Glaucoma is called the “Sneak Thief of Sight”.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterised by progressive optic nerve damage, often linked to elevated intraocular pressure, which can lead to gradual vision loss.
Introduction and Overview
Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve that links the retina to the brain. Often, glaucoma is associated with too much pressure inside the eyeball.
It is a leading cause of damage to vision or blindness in people over 40 but can affect people of any age. If glaucoma is detected early, treatment can prevent or reduce vision loss in most patients.
- Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness world wide.
- One in 10 Australians over 80 will develop glaucoma.
- First degree relatives of glaucoma patients have an 8-fold increased risk of developing the disease.
- At present, 50% of people with glaucoma in Australia are undiagnosed.
- Australian health care cost of glaucoma in 2005 was $342 million.
- The total annual cost of glaucoma in 2005 was $1.9 billion.
- The total cost is expected to increase to $4.3 billion by 2025.
- The dynamic model of the economic impact of glaucoma enables cost-effectiveness comparison of various interventions to inform policy development.
Symptoms and Diagnostics
Major Types of Glaucoma
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Closed-angle glaucoma
- Congenital glaucoma
- Secondary glaucoma
The two primary types of glaucoma are Open-Angle and Closed-Angle, but there are at least eight other recognised forms of the disease.
Most of these are considered variations of either open-angle or closed-angle glaucoma and may affect one or both eyes. What they typically share is elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), or increased pressure within the eye.
Common Symptoms
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
- Occasional eye discomfort or pain
- Blurred vision or halos around lights
- Often no noticeable symptoms in early stages
Causes/Contributing Factors
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Genetic predisposition
- Age-related changes
- Previous eye injuries or inflammation
- Long-term use of corticosteroids
- Anatomical variations that affect drainage
Diagnostics
- Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry)
- Visual field testing to assess peripheral vision loss
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) for imaging the optic nerve
- Gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle
- Dilated eye examinations to evaluate the optic nerve head
- Corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry)
Glaucoma Treatment and Management
SightScore
SightScore-AMD is a saliva test that looks at 70 genetic variants in your genome to create a personalised polygenic risk score for glaucoma. It estimates your genetic risk of developing glaucoma in future or, if you already have glaucoma, the risk your condition might get worse.
If you’d like to assess your risk of glaucoma contact our team.
SightScore risk testing is also available for macular degeneration.
Eye Drops
There are several types of eye drops available that work by reducing the pressure inside your eye. When used regularly as prescribed, these drops help maintain the appropriate pressure level, reducing the risk of vision loss.
Read more about Eye Drops on Glaucoma Australia or get in touch with one of our specialists.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
SLT is a treatment option for open-angle glaucoma that uses short pulses of light to target melanin-containing cells in the trabecular meshwork—the tiny channels through which eye fluid flows. This process enhances drainage and helps lower intraocular pressure.
Read more about SLT on Glaucoma Australia or discuss this option with one of our specialists at your appointment.
Medical Implant (MIGS)
This innovative treatment involves implanting one of the world’s smallest medical devices as part of Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). The implant is designed to improve fluid drainage from the eye, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. The most common MICS procedure performed is called an iStent where a tiny device is implanted in the drainage angle of the eye. This may be performed as an independent produced or done in conjunction with cataract surgery. It may reduce the reliance on anti-glaucomatous eye drops.
Click here to read more.
Surgery
A range of surgical options are available to treat glaucoma. These procedures are tailored to individual needs and aim to improve fluid drainage and lower intraocular pressure. The most common surgical procedure is called a trabeculectomy
Click here for more details.
FAQ and Resources
Below you can find questions and resources about Glaucoma. If you have any concerns or are unsure where to begin, we recommend seeing your GP for initial guidance and also encourage you to contact us for further information and support.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure. This damage may lead to gradual vision loss if not managed appropriately.
What are common symptoms of glaucoma?
In many cases, glaucoma develops gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, patients might experience a gradual loss of peripheral vision, tunnel vision in advanced stages, or occasional eye discomfort and blurred vision.
What is the difference between open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma?
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form, developing gradually with a slow increase in intraocular pressure, while angle-closure glaucoma can occur suddenly when the drainage angle in the eye becomes blocked, potentially leading to rapid vision changes and requiring urgent care.
Can glaucoma be prevented, and what steps can I take to reduce my risk?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent glaucoma, early detection through regular eye exams is key; managing risk factors, such as controlling blood pressure, avoiding prolonged corticosteroid use, and protecting your eyes from injury, can help reduce your overall risk.
How often should I have my eyes examined if I have a family history or other risk factors for glaucoma?
If you have risk factors, including a family history of glaucoma, it is generally recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, though your eye care professional may suggest more frequent monitoring based on your specific situation.
What should I expect during a glaucoma screening or diagnostic appointment?
During a glaucoma exam, we will likely measure your intraocular pressure, examine your optic nerve through imaging or dilation, conduct visual field tests to check for peripheral vision loss, and assess the drainage angle, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.
Glaucoma Australia
Glaucoma Australia was established in 1986 to support the needs of glaucoma patients across Australia. The organisation is a great resource for those looking for more information about glaucoma. Click here to access their website.
Further Information
Click here to find more information about glaucoma via aao.org
Clinical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every individual’s condition is unique, and the details presented here may not apply to your personal situation. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your health or treatment options. Reliance on this information is solely at your own risk.