Your eyesight is slowly fading, but you don’t realise it’s happening until it’s too late. That’s how glaucoma often works. It’s one of the leading causes of preventable blindness, yet it develops so quietly that many people don’t notice any changes until permanent vision loss has already occurred.
The good news is with advanced diagnostic technology, glaucoma can be detected and managed before it does major harm.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the delicate optic nerve, which is the vital link between your eyes and your brain.
In most cases, it’s caused by a build-up of pressure inside the eye, although it can also happen due to other factors as well.
The most common types include:
Open-angle glaucoma, which develops slowly and painlessly over time.
Angle-closure glaucoma, which can appear suddenly and needs immediate treatment.
Secondary glaucoma, when another condition or event increases eye pressure, which leads to glaucoma.
Congenital glaucoma, where glaucoma occurs because of changes or differences that happened during foetal development.
The unsettling part is that glaucoma usually starts with no symptoms at all; no pain, no vision changes, nothing obvious, so that’s why regular eye checks are so important.
The ‘Silent Thief of Sight’
Glaucoma can steal vision little by little, beginning with your peripheral (side) vision. You might still read fine print or recognise faces, but your overall field of view narrows over time. As it’s so gradual, many people only notice a problem once the damage is done and by then, it can’t be reversed.
That’s why routine eye testing is one of the best things you can do for your long-term vision. At Abernethy Owens, we use specialised tools to detect the tiniest changes in eye pressure, nerve structure and vision often years before you’d ever notice something was wrong.
The earlier glaucoma is found, the easier it is to manage.
Optometrists use advanced diagnostic technology to test and diagnose glaucoma, including:
OCT imaging to create detailed scans of your optic nerve
Visual field testing to map how well you can see in your peripheral vision
Eye pressure checks to detect abnormalities
If glaucoma is detected, treatment should begin right away, usually with medicated eye drops or, in some cases, laser or surgical options. The goal is to reduce eye pressure and prevent further damage.
Glaucoma Can Be Managed
A glaucoma diagnosis can feel scary, but you’re not alone in it. With the right care from an experienced eye health professional and regular follow-up, many people maintain healthy vision for many years.
At Abernethy Owens Optometrists, our experienced optometrists in Perth guide you through every step from testing and diagnosis to ongoing management. We’re here to answer your questions, ease your worries, and help you feel confident about your eye health.
Glaucoma doesn’t wait for symptoms to show up, so don’t wait to get checked. A simple eye test could save your sight. Call 1800 411 744 today or book your appointment online now.