Glaucoma is a complicated disease, made up of a group of eye disorders in which damage to the optic nerve leads to progressive, irreversible loss of sight. Glaucoma is often, associated with increased fluid pressure in the eye. That’s why regular eye examinations are vital.
Our specially qualified optometrists carry out five tests on high risk Glaucoma patients to check the thickness of the cornea, the inner eye pressure, the field of vision, the shape and colour of the optic nerve, and the angle at which the iris meets the cornea. You can see were totally obsessed with getting it right.
At John Lewis Opticians, when screening for glaucoma, we’re obsessed with using our sophisticated, advanced technology to analyse your visual function as well as the structural characteristics of the eye. Our highly qualified opticians can interpret the test results in depth and talk you through any concerns and answer any questions you may have.
There are several risk factors which make the onset of glaucoma more likely.
Age – primary open angle glaucoma becomes much more common with increasing age. It is uncommon below the age of 40, but the number of people with the condition rises from about two per cent of people over the age of 40 to more than five per cent for those over the age of 80.
Blood pressure – people with low blood pressure, in relation to the eye pressure, are at greater risk.
Ethnicity – people of African-Caribbean origin are at four times greater risk of developing primary open angle glaucoma, when compared with those of a European origin. The condition also tends to come on at an earlier age and be more severe. People of Asian origin are at an increased risk of developing primary angle closure glaucoma.
Family history – there is an increased risk of developing glaucoma if you have a close blood relative with the condition. If you have glaucoma, don’t forget to tell your relatives about the condition and the need for them to be tested.
Short sight – people with short sight (myopia) are at increased risk of developing glaucoma, and should ensure that they are regularly tested.
Long sight – Long sighted people are known to be at increased risk of developing angle closure.
Diabetes – people with diabetes may be at increased risk of developing glaucoma, although it is not known whether there is a direct link between the two conditions. However, all people with diabetes should have regular routine eye examinations for diabetic eye diseases.
It’s estimated that 300,000 people are living with undetected glaucoma. It’s worth reminding friends and family to have an eye examination too. Our eyes give us the beauty of sight – let’s protect them together.