Without treatment, many eye diseases can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness. Regular eye exams can catch these problems before they progress, allowing your eye care professional to manage or even treat your condition.
The most well known crystalline lens disorder, cataracts, is quite common. Cataracts typically develop as a part of the ageing process, though they can also be caused by trauma or develop in children (a condition called congenital cataracts).
Cataracts can be easily removed using cataract surgery.
During cataract surgery, the clouded crystalline lens is removed and replaced with a artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The eye’s dimensions are carefully measured before surgery so that correct IOL power is used.
Unfortunately, blurry vision sometimes occurs after cataract surgery due to the IOL and other problems such as:
These issues may be corrected using glasses, contact lenses, dry eye management strategies, medical treatment, refractive surgery, or undergoing an IOL exchange
Another effect after cataract surgery is that the bag (or capsule) that holds the lens may become wrinkled or cloudy, a condition called posterior capsular opacity or secondary cataract. This can happen months or even years after cataract surgery, and occurs in as many as 20 – 50% of patients. This condition may develop as part of the normal healing process, but can slowly interfere with clear vision over time. If the posterior capsule interferes with vision it can be treated using a simple, safe, in-office laser procedure called a YAG posterior capsulotomy.
The anterior chamber refers to the front portion of the eye between the cornea and the iris and includes the eye’s drainage system, called the angle. Conditions like glaucoma can affect the drainage system. For more information about glaucoma, please visit our glaucoma treatment page.
The iris refers to the coloured portion of your eye and is responsible for controlling the size of your pupil, the small black circle in the centre. The pupil is actually an opening that allows light to enter your eye, much like the aperture of a camera.
The iris can become damaged or develop abnormalities for a variety of reasons, including trauma, infections, inflammation, tumours or cancer, systemic diseases, or genetic factors. Depending on the root cause of the iris disorder, the condition may require ongoing monitoring or require surgical or medical management.
During an eye exam, your eye care professional may use special eye drops to dilate your pupil. This allows more light into the eye and lets your eye care professional get a better view of the inside of your eye. The effects of these dilating drops typically last for several hours, so you shouldn’t plan on returning to work or school for at least a few hours after your appointment.
Uveitis is a condition that affects the uvea, causing it to become swollen and inflamed. Without correct treatment, uveitis can cause permanent damage, leading to vision loss.
There are 3 types of uveitis, which are classified based on which portion of the uvea is affected.
In extremely severe cases of uveitis, all 3 sections of the uvea could be affected.
Anterior uveitis can cause the iris to stick to the eye’s lens, causing it to become disfigured and affecting vision. Depending on the root cause of the uveitis (such as those forms caused by viruses), the iris may thin, and the eye muscles may become weak, making it difficult for the eye to regulate how much light is allowed to enter through the pupil, which can lead to problems with glare.
Depending on the root cause of your uveitis, your eye care professional may suggest long term monitoring, topical or systemic therapy and specific blood testing.
Different types of cysts, cancers, and tumours can develop in the iris:
Diabetes affects the body in many ways and can affect our eye health and vision. Diabetic eye disease may cause new blood vessels to grow on the iris, blocking the drainage system of the eye. When the eye is not able to drain fluid effectively, it can cause the eye’s intraocular pressure to either rise slowly or spike suddenly, causing glaucoma.
Many genetic diseases can affect our eye health and vision. One of the most common is aniridia, which causes either some or all of the iris to waste away, revealing the crystalline lens beneath. This condition is challenging to treat as the eye is involved at multiple levels, including the ocular surface, the iris, the macula and the optic nerve.
Another common condition is posterior polymorphic dystrophy, which affects the internal layers of the cornea (the endothelium) and can cause the pupil to change. This abnormal endothelium structure can cause it to fold, or create lines or cysts. Though these may be alarming, they rarely affect vision.
Another genetic disease that can affect the iris is neurofibromatosis type 1, a type of neurological disorder. A common symptom of this condition is the development of tiny coloured bumps (called Lisch nodules) on the iris. This symptom is common in most patients with this condition.
Without immediate treatment, eye trauma can have devastating consequences. 2 common injuries we treat are corneal perforations and iridodialysis.
