Protect Your Sight: The Importance of Glaucoma Testing World Glaucoma Week 9-15 March
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, yet many people are unaware they have it until significant vision loss has already occurred. That’s because glaucoma is a silent thief of sight—damaging the optic nerve without obvious symptoms in its early stages.
This World Glaucoma Week (9–15 March), we’re raising awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to detect glaucoma early and protect your vision.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that gradually damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending visual information to your brain. It is often linked to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure), but it can also occur with normal eye pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss, eventually leading to blindness.
Glaucoma is not a single disease but a group of conditions that affect the optic nerve. The two main types are:
- Open-angle glaucoma – The most common form, where the drainage canals in the eye become slowly clogged over time, leading to increased eye pressure.
- Angle-closure glaucoma – A less common but more serious type that occurs when the drainage angle in the eye suddenly becomes blocked, causing a rapid rise in pressure. This can lead to sudden vision loss and requires immediate medical attention.
There are also other, less common types of glaucoma, such as congenital glaucoma (present at birth) and secondary glaucoma (caused by another eye condition, injury, or medication use).
Why is Early Detection So Important?
Glaucoma is a progressive disease, meaning that the damage gets worse over time. However, because it develops slowly and painlessly, many people do not realize they have it until their peripheral (side) vision is already significantly affected. Once vision is lost, it cannot be restored—making early detection crucial.
In the early stages, glaucoma may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience:
- Blind spots in peripheral vision
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
- Difficulty adjusting to low light
- Blurred vision or halos around lights
The challenge with glaucoma is that vision loss occurs so gradually that by the time a person notices changes, the damage is often extensive.
Regular eye exams allow optometrists to spot the signs of glaucoma before symptoms appear and take steps to slow or prevent further vision loss.
Are You at Risk?
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors increase your risk, including:
- Family History – Glaucoma often runs in families, so if a close relative has it, you are at higher risk.
- Age – The risk increases as you get older, especially after 40.
- High Eye Pressure – Elevated intraocular pressure is a major risk factor.
- Medical Conditions – Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and migraines can increase your risk.
- Ethnicity – Some populations, such as those of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent, may have a higher likelihood of developing glaucoma.
- Previous Eye Injuries or Surgery – Trauma to the eye can lead to secondary glaucoma.
- Prolonged Use of Corticosteroids – Long-term use of steroid medications, especially eye drops, can increase eye pressure.
If you have one or more of these risk factors, it is even more important to schedule regular eye exams.
Does the Test Hurt?
Not at all! Glaucoma testing is quick, painless, and non-invasive. Your optometrist will perform a few simple tests, such as:
- Measuring Eye Pressure (Tonometry): A gentle puff of air or a small applanation tonometer is used to check intraocular pressure.
- Peripheral Vision Test (Visual Field Test): This determines if any areas of your vision are affected.
- Corneal Thickness Measurement (Pachymetry): A quick test to measure the thickness of your cornea, which can influence eye pressure readings.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): An advanced imaging test that provides a detailed 3D scan of the optic nerve, helping detect damage before vision loss occurs.
The entire process takes less than an hour but could save your vision for a lifetime.
What Happens if You Are Diagnosed with Glaucoma?
While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, there are effective treatments that can help slow its progression and protect your vision. The most common treatment options include:
- Prescription Eye Drops: These are usually the first line of treatment, helping to lower eye pressure either by reducing fluid production or improving drainage.
- Laser Treatment: In some cases, laser therapy can help improve fluid drainage from the eye.
- Surgery: In advanced cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to create new drainage pathways or relieve pressure on the optic nerve.
The key to successful glaucoma management is early detection and ongoing monitoring. Once diagnosed, regular follow-ups with your eye care professional are essential to track progression and adjust treatment as needed.
Myths and Misconceptions About Glaucoma
Despite being a common eye condition, many misconceptions about glaucoma persist. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths:
- “If I don’t have symptoms, I don’t have glaucoma.”
False! Most people with glaucoma don’t experience symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. - “Glaucoma only affects older adults.”
While it is more common in older adults, glaucoma can develop at any age. - “I don’t need to worry about glaucoma if I have good vision.”
Even if your vision seems fine, you may still have glaucoma because you won’t notice visual changes until it is too late to treat. Regular eye exams are essential to detect glaucoma early. - “Glaucoma testing is painful and takes a long time.”
Not true! The tests are quick, painless, and often completed during a routine eye exam.
Book an Eye Examination: Protect Your Vision Today
Glaucoma is irreversible, but with early detection and treatment, vision loss can often be prevented or slowed down. Treatment options include prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery in advanced cases.
If you haven’t had an eye exam in a while—or if you have a family history of glaucoma—now is the perfect time to book an appointment. A simple, painless check-up could save your sight.
This World Glaucoma Week, let’s raise awareness and encourage our loved ones to get their eyes tested. Protecting your vision starts with awareness and action!
Book your eye exam today—your future vision will thank you.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general eye health topics.
It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your health care professional prior to incorporating this as part of your health regimen.
Dr Nicholas Altuneg
For over two decades, my greatest passion has been helping people of all ages live improved lives through better vision. At Eyes by Design, vision is so much more than being able to see clearly or read small letters from far away; it determines your perceptions and reactions every second of the day.
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