Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It’s usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can lead to loss of vision if it’s not diagnosed and treated early. It can affect people of all ages, but is most common in adults in their 70s and 80s.
Symptoms of glaucoma
Glaucoma does not usually cause any symptoms to begin with. It tends to develop slowly over many years and affects the edges of your vision (peripheral vision) first. For this reason, many people do not realise they have glaucoma, and it’s often only picked up during a routine eye test.
If you do notice any symptoms, you might notice misty or blurry patches in your vision, particularly if you close one eye. Both eyes are usually affected, although it may be worse in one eye.
Types of glaucoma
There are several different types of glaucoma.
The most common is called primary open angle glaucoma. This tends to develop slowly over many years. It’s caused by the drainage channels in the eye becoming gradually clogged over time.
Other types of glaucoma include:
- acute angle closure glaucoma – an uncommon type caused by the drainage in the eye becoming suddenly blocked, which can raise the pressure inside the eye very quickly
- secondary glaucoma – caused by an underlying eye condition, such as inflammation of the eye (uveitis)
- childhood glaucoma (congenital glaucoma) – a rare type that occurs in very young children, caused by an abnormality of the eye
Risk Factors for glaucoma
Anyone can develop glaucoma but there are several risk factors which makes the onset of glaucoma more likely
- your age – glaucoma becomes more common as you get older
- your ethnicity – people of African, Caribbean or Asian origin are at a higher risk
- your family history – you’re more likely to develop glaucoma if you have a parent or sibling with the condition
- other medical conditions – such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness and diabetes
A regular, routine eye test is important and will identify if you have glaucoma, often before any noticeable symptoms. A free NHS test is available for those aged over 60, or aged over 40 with a family history of glaucoma.
Treatments for glaucoma
It’s not possible to reverse any loss of vision that occurred before glaucoma was diagnosed, but treatment can help stop your vision getting worse.
The treatment recommended for you by your ophthalmologist will depend on the type of glaucoma you have, but the options are:
- eyedrops – to reduce the pressure in your eyes
- laser treatment – to open up the blocked drainage tubes or reduce the production of fluid in your eyes
- surgery – to improve the drainage of fluid
Where can I get further support?
In addition to your appointments with your optometrist and hospital eye clinics, we are here to help at Berkshire Vision. From assisting you with devices that can make your life with a visual impairment a bit easier, to getting engaged with local social groups and other activities, we are always happy to help.
To get in touch, ring us on 0118 987 2803 or email us on info@berkshirevision.org.uk
Source: NHS website
