Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it typically has no pain or symptoms in early stages - yet it is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. By the time vision changes are noticeable, significant and irreversible damage has already occurred. Early detection through regular eye exams is the only way to protect your vision.
At Avalon Eye Care in Vaughan, our optometrists screen for glaucoma as part of every comprehensive eye exam, and can perform more detailed glaucoma assessments for patients at elevated risk.
Elevated eye pressure is a key indicator of glaucoma. We measure IOP using non-contact tonometry - quick, comfortable, and non-invasive.
Glaucoma damages peripheral (side) vision first. Our visual field test maps your full visual field to detect early peripheral vision loss before it affects daily life.
High-resolution photos of your optic nerve and retina allow our optometrists to monitor for structural changes year over year - a critical tool for early detection.
After dilation, your optometrist examines the optic nerve head directly for signs of cupping or pallor - hallmarks of glaucomatous damage.
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be managed successfully when caught early. Treatment depends on how advanced it is and is decided together with an ophthalmologist. Our optometrists in Vaughan co-manage glaucoma patients with ophthalmologists and can monitor your condition closely with regular follow-up appointments.
If you have a family history of glaucoma or any of the risk factors listed above, please do not wait for symptoms - book a glaucoma screening at Avalon Eye Care in Vaughan today.
Glaucoma screening is included in every comprehensive eye exam. OHIP covers a yearly eye exam for children and teens 19 and under and adults 65 and over. Adults 20-64 are covered by OHIP only with certain medical eye conditions, such as diagnosed glaucoma; otherwise the exam is paid privately or through extended health benefits, which we bill directly.
Most common forms of glaucoma have no early warning signs - which is exactly why it is called the silent thief of sight. Some patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma may experience sudden eye pain, halos around lights, blurred vision, nausea, or headache. If you experience any of these symptoms, call Avalon Eye Care in Vaughan immediately at 905-856-3937.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that adults 40 and over receive a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years. If you have risk factors for glaucoma (family history, elevated IOP, diabetes), annual testing is strongly recommended. Your optometrist will advise the appropriate frequency based on your individual risk profile.
Glaucoma cannot currently be cured, but it can be effectively managed to prevent further vision loss. With the right treatment, managed together with an ophthalmologist, progression can be slowed or stopped. Vision already lost to glaucoma cannot be restored - which is why early detection is so important.
Vaughan & Woodbridge. OHIP & direct insurance billing.
Book Online 905-856-3937200 Whitmore Rd, Unit #15
Woodbridge (Vaughan), ON L4L 7K4
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Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to elevated eye pressure. It is called the 'silent thief of sight' because it causes no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
We test for glaucoma using tonometry (eye pressure measurement), optic nerve assessment, and OCT imaging of the retinal nerve fibre layer. Visual field testing checks for peripheral vision loss. Caught early, glaucoma can be managed effectively, together with an ophthalmologist when needed.
Risk factors include: family history of glaucoma, age over 60, elevated eye pressure, thin corneas, African or Hispanic ancestry, diabetes, high myopia, and previous eye injuries. Everyone over 40 should be screened annually.
The eye exam is OHIP-covered for eligible patients (under 20, over 65, or with a diagnosed eye condition such as glaucoma). Patients diagnosed with glaucoma may qualify for more frequent OHIP-covered visits.