Get to know the Big 5

Five eye conditions are responsible for most vision loss in Canada.
Check out our quick-hit videos on each of the Big 5 serious eye health concerns and explore their causes, risk factors, and how they’re diagnosed and treated.

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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

AMD is the most common cause of vision loss in Canadians over 60 years old.
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Cataracts

When the lens in your eye becomes cloudy and reduces your ability to see, it is called a cataract.
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Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve caused, in most cases, by an increase in the pressure within the eye.
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Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy develops over time in many people who have diabetes. This disease causes damage to blood vessels in the eye.
A boy with a bandage on his head visits an optometrist for an eye examination.

Eye injury

Learn about the most common eye injuries and how to avoid them.

Check your ‘eye’Q

How much do you know about these eye health topics?

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The Big 5

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The 3 Os

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Meet the 3 Os of the eye care team

Learn the difference between an optician, an optometrist and an ophthalmologist.

THE 3 Os

Follow real patients' eye health journeys

See the inspiring stories of patients facing serious eye conditions, and the ophthalmologists committed to helping to protect and restore their vision.

WATCH PATIENT STORIES
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A man is having his eyes examined by an optometrist.

Ask the ophthalmologist

Leading Canadian ophthalmologists answer common questions about eye health and safety.

Learn More

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is dedicated to providing all Canadians with optimal medical and surgical eye care.

We developed See The Possibilities as a resource for the Canadian public on the topics of vision health, serious eye diseases and what the COS is doing to promote eye health for everyone.

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