Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition which occurs due to damage at the optic nerve. The optic nerve is very important for good vision, it carries visual information from the eye to the brain, and damage to it can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated.

At Eye Lab Optometry, we prioritise educating our patients about eye health to ensure they maintain optimal vision throughout their lives. Glaucoma, often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," is a serious eye condition that can cause irreversible vision loss without noticeable symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly. When an individual develops glaucoma, the optic nerve sustains damage, typically due to heightened pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure). This damage results in gradual vision deterioration, typically starting with the peripheral (side) vision and progressing to affect central vision as the disease advances.

  • Understanding your risk for Glaucoma is extremely significant as it allows you to take early preventative measures to preserve your vision for the future.

    Some risk factors include:

    • Elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP): High intraocular pressure is a significant risk factor for glaucoma. While not everyone with elevated IOP develops glaucoma, regular monitoring is crucial, especially for individuals with other risk factors.

    • Age: Glaucoma becomes more prevalent with age, particularly after the age of 40. As part of our comprehensive eye exams, we assess patients' risk based on age and other factors.

    • Family History: A family history of glaucoma increases the risk of developing the condition. We encourage patients with a family history to undergo regular eye exams for early detection and intervention.

    • Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, have a higher risk of developing glaucoma.

    • Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can increase the risk of glaucoma.

    • Eye Conditions: Other eye conditions, such as high myopia and previous eye injuries, may increase the risk of glaucoma.

  • At Eye Lab Optometry, we utilise a variety of diagnostic tests to accurately assess for glaucoma during your comprehensive eye examination.

    During your comprehensive eye test at Eye Lab Optometry, our experienced optometrist will conduct a thorough assessment of your eye health.

    If further testing, such as visual field testing or OCT scanning, is indicated by the optometrist based on your individual risk factors or examination findings, we'll discuss the reasons for these tests and ensure you understand their importance in maintaining your eye health.

  • Visual Fields Test is is a diagnostic examination that assesses the full extent of a person's peripheral vision, or side vision. This test is important for detecting any areas of vision loss or blind spots, which can be indicative of various eye conditions, neurological disorders, or other health issues. By conducting this test, we can detect any areas of vision loss or blind spots characteristic of glaucoma and our optometrist will be able to determine whether a referral to the ophthalmologist is needed.

  • An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan of the eye is a non-invasive imaging test that provides high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the structures within the eye. It can help detect subtle changes in the thickness or integrity of retinal layers, identify fluid accumulation, and monitor disease progression over time.

    The images produced by OCT provide valuable information for guiding treatment decisions and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preserving vision and managing eye conditions.