Glaucoma is a condition which damages the optic nerve, which is the part of the eye that transmits signals from the eye to the brain.
In most cases a person is not aware that he or she has glaucoma. It usually occurs without causing pain, because glaucoma generally affects peripheral vision first.
When you go to your optometrist for an eye examination, you are assessed for signs of glaucoma. The optometrist carries out a glaucoma check to do this as follows:
- Examines the back of the eye for signs of damage to the optic nerve
- Measures “Intra-Ocular Pressure” using contact tonometry
- Assesses peripheral vision by way of a Visual Field test.
Glaucoma can affect anybody regardless of their age or general health. However, people who are over 40 years of age are at a higher risk of developing the disease, as are those with a family history of the condition.
Glaucoma can be treated with drops and/or by minor surgery. Any damage already done to vision cannot be repaired, but treatment can prevent further damage from occurring. This makes early detection vital. Anyone over 40 years of age should have an eye examination every two years. Those in a higher risk group may need more regular checks.