January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and if you haven’t thought about your eye health recently, now’s the perfect time to start.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.
Yet it remains misunderstood and – all too often – undetected until it’s too late.
This article gives you everything you need to know to make sure you understand it better.
Why is glaucoma called “the silent thief of sight”?
Glaucoma often develops gradually, without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. That’s why it’s earned its ominous nickname.
Many people don’t realise something is wrong until their vision is significantly affected.
Here’s a startling statistic: over 700,000 people in the UK have glaucoma, and about half of them don’t even know it.
That could easily be you or someone you love.
Who is most at risk of glaucoma?
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain groups are more vulnerable. Here are the main risk factors:
Age: Your risk increases after age 40.
Family history: If someone in your family has glaucoma, your chances are higher.
Medical conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and thin corneas are associated with a greater risk.
Ethnicity: People of African-Caribbean and Asian descent are more likely to develop glaucoma.
If you fall into any of these categories, regular eye exams are even more critical for you.
How can you tell if you have glaucoma?
Since glaucoma often doesn’t show symptoms in its early stages, the only way to know for sure is through regular eye tests.
During an eye exam, optometrists check for:
Peripheral vision changes: Glaucoma often affects side vision first.
Eye pressure changes: High intraocular pressure is a common sign.
Optic nerve health: Using specialised lenses, optometrists examine the optic nerve for early signs of damage.
Advanced tests, such as corneal thickness scans, can also identify risk factors before symptoms develop. These simple checks can make all the difference in catching glaucoma early.
What happens if glaucoma is detected?
The good news is that while glaucoma can’t be reversed, it can be managed effectively if caught early. Treatments may include:
Prescription eye drops: These lower eye pressure and prevent further damage.
Laser treatment: To improve drainage and reduce pressure.
Surgery: In advanced cases, procedures can help control intraocular pressure.
Your optometrist will guide you on the best course of action based on the severity of your condition.
Can you prevent glaucoma?
While you can’t always prevent glaucoma, there are steps you can take to protect your eyes:
Get regular eye exams: Especially if you’re in a high-risk group. Adults over 40 should aim for an eye test every 1-2 years.
Know your family history: Share this with your optometrist so they can tailor your care.
Manage health conditions: Control diabetes and high blood pressure to reduce your risk.
Protect your eyes: Wear protective eyewear during activities that could cause eye injuries.
Why are regular eye tests so important?
It can’t be said enough: regular eye tests are the key to early detection.
Many people skip eye exams because they think their vision is fine, but glaucoma doesn’t announce itself with symptoms.
By the time you notice a problem, irreversible damage may have already occurred
Optometrists don’t just check how well you can see… They look for signs of underlying conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Think of an eye test as an investment in your long-term vision.
What makes January a good time to act?
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a global effort to highlight the importance of early detection.
There’s no better time to take control of your eye health and book an eye test.
Final thoughts: don’t take your sight for granted
Glaucoma may be silent, but you don’t have to let it steal your sight.
With regular eye exams and early detection, you can significantly reduce your risk of vision loss.
If you haven’t had an eye test recently, make it a priority this year.
Remember, your sight is precious. A simple eye exam could literally save it.