Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, which is the vital link between your eye and brain. This damage often occurs because of increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). Glaucoma is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight” because it usually develops slowly and without pain, making early detection essential and affecting the peripheral vision.

The risk of glaucoma is increased if there is a family history of the condition, so it is important to have regular eye checks if parents or grandparents have glaucoma.

Glaucoma can also be caused by various other issues, such as:

• Poor fluid drainage: Eye fluid (aqueous humor) doesn’t drain properly, causing pressure to rise.
• High eye pressure: Increased IOP puts stress on the optic nerve.
• Secondary causes: Eye injury, inflammation, or certain medications.

While other risk factors include, certain ethnicities (African, Hispanic, Asian), thin corneas, diabetes, severe myopia, and long-term steroid use.

How Does Glaucoma Affect Vision?

The affect on vision can be very subtle in the early stages, with a loss of peripheral (side) vision, which often develops unnoticed.

If left to progress, this can result in tunnel vision if peripheral vision narrows to an extreme.  In advanced stages even central vision can be affected, leading to significant sight impairment.

For individuals with acute angle-closure glaucoma, a sudden rise in eye pressure can cause pain, redness, blurred vision, halos around lights, and nausea.  If this is experienced we urge you to seek emergency ophthalmic care.

It is key to note that vision loss, caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, this mean  early detection and monitoring is critical to maintaining good sight, with regular, routine eye exams. Glaucoma often shows no symptoms until damage is advanced, so regular checks help catch it early.

What’s evaluated during an eye check?

Some of the tests performed on a regular basis for the detention and monitoring of glaucoma, include:

• Eye pressure measurement (using various methods)
• Drainage angle assessment
• Corneal thickness measurement
• Optic nerve imaging
• Visual field testing to detect peripheral vision loss

Most adults should have an eye exam every 1–2 years, more often if you have risk factors.

Glaucoma Care

If development of the condition is detected with regular monitoring. This may result in the development of a treatment pathway, which depends on the severity of the condition and rate of development.   These can include:

1. Medicated Eye Drops

First-line treatment to lower eye pressure and slow disease progression.

2. SLT Laser (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)

A quick, painless laser procedure that improves fluid drainage and can reduce eye pressure by up to 30%. Often used when drops aren’t enough or as an alternative.

3. MIGS (Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) & Stents

Tiny stents (such as iStent or Hydrus) are implanted to help fluid drain more effectively. These procedures are minimally invasive, often combined with cataract surgery, and allow faster recovery.

4. Advanced Surgery

Is reserved for advanced cases and are highly effective; including:

• Trabeculectomy: Creates a new drainage channel.
• Tube shunts: Diverts fluid to lower pressure.

If you have glaucoma, it is important to find an eye specialist who you can build a relationship with and trust with the lifetime care of your vision.  Someone with whom you can develop clear lines of communication, offer regular follow-ups with consistency of care, explain findings and include you in decision-making and whom you have confidence and trust.

Glaucoma doesn’t have to steal your sight. With regular eye checks, timely treatment, and a trusted partnership with your specialist, you can protect your vision for life.

If you haven’t had an eye exam recently, please do not hesitate to contact us and book a consultation with our glaucoma specialist. Your future vision could depend on it.