Glaucoma
Glaucoma can develop slowly and often without obvious symptoms, which is why early detection and ongoing care are so important. At Harris Blake & Parsons, our experienced optometrists diagnose and treat glaucoma using advanced eye testing technology and personalised management plans to help protect your vision. With practices in Ringwood, Croydon, Healesville and Yarram, we provide thorough glaucoma care close to home, giving you confidence that your eye health is being carefully monitored and managed.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. It is often linked to increased pressure inside the eye, although it can also occur when eye pressure is within a normal range. Glaucoma usually develops gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular eye checks are so important. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss, often starting with peripheral or side vision.
What causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is usually caused by damage to the optic nerve, often a result of increased pressure inside the eye. Pressure in the eye can build when the fluid inside the eye (aqueous humour) does not drain properly. However, glaucoma can also occur even when eye pressure is considered normal. Other factors can increase your risk, including family history, age, diabetes, eye injury, long-term steroid use, high or low blood pressure, migraines and being short or long-sighted.
How is glaucoma treated?
Glaucoma is usually treated by lowering the pressure inside the eye to help protect the optic nerve and prevent further vision loss. Treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser treatment, surgery, or a combination of these, depending on the type and severity of glaucoma. While existing vision loss from glaucoma cannot usually be reversed, early diagnosis and ongoing management can help slow or prevent further damage. At Harris Blake & Parsons, we can diagnose glaucoma, monitor changes over time, provide treatment where appropriate, and refer you to an ophthalmologist if specialist care is needed.
What happens if glaucoma is left untreated?
If glaucoma is left untreated, it can continue to damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss. In many cases, this happens gradually and may begin with a loss of peripheral or side vision, often before the person notices anything is wrong. As glaucoma progresses, vision loss can become more severe and may eventually lead to blindness. Early diagnosis and ongoing treatment are important because vision already lost from glaucoma usually cannot be restored, but further damage can often be slowed or prevented.
To have your eyes assessed or treated book in for an eye check with Harris Blake & Parsons today.
We provide a wide range of eye checks, treatments and more at our 4 convenient locations in Melbourne’s East.