Glaucoma Testing & Treatment in Windsor & Tecumseh
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide — and one of the most preventable, when caught early. At Vespa Vision Centre, every comprehensive eye exam includes glaucoma screening, because this disease often has no symptoms until significant vision has already been lost.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP). Left untreated, glaucoma gradually destroys peripheral vision and can eventually lead to blindness. Because vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed, early detection through regular eye exams is the most effective protection.
What are the
symptoms of glaucoma?
Most people with early-stage glaucoma notice no symptoms at all — this is why it's often called the "silent thief of sight." As the disease progresses, symptoms can include:
-
Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
-
Tunnel vision in advanced stages
-
Eye pain, redness, or blurred vision (in acute angle-closure glaucoma, which requires emergency care)
-
Halos around lights
What causes glaucoma?
The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, develops when the eye's drainage system doesn't function efficiently, causing fluid pressure to build gradually. Risk factors include:​
-
Age over 60
-
Family history of glaucoma
-
Diabetes
-
High eye pressure (elevated IOP)
-
Thin corneas
-
Certain medications, including long-term steroid use
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
At Vespa Vision Centre, glaucoma screening is part of every comprehensive eye exam and includes:
-
Tonometry — measuring intraocular pressure
-
Maestro OCT (optical coherence tomography) — detailed imaging of the optic nerve fibers to detect structural changes years before vision loss becomes noticeable
-
Humphrey Visual Field testing — precisely mapping peripheral vision to catch early loss that patients themselves haven't noticed
-
Dilated eye examination — direct assessment of the optic nerve
How is glaucoma treated?
Glaucoma can't be cured, but it can almost always be controlled when caught early. Treatment options include:
-
Prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure
-
Laser treatment
-
Referral for surgical intervention in advanced cases, co-managed with a Windsor-area ophthalmologist
What technology do you use to detect glaucoma?
We use the Maestro OCT system to capture high-resolution cross-sectional images of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer, allowing us to detect microscopic structural changes long before they'd show up on a standard exam. We pair this with Humphrey Visual Field testing, the clinical gold standard for mapping peripheral vision loss. Together, these tools let us catch and monitor glaucoma with a level of precision that wasn't possible even a decade ago.
Is glaucoma testing covered by OHIP?
Ontario adults over 65 and children under 19 receive OHIP-covered annual eye exams, which include glaucoma screening. Adults aged 20–64 are covered for a comprehensive assessment if referred for a specific medical concern, such as elevated risk factors for glaucoma. Our team can confirm your specific coverage before your visit.