Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that causes optic nerve degeneration, leading to gradual, irreversible vision loss, and is a leading cause of blindness in Canada. However, if glaucoma is diagnosed early enough, regular monitoring and careful management can help slow the disease’s progression and prevent vision loss.

There are different forms of glaucoma. Although it’s usually related to increased pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve, it can also be present even when the eye’s pressure is normal.

Early detection is critical to preventing vision loss associated with glaucoma. We use tonometry to measure the eye’s internal pressure to test for glaucoma in all our patients during their comprehensive eye exam. Tonometry is a non-invasive and effective tool for detecting glaucoma.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that damages the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision. AMD doesn’t affect the peripheral vision but can impact the ability to read, drive, or even recognize faces.

AMD is primarily related to the aging process and is a leading cause of blindness in individuals over 55 in North America.

There are two types of AMD:

• Dry AMD is the most common form and progresses slowly, with symptoms developing over time. Dry AMD is caused by the development of drusen beneath the macula as we age and can affect one or both eyes. In some cases, dry AMD can progress to wet AMD.

• Wet AMD is less common than dry AMD but is more severe and progresses rapidly. It is caused by abnormal blood vessels leaking fluid or blood into the macula and is considered an ocular emergency.

Regular comprehensive eye exams can help catch AMD before it leads to vision loss.

The vitreous humour is the clear, jelly-like fluid that makes up 75% of the eye’s volume and is largely responsible for maintaining the eye’s shape. The vitreous is also tightly held to the retina, and as we age, it can shrink and pull away from the retina, leading to vitreous detachment. When this happens, it can cause floaters and flashes.

• Floaters: As we age and the vitreous shrinks, the collagen and proteins in it become fibrous and stringy and can float around in the fluid, casting shadows on the retina. These floaters can look like specks of dust or small bugs that dart away as you try to look at them.

• Flashes: Sometimes, floaters are accompanied by bright flashes of light. These flashes occur when the vitreous pulls away from the retina. The symptoms of vitreous detachment are similar to retinal detachment, which can compromise vision, so it’s important to see an optometrist if you’re experiencing flashes.

Although floaters and flashes are more of a nuisance than a risk to eye health, if you’re experiencing a sudden onset of flashes or floaters, please book an urgent appointment, so we can rule out anything more serious, such as a retinal detachment.