WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma is a chronic progressive eye disease characterized by a degeneration of the optic nerve. This can lead to serious vision loss if not detected and treated early. The optic nerve takes all of the information the eye sees and transmits that information to the brain.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada. It most frequently occurs in individuals over the age of 40, and there is a hereditary tendency for the development of the disease in some families. There is also a greater risk of developing glaucoma when you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a history of eye injuries.
Regular eye examinations by a doctor of optometry are important for people of all ages to assess the presence of, or your risk for, glaucoma. Glaucoma cannot be detected without an eye exam.
At Fairlawn Eye Care we use the latest technology in retinal imaging for early detection and treatment of glaucoma.