Glaucoma: Why it’s important to be aware of this ‘silent thief of sight’

With World Glaucoma Week set to take place between 6 and 12 March, Susanne Akil, Specsavers’ Scottish Chair, discusses what this eye condition is and why everyone should be aware of it.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world and due to its gradual onset, many people don’t realise they have the condition until it is too late, which is another reason why regular eye examinations are so important.

What is glaucoma?

Susanne says:“Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It’s usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye.

“Glaucoma can lead to loss of vision if it’s not diagnosed and treated early. But, although any vision which has been lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, with early diagnosis, careful monitoring and regular treatment, most people retain useful sight for life.”

Are there any warning signs?

“There are two types of glaucoma. Chronic glaucoma and acute glaucoma. With chronic glaucoma, the visual loss can initially be very subtle and occurs just beyond your central vision, towards your central vision and outwards into the periphery. Most patients will not be aware of this visual loss due to the way the eyes visual fields overlap, compensating for one another.

“The way this is detected by your optometrist is through the use of a visual field test. During this test you will be shown a sequence of light spots and asked which ones you can see. Any very subtle blind spots, which you will probably be unaware of, can be an indicator of the condition.

“However, acute glaucoma is often sudden and painful and may present with other symptoms including blurred vision and haloes around lights.”

How is it managed?

“Eye drops are the most common form of treatment for glaucoma and are used to decrease the amount of fluid in the eye, either by increasing the drainage of fluid out of the eye, or by reducing the amount of fluid that is made. However, other options such as surgery and laser treatment are available.”

To find out more or book your next appointment head to your nearest Specsavers store or visit www.specsavers.co.uk.