1. What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition which affects the optic nerve. This is the essential connection which allows our eyes to send messages directly to our brains.

Unfortunately, glaucoma is a difficult condition to diagnose because its initial stages present almost no symptoms and no pain. Subsequently, it is important to know whether your family has a history of glaucoma and visit an optometrist regularly if you are at risk.

The best defence we have against glaucoma is catching it early and slowing the disease as much as possible. Sadly, while there are glaucoma treatment options, there is no cure yet, and the tunnelling caused by the condition is permanent.

We advise you to get regular eye examinations, and to ask your optometrist for the results of your pressure tests.

2. Is glaucoma hereditary?

Yes, glaucoma can be hereditary. If you have a family history of glaucoma, you are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Genetic factors play a significant role, and specific genes have been identified that increase susceptibility. It's important to inform your eye care provider about any family history of glaucoma so they can monitor your eye health more closely. Early detection and glaucoma treatments are crucial in managing the condition and preventing significant vision loss.

3. How does glaucoma develop?

Some of the causes of glaucoma are still unknown, but the most concrete link we have is based on intraocular pressure, or the pressure inside the eye.

The liquid in the eye which delivers nutrients and allows it to function is called the aqueous humour, and it is released through a structure called the drainage angle. If the drainage angle becomes blocked, then the pressure from the aqueous humour increases and the optic nerve will become damaged.

Increased pressure is the main way that glaucoma damages the eye, but the cause of pressure building is not entirely understood, with the main links to the disease being age, genes, blood pressure and diabetes.

Remember, pressure levels are variable from patient to patient, so your optometrist needs to know what the healthy pressure of your eye is, so they can assess whether it is increasing.

4. How long does glaucoma take to develop?

The initial stage of vision loss from glaucoma happens very slowly, which unfortunately means that the damage can and will occur almost entirely unimpeded by human intervention. The build of pressure is very slow and gradual, and sadly once it becomes noticeable, that damage cannot be undone.

5. How does glaucoma affect vision?

Glaucoma affects the peripheries of our vision, gradually darkening the outer reaches, and slowly creating channels through which we see. If left to continue, glaucoma will result in tunnelled vision, leaving only two holes for us to perceive light from, as opposed to the wide vision we are born with.

6. How does glaucoma affect your daily life?

Glaucoma sufferers struggle with many of their day-to-day tasks, due to this condition. Sadly, there is not a great deal that can be done for them once the damage occurs, but all aspects of their life which require an ability to see can be permanently affected. This is why it is so important to get the required help early, and to pay close attention afterwards.

7. Is glaucoma treatable?

While the damage is irreversible, there are three glaucoma treatments which can slow its development:

1. Eye-drops (including combination eye-drops)
2. Laser eye surgery
3. Surgical operation

When researching ways on how to treat glaucoma, eye-drops are the solution which most optometrists will choose first as they are the easiest to monitor. Laser eye surgery has improved a lot in the treatment of glaucoma over the last 25 years, and pressure-relieving solutions without invasive surgery are possible and do well for many recipients. An invasive operation is not as scary as it might have been a long time ago. Nowadays glaucoma surgery can be completed in less than ten minutes, without any scarring or stitches in the eye. These can be more sophisticated in the ways that they release pressure than the methods mentioned previously.

8. Can you drive with glaucoma?

Driving with glaucoma is possible for many individuals, especially in the early stages of the condition. However, it depends on the severity of your vision loss and how well the disease is managed. Regular eye exams are essential to assess your visual acuity and peripheral vision, both of which are crucial for safe driving. If glaucoma has significantly impacted your vision, your eye care provider may recommend adjustments, such as restricted driving hours or routes. It's important to follow medical advice and, if necessary, explore alternative transportation options to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

When to stop driving with glaucoma

You should stop driving with glaucoma when your vision has deteriorated to the point where it significantly impairs your ability to see clearly and react to road conditions. This includes loss of peripheral vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and trouble distinguishing objects or signs. Regular assessments by your eye care provider will help determine if your vision meets the legal requirements for driving. If you experience frequent vision-related incidents or feel unsafe behind the wheel, it’s important to prioritise safety and consider alternative transportation options.

9. Can you fly with glaucoma?

Yes, flying with glaucoma is fine. However, it's essential to manage your condition carefully, ensuring you have your medications and eye care routine in place. Consult your doctor before flying with glaucoma, especially for long trips, to address any concerns and ensure your comfort during travel.

10. How can a Serious light help?

A Serious HD table light can illuminate your specific tasks more accurately than a standard reading light, which is important for people with glaucoma who have a reduced field of vision. This is because you want as much light as possible on your specific task, but you also need to be able to adjust because each case of glaucoma can be different.

The amazing range of motion in a Serious HD floor light can provide a luminous light source from any angle that your specific field of vision requires, whilst also giving you the ability to dim the light throughout the day, as your needs change.

Enhance your daily activities and maintain your independence with the best lighting for glaucoma patients available.