The main purpose of the eyelids is to help protect the ocular surface by helping clear debris and keeping the eye lubricated. Eyelids are made up of an external layer of skin, as well as a thin muscle layer and a layer of glands that are responsible for producing oil (called meibum). They also include a tougher, cartilage type layer called tarsi, which gives the eyelids their shape. There is also a delicate layer of skin on the inside of the eyelid, which consists of multiple thinner layers of skin.
Like any other body part, eyelids can become damaged or infected. Common eyelid issues we encounter include:
Eyelid trauma includes lid lacerations (cuts), which can either go partially through or fully through the eyelid. A form of this is called lid avulsion, which causes one side of the eyelid to pull away from its original attachment point. Depending on the root cause and severity of your eyelid trauma, both medical and surgical management will likely be required.
Several conditions can cause the eyelid to become irritated or inflamed:
Eyelid infections can be caused by viruses, parasites, bacteria, or fungi and can impact the lashes, eyelid skin, internal eyelid layers, and eyelid margin. Since these infections can have many root causes, it is vital to get a proper diagnosis. Common treatments include oral or topical medications, though the culturing and debridement of lesions may also be suggested.
Preseptal cellulitis can be characterized as a superficial infection of the tissues of the eyelid and surrounding eye. These infections may improve on their own or may need a course of oral antibiotics.
Postseptal cellulitis (also called orbital cellulitis) is an infection of the deeper tissues of the eyelid or the surrounding orbital tissues, which may progress to orbital cellulitis, a deeper also involving tissues around the eyeball. This type of eyelid infection can be quite severe, and typically requires medical imaging as well as treatment using either oral or IV antibiotics. In rare, serious cases treating these infections may require an urgent consult with either an oculoplastic or plastic surgeon or a pediatric ophthalmologist.
Some structural disorders of the eyelids and eyelashes require surgery to correct the issue and properly repair the issue. Depending on the severity of the situation, your eye care professional may need to consult with an oculoplastic or plastic surgeon.
Common structural disorders include:
Though most bumps and lumps that grow along the outer eyelids, along the eyelashes, or eyelid margin are benign depending on their type, size, and location, they may cause irritation and require surgical removal. Your eye care professional will assess the situation and may refer you to an oculoplastic or plastic surgeon so that these lesions can be managed or removed.
Precancerous and cancerous lesions can present anywhere, including along the eyelid skin, along the eyelashes, or on the eyelid margin. Cancer requires aggressive treatment methods, so any suspicious bumps or lumps should be reported to your eye care professional.
Blepharospasms typically present as bilateral (meaning in both eyes) uncontrollable blinking or contractions of the eyelids and some surrounding facial muscles and may prevent you from opening your eyelids. Blepharospasms may be a sign of underlying eye disease. Depending on the root cause of your condition, your eye care professional may suggest medical imaging or, in serious cases, botox injections. They may also refer you to an oculoplastic surgeon for further treatment.
Our eyes drain using little holes (called punctum) on the inside part of the eyelid closest to the nose. Tiny tube-like pathways (called the canaliculus) take the tears from the inside of the eyelids to the nose, and then into a special gland in the nose called the nasolacrimal duct. Our tears are actually supposed to drain through our nose (which is why we need to blow our noses after crying).
When we produce too many tears, which can be caused by dry eye or reflex tearing, or the tear ducts become blocked or narrowed, the excess tears roll down our cheeks. Tearing disorders can have several root causes:
The retina acts like the screen at a movie theatre. As light enters the eye, it is focused by the cornea and the lens, and falls on the retina, which is located at the back of the eye and is made of light-sensitive tissue.
The retina is divided into two main parts: the macula is a small, specialized area in the centre of the retina responsible for detailed and colour vision. It is surrounded by the peripheral retina, which is responsible for peripheral vision.
The macula is a tiny, specialized area of the retina that is responsible for our detailed, central vision.
Macular edema is a serious condition caused by pockets of fluid forming in the macula. This usually occurs when damaged blood vessels leak blood, causing the macula to swell and become damaged.
Macular edema can have many root causes, including:
Uncontrolled diabetes allows blood sugar levels to spike. This damages the macula, causing it to swell and leak fluid.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes the macula to thin, typically due to ageing, and may eventually cause the macula to swell and leak blood. For more information about AMD, please visit the AMD section of this page.
