Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes a progressive and usually painless loss of peripheral (side) vision. This disease causes damage to the optic nerve in the back of the eye that is responsible for sending signals to the brain. Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” because it usually causes the loss of peripheral vision first (which is something you don’t readily notice) before it starts to affect the central vision. We commonly refer this loss of peripheral vision as “tunnel vision”.

Glaucoma does not usually cause any symptoms in the early stages but an eye examination can help detect the disease and treatment can be initiated.

Anyone can get glaucoma but there are some people who are at a higher risk than others:

• A family history of glaucoma
• High eye pressure
• Age over 50
• Short or long sightedness
• African or Asian ethnicity
• A previous history of eye injury
• Past or present prolonged use of cortisone (steroids) drugs
• Migraine
• High or low blood pressure
• Diabetes

During a glaucoma assessment, our Optometrist will look inside your eye to assess the optic nerve (a free retinal photo will be taken for you), check your eye pressure and you may also be asked to do a visual field test (to test your side vision).