Glaucoma Awareness Month
Glaucoma Awareness Month is an important reminder that some of the most serious eye conditions don’t always come with early warning signs. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide, yet many people don’t realise they have it until their sight has already been affected. The condition is often called the “silent thief of sight” because vision changes tend to occur gradually, often starting in the peripheral (side) vision, making them easy to miss in day-to-day life. This is why regular eye examinations are so important, as they are currently the only reliable way to detect glaucoma early.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain. In most cases, this damage is caused by increased pressure inside the eye. Over time, this pressure can gradually reduce your vision.
Read about the condition in depth HERE
Regular eye tests are essential
A comprehensive eye test does far more than check how clearly you can see. It allows your optometrist to assess eye pressure, examine the health of the optic nerve, check your visual fields, and use advanced imaging like an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan to detect subtle changes in the optic nerve and retinal layers, often identifying glaucoma much earlier than traditional methods. When glaucoma is detected early, treatment can usually slow or prevent further vision loss, helping to protect your sight long term. Skipping routine eye tests, even if your vision feels fine, can allow the condition to progress unnoticed and result in irreversible damage. Book your advanced eye test with OCT scan included HERE
Are you at higher risk of developing glaucoma?
While anyone can develop glaucoma, some people are at higher risk and should be particularly mindful of attending regular eye tests, including:
- People over the age of 40
- Those with a family history of glaucoma (such as a parent or sibling)
- Individuals of African or Caribbean heritage
- People who are short-sighted (myopic)
Having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean you will develop glaucoma, but it does mean early and regular monitoring is especially important. Glaucoma Awareness Month is about encouraging people to prioritise their eye health, even when everything seems normal, as early detection can make a life-changing difference. To learn more about glaucoma, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, visit our dedicated glaucoma information page HERE or book a comprehensive eye examination to have your eyes checked HERE
