Only an eye exam can detect this insidious eye disease called “the silent thief of vision”: it is recommended that you have your vision checked regularly.

TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2023 /CNW/ – Dubbed the “silent thief of vision,” glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. This disease currently affects nearly 800,000 Canadians. Despite the high number, a nationwide survey by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS), in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Optometrists, found that less than half of Canadians, or 47 percent, say they know what glaucoma is; that figure rises to 37 percent in the young adult age group 18-34 years. As part of Glaucoma Awareness Month, the COS would like to remind Canadians of the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams, as it is the only way to detect this eye disease and prevent vision loss.

COS President Dr. Phil Hooper would like to draw attention to the fact that while many diseases can cause vision loss, none is as insidious as glaucoma. He reports that the disease develops over a long period of time and results in few symptoms. The consequences for eye health are slow to set in and the resulting damage is irreversible. He says that although there is no cure for glaucoma today, medication and surgery can slow its progression and help people live with the disease.

In practice, optometrists can diagnose and often treat some types of glaucoma, but if the stage of the disease is advanced or the disease is progressing rapidly, patients are referred to an ophthalmologist. Take the case of Virginia Gray, a 68-year-old patient with glaucoma who noticed changes in her vision. Even after several years, she could not get a confirmed diagnosis. She then became an ophthalmologist, COS member Dr. Briar Sexton, sent. During the appointment, Dr. Sexton performed a visual field test on her patient. This assessment tests a patient’s peripheral vision by asking them to press a button each time they see a flashing light.

Because Ms. Gray’s glaucoma was not associated with increased eye pressure, it was difficult for an ophthalmologist to make an accurate diagnosis. After her optometrist referred her to Dr. After referring Sexton, an ophthalmologist, she was able to decide on the appropriate treatment program that significantly slowed the progression of the disease and consequently limited the extent of damage to the optic nerve.

Diseases that cause blindness most commonly affect older adults (55 years and older). As the population ages, so does the number of people affected by visual impairments. For this reason, the COS and several other ophthalmic associations strongly recommend the establishment of an eye health bureau affiliated with the Public Health Agency of Canada. This national initiative would support eye health and work with provinces and territories on strategies focused on eye health, eye care and the full integration of rehabilitation therapy after vision loss.

Based on her experience, Ms. Gray strongly recommends that all Canadians concerned about changes in their vision, particularly those over 50, see a doctor. This makes it possible to determine whether the intervention of an ophthalmologist is necessary. She adds that it’s never too early to take care of your eyes. It is important to act now by educating yourself about this disease and becoming familiar with its diagnosis and treatment.

Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve. This nerve, made up of several nerve fibers, serves to transmit the images that a person sees through their eyes to the brain. Over time, nerve fibers become damaged and can cause blind spots and vision loss. To detect glaucoma, your eye doctor may perform a number of tests that may include:

• Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure;

• A gonioscopy to examine the outflow angle of the aqueous humor from the eye;

• ophthalmoscopy to assess the appearance of the optic nerve;

• A visual field test to assess peripheral vision;

• An optical coherence tomography to assess the thickness of the retina and optic nerve.

To learn more about glaucoma risk factors, diagnosis and treatment, visit the See the Possibilities website.

About the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS)

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is the recognized national authority on ophthalmology and ophthalmology in Canada. It brings together ophthalmologists and surgeons and has among its members more than 900 ophthalmologists and 200 interns in ophthalmology. It ensures Canadians receive the best possible medical and surgical eye care by promoting the pursuit of excellence in ophthalmology and providing support services to its practicing members. The COS works with the government, provincial partners and organizations and other national and international professional societies, academic communities (ACUPO), and with other ophthalmologists and patient groups to promote active vision and eye health policy in Canada. COS is an accredited and award-winning Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity provider of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) program and a subsidiary of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). Visit cos-sco.ca for more information.

Publication of the Health Index: 01/10/2023 – Number of visits since publication: 23

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