Canadians Leave Themselves at Risk for Detectable Eye Disease: CAO Survey

A recent national survey has revealed that a majority of Canadians believe they don’t need to see an eye doctor if they can see well – despite the fact that some eye diseases can progress without symptoms or warnings.

Conducted by the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), the survey found that there is still a great need to make Canadians aware of the importance of regular eye exams for preventative purposes.

Alarmingly, 57 per cent of Canadians surveyed believe eye examinations are only necessary for people who are experiencing eye problems. Half of those surveyed agreed that symptoms would be an indicator that something is wrong with their eyes, although the CAO stresses the fact that many eye conditions may not have symptoms at first and can progress to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. Glaucoma, for example, progresses quickly with even small increases in the pressure in your eyes (see the CNIB-funded Canadian Glaucoma Study to learn more). But a tonometry test, which is part of most routine eye exams, will detect this, long before vision loss may occur.

Talk to your eye doctor to discuss how often you need to have your eyes examined based on your medical and family history. Younger children, older adults and people who are at risk for eye disease – such as diabetic patients – are encouraged to visit their eye doctors more frequently. Making eye examinations part of your family’s yearly health check-up routine can literally save your sight, or the sight of someone you care about.

Visit CNIB’s website for six more things you can do to keep your eyes healthy.

Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options for age-related eye conditions in CNIB’s new guide, You and Your Vision Health: Yes! Something More Can Be Done. You can download an electronic version or purchase a hard copy by calling 1-800-563-2642.