Glaucoma

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma - The Silent Thief of Vision

Glaucoma is a slow, progressive eye condition that damages the optic nerve -- the part of the eye responsible for sending visual signals to the brain. (Think of it like the cable connecting a computer to a monitor). It often begins with loss of peripheral (side) vision and typically has no early symptoms, earning it the nickname "the silent thief of vision."

Glaucoma-related vision loss is irreversible, and the only way to detect it early is through regular eye exams.

In New Zealand, glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. The good news is that with early detection and proper treatment, 98% of people with glaucoma can keep their sight. However, around 50% of people with glaucoma don't even know they have it.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Inside our eyes, a clear fluid is continuously produced and drained to maintain healthy pressure to support the eye. When this drainage system doesn't function properly, pressure builds up in the eye - a condition known as Ocular Hypertension. Over time, high Intra-Ocular Pressure (IOP) can damage the optic nerve.

However, glaucoma can also occur with normal eye pressure, making early diagnosis more complex. Fortunately, advanced tools like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) can now detect early changes in the optic nerve - often before vision is affected.

Why Early Detection Matters

In the early stages of glaucoma, your vision may seem perfectly fine. But once symptoms appear, significant - and often permanent - optic nerve damage may already have occurred. That's why we recommend regular eye exams at least every 2 yearly to check the health of the eyes, especially if you have any of the risk factors.

The earlier glaucoma is detected, the better the long-term outcome for our vision.

Who's At Risk?

You may be at higher risk if you:

Are over the age of 40
Have a family history of glaucoma
Have experienced eye trauma or surgery
Take steroid medications (especially long-term)
Have high Intra-Ocular Pressure (IOP) and/or thin corneas
Have diabetes
Are of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent

What Glaucoma Can Lead To?

Early Stage: Subtle loss of side vision - often unnoticed.
Moderate Stage: Tunnel vision (significant loss of peripheral vision).
Advanced Stage: Complete vision loss if left untreated.

Glaucoma often affects one eye more than the other, so it might present as uneven vision -- such as a blurry patch in one eye or difficulty noticing people or objects on one side. An example is missing pedestrians crossing the road while driving.

Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma: An Eye Emergency

Most types of glaucoma develop slowly, but Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma (AACG) can happen suddenly and requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the drainage angle of the eye is blocked, causing a rapid rise in pressure.

Symptoms include:

Sudden eye pain
Blurred vision or halos around lights
Red painful eye
Headache or nausea

What to Do:

If you experience any of these symptoms, call our clinic immediately. If we're unavailable, visit your nearest emergency department. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent permanent vision loss.

How Do We Test For Glaucoma?

At Lowes Taaffe & Bhikoo Optometrists, we use state-of-the-art technology to detect glaucoma early and monitor progression:

Slit Lamp Examination & Widefield Retinal Imaging - assess optic nerve and overall eye health
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) Scanning - Detect early nerve fibre loss and structural changes
Visual Field Test - Identify any peripheral vision loss
Goldmann Tonometry - The gold standard for measuring eye pressure
Pachymetry - Measure corneal thickness
Gonioscopy - Examine the drainage angle of the eye
Blood Pressure Monitoring - To assess systemic risk factor

How Is Glaucoma Treated?

Glaucoma treatment aims to lower intra-ocular pressure (to reach a target pressure) to slow or halt further optic nerve damage. Treatment may include:

Anti-Glaucoma Eye Drops

Often the first line of treatment for open-angle glaucomas. There are different types of anti-glaucoma eye drops aiming to lower intra-ocular pressure. Your specialist will prescribe the most suitable option.

Laser or Surgical Procedures

Laser or surgery may be required -- especially for angle closure glaucoma or when drops aren't effective. These procedures improve fluid drainage and help maintain safe pressure levels. Some patients may still need drops even after surgery.

Protect Your Sight - Book a Glaucoma Check Today

Don't wait for the symptoms. If you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or are at risk, regular eye exams are the best way to protect your vision.

Contact our friendly team on 09-5764769 or Book Online for your glaucoma check today.