Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that affect and damage the optic nerve, causing loss of vision, that typically start in patients over the age of 40

The word itself comes from the Latin and Greek word glaukōma based on glaukos which means bluish-green or grey, due to the colour of the pupil affected by glaucoma.

According to Glaucoma Australia, two in 100 Australians are affected by glaucoma, and 50% of those affected don’t know they have glaucoma. People are ten times more likely to develop glaucoma if a direct family member has it.

Open-angle or chronic glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. Vision loss is gradual and as no signs or symptoms present themselves, when this type of glaucoma is diagnosed, irreparable damage of the optic nerve has often already taken place.

Angle-closure or acute glaucoma is a condition where the eye becomes unexpectedly blocked, causing a quick build-up of fluid that increases pressure in the eye. The symptoms are severe pain, nausea and blurred vision, and this type of glaucoma requires immediate medical attention.

Congenital glaucoma presents in children who are born with a defect in the angle of the eye that either slows or prohibits normal fluid drainage. Symptoms include cloudy eyes, tearing or light sensitivity. As the name suggests, congenital glaucoma can run in families.