Glaucoma is a condition of the eye in which the nerve of sight (optic nerve) has been damaged. This is usually because of increased pressure within the eye. The damage is permanent and initially destroys the off centre part of your vision - your peripheral vision. Sight will continue to deteriorate and eventually cause blindness if the condition is not treated.

Chronic glaucoma is the most common form of the disease and affects mostly people over the age of 40

How can you tell if you have glaucoma ?

You cannot tell by yourself that you have chronic glaucoma until the condition is advanced and some sight has already been lost, but all three glaucoma tests performed by an optician can detect chronic glaucoma at an early stage

Chronic glaucoma has no symptoms and causes no pain. One eye will ‘fill-in’ for the other so it is very difficult to notice if anything is wrong with your vision. By the time you are able to notice a difference to your vision appreciable sight may have already have been lost.

How common is glaucoma ?

About 1 in 50 people over the age of 40 have glaucoma of some type. The condition, in some form, accounts for 13% of those on the blind register.

How can I get tested for Glaucoma ?

Ask your optician for all THREE glaucoma tests at your next eye test. The three tests are Ophthalmoscopy ( viewing the optic disc with a special torch), Perimetry (assessing the field of vision), Tonometry (measuring the eye pressure) - OPT. If your optician is not willing or able to perform all three tests then find an optician who will.

All three tests increase the likelihood of detection by up to 4 times compared with ophthalmoscopy alone.

Who can have glaucoma ? Is it hereditary ?

Anyone can have glaucoma but it is most common in those people over the age of 40 (those of Afro-Caribbean origin have an increased risk).

Glaucoma can be hereditary. Close blood relatives of those with glaucoma are about six times more likely to suffer from glaucoma than those without a family history. Free eye tests are available if you are aged over 40 and have a first degree relative with glaucoma.

How is Glaucoma Treated ?

Once sight is lost from chronic glaucoma it is lost forever. However, the earlier glaucoma is detected the more likely it is that current sight can be maintained for the rest of life. Treatment is usually by eye drops but can also be by tablets, laser treatment or by surgery.

Note - Certain degrees of visual field loss will result in the loss of a driving licence