Glaucoma – Barossa Eye Clinic

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that result in damage to the optic nerve, typically where it exits the eye. This damage is most often caused by increased intraocular pressure or a structural weakness in the optic nerve itself. Over time, this pressure compresses the nerve, destroying vital nerve fibres. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to tunnel vision and eventual loss of central vision.

Despite its serious implications, glaucoma is often symptomless in its early stages. Vision loss caused by glaucoma is irreversible, making early detection and ongoing management essential. With timely diagnosis, regular monitoring, and adherence to treatment, the progression of the disease can be significantly slowed. This is why Barossa Eye Clinic strongly recommends routine eye examinations—at least once every two years.

Although detection rates are improving, many individuals remain unaware they have glaucoma until vision loss begins.

Certain populations are more susceptible to glaucoma. For example, individuals of white European descent face a higher risk, with prevalence rates of 2% in those over 40 and 10% in those over 75.

At Barossa Eye Clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments and surgical options tailored to manage glaucoma and other eye conditions. Flexible pricing plans are available to suit every budget.

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma encompasses a group of eye conditions that result in damage to the optic nerve, often due to elevated pressure within the eye. While there are several subtypes, the condition is most commonly classified into two main forms:

Chronic Glaucoma (Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma)

This is the most prevalent type. It develops gradually over time, often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. The slow progression makes regular eye examinations essential for early detection.

Acute Glaucoma (Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma)

This form arises suddenly due to a rapid increase in intraocular pressure. It can cause intense discomfort and requires urgent medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.

Recognising Glaucoma Symptoms

Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” due to its symptomless onset. Understanding the signs of each type is key to early intervention:

Chronic Glaucoma

Typically, symptom-free in its early stages. As the condition progresses, patients may notice peripheral vision becoming blurred. This underscores the importance of routine eye tests, which can detect changes before symptoms appear.

Acute Glaucoma

Develops quickly and may present with:

• Sudden eye pain or discomfort

• Blurred or misty vision, especially in low-light conditions

• Halos around lights

• Redness in the eye

• Nausea and vomiting

These symptoms often occur when the pupil dilates, such as at night. Immediate consultation with an optometrist or ophthalmologist is critical to prevent further damage.

Glaucoma Treatment

In any case, glaucoma requires immediate treatment to avoid further vision loss:

Chronic glaucoma:

In the event where an optometrist suspects glaucoma, a referral to an ophthalmologist for diagnosis will occur. Whilst there is no complete cure for chronic glaucoma, the condition can be effectively managed by inserting eye drops on a daily basis, thereby reducing the pressure of your eye upon the optic nerve. Whilst taking the eye drops will not improve your vision, it is essential to follow this treatment path in order to avoid further vision loss.

Acute glaucoma:

In cases of acute glaucoma, it is absolutely crucial to seek medical advice immediately. An optometrist or ophthalmologist will first seek to reduce the pressure within the eye (this is normally achieved using a combination of eye drops and intravenous injections). Following this step, an ophthalmologist may use eye laser surgery techniques to effectively bypass the eye’s drainage system, preventing the condition from worsening or coming back.

Glaucoma Risk Factors

Anyone can develop glaucoma. However, like all medical conditions, glaucoma is more prevalent in certain groups of people:

The over-40s: Glaucoma is widely accepted to be most prevalent in patients over the age of 40, where it occurs in 2% of the population. The likelihood of developing glaucoma is dramatically heightened in patients over the age of 75, where it occurs in 10% of the population.
Genetics: Family history of glaucoma can significantly heighten your risk of developing the condition (like all medical conditions). Patients who have a close relative (parent, sibling or child) with glaucoma should undergo an eye examination at least once a year to monitor the condition.
Ethnicity: Patients from an Afro-Caribbean ethnicity come at a significantly higher risk of developing open-angle glaucoma. Patients of this ethnicity are also more likely to develop the condition earlier on in life. Meanwhile, patients of an East Asian ethnicity are significantly more likely to develop closed-angle glaucoma.
Other eyesight impairments: Other eyesight prescriptions, including myopia (also known as ‘short-sightedness’) may increase a patient’s risk of developing open-angle glaucoma.
Drug use: Extended use of steroid-based drugs can significantly increase your risk of developing the condition.
Other eyesight impairments: Other eyesight prescriptions, including myopia (also known as ‘short-sightedness’), may increase a patient’s risk of developing open-angle glaucoma.
Other medical conditions: Other medical conditions, especially diabetes, can increase your risk of developing forms of glaucoma.

Detection

Glaucoma can be detected during Barossa Eye Clinic’s meticulous pre-assessment examination, which includes an advanced 11-dimension eye scanner.

Learn about more popular eye conditions such as Dry Eye Syndrome and Astigmatism with Barossa Eye Clinic

Bring your world into focus. To hear more about our treatments, our free suitability assessments or to book a consultation, get in touch with Barossa Eye Clinic todayOther medical conditions: Other medical conditions, especially diabetes, can increase your risk of developing forms of glaucoma.Drug use: Extended use of steroid-based drugs can significantly increase your risk of developing the condition.Glaucoma can be detected during Barossa Eye Clinic’s meticulous pre-assessment examination, which includes an advanced 11-dimension eye scanner. Learn about more popular eye conditions such as Dry Eye Syndrome and Astigmatism with Barossa Eye Clinic.