Dr. Natasha Wood

Dr. Natasha Wood graduated from The New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts, where she held honours both in the clinic and in the classroom and won the Robert Allard Compassionate Clinican Award. While studying she spent time in a Veteran’s Hospital, private and public practice settings. She gained expertise in pediatrics, contact lenses, geriatrics, and ocular disease.

Natasha is originally from Nova Scotia and achieved her B.Sc. in Neuroscience from Dalhousie University. After graduation she moved to Calgary where she first discovered a love for optometry while working as an optometric assistant.


Natasha is excited to be a part of Mountain View Optometry’s enthusiastic and professional team. She is an active member of the Alberta Association of Optometrists. She has a special interest in family care, is a great listener and performs eye exams tailored to the needs of each individual patient. She strongly believes in the importance of education and empowering her patients in the management of their own healthcare.


Natasha has a love for the mountains and spends her spare time hiking, cycling, downhill and cross-country skiing. She lives in Calgary with her husband, Matt, and faithful canine companion, Larry.

By Dr. Wilk 21 Mar, 2024
Headaches are a common occurrence for many people, but when they occur behind the eyes, should one be worried? They happen as a result of several different conditions, from the most benign lifestyle or environmental conditions, to serious indicators of underlying health issues, some of which may require medical attention.
High eye pressure, also known as ocular hypertension, is a condition that can have a detrimental imp
By Dr. Wilk 21 Mar, 2024
What causes high eye pressure and how to reduce it High eye pressure, also known as ocular hypertension, is a condition that can have a detrimental impact on overall eye health. It occurs when there is an imbalance between the production and drainage of fluid inside the eye, leading to increased pressure within. This elevated pressure can damage the optic nerve and eventually cause vision loss if left untreated. One of the most common consequences of high eye pressure is an eye disease called glaucoma , a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can result in irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma is often referred to as the ‘silent thief of sight’; because it typically does not cause any symptoms until it has already caused significant damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma typically causes a gradual loss in peripheral vision as the optic nerve damage progresses. It may lead to complete vision loss if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Medications that cause high eye pressure Steroid medications, as well as some that treat asthma, depression, and allergies, carry a risk of elevating eye pressure and possibly leading to glaucoma. There are several different types of glaucoma , and not all medications are contra-indicated for those at risk. Here is a list of common medications that may increase the risk of high eye pressure: Prednisone Atrovent Spiriva DayQuil/NyQuil Benadryl Allegra Imitrex Prozac Paxil Cymbalta Topamax Remember to consult with your MVO Doctor of Optometry for advice about any medications you are taking and their possible connection to increased eye pressure. Symptoms and risk factors associated with high eye pressure Most of the time, those affected by high eye pressure will not even be aware of it. There are seldom any symptoms of chronically elevated eye pressure. If the pressure remains untreated for several months or years, and glaucoma develops, there could be a gradual loss of peripheral vision and eventual blindness. Some of the risk factors associated with high eye pressure include: Age, Ethnicity, Family history of glaucoma, Physical injuries to the eye, and Certain medical conditions High eye pressure does not always lead to glaucoma. "Normal" eye pressure varies from person to person. Specific testing and follow up performed by an optometrist will determine whether an individual is at risk for permanent vision damage due to high eye pressure. A specific type of glaucoma called “acute angle closure glaucoma” will frequently cause pain, nausea, and blurred vision – this type of glaucoma is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to avoid permanent vision loss. However, acute angle-closure is much less commonly seen than other types of glaucoma. Conditions associated with high eye pressure and glaucoma Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and types of arthritis are associated with an increased risk of high eye pressure and glaucoma. Elevated eye pressure leading to glaucoma is also seen more frequently in some individuals with specific eye shapes or structures that can only be detected during an eye health examination. Increasing age is also a risk factor for high eye pressure and glaucoma. Diagnosing and managing high eye pressure It’s important to have regular eye exams to monitor your eye pressure and detect any signs of high eye pressure or glaucoma early on. Optometrists measure eye pressure using a simple, painless test called tonometry (at MVO, we no longer use the “air puff” test – click here to learn more ). Additional testing is important to determine whether high eye pressure may place one at risk for developing glaucoma. These tests include: OCT Visual fields Retinal imaging Ways to lower eye pressure include eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery to lower the pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Tips for maintaining good eye health and preventing high eye pressure While little is currently known about lifestyle or dietary modifications to reduce the risk of high eye pressure, it’s a good idea to maintain a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and wear UV protection in the form of sunglasses when outdoors. The importance of regular eye exams for detecting high eye pressure Overall, high eye pressure is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on overall eye health. Interestingly, high eye pressure is not required to be diagnosed with glaucoma – therefore, a simple eye pressure test is not enough to rule out this common eye disease. By having regular eye exams and following the advice of your MVO optometrist, you can protect your eyes and reduce the risk of vision loss due to high eye pressure and other forms of eye disease. Remember, early detection and treatment are key in preserving your eye health for years to come. Schedule your regular eye check-ups today at one of our eye clinics in Calgary or Cochrane.
HOW LASERS ARE USED IN VISION CARE
By Dr. Wilk 23 Feb, 2024
Different types of lasers are used for different purposes, in this article we outline some of the most common ones.
Nutrition And Macular Degeneration
By Dr. Wilk 23 Feb, 2024
Explore how nutrition influences macular degeneration risk and learn about key nutrients from AREDS studies to protect your vision. #EyeHealth
THE TRUTH ABOUT EYESIGHT AND WEARING GLASSES: DEBUNKING COMMON MYTHS
By Dr. Wilk 22 Feb, 2024
Discover the truth about glasses and eyesight, debunking myths about vision worsening, the role of glasses in eye health, and the importance of correct prescriptions
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