Glaucoma refers to a family of diseases that damage the optic nerve and is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada. It is a progressive disease that most often occurs in individuals over the age of 40, with the risk of the disease increasing with age. Elevated pressure within the eye damages the optic nerve, which if not detected and treated early, can lead to serious vision loss. There are usually no symptoms until the disease is advanced. Regular visits with an optometrist can detect the disease early enough to prevent vision loss.