fbpx
Glaucoma2022-03-07T09:52:37+00:00

Glaucoma is an eye condition that can lead to total blindness

We can treat this condition with medication, laser treatment and surgery

Glaucoma is an eye condition that can lead to total blindness

We can treat this condition with medication, laser treatment and surgery

Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of sight

Discover more about this condition and how to treat it

Glaucoma incidence / prevalence

People aged over 40 have around a 1% chance of developing glaucoma. Everyone over 40 should go for a check-up at least every five years. You are also more at risk if you have a parent with the condition, in which case you should see your eye doctor more regularly.

Its symptoms may be difficult to spot, so it’s essential to know when you’re at risk and what to look out for.

Glaucoma is often called the silent or sneak thief of the sight because it affects your vision very gradually, often without being noticed. If left undetected or untreated, it can eventually cause total blindness.

Symptoms

This condition is associated with a slow, often barely noticeable loss of your peripheral or ‘side’ vision. At first, it does not affect your central vision, so it can be very difficult to know if you have it. It can eventually result in tunnel vision and blindness.

You should always get a check-up immediately if you notice any deterioration in your peripheral vision. However, in its very early stages, glaucoma can usually only be detected by an eye specialist.

To understand what causes glaucoma, it first helps to know how the eye works.

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve. When some of the fibres that make up the optic nerve are damaged, the result is blind areas in your vision. If left untreated, more fibres become damaged, and your field of vision shrinks further, causing tunnel vision and eventually blindness.

Raised pressure inside the eye

In most cases (but not all), glaucoma is associated with raised pressure inside your eye, which damages the optic nerve.

The front part of your eye is filled with fluid. The eye stays within a normal pressure range by producing and draining this fluid at a constant rate. However, a problem with the drainage canal can cause an increase of pressure within the eye, which can damage the optic nerve.

There are two main types of glaucoma:

Open-angle glaucoma

This is by far the most common form. It occurs gradually and is often difficult to spot, so regular check-ups are essential.

Acute closed-angle glaucoma

This can occur when there is a sudden blockage in the drainage canals in the eye. The pressure builds up rapidly and can cause sudden blurred vision, coloured halos around lights, headaches and severe pain. This is an emergency as the rapid increase in pressure can severely damage the optic nerve in just a few hours.

With the advanced detection and treatment methods now available, there should be no reason for you to suffer blindness from this condition.

Glaucoma treatments can be highly effective if used early on in the development of the disease. If caught early enough, several treatments can slow or even stop the disease altogether. That’s why everyone over 40 needs to see an eye specialist for regular check-ups.

What is ocular hypertension?

This is another term for high eye pressure or intraocular pressure. In ocular hypertension, eye pressure is higher than normal but does not cause vision loss. However, it is a risk factor for glaucoma and should be monitored by an eye specialist.

Is glaucoma curable?

Any vision damage due to glaucoma cannot be repaired or regained.

Early detection and diagnosis is the most important part of preventing glaucoma related vision loss.

With prompt diagnosis, using advanced scanning and assessment techniques, glaucoma can be successfully managed to reduce the risk of further disease progression.

Can I go blind from glaucoma?

Whilst it is possible to experience vision loss due to glaucoma, with regular monitoring of this condition by an eye specialist, this can be avoided. An eye specialist will be able to monitor subtle changes in the eye’s pressure and the appearance of the optic nerve.

Gain relief from a worrying eye condition

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be a weight on your shoulders. Book an appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease.

Gain relief from a worrying eye condition

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be a weight on your shoulders. Book an appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease.

Book an appointment
Does poor vision or the limitations of glasses or contact lenses hold you back?

Choose the option below that sounds most like you to discover your best solution

Do your glasses and contacts get in your way or make you feel uncomfortable?

Do you feel a bit meh when wearing glasses or when your eyes feel dry from your contact lenses? Perhaps poor vision and the inconvenience of glasses and contacts stops you from participating in certain activities you enjoy or even simply enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes around you. Laser eye surgery could be the answer.

LEARN MORE

Are you struggling with the hassle of reading glasses?

Whether you’re new to reading glasses or have worn them your whole life, it doesn’t take long to notice how annoying they can sometimes be. Before you know it, there’s a pair of readers everywhere you look; around your neck, in your pockets, and in every room of the house. But when you need them, they’re nowhere to be found. Restore your vision (and avoid future cataract surgery too).

LEARN MORE

Is your vision becoming cloudy, blurry and dull or have you been diagnosed with cataracts?

When your glasses are no longer effective, your quality of life is impacted. At first, you might be able to muddle by. But as your vision deteriorates, your ability to function as you normally would is needlessly compromised. With modern cataract surgery, you have the choice to quickly and easily improve your vision (and even reduce your dependence on glasses).

LEARN MORE

We are proud to be associated with top quality private medical insurers

Give us a call to understand how your insurance can help cover your treatment

Gain visual freedom in 3 easy steps

Eye treatment options can be confusing. We’ve made the journey as straightforward as can be

Get in touch

The first step is to call us so we can answer any questions we can on the phone. Give our friendly team a call on 0800 99 2020 or request a call back from us.

We’ll meet

At your consultation, we’ll diagnose your issues, answer your questions and give you a clear recommendation based on your needs. You’ll confidently leave with a clear understanding of your treatment options.

Enjoy clarity

After treatment, people often tell us how pleased they were that they took action when they did. They’re often so glad that they reached out so that we could address their concerns and help them resolve their troublesome eye condition.

Watch the best patient education videos on eye treatment in New Zealand

Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about gaining visual freedom

Additional resources on treating glaucoma

Learn more about glaucoma from authoritative sources.

Glaucoma is a group of related eye disorders that cause damage to the optic nerve that carries information from the eye to the brain.

In most cases, glaucoma is associated with higher-than-normal pressure inside the eye — a condition called ocular hypertension. But it can also occur when intraocular pressure (IOP) is normal. If untreated or uncontrolled, glaucoma first causes peripheral vision loss and eventually can lead to blindness. Click here to read more.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old. But blindness from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment. There are different types of glaucoma:

  • Open-angle
  • Angle-closure
  • Normal tension

and these all have different symptoms. Click here to read more.

Note: These links will take you off our website

OUR LOCATIONS
Our Locations 
OUR POPULAR PROCEDURES
TAKE A STEP TO FREEDOM

Discover if you could be free from the hassle of glasses and contacts.

Take the first step by getting your free laser suitability assessment to check if your eyes are suitable and which treatment option is right for your eyes.

© Eye Institute | Privacy and Cookie Policy | Website by LiveseySolar

Go to Top