As our eyes age, the vitreous humour slowly liquifies and detaches from the macula (which can cause floaters to form). When the vitreous doesn’t detach completely, it may tug on the macula, damaging it and causing scar tissue to form and pockets of fluid to collect underneath. This condition is called macular pucker traction, or vitreomacular traction.
RVO is a disease that causes the blood vessels to become blocked and allow blood and other fluids to leak into the macula.
Genetic conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa, can cause macular damage.
Inflammatory eye diseases such as uveitis (discussed above) cause the body to misidentify our own tissues as hostile, causing the immune system to attack and damage them. This can damage retinal blood vessels and cause the macula to swell.
Both benign and malignant tumours can lead to macular edema.
Eye trauma can cause a variety of eye health and vision problems, including macular edema.
Select medications can increase your chances of developing macular edema.
When the central portion of the retina becomes damaged, it can lead to a serious condition called Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Because only the macula is affected, patients with unaddressed AMD slowly lose their central vision and their ability to see fine details such as facial expressions while retaining their peripheral vision.
There are 2 types of AMD: Dry AMD and wet AMD.
Your chances of developing AMD are higher than the average patient if you:
Many patients don’t realize they have AMD until their vision is already compromised. That is why it is vital to visit your eye care professional regularly for comprehensive eye exams.
Many disorders can affect the peripheral retina. Without treatment, they will lead to permanent and irreversible vision loss. These problems include:
Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) can occur when branches from your retinal vein become blocked, which may lead to blood and fluids spilling into your macula and causing vision loss. High blood pressure is a risk factor.
Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) occurs when your main retinal vein becomes blocked or clogged, which may lead to blood and fluids spilling into your macula and causing vision loss.
As we grow older, the vitreous naturally shrinks and liquifies and pulls away from your retina. Infrequently, this pulling away of the vitreous may lead to a retinal tear which may result in a significant increase in floaters and loss of vision leading to a retinal detachment.
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels in your retina become damaged, leading to your retina growing new, but delicate, blood vessels to provide your retina the nutrients it needs. However, these vessels can break and leak into your retina, leading to vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy usually occurs in patients with poor blood sugar control or long term diabetes.
Shingles are a painful red rash that can form and scab over. Shingles can develop in your eye, and cause serious problems with your vision.
Ocular melanoma is a type of cancer that can develop in the cells that produce the pigment of your eye. It’s a rare form of cancer, but it is the most common form of eye cancer in the eye for adults.
Posterior vitreous detachment can occur when your vitreous pulls away from your retina.
Retinal detachment is an ocular emergency that can cause vision loss. It generally occurs when the vitreous pulls hard on the retina as you age.
When you have high blood pressure, the walls of your retinal blood vessels can thicken and restrict the amount of blood that reaches the retina. Hypertensive retinopathy usually occurs in patients with acute or chronic uncontrolled blood pressure.
Our office is located on the South side of North Hill Mall in the professional building. Please note there is no entrance to our clinic from the mall.
We offer plenty of free 3-hour parking right outside our clinic, and we are easily accessible from Lion’s Park Station located on 14th Ave. NW.
We offer a variety of refractive surgery options including ICL, Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), LASIK, and PRK. During ICL and Refractive Lens Exchange an intraocular lens is used to correct your vision. LASIK and PRK use a laser to correct your prescription. We can help you achieve clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Refractive Surgery
Cataracts are a common condition that often develops with age. Diabetes, certain medications, and trauma can also increase cataract risk. We offer a variety of advanced cataract surgery and intraocular lens options.
Calgary’s Source for Excellent Cataract Care
We are a comprehensive ophthalmology office treating all types of eye conditions such as glaucoma, eyelid, eye surface, IOL, uveitis, retina problems and more. Our Ophthalmologists offer on-site laser and minor surgery to treat eye diseases.
Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Your cornea, the clear front part of your eye, refracts light entering your eye. When your cornea develops an issue, it can affect your whole vision. We offer a variety of treatments, including cornea transplants, corneal cross-linking, and PTK surgery.
Cornea Surgery & Crosslinking in Calgary
