Your Guide to Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” — and for good reason. It can develop slowly and without noticeable symptoms, quietly damaging your vision before you even realise something is wrong. In fact, 50% of people with glaucoma don’t know that they have it.
Glaucoma is a serious and common eye condition, with 1 in 50 Australians likely to develop it in their lifetime. Understanding what glaucoma is, who is at risk, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what to do if you have myopia are the first steps in protecting your long-term eye health. In this blog, Vision Camberwell Optometrists’s optometrists explain the different types of glaucoma, its causes, warning signs, the relationship with myopia, and how regular eye examinations can help protect your vision.
What is glaucoma?
FIG 1. NORMAL EYE
FIG 2. GLAUCOMA
(Pressure Build-up)
FIG 3. OPTIC NERVE DAMAGE
Your optic nerve is one of the essential parts of the eye and is key to giving you clear vision. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause abnormally high pressure in the eye and damage the optic nerve. This damage can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated, and this is why glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. But with early detection and proper management, its progression can be slowed or even prevented.
Types of Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma
This is the most common type of glaucoma. The drainage angle of the eye remains open, but the eye’s drainage system does not work efficiently, causing fluid to drain too slowly and pressure to gradually increase. This pressure can damage the optic nerve over time.
Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma
For primary open-angle glaucoma, there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages, and they often go unnoticed. As the disease progresses, blind spots may develop in the peripheral vision, although many people do not notice these changes until significant damage has occurred.
Angle-closure (or closed-angle) glaucoma
This occurs when the drainage angle closes, so the fluid pressure builds up quickly and cannot drain. This leads to sudden, severe eye pain and can even lead to sudden vision loss. This is a medical emergency, and you will require immediate, same-day treatment.
Symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma
The symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma are much more obvious. If you experience severe eye pain, along with headache, blurred vision, halos around bright lights, nausea, and vomiting, you may have closed-angle glaucoma.
What causes glaucoma?
The eye produces a clear liquid (called the aqueous humor), which nourishes the eye and is then drained out. Glaucoma typically occurs when the fluid in the eye does not drain properly. This leads to increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve. Other factors, such as genetics, injuries, certain medications, and medical conditions like diabetes or stroke, can also contribute to the development of glaucoma.
Can glaucoma be prevented?
Glaucoma is not preventable, especially if it is hereditary. However, early detection through regular eye exams and proactive treatment can help slow down serious vision loss.
Who is at risk for glaucoma?
While glaucoma can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk:
- People over the age of 40
- Individuals with a family history of glaucoma
- People with high eye pressure (ocular hypertension)
- Those with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- Individuals with severe myopia (high myopia)
Testing and detecting glaucoma
Early detection is crucial in preventing irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma specialists and optometrists can detect glaucoma using several tests:
- Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the optic nerve for damage.
- Perimetry (Visual Field Test): Checks for peripheral vision loss.
- Gonioscopy: Examines the drainage angle of the eye.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed imaging of the optic nerve and retina.
These tests allow for timely diagnosis and management, even before symptoms become noticeable.
The relationship between myopia and glaucoma
Myopia is a significant risk factor in the development of myopia. People with myopia are approximately twice as likely to develop glaucoma as the general population.
People with high myopia have longer eyeballs, which stretch and thin the tissues at the back of the eye. This change in structure makes the optic nerve more vulnerable to intraocular pressure. Being aware of this relationship is important, as regular monitoring for glaucoma is recommended for those with moderate to high myopia.
Glaucoma treatment and management techniques
While glaucoma cannot be completely cured, its progression can be managed effectively to prevent further vision loss. Depending on your case and the progression of the disease, there are a range of treatment options available, such as:
- Medications: Eye drops to lower eye pressure.
- Laser Therapy: Procedures like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage.
- Surgery: In advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to reduce intraocular pressure.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can support overall eye health.
How can Vision Camberwell Optometrists help in glaucoma management?
Glaucoma is a condition where early detection and ongoing monitoring are key to preserving your vision. At Vision Camberwell Optometrists, we provide advanced eye tests designed to detect glaucoma at its earliest stages and manage it effectively to prevent further vision loss. Our experienced optometrists can help prevent vision loss from becoming severe.
We use cutting-edge tools such as OCT, retinal imaging, visual field tests, and anterior OCT scans for precise assessments. Along with advanced diagnostic technology, we take the time to understand your medical and family history, creating a tailored management plan for each patient.
Understanding and managing glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious but manageable eye condition. While it cannot be cured or fully prevented, early detection through regular comprehensive eye exams can significantly reduce the risk of permanent vision loss. Because symptoms often appear late, regular eye tests are crucial — especially if you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or have moderate to high myopia.
At Vision Camberwell Optometrists, we are committed to protecting your sight through advanced diagnostic technology. If it has been more than a year since your last eye exam, or if you have risk factors for glaucoma, contact our team to book a comprehensive eye test.
Visit us in Camberwell
T. (03) 9882 5666
E. vision@visioncamberwell.com.au
Find Us at:
784 Burke Rd, Camberwell
Victoria 3124, Australia
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Friday. 9am – 6pm
Wednesday. 9am – 5pm
Thursday. 10.30am – 7.30pm
Saturday. CLOSED
