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Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. This damage often occurs gradually and without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible vision loss, including blindness.
What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma:
In the early stages, glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, you may experience:
- Loss of peripheral vision: This is a common symptom of glaucoma.
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Eye pain
- Seeing halos around lights
If you experience any of these symptoms please consult your optician or GP.
Can you Prevent Glaucoma?
While there is no definitive way to prevent glaucoma, regular eye exams are crucial. Early detection and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease.
What can you do?
Regular eye exams: Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams with your eye doctor. Early detection is key to managing glaucoma and preventing vision loss.
Know the symptoms: Be aware of the symptoms of glaucoma, such as gradual vision loss, especially peripheral vision, and halos around lights.
Discuss your family history: Inform your eye doctor about any family members who have been diagnosed with glaucoma. This information will help them assess your risk and develop a personalised eye care plan.
Follow your doctor’s advice: Adhere to your doctor’s recommendations for eye pressure checks, medication, or other treatments.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your vision and reduce your risk of developing glaucoma.
What is the Treatment for Glaucoma?
Treatment for glaucoma aims to lower eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment options may include:
Eye drops: These medications can help lower eye pressure.
Laser treatment: A laser can be used to create tiny holes in the iris to improve drainage.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to improve drainage or implant a device to lower eye pressure.
What are the Risk Factors for Glaucoma?
Age: As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and the eyes are no exception. The link between age and glaucoma are:
Lens thickening: Over time, the lens within the eye naturally thickens. This thickening can narrow the angle between the iris (the coloured part of the eye) and the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye).
Increased intraocular pressure: This narrowing of the angle can lead to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), the fluid pressure inside the eye. Elevated IOP is a significant risk factor for glaucoma.
Damage to the optic nerve: High IOP can damage the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage can result in vision loss.
While ageing is a major risk factor, it’s important to note that not everyone who gets older will develop glaucoma. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment.
Family history: A family history of glaucoma can significantly increase your risk of developing the condition.
If you have a parent, sibling, or other close relative who has been diagnosed with glaucoma, it’s crucial to be aware of your increased risk.
Why is family history a risk factor? Glaucoma can be hereditary, meaning it can be passed down through families. While not everyone with a family history of glaucoma will develop the condition, it’s important to be proactive about eye health.
Eye injuries: Eye injuries, especially those that involve blunt force trauma, can damage the delicate structures of the eye and increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
If you’ve experienced an eye injury, it’s crucial to have regular eye exams to monitor your eye health. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma can help prevent vision loss.
Remember, even minor eye injuries can have long-term consequences. Always seek professional medical attention for any eye injury, no matter how minor it may seem.
Certain medications: Some medications, like corticosteroids, can raise eye pressure.
Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can increase the risk.
Clarity Are Here to Help!
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment. If you have any concerns about your eye health, speak to your optician.
Clarity offers a Glaucoma Monitoring service to help patients manage their condition, with consultations available with our specialist eye doctors within one week at one of our state-of-the-art hospitals.