Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye conditions that cause sight loss by damaging your optic nerve. The sight loss is permanent and while treatments can’t restore any sight loss, it can prevent it from happening in the first place.
Symptoms
The most common form of Glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma / chronic glaucoma, has very few symptoms, if any at all. Other forms are less common.
Causes​
Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure in the eye or by a weakness in the optic nerve. In most cases, high pressure and weakness in the optic nerve are both involved to a varying extent. (NB – Eye pressure is not connected to your blood pressure.) The amount of pressure will relate to the speed and extent of the damage caused.
Prevention & Treatment
Operations cannot repair or improve damage that may have already been caused, but they can prevent further damage to the eye and further sight loss. Early treatment can also prevent damage and sight loss from happening in the first place. Treatment for Glaucoma is usually via eye drops, to reduce the pressure in the eye, or laser surgery, which helps improve drainage of fluid in the eye. Both are effective treatments. The earlier it is detected, the lesser the effects of the condition.
What do I do now?
Early detection and treatment of glaucoma can prevent or slow down any further damage. Those with glaucoma can carry on with everyday activities such as reading, watching television and using the computer, without this affecting their glaucoma. There is a wealth of useful information and resources beyond this article, in case you wish to find out more – visit the Glaucoma UK website.
If you have had a diagnosis or want further information, there are many ways in which Galloways can help you and your loved ones adjust to your sight loss. We offer simple practical help with living with the diagnosis and coping with everyday life. Please do get in touch, even if you just have a further question, want emotional support or are ready to take the next step on your sight loss journey by discovering assistive technology and VI adapted activities.
You can also learn more from people who live with glaucoma from our service users Linda and Suraj.
