Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which can result in a loss of peripheral vision. Thankfully, most forms of Glaucoma are amendable to treatment, if detected early. Unfortunately, Glaucoma cannot be self-detected and therefore routine eye examination is important. In a routine eye exam, we will assess the intraocular pressure (eye pressure) and also the optic nerve head (connection to the brain) as this can show if there are additional risks for Glaucoma other than a family history. If you have some risks for Glaucoma, your optometrist will likely recommend baseline Glaucoma testing – this involves an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT scan) and Visual Field (side vision check).
For further information on Glaucoma please see: Glaucoma Australia www.Glaucoma.org.au

In a Glaucoma assessment, the OCT scan allows us to see how thick and healthy the layers of the retina (back of the eye) are – there can be changes to these layers, indicating early Glaucoma prior to any vision loss. This scan also gives us an accurate baseline for comparison into the future, for if we don’t know what is normal for your eyes, we cannot tell if they are changing.

A Visual Field is used during a Glaucoma assessment to measure how far your side vision extends and how sensitive each area is. This will let us know if there is any side vision loss (indicating current Glaucoma) and also gives us a starting point/baseline for your side vision – therefore if there is any change in the future, we can compare and make accurate and prompt diagnoses.

Written by Tori Halsey

Optometrist

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