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GLAUCOMA: The Silent Thief of Sight
By Heather O’Hagan - Visique Optometrist
56 Albert Street • Whitianga • Ph 07 866 5527
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Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of
blindness in NZ, and carries the nickname
‘the silent thief of sight’ because of the lack of
noticeable symptoms. As many as half of those
with glaucoma don’t know they have it.
Glaucoma develops over time, and the damage
it does is irreversible. Early diagnosis and
treatment – are the best ways to combat it,
therefore . everyone is encouraged to have
regular eye examinations.
WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases where the
optic nerve is damaged. The optic nerve is
the ‘cable’ that connects the eye (like a digital
camera) to the brain (like a computer which
processes the information). Glaucoma causes
irreversible damage to this optic nerve, like
cutting the cable connecting the camera and
computer. Unfortunately, we can’t just go to the
shop and buy a replacement nerve.
Damage to the nerve occurs when the pressure
of the fluid inside the eye becomes too high.
Unfortunately some eyes are so susceptible to
damage that the nerve can be damaged even
when the pressure is quite low.
Fluid is produced inside the eye all the time.
Normally it drains away but in some eyes,
particularly as they get older, the drainage
channels “silt up” and the fluid can’t drain.
As pressure builds, delicate nerve tissue is
damaged affecting the side, or peripheral,
vision. The central vision is not affected until
the later stages thus people often don’t notice
the damage until it is too late. What is lost can’t
be regained.
ARE THERE WAYS TO TELL IF
SOMEONE HAS GLAUCOMA?
Unfortunately the most common form of
glaucoma has no symptoms, so many have
the disorder without knowing it. One of the less
common forms (when the pressure suddenly
spikes) can often produce a painful and red
eye; people will see halos around lights. So
anyone with these symptoms should have an
eye exam immediately.
HOW DO WE CHECK FOR GLAUCOMA?
There is more to a glaucoma exam than
just checking the pressure. We inspect the
appearance of the inside of the eyes, checking
the health of the optic nerve where it enters the
eye. We also look at the structure of the front
part of the eye, checking on possible problems
with the area that drains the fluid. We perform
a visual field (side vision) test which looks for
missing patches of damage caused by the
disease. Another test is a scan which measures
the thickness of the nerve layer inside the eye,
showing areas of damage. A pressure test
alone is not enough.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, even babies,
but it is more common in those over over 40.
The risk increases if there is a family history,
and with it is often associated with other eye
and general health conditions, and the use of
some medications – both eye drops and oral
medications.
HOW IS GLAUCOMA TREATED?
If I identify that it is likely someone has
glaucoma, a referral will be made to an
ophthalmologist (eye specialist). The most
common treatment is using eye drops to reduce
the amount of fluid produced inside the eye.
Other treatments include using a laser to ‘open
up’ the drainage system. More complicated
surgery may be indicated if the condition is
proving hard to control.
The important ‘take home’ message is to
have regular eye examinations! The simple
screening test performed when you renew your
driving licence is not enough. A full examination
looks at the health of your eyes as well as
determining whether you need spectacles.
I recommend an examination every two years
for most, but more frequent check-ups for
those more at risk.
If you are interested in finding out more about
glaucoma, check out the Glaucoma New
Zealand website at
Visique O'Hagan Vision Care has offices in
Whangamata, Waihi, Te Aroha and Paeroa.
PROTECTING
YOUR VISION