What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. In Australia, 300,000 people have glaucoma; about 1 in 200 people have glaucoma by age 40, increasing to 1 in 8 by age 80.
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Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases where vision is lost due to damage to the optic nerve. It causes irreversible vision loss due to damage to the optic nerve. The loss of sight is usually gradual and a considerable amount of peripheral (side) vision may be lost before there is an awareness of any problem. Unfortunately there is no cure for glaucoma, and vision loss is irreversible.
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1 in 50
Australians will Develop Glaucoma
in their lifetime
50%
Of people with Glaucoma,
aren't aware they have it
10x
More Likely to Develop Glaucoma if a relative
has been diagnosed.
Symptoms
90% of glaucoma cases in Australia are POAG (Primary open angle Glaucoma), and there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Damage progresses slowly and destroys vision gradually, starting with peripheral vision. This early vision loss often goes unnoticed until a significant amount of damage to the optic nerve has already occurred.
Know your Risk
If you answer 'Yes' to any of these Risk factors, it's time to get in touch for a comprehensive eye exam.
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Have a family history of glaucoma
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Have high eye pressure
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Aged over 50
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Are of African or Asian descent
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Have diabetes
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Short or long sighted
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Have been on a prolonged course of cortisone (steroid) medication
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Experience migraines
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Have had an eye operation or eye injury
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Have a history or high or low blood pressure
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Experience obstructive sleep apnoea
If you would like to learn more about Genetics and Glaucoma,
and the Genetic risk assessment service, visit: