Glaucoma… In Brief

Glaucoma is an eye condition where the optic nerve is damaged by the pressure of the fluid inside the eye. Most types of glaucoma have no symptoms, so a regular eye test is the only way to know you have the condition. Once detected, treatment with eye drops can often prevent glaucoma causing sight loss. Left untreated, however, glaucoma can lead to blindness. In fact, glaucoma is the second largest cause of blindness worldwide, and it’s a condition we need to be more aware of.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Broadly speaking, those over 40 years of age, anyone with a family history of glaucoma, ethnicity (as those with African descent are more at risk), or a major eye injury can all increase the likelihood of someone developing glaucoma.

Glaucoma, the Silent Disease

Glaucoma develops from elevated internal eye pressure that can lead to optic nerve damage. It’s a silent condition you may not know you’ve developed unless detected during a routine eye test.

When more extreme physical signs develop – such as red eyes, pain, nausea, and vision loss – these may indicate a serious form of glaucoma known as acute angle closure glaucoma. This can develop without warning, and urgent treatment is required immediately.

Maintenance Is Key

If a positive glaucoma diagnosis is received, life doesn’t have to be difficult. Managing glaucoma becomes a life-long maintenance program to protect your remaining vision.  If a treatment plan is followed, then there’s a really good chance your current vision levels will be maintained, and further serious vision loss can be delayed for many years, even avoided.

We have quick reference advice to those in high-risk groups, including those who are over 40 years of age:

• See your eye care specialist regularly
• Ask questions during your eye test
• If glaucoma is diagnosed, make sure you understand your personal care plan
• And…then…. Keep up with your prescribed treatment plan (most important!)

There are many surgical and laser treatment options available, all for maintaining a current level of vision, (unfortunately, vision won’t be improved following any course of treatment).  Each option is personal to you and your diagnosis.  Your Ophthalmologist will advise the right course of treatment.

Want to know more?

For more information about what glaucoma is, tests for glaucoma, and how it’s diagnosed and treated, check out our detailed articles right here.