Glaucoma Care: Protect Your Vision with Early Detection

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, often progressing without noticeable symptoms. At Goulburn Eyecare, we prioritize early detection and management of glaucoma to help preserve your eyesight and maintain your quality of life.

Whether you’re at risk of developing glaucoma or concerned about your vision, our experienced team is here to provide personalised care tailored to your needs.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, typically due to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). Left untreated, this damage can result in permanent vision loss.

Common types of glaucoma include:

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form, progressing slowly without symptoms in the early stages.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A less common but urgent condition, causing sudden eye pain, blurred vision, and nausea.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Occurs even with normal eye pressure, often linked to poor blood flow.
Congenital Glaucoma: Rare and present from birth, requiring specialized care.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it may not show symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. However, some people may experience:

Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
Blurred or dimmed vision
Seeing halos around lights
Eye pain or pressure (in acute cases)

Certain factors increase your risk of glaucoma, including:

A family history of glaucoma
Age over 40
Medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
Previous eye injuries or inflammation

How We Detect Glaucoma at Goulburn Eyecare

Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for detecting glaucoma early. At Goulburn Eyecare, we use advanced diagnostic technology to assess your eye health and identify signs of glaucoma.

Our tests include:

Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure to detect elevated levels.
Optic Nerve Imaging: Provides detailed images to monitor nerve damage.
Visual Field Testing: Identifies blind spots and peripheral vision loss.
OCT Scans: Tracks changes in the optic nerve over time.

These cutting-edge techniques allow us to create a detailed picture of your eye health and identify glaucoma in its earliest stages.

Personalized Glaucoma Treatment and Management

Although glaucoma cannot be cured, effective treatments can slow its progression and protect your vision. At Goulburn Eyecare, we provide a range of treatment options, including:

Prescription Eye Drops: Reduce eye pressure by improving fluid drainage or decreasing production.
Laser Treatments: Enhance fluid drainage to lower intraocular pressure.
Surgery: For advanced cases, we co-manage with trusted ophthalmologists to provide surgical solutions.
Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to track changes and adjust treatment plans as needed.

We work closely with you to develop a management plan that suits your lifestyle and ensures the best possible outcomes.

Preventing Vision Loss: Why Regular Eye Exams Are Key

Early detection is your best defence against glaucoma. Routine eye exams allow us to monitor your eye health, identify risk factors, and intervene early when necessary.

To reduce your risk of glaucoma:

Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Especially if you have a family history of the condition.
Protect Your Eyes: Protecting your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses is particularly important in Goulburn, where the sun’s rays can contribute to overall eye strain and health issues.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Manage chronic conditions like diabetes, eat a diet rich in antioxidants, and avoid smoking.

Book Your Glaucoma Screening Today

If you’re concerned about glaucoma or due for a routine eye exam, trust Goulburn Eyecare to provide trusted care. Our experienced optometrists are committed to helping you maintain healthy vision for years to come.