Glaucoma Management

Glaucoma is an eye disease where damage occurs to the optic nerve at the back of the eye. This progressive damage can lead to a gradual loss of peripheral vision although if not treated, glaucoma often goes undetected until the damage is quite advanced. Glaucoma can occur at any age, though the risk does increase with age and with any family history of glaucoma.

Glaucomatous changes can be detected and monitored by our optometrists with the aid of additional tests. These often include retinal photographs, a visual field test and OCT scan. As glaucoma can progress slowly, it is important to attend regular eye exams as recommended and additional tests may be performed several times before diagnosis is finally established. Whilst treatment cannot restore any vision that has been lost due to glaucoma, it aims to prevent or minimise further damage. Our optometrists Paul and Dev are both endorsed Glaucoma Prescribers so can provide independent treatment and management for glaucoma. In cases where a referral is appropriate these will be discussed with you by the optometrist.

For more information about glaucoma, please visit www.glaucoma.org.nz