Glaucoma

The symptoms

With no real obvious symptoms it’s unsurprising that an estimated 50% of glaucoma cases in Australia remains undiagnosed.

However, some of the symptoms can include:

• Blurred vision
• Seeing coloured rings around lights
• Poor night vision
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Pain and redness of the eye/s.

Because you may not experience any symptoms when glaucoma is in its earliest stages, it’s important to have regular eye tests. Any changes to your vision, no matter how small, shouldn’t be ignored.

Am I at risk?

The exact causes are unknown, but the chances of developing this condition increases with age. If you’re over 40 or have a family history of glaucoma, you’re most at risk and we recommend you visit your Health Partners optometrist regularly to have your eyes checked.

How do you treat glaucoma?

Treatment generally consists of prescription eye drops that can help prevent the condition’s progression and reduce further vision loss.

In some cases, laser treatment surgery may be required.

What we look for in your eye test

Using the latest in optical technology we carry out a series of simple, painless tests that help us detect glaucoma before any possible symptoms occur. At Health Partners we’re able to capture a highly detailed image of your optic nerve through Optical Coherence Tomography (3D imaging technology). This allows your optometrist to assess the delicate structures of your eye and monitor any changes, no matter how small, over time.

Please note that at present, there’s no Medicare rebate available for Optical Coherence Tomography. However, our members do receive a discount on this cost.

Early detection is important

Health Partners now have access to a genetic test that can detect the risk of developing glaucoma in the future or if you already have it the risk your glaucoma might get worse relative to others in the community with similar ancestry. Find out more about the genetic test.