If you had a choice between losing your sight, and preserving good eyesight, which would you choose?

When it comes to glaucoma, the silent sight thief, you do have a choice. Regular eye examinations can detect glaucoma early and if treated quickly, you can prevent progression of glaucoma and preserve your eyesight.

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, which carries signals from the eye to the brain. If left untreated it can lead to blindness. Currently approximately 68,000 New Zealanders over the age of 40 have glaucoma.

Glaucoma occurs when eye pressure builds up so that there is damage to the optic nerve, the nerve of sight. In an eye without glaucoma the eye pressure is at a level that does not damage the optic nerve.

However, if there is resistance to drainage of the fluid inside the eye, the pressure rises. This leads to stress and strain on the optic nerve, which destroys the nerve cells responsible for vision. This damage is irreversible.

In early glaucoma, there are no symptoms. In advanced glaucoma you lose the ability to see objects or people in your peripheral (side) vision, which may cause you to bump into things. Also, if you lose a certain amount of peripheral vision then you may no longer meet the visual requirements for driving.


HOW IS GLAUCOMA DIAGNOSED?
Eye care specialists detect glaucoma by measuring the internal pressure of your eye, as well as measuring your peripheral vision and observing the health of your optic nerve.

HOW IS GLAUCOMA TREATED?
There is no cure for glaucoma, but modern treatments, like special eye drops used daily, can halt its progression and preserve the sight you have left. 

WHO IS MOST AT RISK?
Although anyone can get glaucoma, you are at higher risk if you fall into any of the following categories:

• Aged 60 and over
• Family history of glaucoma
• Short sighted
• High blood pressure
• Previous eye injury.

KEY FACTS ABOUT GLAUCOMA

• Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness – it currently affects approximately 65 million people worldwide.
• There is no cure for glaucoma, however, early detection could save your sight.
• The damage to the optic nerve from glaucoma is irreversible.
• Everyone is at risk, but age and family history increase the risk.
• Half of those with glaucoma have no symptoms and don’t know they have it.

JULY IS GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH
There’s an easy way to prevent glaucoma robbing you of your eyesight. Follow the simple 45 plus 5 rule – a glaucoma eye examination every 5 years from the age of 45 – and encourage friends and relatives to do the same. From the age of 60, you should have a glaucoma eye examination every 3 years.
However, at any age, if you notice changes in your eyesight you should have your eyes examined at that time. For example, if you need hobby glasses, it is a good idea to have your eyes checked in case there is a problem.




Top of page Print this page