Glaucoma

It is estimated that 210,000 Australians have glaucoma and half don't know about it.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that slowly damages the fine nerves that connect the eye to the brain. For most people this damage occurs when pressure in the eye is too high. If glaucoma is not treated it can lead to blindness. The most common form of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma. It causes no pain or discomfort and significant side vision is lost without the person noticing.

Glaucoma High Risk Groups

Everyone is at risk of glaucoma, although some people have a higher risk. Your risk is higher if you:

• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Are aged 50 years or over

If you have one or more of these risks, speak to your family doctor and an eye care practitioner about having an eye examination. Although you may not have developed glaucoma, you should have regular eye checks. These will include:

• Eye pressure measurement
• Visual field (peripheral vision) test
• Optic nerve examination

Can it be treated?

Yes. If glaucoma is detected early treatment can stop further loss of vision. Treatment may include:

• Eye drop medication
• Laser surgery
• Surgery

Regular use of prescribed eye drops is essential. Don't risk your sight, use the eye drops as instructed

When vision is lost, it is lost forever

Things to remember

• Glaucoma is a common eye disease
• One person in seven will eventually develop glaucoma
• Glaucoma often runs in families
• Glaucoma can be controlled, but it can't be cured
• Vision loss or blindness can be prevented if glaucoma is detected early and treated
• Half the people with glaucoma do not yet know they have it
• If you are at risk take action now: report any eye problems to your ophthalmologist
• If you have glaucoma tell your family - they too may be at risk