Our vision is a gift that we take for granted and as we age, we are exposed to many forms of degenerative eye diseases. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye’s optic nerve and result in vision loss and in some cases blindness.
Although, early treatment can protect the eyes from any serious vision loss, unfortunately, most people have no symptoms and no warning signs. If this is left undiagnosed and untreated, it can cause gradual vision loss. If caught early though, it usually responds well to medication.
Elderly people in Aged Care facilities cannot always communicate their concerns regarding their eyes and in some cases, they or their families are unable to facilitate a trip to the optometrist for an examination. Modern examination techniques and treatments have made glaucoma a rare cause of blindness in Australia. The tests to diagnose glaucoma are simple and painless and although glaucoma cannot be prevented, the treatment of it is relatively simple via medication and sometimes laser.
