I Have Glaucoma
One of the most important contributions you can make to protect your vision is to take your medication as prescribed and monitor your glaucoma by attending scheduled review appointments. As glaucoma treatment can become ineffective over time, ongoing testing is crucial to best protect your vision.
I have just been diagnosed with glaucoma, what now?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with glaucoma you might be feeling overwhelmed and concerned for the future. Glaucoma Australia is here to provide you with the information you need so you can learn how to manage this disease and take back control.
If a diagnosis of glaucoma has been made, it is critical that you have your intraocular pressure, eye health and visual fields periodically assessed. Your ophthalmologist and optometrist may formulate a “shared care” treatment plan for your glaucoma. In this situation, you will be asked to divide your follow-up visits between the optometrist and ophthalmologist. This is done to provide you with the best care possible – shared care plans ensure that the glaucoma is sufficiently monitored and well-controlled. Because glaucoma assessment often involves computerised tests, a cumulative history of results on a specific machine also means progression can be readily detected in a timely fashion.
It is important to adhere to the shared care treatment plan outlined for you. If there are difficulties with this then you should speak to your optometrist or ophthalmologist so that the treatment plan can be revised accordingly. Similarly, your optometrist may ask you to return to see your ophthalmologist earlier than scheduled if they believe your glaucoma treatment needs to be changed.
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Eye Drops: What you should know
If you have more questions about the steps following a glaucoma diagnosis contact Glaucoma Australia on 02 9411 7722 or email us.
Help save your family’s sight
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, it is important to alert your family members to their increased risk. Early detection and appropriate treatment can be the difference between them being sighted and going blind. Let your family members know they are at increased risk, and encourage them to have regular optic nerve checks.
Glaucoma runs in families - have the conversation
Right now in Australia, around 300,000 people have glaucoma, a potentially blinding eye disease. Alarmingly, only 50% of them know it. The following points may be useful in advising direct family members of their increased risk.
Encourage your family members to learn more by directing them to the Glaucoma Australia website.
For further queries, please encourage them to contact Glaucoma Australia at 02 9411 7722 or email us.
Things to tell your doctor
Things you should know
Glaucoma Australia has been educating Australians about glaucoma for almost 30 years – our Mission is to Eliminate Glaucoma Blindness. Help us to help your family.