Glaucoma information Did you know? What is glaucoma? and referral. Glaucoma is the name given to a group • Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of eye diseases where vision is lost due of irreversible blindness in Australia. to damage to the optic nerve. The loss of sight is usually gradual and a considerable • It is estimated that over 300,000 amount of peripheral (side) vision may Australians have glaucoma, but 50% be lost before there is an awareness are undiagnosed. of any problem. • Known as the ‘sneak thief of sight’ Unfortunately there is no cure for glaucoma, glaucoma develops slowly and often and vision loss is irreversible. without symptoms.

• Early detection and adherence to treatment are vital to slow glaucoma progression.

• Glaucoma is hereditary - you are 10X more likely to develop glaucoma if you have a direct family member with glaucoma.

Learn more about glaucoma and how to get support. While more than 300,000 Australians have glaucoma, 50% remain undiagnosed. Increased awareness, early detection and treatment 1800 500 880 adherence will save preventable glaucoma.org.au sight loss. What causes glaucoma? Who is at risk? Most common types of

Glaucoma is usually caused by an increase Although anyone may develop glaucoma, glaucoma in intraocular pressure (IOP) which can some people are at a higher risk. damage the optic nerve. The level of Risk factors include: elevated eye pressure which causes Primary Open Angle progressive damage to the optic nerve • A family history of glaucoma Glaucoma (POAG) (first-degree relatives) varies between people. There are also two This is the most common form of glaucoma groups of individuals who have either high • High eye pressure in Australia. It involves a wide or open eye pressure without glaucoma (known • Age over 50 drainage angle which is not able to as ocular hypertension) or normal eye • African or Asian ethnicity adequately drain the fluid out of the pressure with glaucoma (known as normal eye. As a result, increased eye pressure pressure glaucoma). • Diabetes causes gradual damage to the optic nerve The eye is constantly producing a clear • Short or long sightedness resulting in a loss of peripheral vision and liquid called aqueous humor which it • A previous history eventually blindness. There are no obvious secretes into itself. This fluid nourishes the of eye injury symptoms to alert you until the disease is eye and holds the eye in shape. The fluid is very advanced. • Past or present then drained out though an area called the prolonged use of Normal Pressure Glaucoma is another anterior chamber angle or drainage angle. cortisone drugs (steroids) type of glaucoma similar to POAG except If there is damage to the drainage angle, the eye pressure remains normal. It is also • Migraine the rate at which the eye produces the treated in the same way. aqueous humor then becomes greater than • High or low the rate the eye can drain it – causing high blood pressure Angle-Closure Glaucoma IOP in the eye. • Obstructive Glaucoma of this type is the second most This increased pressure begins to damage sleep apnoea common and involves a narrow drainage the optic nerve which lies at the back of angle. In this case, the iris (coloured part of the eye. The optic nerve is made up of the eye) is usually too close to the drainage approximately one million nerve fibres angle and can block the passage for the which connect the back of the eye to the fluid to pass through. If angle closure brain. Damage to the cells of the optic occurs suddenly, the IOP may rise abruptly nerve results in irreversible damage to causing an ACUTE angle-closure glaucoma your eyesight. attack. Acute angle-closure is a medical emergency requiring urgent treatment. People with a first-degree Damage to the optic nerve can occur relative who has glaucoma have even when a person’s IOP is within a 1 in 4 chance of developing the normal range between 10 to 21 glaucoma in their lifetime. The risk mm Hg. This is called low or normal increases to 56% if the relative has tension glaucoma. advanced glaucoma. What are the How is glaucoma How is glaucoma symptoms? detected? treated?

Glaucoma cannot be self-detected. Although there is no cure for glaucoma it Primary Open Angle Only an optometrist or an ophthalmologist can usually be controlled so that further loss Glaucoma (POAG) can determine whether you have of sight can be prevented or slowed. glaucoma or not. • There are no early stage symptoms Treatment for glaucoma consists of for POAG. During a glaucoma exam your eye health eyedrops, laser treatment, surgery or practitioner will: a combination of the three. • Early detection with an eye test is the only way to detect visual field changes • Measure your eye pressure, also known and damage to the optic nerve. as intraocular pressure (IOP). Eyedrops • Inspect your eye’s drainage angle. Eyedrops work in two ways: Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma • Examine your optic nerve for damage. • They reduce the amount of aqueous fluid • Severe eye pain associated with nausea • Test your central and peripheral secreted into the eye, and and vomiting. (side) vision. • Help the aqueous fluid flow better from • Headache. • Take a picture or computer measurement the drainage angle. • Sudden onset of blurred vision or seeing of your optic nerve. halos around light. • Measure the thickness of your cornea. Laser Treatment • Watery eyes. • Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): It is important to remember that the Generally used to lower IOP for Primary combined results of the above tests will Open Angle Glaucoma. SLT uses short determine the diagnosis of glaucoma, and pulses of low energy light on the drainage that no single test can lead to a diagnosis. angle to assist with better outflow of aqueous fluid. • Peripheral Iridotomy (PI): Generally used to lower IOP for Angle- Closure Glaucoma. A laser is used to create a small hole in the peripheral iris which assists in the flow of the aqueous fluid to the drainage angle.

Glaucoma is known as the ‘sneak thief of sight’ as there are often no obvious visual symptoms in its early stages. How is glaucoma Glaucoma and How can we help? treated? (continued) your family Glaucoma Australia offers FREE In many cases, glaucoma is an inherited education and support to people living Surgery (genetic) disease that is passed on within with glaucoma. • Trabeculectomy: families, and there is an increased risk with If you or someone you care for has been A tiny flap is created in the white part direct relatives. diagnosed with glaucoma we recommend of the eye and a filtration bleb (like a First degree relatives (parents, siblings and you join our community to access free pocket) is formed under the conjunctiva. children) are at a greater risk – having resources, guidance and support. Both are hidden under the top eyelid. The an almost 1 in 4 chance of developing aqueous humour is able to drain out of glaucoma in their own lifetime. Join our community online the eye through the flap and then into That risk doubles if their relative has www.glaucoma.org.au/registration the bleb where is it absorbed - lowering advanced glaucoma. the IOP in the eye. The best way to protect your eye sight from Call our free support line • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery glaucoma is to have a comprehensive eye 1800 500 880 (MIGS): MIGS procedures work by exam, which includes an optic nerve check. Or fill in the attached form and return it bypassing the blockage in the drainage If you have a family history of glaucoma it using the reply paid envelop provided. angle and helping the fluid inside the eye is recommended that you have your eyes drain out via different routes. tested for glaucoma every 2 years from the Some types of MIGS include: age of 40 years. – iStent Inject – Hydrus – Xen Gel Glaucoma Implant

Treatment can prevent further vision loss but it does not improve eye sight or repair vision already lost due to optic nerve damage.

If someone in your family has glaucoma get your eyes tested – it’s easy and it just might save your eyesight. Get support

Glaucoma Australia offers FREE Family History Glaucoma Australia offers FREE education and education and support to people living support to people living with glaucoma. I am related to a person with glaucoma: with glaucoma. Our mission is to eliminate glaucoma Yes No blindness by promoting early detection and Title treatment adherence. If yes, family members with glaucoma: First Name Contact us Parent Sibling Last Name Local: (02) 9411 7722 Child Other National: 1800 500 880 DOB Email: [email protected] Phone Referring Health Professional Find us on Facebook Address facebook.com/glaucoma.australia Suburb Learn more State Postcode glaucoma.org.au

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