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Posted: Feb 09 2021
Eye HealthGlaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve of the eye. When damage to the nerve occurs, it blocks visual information from being transmitted to your brain resulting in permanent vision loss.
If left untreated, damage to the nerve and vision loss increase until only central vision is left or in some cases, complete blindness.
50% of glaucoma in Australia is undiagnosed | 2nd leading cause of blindness worldwide | Family history increases risk of glaucoma | You might not experience any 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:
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.
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.
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.
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 measure 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.
Posted: Feb 09 2021
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