Glaucoma Screening & Management in Hamilton, ON

Comprehensive glaucoma screening and ongoing management at You & Eye Optometry, 674 Fennell Ave E, Hamilton Mountain. Eye pressure checks, optic nerve evaluation, and OCT imaging. OHIP-covered for eligible patients including those with diagnosed glaucoma.

Book an Appointment (905) 745-5507

Quick Facts

  • Glaucoma screening at every comprehensive eye exam
  • OCT optic nerve and RNFL imaging for precise monitoring
  • OHIP-covered for patients with diagnosed glaucoma
  • Referrals to glaucoma specialists when required
  • Call or text: (905) 745-5507

Glaucoma Screening and Management in Hamilton, ON

Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of sight — and for good reason. The most common form causes absolutely no symptoms until significant, permanent vision loss has already occurred. By the time most people notice something is wrong, up to 40% of their optic nerve fibres may already be gone — damage that cannot be undone.

At You & Eye Optometry on Fennell Ave E, Hamilton Mountain, we screen for glaucoma at every comprehensive eye exam and provide advanced monitoring using eye pressure measurement, optic nerve assessment, and OCT nerve fibre layer imaging.

Types of Glaucoma

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

The most common type (90%+ of cases). Gradual, painless, asymptomatic until advanced. Peripheral vision loss progresses to tunnel vision.

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

A sudden, painful rise in eye pressure — a medical emergency. Symptoms include severe eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and halos.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Optic nerve damage despite normal IOP. Requires close monitoring of other risk factors including blood pressure and vascular health.

Ocular Hypertension

Elevated IOP without current optic nerve damage. A significant risk factor requiring regular monitoring.

Glaucoma Risk Factors

  • Age: Risk doubles every decade after 40
  • Family history: First-degree relatives with glaucoma increases risk 4-9 times
  • Elevated intraocular pressure
  • Diabetes: Up to 2 times the glaucoma risk
  • High myopia: High prescriptions are associated with increased glaucoma risk
  • Thin central corneas: An independent glaucoma risk factor

How We Detect and Monitor Glaucoma

1

Intraocular Pressure (IOP)

Tonometry measures eye pressure — the primary risk factor for glaucoma damage. Performed at every exam.

2

Optic Nerve Evaluation

Slit-lamp examination assesses the cup-to-disc ratio and looks for signs of glaucomatous cupping.

3

OCT Nerve Fibre Layer

OCT imaging measures retinal nerve fibre layer thickness — detecting thinning before visual field loss begins.

4

Visual Field Testing

Automated perimetry maps peripheral vision to detect and quantify glaucomatous field defects.

5

Corneal Thickness

Pachymetry measures corneal thickness — a key risk factor and important for accurate IOP interpretation.

6

Serial Monitoring

Comparing results over time tracks IOP trends, nerve fibre thickness, and field changes.

Adults with a diagnosis of glaucoma or glaucoma suspect are eligible for OHIP-covered eye exams regardless of age — including adults 20-64. We directly bill OHIP for all eligible glaucoma patients.

Glaucoma Treatment and Referrals

Early-stage glaucoma is typically managed with daily prescription eye drops that lower intraocular pressure. We prescribe and manage topical glaucoma medications where appropriate. For patients requiring laser therapy (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty / SLT) or surgery, we refer to glaucoma specialists at Hamilton Regional Eye Institute and Hamilton Eye Physicians & Surgeons and provide ongoing co-management locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that progressively damage the optic nerve, usually due to elevated eye pressure. The most common form causes no symptoms until significant, irreversible vision loss has occurred. It is the leading cause of preventable blindness in Canada.
Yes. Adults with a diagnosis of glaucoma or glaucoma suspect are eligible for OHIP-covered exams regardless of age — including adults 20-64 who would not otherwise be covered. We directly bill OHIP for all eligible glaucoma patients.
Glaucoma cannot be cured, and vision lost to glaucoma is permanent and irreversible. However, with early detection and consistent treatment — eye drops, laser therapy (SLT), or surgery — progression can be dramatically slowed or halted, preserving most functional vision for life.
Normal IOP is generally 10-21 mmHg. However, glaucoma can occur at normal pressures and some people tolerate higher pressures without damage. Diagnosis requires a full assessment of pressure, optic nerve, OCT imaging, and visual fields.
No referral needed. Book an eye exam by calling or texting (905) 745-5507. Mention your glaucoma risk or diagnosis when booking so we can allocate appropriate time and equipment.

Book a Glaucoma Screening in Hamilton

Protect your vision with regular glaucoma monitoring at You & Eye Optometry. Early detection is the only way to prevent permanent vision loss. OHIP-covered for eligible patients.

Request Appointment Online Call (905) 745-5507

Other Eye Care Services in Hamilton

OCT Retinal Imaging

Essential for nerve fibre layer monitoring in glaucoma.

Senior Eye Exams

Annual OHIP-covered exams for patients 65+. Glaucoma screening included.

Macular Degeneration

AMD monitoring and management at the same Hamilton clinic.

Diabetic Eye Care

Diabetic patients have elevated glaucoma risk — annual exams essential.