Eye Disease Diagnosis & Management in North Toronto

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in Canada. They are a common part of ageing and happen when the usually transparent lens becomes cloudy and opaque, causing blurry vision. While they are common, this condition is very treatable after the proper diagnosis.

In their early stages, cataracts can be managed with stronger glasses prescriptions, and workarounds such as magnifying aids and increased light can minimize their effect on your daily activities. As cataracts progress, they can be treated with cataract surgery.

Glaucoma is among the leading causes of blindness in Canada. The term glaucoma encompasses a number of diseases that cause progressive degeneration of the optic nerve. The degeneration leads to loss of nerve tissues that results in gradual but irreversible vision loss.

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma and is characterized by elevated eye pressure resulting from a backup of fluid. When glaucoma is diagnosed early, it can be treated with eye drops, medication, and surgery.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in adults over age fifty-five. It affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina that is responsible for detailed vision. Those with AMD often have difficulty reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

Ageing is the most significant risk factor for AMD, but you can reduce your risk by wearing sunglasses and eating healthily. The main management methods for AMD include nutritional supplements and lifestyle modifications, like quitting smoking.

Conjunctivochalasis is a fairly common condition seen by optometrists. The conjunctiva is the tissue that lines the inner eye, and “chalasis” means relaxation of tissue. Conjunctivochalasis occurs when the conjunctiva loses its elasticity and becomes loose, causing it to bunch up in the lower lid margin.

The symptoms can be very similar to dry eye, but the pain will be more localized and especially apparent when blinking. Many patients also experience an “out of body sensation”. Once conjunctivochalasis is diagnosed, it can be treated with medications like corticosteroids.

Retinal holes and tears are small breaks in the retina. While they may not cause vision problems right away, it’s important to diagnose holes and tears early as they can cause fluid to leak into the space behind the retina, damaging the light-sensitive cells that are responsible for vision.

In severe cases, holes and tears can lead to full retinal detachment. The main signs of retinal detachment include a sudden onset of floaters and flashes.

If you notice any sudden changes in your vision like floaters and flashes, visit your optometrist right away for an emergency appointment.

The vitreous is the liquid that gives your eye its shape and volume. It’s contained in a sac that is attached to the retina. When vitreous detachment occurs, the vitreous pulls away from the retina and shrinks. While vitreous detachment may not cause vision problems right away, it can lead to a retinal detachment, an incredibly serious condition that, if not treated promptly, can lead to vision loss or even blindness.