Glaucoma
Protecting Your Vision Through Early Detection
Glaucoma is a condition that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve, the structure that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage can lead to gradual vision loss if not detected and managed early. In most cases, glaucoma develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye examinations are so important.
Symptoms
In its early stages, glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms.
As it progresses, you may experience:
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Difficulty seeing objects to the side
- Vision that feels more restricted over time
In rare cases, some forms of glaucoma may cause:
- Eye pain
- Halos around lights
- Sudden changes in vision
Many people are unaware they have glaucoma until changes in vision have already occurred.
Causes / Risk Factors
Glaucoma is often associated with pressure inside the eye, but it can occur even when pressure is normal.
Risk factors include:
- Age over 60
- Family history of glaucoma
- Shortsightedness
- Diabetes
- High or low blood pressure
- Thin corneas
Because glaucoma can develop without symptoms, risk factors play an important role in early detection.
When to Seek Help
You should have your eyes assessed if:
- You are over 40 and have not had a recent eye examination
- You have a family history of glaucoma
- You are experiencing any changes in your vision
- You have been told you may be at risk
Regular screening is the most effective way to detect glaucoma early.
How It Is Diagnosed
Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination rather than a single test.
At IOES, this may include:
- Measurement of eye pressure
- Assessment of peripheral vision
- Examination of the optic nerve
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging
These tests allow us to detect glaucoma early and monitor it over time.
What Happens Next
If glaucoma is suspected or diagnosed, the next step is to create a personalised care plan.
Some patients require monitoring only, while others may need treatment to reduce eye pressure and protect the optic nerve.
The key is ongoing care and regular follow-up.
Light-Touch Treatment Overview
Treatment for glaucoma is focused on lowering eye pressure to prevent further damage.
This may include:
- Prescription eye drops
- Laser treatment
- Surgical procedures in some cases
Learn more about glaucoma care and how it is managed.
Book Consultation
Glaucoma often develops without symptoms, which makes early detection essential. Book a glaucoma assessment and take a proactive step in protecting your vision.
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