Glaucoma Eye Test

Glaucoma a disease in which the optic nerve at the back of the eye is slowly damaged and destroyed, leading to progressive, irreversible loss of vision. This damage is due either to an increased pressure of the fluid in the eye, either to poor blood supply to the vital optic nerve fibres, a weakness or a problem in the health of the optic nerve.

There are many different sub-types of glaucoma but they can be divided roughly into two main categories, “open angle glaucoma” and “closed angle glaucoma”. Closed angle glaucoma usually appears suddenly and in a painful way: this pain likely leads patients to seek medical attention before permanent damage occurs. Open angle glaucoma tends to progress more slowly and the patient may not notice that they have lost vision until the disease has progressed significantly.

Anyone can get glaucoma but there are some people that have a higher risk (these people should have an eye test before the age of 35):

  • a family history of glaucoma
  • diabetes
  • migraine
  • myopia
  • hyperopia
  • blood pressure
  • past or present use of cortisone drugs (steroids)

 

Some Glaucoma Facts

Over 300,000 Australians have glaucoma and Galucoma is the Australia’s leading cause of blindness. While it is more common in older people, Glaucoma can occur at any age.

  • Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness world wide.
  • One in 10 Australians over 80 will develop glaucoma.
  • 50% of people with glaucoma in Australia are undiagnosed.

 

For most people, it is recommended to have an eye test for glaucoma by the age of 40.

How to detect Glaucoma

Periodic eye tests are the best way to detect glaucoma early. In the eye test for Glaucoma the optometrist will check:

  • optic nerve check
  • eye pressure check
  • visual field assessment (side vision is where glaucoma strikes first)
1068753