A local Specsavers optometrist has shared signs to look out for and provided guidance on those who might be more at risk of developing the degenerative disease.
It comes during World Glaucoma Week (8th – 14th March).
Anyone can be diagnosed with glaucoma. It can occur when the aqueous humour - the fluid in our eyes - is too high.
This can lead to increased pressure in the eye, which damages the optic nerve responsible for our vision.
However, roughly half glaucoma diagnoses occur with normal eye pressure.
Katherine Friis, optometrist director at Specsavers Ripon, mentions that there are several risk factors that make developing glaucoma more likely. They include:
- Having a close blood relative with the disease – your risk of developing it is four times higher if it’s a sibling and two times higher if it’s a parent
- Age plays a big part – it can affect up to two in every 100 people over 40 and around five in every 100 people over 801
- If you have a high glasses prescription for short-sightedness, it can be linked to the chronic form of glaucoma
- Consistently raised pressure in the eye, called ocular hypertension (OHT)
- Very high blood pressure can lead to an increase in intraocular pressure, which can increase your risk
She said:
"The common signs to look out for are subtle, but if you notice misty or blurry patches in your vision; halos around lights such as headlights or lamps; headaches; your eye becoming red; or any of these accompanied by nausea, it’s important that you seek assistance immediately.
"We always recommend visiting your local optician if you notice any changes in your vision, so they can assess your condition and guide you accordingly."
Katherine added:
"We now have the ability to view the health of your eyes in greater detail thanks to Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). It allows us to see what’s going on beneath the surface of the eye, helping to detect sight-threatening eye conditions much earlier than before.
"Thanks to this technology, glaucoma can now be detected up to four years earlier than traditional imaging methods.
"With chronic glaucoma, many people are unaware they have it until they visit for an appointment because it’s often painless, comes on gradually and affects peripheral vision, making it harder to detect.
"If you know someone diagnosed with glaucoma or are unsure about your risk, awareness days are a good time to ask questions.
"If you meet the risk criteria or it’s been two years or more since your last test, it’s best to book an appointment with your local optician. Early detection helps you take preventive steps to preserve your eyesight."
For more details on the full range of eye health and hearing care services available at Specsavers Ripon, including OCT scans, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ripon or call 01765 694 777
