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Asked who is at risk, Ms Sicari said that although anyone can get glaucoma, some people have a higher risk, such as a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, migraine, short-sightedness (myopia), past or present eye injury, high blood pressure and past or present use of cortisone drugs (steroids). 'Glaucoma Australia' recommends all people to have a glaucoma test every 2 -3 years by the age of 40 and for people in the at-risk groups to start their glaucoma tests no later than the age of 35.
Ms Sicari said that regular glaucoma tests every 2 - 3 years are the best way to detect glaucoma early. A glaucoma test usually consists of an eye pressure test, an examination of the optic nerve with dilation drops and a visual field assessment if needed (this tests the sensitivity of the side vision, where glaucoma strikes first).
Finally, Ms Sicari said glaucoma is a serious and common eye disease that can cause vision loss if left untreated. If you haven't had a glaucoma test, speak to your eye specialist, local optometrist or family doctor, and Be Eye Wise to avoid glaucoma blindness.
This information talk on this important subject was given by Ms Catia Sicari from Glaucoma Australia.Teacher: Michael
Many articles taken from 'A word with the doctor', by Dr. John Windsor.
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