Glaucoma Clinic
Early detection and ongoing monitoring to protect your vision before symptoms appear.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions where the optic nerve is progressively damaged, leading to irreversible vision loss. Left untreated, peripheral vision narrows until only a small central area remains, sometimes described as tunnel vision. It is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure, though it can occur at normal pressure levels too.
It is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in Australia. Most forms develop slowly and without symptoms, which is why it is sometimes called the "silent thief of sight." By the time you notice changes to your vision, significant damage may have already occurred. Because there are no early warning signs, the only way to detect glaucoma is through regular eye examinations that include intraocular pressure measurement and optic nerve assessment.
Are you at risk?
Glaucoma can affect anyone, but certain factors increase your likelihood. If any of the following apply to you, regular monitoring is important.
Age over 40
Risk increases with age, particularly after 40. Regular screening is recommended from this point onward.
Family history
Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma significantly increases your risk.
High intraocular pressure
Elevated pressure inside the eye is one of the most significant risk factors for optic nerve damage.
High myopia (short-sightedness)
People with moderate to high myopia have a greater risk of developing glaucoma.
Medical history
Conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, vasospastic disorders, migraines, and long-term corticosteroid use can increase your risk.
Previous eye injuries
Trauma to the eye can damage drainage structures and lead to elevated pressure over time.
What a monitoring appointment involves
Our glaucoma monitoring appointments are designed to track your eye health over time and detect any changes early.
Intraocular pressure check
Measuring the pressure inside your eyes to identify elevated levels that may put your optic nerve at risk.
Visual field testing
Mapping your peripheral vision to detect any areas of vision loss that you may not have noticed.
Optic nerve assessment
Examining the health and structure of your optic nerve for signs of damage or progression.
Review and plan
Discussing your results, comparing them to previous visits, and adjusting your monitoring schedule as needed.
Frequently asked questions
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually linked to raised pressure inside the eye. It tends to affect peripheral (side) vision first and progresses gradually, which is why it is often described as a silent condition.
In its early stages, glaucoma usually has no noticeable symptoms. Vision changes often develop so gradually that they go unnoticed until later. This is why regular eye exams matter, they allow glaucoma to be detected before you would notice any change yourself.
Risk increases with age, a family history of glaucoma, higher eye pressure, significant short-sightedness or long-sightedness, and diabetes. If glaucoma runs in your family, let your optometrist know, as you may benefit from more frequent monitoring.
We assess for glaucoma using several tests: measuring the pressure inside your eye, examining the optic nerve, mapping your peripheral vision with a visual field test, and measuring corneal thickness. Together these build a picture of your eye health over time.
Glaucoma cannot be reversed, but with early detection it can usually be managed to help slow further changes. Management may involve eye drops or referral to an ophthalmologist. Our role is early detection and ongoing monitoring as part of your eye care team.
For most adults, an annual comprehensive eye exam is enough to monitor for glaucoma. If you have risk factors or are already being monitored, we may recommend more frequent checks and will tailor a monitoring plan to your individual risk.
Concerned about glaucoma?
Book a comprehensive eye exam to check your eye health and discuss a monitoring plan.