GLAUCOMA THE SILENT THIEF …

Most people trust their eyes until something goes wrong. But what if your vison was slowly changing… without pain, without warning, without you even noticing?

That’s how Glaucoma often works.

It doesn’t knock loudly. It doesn’t demand attention. It quietly takes, bit by bit, until something important is gone.

Glaucoma, is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. That is the part of the eye that send visual information to your brain. The damage is often linked to increased pressure inside the eye, although not always. Over time this can then lead to loss of vision, especially if not detected early.

Unlike many health problems, glaucoma often has no ‘early symptoms.

There are no pain, redness, or obvious warning signs. Vision loss usually starts at the edges (peripheral vision); the areas you don’t always notice in daily life. So, while you may feel like your vision is ‘fine’, changes could already be happening. Similar to if you had to crop a photo slowly, and eventually the picture is incomplete.

Most people usually feel quite normal during these ‘early stages.’

As it begins to progress however then there are things you may end up noticing. The symptoms like: reduced side (peripheral vision), difficulty seeing in low light, tunnel vision in later stages, blurred vision (in some cases). There are sudden and rare forms where one might experience: sever eye pain, headaches, nausea, and seeing halos around lights. These mentioned symptoms for rare cases do require urgent medical attention.

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but the risk becomes relatively higher if you are: over 40 years of age, a family history of glaucoma, having diabetes or high blood pressure, have had eye injuries, using certain medication long-term (like steroids). Vision loss due to glaucoma is permanent and con not be reversed. It however can be slowed or prevented, if caught early. Regular eye checks are therefore important; even if your vision feels normal.

Glaucoma is detected with an eye exam. They will check your eye pressure measurement, an optic nerve assessment, visual field testing, and imaging of the eye. These are painless and quick tests that make a difference. By getting regular eye tests, knowing the history of your family in this regard, managing your chronic conditions, not ignoring subtle changes, and following treatment if diagnosed are recommended.

Speak to a doctor and seek medical advice if you: having had your eyes tested in years, have a family history of glaucoma, notice changes in your vision, and experience eye discomfort or unusual symptoms. An online doctor can assist if you are unsure. By booking a virtual consultation they can: assess your risk, discuss symptoms, refer you for appropriate eye testing, and help you to take the next step quickly.

Glaucoma, doesn’t usually give second chances, but it does provide early opportunities. The challenge however is that those opportunities come quietly. Protect your vision with intention and do not wait for symptoms in order to confirm what a simple check could prevent. If you are worried and haven’t checked your eyes in a while then book a virtual consultation today with DirectDoc.

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