The term neovascular refers to the unwanted growth of new blood vessels in the macula.

• Dry macular degeneration: this is the early stage of the disease, which may cause gradual central vision loss. It is characterized by yellowish spots collecting in and around the macula.
• Wet macular degeneration: this is the advanced form of AMD, occurring when dry macular degeneration is left untreated. New blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood, causing permanent and irreversible damage to retinal cells that results in blind spots.

There is no cure for AMD. However, some treatments can delay its progression and even improve vision when implemented early.

Nutritional changes can help delay the onset of wet AMD when it is still in the dry stage. Most treatments for wet AMD use injections to prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels.

Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent AMD or slow down its symptoms. If you are over 45 years old, we recommend scheduling complete eye exams with us at least once every 2 years. If you are already diagnosed with AMD, you should monitor your vision daily and notify us of any changes you experience as soon as possible.