Eye Health
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition of the optic nerve which if untreated can lead to progressive loss of peripheral vision. In severe cases it can cause blindness, but fortunately treatment can preserve remaining vision in nearly everyone with glaucoma. The key thing in glaucoma is early diagnosis so that treatment can be more effective.
Glaucoma is one of the reasons everyone should have a regular eye examination, especially over the age of 45. Early glaucoma will often give no symptoms – Australian studies have shown that about 50% of people with early glaucoma are unaware of their conditon.
At an eye examination, glaucoma can be detected through a combination of tests. Many people with glaucoma have raised fluid pressure in their eyes. IOP (Intra-ocular pressure) can be measured by contact, and non-contact ('the puff of air test') methods. Secondly, the health of the optic nerve is examined by looking inside the eyes with a microscope, with photos often taken to provide a visual record of how the nerve looks. Other areas inside the eye can also change their appearance in some forms of glaucoma. If there is a suspicion of glaucoma, these initial tests get followed up with a quality-check of the peripheral vision - called a 'visual field test'. In glaucoma it is the peripheral vision that is affected first.
When there is a reasonable suspicion that glaucoma is affecting the vision, we refer a person for further asssessment and treatment by an ophthalmologist. Often treatment just involves drops once or twice a day, although sometimes glaucoma can require laser treatment or surgery.
Everyone should have their eyes tested regularly for glaucoma, especially as they get older, or if there is a family history of the condition.
For those with advanced glaucoma affecting their vision, we can help out with advice and visual aids.
Help and Support
Glaucoma Australia support groups
Living with glaucoma - well presented
Further information
British Medical Journal summaries of glaucoma diagnosis and treatment
Eye Health Facts
"I've had my eyes lasered"
Laser light has found many uses in eye surgery, as it can deliver precise amounts of energy to pinpoint locations around the eye to remove, reshape or remodel tissue.
In different intensities, colours and locations in the eye, laser can be used for treatment in:
- Refractive surgery to correct for short- or long-sightedness and/or astigmatism
- As a followup treatment after cataract surgery
- In diabetic eye disease
- In macular disease
- Repairing tears in the retina or eyes at risk of retinal detachment
- In acute angle closure glaucoma
- In open angle glaucoma
- At low intensity as an 'activator' for certain medical treatments.
So don't be surprised when you get asked a few more questions about your eyes if you tell us 'I've had my eyes lasered'.