𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗴𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗮 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹?

Yes. The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, usually develops slowly and may cause no noticeable symptoms at first.

Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve—the bundle of nerve fibres carrying visual information from the retina at the back of the eye to the brain. Central vision used for reading and recognising faces may remain clear while small areas of peripheral vision are affected. Because these changes can be gradual, they may be difficult to notice in everyday life.

Eye pressure is important, but a pressure reading alone cannot diagnose or exclude glaucoma. Some people have raised pressure without optic-nerve damage, while others develop glaucoma even though their measured pressure is within the usual range.

A glaucoma assessment therefore looks beyond pressure. It may include examining the optic nerve, OCT imaging of the retinal nerve-fibre layer, visual-field testing and assessment of the eye’s drainage angle.

Regular eye examinations are particularly important if you have a close relative with glaucoma, have previously been told your eye pressure is high, or use corticosteroid medicines long term. Your eye-care professional can advise how often you should be checked based on your individual risk.

Sudden severe eye pain, a red eye, blurred vision or coloured halos—especially with nausea or vomiting—can indicate acute angle closure and require urgent medical assessment.

Eye and Retina Specialists, Sydney

www.eyeandretina.com.au

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