Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it gradually steals your vision without warning signs until significant damage has occurred. As recommended by Australian eyecare authorities, early detection and regular monitoring are crucial for preserving your sight.
1. What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve, which sends signals from your eye to your brain, becomes damaged. This damage is typically related to increased pressure within the eye, though not always. When the optic nerve is damaged, it cannot send visual information to your brain properly, resulting in vision loss.
According to the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC), glaucoma affects approximately 300,000 Australians, with half of these cases remaining undiagnosed. This makes glaucoma one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide.
2. How Glaucoma Develops
Your eye constantly produces a clear fluid that nourishes its internal structures. Normally, this fluid flows through the pupil and drains through a spongy tissue called the trabecular meshwork. In glaucoma, this drainage system becomes partially blocked, causing fluid buildup and increased eye pressure that damages the optic nerve.
Since this process happens gradually and painlessly, most people don’t realize they have glaucoma until vision loss occurs—making regular eye exams essential.
Source: the Internet
3. Types of Glaucoma
The two main types of glaucoma are:
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
This is the most common form of glaucoma. The drainage angle remains open, but the drainage channels work less efficiently over time. Vision loss occurs so gradually that you might not notice changes until the condition is quite advanced.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This less common form occurs when the drainage angle becomes blocked or closed, causing a rapid increase in eye pressure. Unlike open-angle glaucoma, this form can cause sudden symptoms like severe eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and halos around lights. This is considered an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
Other types include normal-tension glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and congenital glaucoma.
4. Risk Factors
According to Glaucoma Australia, key risk factors include:
- Age: Risk increases significantly after age 40 and doubles after age 60
- Family history: Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma increases your risk up to 10 times
- Ethnicity: Indigenous Australians have a higher risk of developing glaucoma
- Previous eye injuries or surgeries
- Steroid medication use
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease
- Thin corneas
- High myopia (shortsightedness)
If you have any of these risk factors, regular eye exams are even more important.
5. Diagnosing Glaucoma
At Eyecare Network, we perform several tests to detect and monitor glaucoma:
- Tonometry – Measures eye pressure
- Visual field test – Checks for vision loss
- Gonioscopy – Examines the drainage angle
- Pachymetry – Measures corneal thickness
- Dilated eye exam – Provides a clear view of the optic nerve
- OCT scanning – A high-resolution imaging test that detects early optic nerve changes
6. Treatment Options
While glaucoma cannot be cured, treatments can help slow or stop its progression. Options include:
1. Eye Drops
These are the most common treatment. They reduce fluid production or improve drainage to lower eye pressure. Many glaucoma medications are subsidized by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making them more affordable.
2. Laser Therapy
Common laser treatments include:
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) – Improves drainage for open-angle glaucoma
- Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) – Creates a small hole in the iris to improve fluid flow in angle-closure glaucoma
3. Surgery
For severe cases, surgical options include:
- Trabeculectomy – Creates a new drainage pathway
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) – A less invasive alternative
- Drainage implants – Helps control eye pressure in advanced cases
7. Living with Glaucoma
The Australian Glaucoma Guidelines recommend:
- Taking medications consistently as prescribed
- Regular eye check-ups with your eye specialist
- A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking
- Educating yourself about glaucoma – Resources from Glaucoma Australia are helpful
- Encouraging family members to get tested, especially if they have risk factors
8. The Importance of OCT Scans
We strongly encourage all patients to have an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan during each eye exam. This advanced imaging test provides a detailed, cross-sectional view of your optic nerve and retina, allowing us to:
- Detect glaucoma before symptoms appear
- Track small changes over time
- Identify progression up to 4 years earlier than conventional tests
OCT scans are quick, painless, and non-invasive, taking just a few minutes during a routine eye check.
9. How to Book Your OCT Scan
Taking care of your eye health is easy. Call our store today to:
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with OCT scanning
- Learn more about your glaucoma risk factors
- Discuss any vision concerns you may have
- Check if you’re eligible for Medicare benefits
Don’t wait until you notice vision changes—by then, permanent damage may have occurred. Call us today to protect your sight.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can glaucoma be cured?
No, but early detection and treatment can prevent significant vision loss.
What are the early signs of glaucoma?
Most types of glaucoma have no early symptoms. Some people may experience gradual peripheral vision loss, but by the time symptoms appear, damage may already be significant.
How often should I get tested for glaucoma?
- Over 40 years old: Every 2 years
- With risk factors: Every 1 year
- Diagnosed with glaucoma: Follow your specialist’s advice
Supporting Organizations
For additional information, the following Australian organizations provide excellent resources:
- Glaucoma Australia
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
- Optometry Australia
- Macular Disease Foundation Australia
- Vision Australia (Multi languages Available)
Remember: Regular eye exams, including OCT scans, are your best defense against glaucoma. Call our store today to schedule your appointment and take control of your eye health!
