Glaucoma
The Silent Thief of Sight
When it comes to eye health, some conditions sound alarm bells early… blurry vision, redness, or discomfort. But others, like Glaucoma, can quietly steal your sight without warning. Often called the "Silent Thief of Sight," Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. The most alarming part? Most people don’t even know they have it.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the part of the eye responsible for sending images to your brain. This damage is often linked to abnormally high pressure inside the eye, though it can occur with normal eye pressure too.
Smart Facts You Should Know…!
Over 80 million people worldwide are affected by glaucoma, and that number is rising.
You're at higher risk if you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, are of African or Asian descent, suffer from migraines, have had an eye injury, been on long-term steroid medication, or have diabetes or high blood pressure.
Vision lost to glaucoma is permanent, but early detection can prevent severe loss.
Up to 50% of people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it.
Glaucoma Australia reports that one in 10,000 babies are born with Glaucoma and about 1 in 200 people will have glaucoma by age 40. By age 80, 1 in 8 people will have the disease. Glaucoma Australia has a risk calculator on its website to help people assess their risk level of the disease.
Why Is It Called the “Silent Thief”?
Glaucoma often progresses without pain or obvious symptoms. By the time you notice vision changes, like tunnel vision or blind spots, significant and irreversible damage has already occurred.
Glaucoma cannot be self-detected. In most cases there are no symptoms or early warning signs to let you know there is something wrong with your eyes.
That’s why regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial, especially as you age.
How Is Glaucoma Detected?
At Eyeris Optometrist, our comprehensive eye exams include advanced diagnostic tools to detect signs of glaucoma early:
Tonometry to measure eye pressure
Optic nerve imaging and visual field testing
OCT scanning for early structural changes
Gonioscopy to measure the internal drainage system of the eye
These painless and quick tests allow us to detect even the earliest signs of glaucoma, often before you experience any symptoms.
How Is Glaucoma Managed?
Nerve and vision damage in Glaucoma is permanent.
However, further optic nerve damage and vision can be prevented.
Therefore, the earlier Glaucoma is diagnosed the less the vision loss and the less the effect on one’s lifestyle.
Simple prescription eye drops, and, in some cases, laser treatment or surgery may be required. Treatment and regular monitoring is for lifetime
What Can You Do?
Get regular eye exams. If you’re over 40 or in a higher-risk group.
Know your family history. Genetics plays a big role.
Monitor your overall health. Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar helps protect your eyes.
Take prescribed eye drops or medication. If you’ve been diagnosed, staying on top of your treatment is key to preserving vision.
Don’t Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight
At Eyeris Optometrist, we’re committed to helping you protect your vision for life. If it’s been more than a couple of years since your last eye exam or if you’ve never had a Glaucoma screening now is the time.
Book your comprehensive eye exam.
Let’s make sure your vision stays clear, healthy, and protected.
Let’s catch the thief early and stop Glaucoma from stealing your vision!
Some helpful links:
https://glaucoma.org.au/resources/glaucoma-risk-calculator/
https://goodvisionforlife.com.au/vision-problems/glaucoma/