Glaucoma

Glaucoma - the silent thief of sight.

The most common type of Glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly without symptoms in the early stages. Severe loss of peripheral vision may occur before the sufferer realises there is a problem.

 A rarer type of Glaucoma occurs more rapidly. Its symptoms may include blurred vision, loss of side vision, seeing coloured rings around lights and pain or redness in the eyes. Glaucoma most often occurs in people over the age of 40. People at higher risk of developing glaucoma include those with a family history of Glaucoma, and those very near sighted or diabetic.

Early detection is important.

Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early, it can be controlled. Vision lost to Glaucoma cannot be restored.

Glaucoma is usually only detected in the course of an eye examination. Regular eye examinations are important for the detection and management of Glaucoma.

For more information, visit www.glaucoma.org.nz/About-Glaucoma/default.asp

Normal Vision

Glaucoma