Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that are characterized by damage to the optic nerve at the back of the eye, causing permanent vision loss. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Disease progression is typically painless and unnoticeable until a significant reduction in vision occurs. As such,glaucoma is often referred to as the silent thief of vision. The exact causes of glaucoma are not well understood. However, several risk factors have been identified including age, family history, and elevated pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure), the latter being the major modifiable risk factor. Once an ophthalmologist has given the diagnosis of glaucoma, the typical first line of treatment consists of eye drops to lower the intraocular pressure. At times, a person may be using multiple different types of drops to effectively lower pressure. Laser treatment or surgical options are sometimes necessary. Surgery involves making an alternate drainage system for the fluid in the eye and is usually performed when medications and lasers are inadequate. There is no cure for glaucoma and slowing vision loss in patients with glaucoma requires a dedicated and cooperative effort from the patient and a long term, committed relationship with their eye care professional. This Café Scientifique will provide an excellent forum to disseminate information regarding the facts about Glaucoma. It will serve to address a need in the community for patient education on a disease that is largely painless and asymptomatic until significant vision has been permanently lost. Important questions that will be addressed during the course of the Café will include: What is Glaucoma? What are the different types of Glaucoma? What causes Glaucoma? How is Glaucoma diagnosed? How is Glaucoma treated? Are there new treatment options being developed for Glaucoma?