Glaucoma
- In some people the damage is caused by raised eye pressure, others may have an eye pressure within normal limits but damage occurs because there is a poor blood supply or a weakness in the optic nerve. In most cases both factors are involved but to a varying extent.
Risk factors for Glaucoma are:
- Age. Much more common with increasing age. It is uncommon below the age of 40 but affects one per cent of people over this age and five per cent over 65.
- Race. People of African origin are more at risk of chronic glaucoma and it may come on somewhat earlier and be more severe.
- Family History. A parent, brother, sister or child with glaucoma means that a sight test should be performed every year, especially if aged over 40.
- Short sight. People with a high degree of short sight are more prone to chronic glaucoma.
- Diabetes is believed to increase the risk of developing this condition.
The three tests to detect glaucoma are:
- Looking at the back of the eye for signs of damage to the optic nerve
- Measuring the eye pressure (Tonometry)
- Field test to detect any blind spots in the vision
The danger with glaucoma is that the eye may seem perfectly normal. There may be no pain and the eyesight may seem to be unchanged, but the vision is being damaged. Damage already done cannot be repaired, but once treated can usually be stopped from getting worse and so the earlier glaucoma is detected the better.
Treatment is usually in the form of eye drops, although in some people an operation may also be required
