Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious condition that damages your optic nerve. Untreated glaucoma can result in permanent loss of vision. Glaucoma tends to be inherited and may not show up until later in life. It is also often asymptomatic until the late stages of the disease. It progresses slowly and often is not noticed by patients until they have suffered permanent vision loss and related lifestyle impacts such as the inability to legally drive. If you're over the age of 40 and have health problems such as diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, you should have an eye exam every year.

Optometrists can diagnose, treat and manage glaucoma.

Regular eye exams are the best protection against glaucoma

Awareness is is the key to beating glaucoma.  A recent study has shown that Canadians are not doing enough to protect themselves (by getting regular eye exams) and that glaucoma rates  are rising in Canada.  This shows just how important glaucoma awareness is.

When glaucoma damages your optic nerve, you begin to lose patches of vision, usually starting with your side vision (peripheral vision). Over time, glaucoma may also damage central vision. Many people do not notice a loss of side vision until they have permanently lost a great deal of vision. That is why it is so important to get annual eye exams that can diagnose glaucoma before it is too late. Those who have risk factors for glaucoma may need more frequent eye exams (talk to your eye doctor if you are unsure about how often to have an exam).  When checking for glaucoma, eye doctors usually look for damage to the optic nerve and any loss of side vision. They may also check your eye pressure because high pressure in the eye can damage the optic nerve. Once glaucoma takes your vision, you will never get it back.  Early detection is the best way to retain your sight

Eye Exam finds Glaucoma: