Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada. It’s sometimes called “the silent thief of sight” because it often progresses slowly and without symptoms. For many, the disease has reached an advanced stage by the time they notice the symptoms.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that are characterized by high intraocular pressure. This pressure is often caused by increased fluid buildup in the eye. Untreated, it can cause damage to the optic nerve. Your optic nerve is responsible for transmitting information from the eyes to the brain. When it becomes damaged, irreversible vision loss and even blindness can occur.
While not everyone with high pressure inside their eye will develop glaucoma, regular, comprehensive eye exams are the best way to detect glaucoma and slow or even prevent vision loss.
This is the most common type of glaucoma, accounting for 90% of the cases in Canada. If too much of the eye’s natural fluid, called aqueous fluid, is produced or trapped in the eye, pressure can build up, damaging the optic nerve.
Less common than open-angle glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical eye emergency that can cause vision loss within a day. It occurs when the drainage angle between the cornea and iris becomes too narrow.
Angle-closure glaucoma can also be a chronic condition. In this case, it takes weeks or years for the drainage angle to close.
People with normal-tension glaucoma have intraocular pressure that falls within the normal range but still sustain damage to their optic nerve. It may be caused by reduced blood supply to the optic nerve or an overly sensitive optic nerve.
If injury, infection, or trauma to the eye occurs, intraocular pressure can rise, leading to secondary glaucoma.
Without proper diagnosis and ongoing management, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blind spots and, in advanced cases, significant vision impairment. Specialized glaucoma care focuses on early detection, precise monitoring of eye pressure and nerve health, and personalized treatment plans that adapt as your eyes change.
For glaucoma patients, this level of care means preserving usable vision, maintaining independence, and reducing the risk of preventable vision loss over time.
Make sure glaucoma does not rob you of your sight. Book an appointment at St.Clair Eye Clinic for a comprehensive eye exam today.
Generally, glaucoma causes a gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, but it can rapidly advance and damage the central vision if left untreated. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but it can be managed, and its impacts can be reduced. Other potential signs include:
Anyone can get glaucoma, but people with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop open-angle glaucoma as those without diabetes.
There are several risk factors that might increase your susceptibility to glaucoma. These include:
If any of these risk factors apply to you, make an appointment in our Midtown Toronto clinic for a comprehensive eye examination.
St. Clair Eye Clinic has been led by Dr. Neel Vyas since 2008, supporting patients across Toronto with a strong focus on complex eye conditions, including advanced glaucoma management.
With more than two decades of experience in medical optometry, Dr. Vyas draws on training shaped by work in optometry and ophthalmology practices, along with time in a private surgical clinic.
Our patients benefit from our advanced diagnostic tools, longer appointment times when needed, and a patient-wellness focus that prioritizes long-term vision preservation.
If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, our eye care team will work closely with you to help you manage your disease. We are with you every step of the way to protect your vision and maintain your quality of life.
In our practice, we use applanation tonometry to measure your intraocular pressure. This test measures the amount of pressure needed to gently flatten the cornea.
We also schedule regular glaucoma check-ups in addition to your annual eye exams. During this visit, we check your vision, ask about eye irritation, and discuss any concerns. We may also take this time to adjust your treatment plan, if necessary.
Many patients experience ocular surface diseases due to their glaucoma medications. To keep your eyes happy and healthy, we try different medications, add supportive drops, or begin dry eye treatment for long-term comfort. We send any medications we prescribe directly to your pharmacy.
If you have a concern about your glaucoma or vision, you can book an urgent glaucoma appointment (within 48 hours) between your regular exams.
Your appointment begins with a detailed discussion of your vision concerns, health history, and any changes you have noticed since your last exam. This is typically followed by:
All of this takes place in a safe, welcoming environment with a team that prioritizes your overall wellness at all times.
Glaucoma is typically identified through a combination of clinical findings rather than a single test. A comprehensive assessment may include measuring eye pressure, evaluating the optic nerve, visual field testing, and retinal imaging. Early detection matters because structural or functional changes can occur long before noticeable vision loss. Identifying these changes early allows care to begin while vision is still fully usable.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma. Options at our St. Clair Eye Clinic can include prescription eye drops, laser procedures, or referrals for surgical care when appropriate. The goal is to manage eye pressure and slow disease progression rather than provide a one-time fix. Treatment plans are adjusted over time based on how the eyes respond.
Our patients receive clear explanations, written instructions when needed, and guidance on managing glaucoma between visits. Education around medication use, follow-up timing, and symptom awareness is a key part of ongoing care. Our support focuses on helping patients feel informed and confident in managing a chronic condition.
Bring a list of current medications, previous eye records if available, and be prepared to discuss family eye health history. Some tests may involve pupil dilation, so planning extra time and possibly bringing a driver with you for the visit is helpful. Writing down questions in advance can also make the appointment more productive.
Care at St. Clair Eye Clinic is led by an optometrist with advanced experience in medical eye disease, supported by diagnostic staff and referral networks when needed. Our team-based approach allows for detailed monitoring, timely adjustments to care, and coordination with other specialists if needed.
Glaucoma includes several forms, such as open-angle, angle-closure, normal-tension, and secondary glaucoma. Causes vary and may involve eye anatomy, pressure regulation issues, genetics, or underlying health conditions.
Glaucoma rarely announces itself, but early, consistent care makes a measurable difference. If you have risk factors, symptoms, or have been referred for glaucoma monitoring, booking an assessment in our Toronto clinic now can help protect the vision you rely on every day.