Glaucoma

Usually 40-50% of your nerve fibres deteriorates before you would notice a problem! Make sure you get routine eye exams so our optometrists can help detect glaucoma as early as possible.

Glaucoma is the degeneration of the optic nerve that leads to a loss of peripheral vision, then later central vision. The most common type of glaucoma is Open Angle glaucoma, which can progress asymptomatically and painlessly, while the less common type of Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma can cause nausea, vomiting, eye pain, and blurry vision. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting information from the eye to the brain. If the optic nerve degenerates, information cannot travel to the brain, resulting in vision loss. Our brain, however, is very good at masking visual field defects; hence, early stages of glaucoma can develop unknowingly to an individual. The only way to detect glaucoma early on is through a comprehensive eye exam, where our doctors evaluate the health of the optic nerve. When necessary, a visual field test or other technology may be used to determine one’s risk. It often takes about 40-50% of nerve fibre loss before visual defects are even perceived. The risk is also higher for individuals who have a positive family history of glaucoma. Currently there is no cure for glaucoma. However, the deterioration of vision can be slowed down with medicated eye drops or surgery. Regular eye examinations with your optometrist can help screen for and prevent glaucoma.