More than 35% of Australians have not had regular eye examinations, which is increasing their risk of glaucoma remaining undiagnosed.
You can help save sight by simply starting a conversation about glaucoma and asking those at risk to book an eye test. Early detection is key.
In many cases, glaucoma is an inherited (genetic) disease that is passed on within families – you are 10 times more likely to have glaucoma if you have a direct family member with glaucoma. So knowing your family history is important.
If you have glaucoma, those directly related to you – brothers, sisters, sons, daughters – have an almost 1 in 4 chance of developing glaucoma too.
Friends over the age of 50 are also at an increased risk.
As someone who is aware of the dangers of leaving glaucoma undiagnosed, you can help save sight by helping us raise awareness.
Treat yourself
Whether it’s spa days or lazy days – we all love our treats. Your eyes need treating too!
Treat your eyes to a simple test – especially if you have a direct relative who has glaucoma (it can be hereditary), and if you are over 50.
300,000 Australians are affected by glaucoma
50% of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it!
1 in 4 first degree relatives may develop glaucoma too
Book a test now with an optometrist! We want to help YOU save sight!
The Silent Thief
Known as the ‘silent thief of sight’ glaucoma develops slowly for most people, and a considerable amount of peripheral vision may be lost before the problem becomes noticeable
Glaucoma Australia recommends all Australians 50 years or older visit an optometrist every 2 years for a comprehensive eye exam, and if you have a family history of glaucoma or are of Asian or African descent we recommend you get your eyes checked every 2 years from the age of 40.
If one of your family members has advanced glaucoma, we recommend you attend regular eye health checks 10 years earlier than the age your affected relative was diagnosed with glaucoma. Left untreated, glaucoma causes irreversible vision loss. Early detection saves sight.
So, treat yourself, by treating your eyes to a simple test with your optometrist.
Did you know?
Most people with glaucoma are not aware of it: most glaucoma patients have zero symptoms.
Catch the disease early and you have a great chance of preserving your vision for the years to come.
FAQs
What sort of tests are involved in diagnosing glaucoma?
We measure eye pressure, visual field and take images of the optic nerve. These three things help diagnose glaucoma.
Why do patients keep repeating these tests and how often should they be done?
Repetition is key.
Repetition is good to make sure that the results are consistent. As for how often, it would depend on how severe it is. If there is concern about a potential glaucoma diagnosis, then every 6 months we repeat the tests – and 12 months if it’s not as suspicious.
What is the difference between the glaucoma field test and the driving visual field test?
The glaucoma field test looks at one eye at a time, as glaucoma usually begins as a unilateral disease. The binocular driving visual field test assesses both eyes at the same time as you drive with both eyes open.
My vision is always the same and my glasses script has not changed – does that mean my glaucoma is stable?
Not necessarily. Glaucoma tends to affect your side vision first. The part of your vision that glasses correct is generally your central vision, which involves the macula rather than the optic nerve.
Your glasses could still be working great and that might not prompt you to go back to your optometrist. However, that doesn’t mean the glaucoma is stable.
We still need to do extra tests every time just to make sure it’s not getting worse
How do the different methods of eye pressure tests differ? Which is the best one for glaucoma?
Often a start with measures that do not need any drops as this makes it easier for many patients. If we suspect things like abnormally higher eye pressures, we measure the corneal thickness and other pressure measuring devices, called applanation tonometry for the most accurate monitoring.
Do optometrists routinely check the angles of the eyes?
Yes, the most common method is using the microscope with the light on it called the slit lamp.
Can glaucoma tests detect macular degeneration?
The OCT machine, which scans through the optic nerve to check for glaucoma, can also detect macular degeneration because when we take the photo it looks at the middle part of the eye (macula) as well.
