Glaucoma

Open angle glaucoma accounts for 90 percent of glaucoma cases and has few or no symptoms in its early stages. Glaucoma is basically the result of damage to the layer of nerve fibers which can lead to blindness. In the past, glaucoma was defined as an increase in pressure inside the eye. Today, high pressure in the eye is considered an important risk factor for developing the disease. Patients can have glaucoma even if they have low or normal pressure inside the eye. Intraocular pressure is therefore only one element among others. During the examination, your optometrist will take into account the condition of the optic nerve as well as the visual field.

Patients with glaucoma can go years undetected and untreated, leading to more damage to nerve fibers. Advanced cases of untreated glaucoma can lead to significant vision loss.

In Quebec, ophthalmologists can treat glaucoma and optometrists can co-manage the treatment with ophthalmologists. Optometrists may renew or change a prescription to treat glaucoma with the written or oral consent of an ophthalmologist.

Waiting times to see an ophthalmologist can be quite long. Patients who have an optometrist who manages their glaucoma with their ophthalmologist may benefit from intraocular pressure tests more frequently. These patients can also have their eye medications refilled sooner.