There’s an eye disease taking hold of 300,000 Australians, with more than half going about their day-to-day lives without a diagnosis or the knowledge they are affected. This World Glaucoma Week (10-16 March), the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists is drawing attention to the eye disease, also known as the ‘silent thief of sight’.
Glaucoma is a condition where the eye’s optic nerve — that provides information to our brain — is damaged. The condition develops slowly and often without any obvious symptoms, which is why there’s such a high rate of non-detection in Australia.
When left untreated, it can cause vision loss or lead to irreversible blindness. This is why awareness and early intervention are crucial.
In Australia:
- 1 in 10,000 babies are born with glaucoma.
- 1 in 200 of us have glaucoma by age 40.
- 1 in 8 of us have glaucoma by age 80.
More about the condition
As well as greater age, a family history of glaucoma can elevate an individual’s risk. Other contributing factors include the presence of underlying medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
Glaucoma often manifests without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, but as the disease progresses, people may experience peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision, blurred vision, halos around lights, and, in acute angle-closure glaucoma, severe eye pain and headaches.
Due to the subtle onset of symptoms, regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and timely intervention.
Treatment for glaucoma aims primarily at reducing intraocular pressure to slow or prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Medications in the form of eye drops or oral drugs may be prescribed to achieve this. Laser therapy is another common approach to enhancing fluid drainage within the eye.
In cases where medications and laser treatments don’t help, surgical intervention might be necessary. The choice of treatment depends on the specific type and severity of glaucoma, as well as the patient’s overall health and medical history.
Prevention
Individuals at a higher risk, such as those with a family history of glaucoma or underlying medical conditions, should be particularly vigilant in monitoring their eye health.
Lifestyle choices can also influence glaucoma risk. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, managing weight, and controlling conditions like diabetes and hypertension, can greatly affect overall eye health.
Additionally, protective eyewear should be worn during activities that pose a risk of eye injury, reducing the likelihood of trauma that could potentially trigger glaucoma.
The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists is calling on Australians to take proactive action and book a potentially sight-saving eye test this week.
