Glaucoma Awareness Month

There are several types of glaucoma. The most common is primary open angle glaucoma, where damage to your optic nerve happens slowly over a long period of time. The damage happens due to high pressure in your eyes (over 21mmHg). Other types of glaucoma include normal tension glaucoma, primary closed angle glaucoma and secondary glaucoma.

Here are some tips to help you look after your eyes:

Act early

The most common type of glaucoma doesn’t hurt and has no symptoms until it’s quite advanced. It can cause permanent sight loss if it goes undetected and untreated.

Get a regular eye test

The best way to look after your eyes is to have a regular eye test with an optician. An eye test is an important health check for your eyes and help detect glaucoma as early as possible so you can get treatment. You might be able to get a free eye test, click here to check if you’re eligible.

Talk about it

You’re more likely to develop glaucoma if you have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with the condition. It’s a good idea to ask your close family members if there is any family history of glaucoma. If you’re diagnosed with glaucoma, let your family know too. They may be at risk.

People with a family history of glaucoma may be eligible for a free eye test.

While anyone can develop glaucoma, six factors that increase your risk include:

• Eye pressure: if your eye pressure exceeds 21 mmHg, your risk of primary open-angle glaucoma rises.
• Age: glaucoma affects up to one in 50 people over 40, and up to seven in 100 over 70.
• Family history: having a parent, sibling, or child with glaucoma can show your risk of developing glaucoma is higher.
• Ethnicity: primary open angle glaucoma is more common in people of African-Caribbean origin. If you are of East Asian origin, you might have an increased risk of closed angle glaucoma.
• Eyesight prescription: short-sightedness increases open-angle risk, while long-sightedness raises the chance of closed-angle glaucoma.
• Diabetes and steroids: diabetes doubles your risk, and long-term steroid use may also lead to glaucoma.

Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, laser treatment or surgery to lower your eye pressure. Treatment depends on what type of glaucoma you have. Eye drops are the most common treatment.

• Create a daily routine: take your eye drops daily at the same time. Use phone reminders or link them to a routine, like brushing your teeth.
• Proper eye drop storage: follow the storage instructions on the label carefully to ensure effectiveness, and routinely check expiration dates.
• Easier use of eye drops: if you struggle with eye drops, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance. The RNIB Shop also has aids to help with application.
• Consistency is key: use eye drops, as prescribed, long-term to protect against future damage by controlling eye pressure, even if your vision seems unchanged.
• Communicate for better care: if you experience side effects or run out of medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist promptly to stay on track.

Be aware that making things bigger, like text, may not help and you may need to stand further away as there's a big misconception that bigger, bolder, brighter is better for everyone.

You can call us on 0303 123 9999 (8am-8pm weekdays and 9am-1pm on Saturdays). Our team of advisors are on hand to answer your questions and direct you to the help and support you need.

Speak to an Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLO) at a hospital near you

ECLOs provide information, emotional support and advice if you have a condition which affects your sight.

They work in a variety of eye care locations, including hospitals and eye clinics.

If you’d like to contact an ECLO, visit Sightline Directory and search ECLO and your postcode, call us on 0303 123 9999 or email [email protected].

Our Understanding Glaucoma booklet is available in various formats. Call us if you’d like a copy in braille.