Understanding Glaucoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment  

Understanding Glaucoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment  

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that can lead to sight loss. Many New Zealanders have it without knowing, as it often develops without obvious symptoms. Early detection from regular eye check-ups and appropriate treatment can help protect vision, and adaptive techniques and technologies can help those with the condition to continue to do what they enjoy.  

 

What is Glaucoma?  

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that affect the optic nerve, which transmits visual messages from the eye to the brain. 

Glaucoma in Aotearoa New Zealand  

This condition is relatively common, particularly as people age:  

• Glaucoma New Zealand estimates that over 100,000 New Zealanders have the condition, but only about half are aware of it.  

• About one in 20,000 children are born with glaucoma or develop it in childhood.  

• It affects approximately 2% of people over 40.  

• The frequency increases to approximately 10% of people over 70. 
• It is the second most common cause of blindness and partial sight amongst New Zealanders over the age of 65, affecting 7.1% of Blind Low Vision NZ clients.  

Types of Glaucoma:  

• Primary Open-Angle: This is the most common type and occurs gradually.  

• Acute Angle-Closure: A medical emergency caused by sudden build-up of pressure in the eye.  

• Secondary: A result of something else like an eye injury, medication use, uveitis (inflammation in the eye), Pigment Dispersion Syndrome, or Pseudoexfoliation. 

• Childhood: Childhood glaucoma is genetic and is the most common form of glaucoma in children and babies. Some develop secondary glaucoma after cataract surgery or due to other eye conditions. 

Who is at risk? 

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but some factors make it more likely, such as: 

• Having a family history of or a relative with the condition. 

• Increasing age (over 60 years). 

• Having used any kind of steroid medication in the past, especially in and around the eye, high doses, or long-term use.  

• Having had an eye injury. 

• Other health conditions like diabetes or poorly controlled blood pressure. 

• Being very short-sighted (myopic) or long-sighted (hyperopic). 

• Ethnicity, particularly being of African, Caribbean, and Asian descents. 

• Lifestyle factors. You can learn more about these on the Glaucoma New Zealand website. 

Recognising Early Warning Signs  

Glaucoma can be rapidly or gradually onset.   

• Rapid-Onset: May cause sudden headache or eye pain, haloes around lights, a red eye, or cloudy vision.  

• Gradual-Onset: Typically develops without pain or obvious vision changes at first. Peripheral vision may be affected initially, but the brain’s ability to adapt can mask early signs.  

Recommendations for Proactive Care  

Early discovery and treatment can slow the progression of the condition, while adaptive techniques and tools can help manage challenges like missing patches of vision and poor contrast sensitivity.  

Taking charge of your eye health can make a significant difference:  

• Routine Check-Ups: Although you should have regular eye examinations every two years, make sure you are tested for glaucoma at age 45 and again every five years if there are no risk factors or symptoms present. These check-ups should increase to once every three years after age 60.  

• Treatment Options: For those with the condition, daily eye drops help to manage intraocular pressure, or laser or surgical treatments can preserve vision and slow progression.  

Can you stop glaucoma?  

The condition cannot be cured or completely stopped but finding it early and managing it well can slow it down, preserving as much vision as possible.   

How is glaucoma diagnosed? 

An optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose glaucoma through: 

• Eye pressure tests (tonometry). 

• Optic nerve examination. 

• Visual field testing. 

• OCT scans (to check nerve damage). 

How is glaucoma treated? 

Treatment options depend on severity, but may include eye drops to lower eye pressure, laser treatment to improve fluid drainage, or surgery if other options don’t work. 

Support and Empowerment  

Blind Low Vision NZ offers a range of resources to support people with glaucoma. This includes guidance and education to help understand and manage the condition and training for adaptive techniques and technology. To learn more about the support we can offer, call our call centre on 0800 24 33 33 or visit the Our Services page on our website.  

You can also get support from Glaucoma New Zealand by calling their Advisory Service on 0800 452 826. They offer nationwide peer support groups and public education seminars. They are supported by The University of Auckland’s Department of Ophthalmology.