by Dr. Clark Tardiff, Optometrist
March 23 is World Optometry Day, serving as a yearly reminder for Canadians to prioritize their eye health and celebrate the important role optometrists play in protecting our vision. This year, let us focus on how the ‘silent thief of sight’, glaucoma, is impacting Canadians across the country and how optometrists support in the early detection and monitoring of the condition.
There are many different types of glaucoma, but all cause damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve plays a critical role in sending images to our brain and without proper treatment and management of the disease, those impacted can experience irreversible vision loss.
Recent Specsavers surveys, conducted by Leger, show the majority of Canadians (71%) expect at least one early warning symptom of glaucoma. This is concerning as in its early stages the condition progresses without noticeable symptoms – hence the name “silent thief of vision.” Most don’t notice the symptoms until irreversible damage to vision has already occurred, and if early signs do occur, you may notice subtle changes in vision, such as blurriness, difficulty focusing, and light sensitivity.
Regular visits to an optometrist and early detection through 3D eye scans are crucial for treatment and ongoing monitoring of glaucoma. A 3D eye scan – optical coherence tomography (OCT) – helps optometrists see what is going on beneath the surface of the eye, spot any abnormalities, and identify eye diseases in their earliest stages. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that adults have their eyes tested every one to two years, or as advised by your eyecare professional.
Although the exact cause of glaucoma is unknown, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition, such as family history, increasing age, certain ethnicities, and ocular hypertension.
If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, your optometrist will work closely with you on monitoring and treatment, ensuring you receive personalized care in order to slow the progression and preserve your eyesight where possible.
As we recognize World Optometry Day, let us commit to prioritizing our eye health by visiting our optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam.
