“GLAUCOMA is often referred to as the silent thief of sight, simply because in most cases there are no symptoms,” Mr Boyd-Law says. “Glaucoma affects an estimated 300,000 people in Australia.
“There are many types of glaucoma. Generally speaking, most cases occur when the pressure of the eye rises to abnormal levels.
“This pressure then damages the optic nerve and, if left untreated, can lead the gradual loss of peripheral vision. However, it is also important to note that some forms of glaucoma are diagnosed with a low, or normal, eye pressure.”
This family of eye diseases causes irreversible vision loss, and glaucoma could affect anyone at any age, Mr Boyd-Law said.
However, you may be at a higher risk if you have a positive family history of glaucoma, are over the age of 55, have myopia (shortsightedness), or have diabetes. People of certain cultural backgrounds such as those of African descent are also at a higher risk of developing the disease.
“As optometrists, our primary goal is to identify those at risk of developing this condition, perform a series of tests and use the results to determine if the patient has glaucoma.
“At Swan Hill and Kerang Optical, we have invested heavily in cutting edge technology, which has significantly streamlined the process of detecting and monitoring this disease. To best preserve sight, early detection is essential.
“Once a person has been diagnosed with glaucoma, they will likely require treatment for life. Thankfully there are a number of treatment options available, and we work in with ophthalmologists to confirm diagnosis, and co manage the disease.
“This usually consists of prescription eye drops, however at times other surgical interventions are required.
“Our optometrists are therapeutically qualified, which means the have the capacity to prescribe topical medications to treat disease such as glaucoma.”
Mr Boyd-Law said it was important to monitor eye health on a regular basis to evaluate any potential risk of developing this “silent thief” of sight.
“To best identify your risk of developing glaucoma, we would recommend annual eye checks, particularly if you are over the age of 40, but just as importantly if there is a history within your family.”
People who are worried about glaucoma, or are experiencing any other eye concerns, contact the team at Swan Hill and Kerang Optical or book an appointment online at www.swanhilloptical.com.au
