Around 300,000 Australians currently suffer from Glaucoma and around a half of these do not even know they have it.
Glaucoma is caused by a build-up of fluid pressure within the eye. This fluid is constantly being replenished and if the eye’s drainage system fails or builds up with fluid, the resultant increase in pressure can destroy the nerve fibres of the optic nerve. The destruction of theses nerve fibres reduces the eye’s peripheral vision.
There are three types of glaucoma:
- Primary
- Congenital
- and acute (sudden).
Treatments include:
- Drops
- Pills
- Laser
- Surgery
Diabetics are at particular risk of developing glaucoma.
Jane Chin of Total Optical says, “Many people have Glaucoma and may not be aware of their condition until vision loss occurs and unfortunately then it can often be too late. Regular eye examinations are essential to detect Glaucoma in its early stages”.
Although everyone is at risk of developing this, those at a higher risk include those over 40 years of age, those with a family history of the condition and people suffering from diabetes.
The test is simple and painless. So don’t wait until it’s too late. State of the art testing facilities are used at Total Optical and you may be tested without the need for dilation.
