Glaucoma Fact Sheet
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition associated with pressure in the eye. It is characterised by damage to the optic nerve that causes peripheral vision loss.
What are the symptoms?
Glaucoma often has no symptoms. However, common signs include:
- Severe pain and vision loss
- Blurred vision, or seeing coloured rings around lights
- Nausea and vomiting
Who is at risk?
Those most at risk include people who have:
- A family history of the eye condition
- Diabetes
- An injury to the eye
- Used steroids regularly over a long period of time
Can it be treated?
Glaucoma can be treated with laser work, medication or surgery. Early detection and treatment of this condition can prevent or delay vision loss.
To help avoid glaucoma, people should have their eyes regularly examined by an eye care professional. Those in high-risk categories should have their eyes examined well before the age of 35.
Find out more
Contact us
Call: 1300 84 74 66
TTY: 02 9334 3260
Fax: 02 9747 5993
Website: www.visionaustralia.org
Street Address (State Head Offices)
NSW and ACT: 4 Mitchell Street, Enfield NSW 2136
Queensland: 373 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo Qld 4151
Victoria: 454 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong Vic 3144
Vision Australia is a living partnership between people who are blind, sighted or have low vision. We are united by our passion that in the future people who are blind or have low vision will have access to and fully participate in every part of life they choose.
This page last updated: 20 August 2008