- Our Locations: Swan St Eye Centre - 03 9428 0402
- Dingley Eye Centre - 03 9551 4244
- Our Locations:
Swan St Eye Centre - 03 9428 0402 - Dingley Eye Centre - 03 9551 4244
As optometrists, one of the most important messages we share with patients is that glaucoma rarely causes symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred. That’s why it’s often called the silent thief of sight. Regular eye examinations are the only way to detect it early and protect your vision for the long term.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the vital connection between your eye and your brain. The damage is most often caused by raised pressure inside the eye (known as intraocular pressure), although some people develop glaucoma even with normal pressure.
Over time, this pressure damages the delicate nerve fibres responsible for sending visual signals to the brain. Once lost, vision cannot be restored, making early detection and management absolutely essential.
There are several types of glaucoma and understanding the difference helps explain why testing and management must be tailored to each patient:
The most common type. It develops slowly and painlessly as drainage channels in the eye become less efficient, gradually raising eye pressure.
Occurs when the drainage angle of the eye suddenly becomes blocked, causing a rapid increase in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency, often accompanied by severe pain, blurred vision, halos around lights and nausea.
Some people develop glaucoma damage even though their eye pressure remains within the normal range. In these cases, other factors such as poor blood flow to the optic nerve may play a role.
These forms are less common and may result from other eye conditions, trauma or occur at birth.
Glaucoma can affect anyone, but certain factors increase risk, including:
Because symptoms are so subtle, even people who see well may already have early glaucoma damage.
Glaucoma causes progressive, irreversible damage to peripheral vision first. Many patients don’t realise anything is wrong until the disease is quite advanced, by which time significant vision may already be lost.
This slow and painless onset means regular comprehensive eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma early, when treatment can be most effective.
At our clinic, glaucoma testing is a routine and essential part of every comprehensive eye examination. We use a combination of advanced diagnostic tools to detect the earliest signs of glaucoma:
By comparing these results over time, we can identify even the smallest changes that may indicate the early stages of glaucoma.
While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be controlled and early diagnosis makes all the difference. Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
Most patients manage glaucoma effectively with daily eye drops designed to reduce intraocular pressure. Some drops work by decreasing fluid production, while others improve fluid drainage from the eye.
Laser therapy can be used to improve fluid outflow or reduce fluid production. Modern techniques are quick, safe and often performed as an in-office procedure via an ophthalmologist
In more advanced cases, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy or drainage implants to control eye pressure in the long term.
Even when treatment is working, glaucoma requires lifelong monitoring. Routine eye exams and visual field testing are essential to ensure eye pressure remains stable and the optic nerve stays healthy.
Because glaucoma damage cannot be reversed, prevention through early detection is the key. Everyone over 40 should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years and annually if there’s a family history or other risk factors.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, yet with early detection and consistent care, most people can maintain good vision for life.
As your optometrist, our goal is to identify glaucoma as early as possible and provide the management and support needed to protect your sight.
If it’s been more than a year since your last eye exam or if glaucoma runs in your family, don’t wait. Book an appointment with us and get the results you need today.
