Posted: Oct 16 2023

Glaucoma 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 increases until only central vision is left or in some cases, complete blindness.

50% of glaucoma in Australia is undiagnosed
Leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide
Family history increases risk of glaucoma
You might not experience any symptoms

Normal vision

Vision with 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.

If you’re worried about your eye health book an eye test today. Early detection is vital in treating any eye condition.

Posted: Oct 16 2023

Disclaimer

The information contained here is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal medical situation. The information is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or used for therapeutic purposes. Should you require specific medical information, please seek advice from your healthcare practitioner. Health Partners does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them.

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