Glaucoma screening at Opticare
Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve where it leaves the eye. The optic nerve carries images from the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, to the brain.
Most early glaucoma has no symptoms, so regular screening is the best way to catch it. We screen for glaucoma as part of your eye examination.
What is glaucoma?
There are four main types of glaucoma:
Chronic glaucoma
Comes on slowly, the most common type.
Acute glaucoma
Comes on suddenly.
Secondary glaucoma
Caused by another eye condition.
Congenital or developmental glaucoma
Affects babies, caused by the eye not forming properly.
Symptoms of glaucoma
Chronic glaucoma usually has no symptoms at first. It isn’t painful, your eyes may look normal, and your vision may seem unaffected, which is why regular screening matters.
Acute glaucoma is different. If you suddenly get a painful, red eye with blurred vision, haloes around lights, a headache or feeling sick, go to A&E straight away.
Why test for glaucoma?
Chronic glaucoma affects around 1 in 100 people over 40, and 1 in 20 people over 65. The risk increases with age and, if left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness.
If you’re over 40 and have a family history of glaucoma, you should have an eye test every 12 months.
More in-depth with OptiPlan
OptiPlan members get a more in-depth glaucoma risk analysis, with a 3D OCT scan included in their enhanced eye examination.
What the screening involves
Glaucoma screening is part of your eye examination. It helps us make sure you can see well, that your eyes work properly together, and that they’re healthy and free of disease. It involves three checks:
Eye pressure
We measure the pressure inside your eyes (intraocular pressure).
Optic disc
We examine the optic disc, where the optic nerve leaves the back of the eye.
Visual field
We check your field of vision, including your side vision.
Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent or slow down more serious sight problems. Because most early glaucoma has no symptoms, regular screening is important, especially as you get older.
Book your glaucoma screening
Glaucoma screening is included in your eye examination at all four of our practices.