Glaucoma usually develops gradually over a number of years – without any noticeable symptoms until a person’s side vision starts to disappear. This is why it is known as ‘the sneak thief of sight’. If not treated it can lead to blindness.
Glaucoma slowly causes damage to eyes. Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases in which the nerve that connects the eye to the brain is slowly damaged. In most people, this damage occurs when there is an increase in pressure in the eye, however, this is not always the case.
If glaucoma is not detected early and treated, it can lead to vision loss and blindness. This damage is irreversible.
Check your family history. The most common form of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma. Because glaucoma often runs in families, you should ask family members (mother, father, aunties, uncles, brother and sister) if they know of anyone in the family who has glaucoma. If the answer is yes, your risk may be six to 10 times higher of developing glaucoma. Although you may not develop the disease, you should have regular eye exams after you reach age of 35. If there is no family history we recommend you have an eye exam (to be evaluated for glaucoma) after age 40.
The examination should consist of:
- An examination of the back of the eye through a dilated pupil (drops make the pupil larger)
- An eye pressure test
- A visual field assessment.
- Glaucoma can affect everyone including children. Congenital and infantile glaucoma (glaucoma in a newborn and infants) is an uncommon form of glaucoma. Your pediatrician will recommend your child for a glaucoma exam if he/she is at risk or concern.