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Navigating life with glaucoma
Glaucoma is more than just an eye disease - it’s a life-altering condition that slowly changes the way people interact with the world. Often dubbed the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma typically progresses without noticeable symptoms until significant vision has already occurred. In fact, many people go for years without realizing they have it because peripheral (side) vision fades slowly and subtly.
It's one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide and although the condition progresses slowly, its impact on daily life can be significant.
There are different types of glaucoma, including open-angle glaucoma (the most common form) and closed angle-closure glaucoma, which is more acute and painful. Until a cure is found, vision loss cannot be restored.
For the more than 80 million people worldwide living with glaucoma, including over 350,000 Australians, adapting to the challenges of this chronic condition requires resilience, routine, and a proactive mindset.
Visual Changes and Challenges
People living with glaucoma may experience a range of visual changes and challenges, including:
Peripheral Vision Loss: Most people with glaucoma first notice a loss in peripheral (side) vision, which can make everyday tasks like walking in crowds, driving, navigating stairs, or spotting obstacles more difficult.
Difficulty with Low Light: Many people with glaucoma struggle to adjust between light and dark environments.
Increased Risk of Falls: Reduced depth perception and peripheral awareness raise the chances of bumps, bruises, or falls—especially in older adults.
Emotional and Mental Health Impact
Beyond the physical challenges, living with glaucoma can deeply affect emotional well-being and mental health, often leading to experiences such as:
Anxiety and Fear: The progressive nature of the disease and the fear of total blindness weigh heavily on many individuals.
Depression: Studies show that people with vision impairment are at a higher risk of depression and social isolation.
Loss of Independence: Activities like reading fine print or driving may no longer be possible, especially in advanced stages.
Although there is no cure for glaucoma, it can be managed effectively. The earlier it is detected, the better the chances that disease progression will slow down, which in turn improves quality of life.
Most patients commence treatment with prescription eye drops to lower their eye pressure. Drops must be administered consistently as set out in the ophthalmologist's treatment plan - missing doses can hasten vision loss.
In some cases, procedures like trabeculoplasty, laser therapy, or tube shunt surgery may be necessary to reduce pressure.
Regular eye examinations and lifelong monitoring of the optic nerve are essential to help track disease progress and alter treatment plans where necessary.
Coping strategies and support
As glaucoma is a life-long chronic condition that needs to be managed, people diagnosed with it are encouraged to access the various sources, products and services to improve daily life.
These include adjustments to your home environment such as better lighting, contrast strips on stairs, and decluttered spaces to reduce hazards and avoid injury and low vision aids like magnifiers, large-print books, and voice-activated technology can help maintain independence.
Living with glaucoma isn't just about managing vision, it's also about managing uncertainty. That's why emotional support is just as important as practical advice. Common concerns include anxiety about future vision loss, frustration over lifestyle limitations and depression linked to reduced independence and social isolation
This is why mental health support is crucial, especially after diagnosis or major lifestyle changes.
Joining a support group or accessing emotional help services through Glaucoma Australia’s free SiGHTWiSE program can help tremendously.
Hope through innovation
Research and exciting developments into early detection, neuroprotection, and gene therapies offer hope to those living with glaucoma.
These innovations include AI-based screening and diagnostic tools to help detect the disease earlier, saliva test kits to assess one’s risk of developing glaucoma and sustained drug delivery systems which reduce the need for daily drops.
These advances are particularly important for rural and remote areas where access remains a challenge.
Recent investments in gene therapy and optic nerve regeneration hold great promise to not only slow down vision loss but also restore lost sight. This cutting-edge research and global efforts mean that the future looks hopeful.
If you or a loved one is living with glaucoma, know this: you are not alone. With today’s treatments, support networks, and emerging technologies, many people continue to lead vibrant, independent lives despite the diagnosis.
📞 Need Support?
You can reach out to our qualified Orthoptist Patient Educators on 1800 500 880 for clinical advice, practical help and emotional support.
Glaucoma, frequently referred to as the "silent thief of sight," remains one of the primary causes of irreversible blindness across the globe. This condition often progresses without noticeable symptoms...
An eye disease that affect more than 80million people around the world. It impacts the optic nerve, which is the major nerve in the eye that connects your eye to the brain – it is vital in helping you to see...
I was diagnosed with glaucoma at 60 years old so only 3 years ago. My dad has glaucoma so as it can be genetic I was being tested every 2 years...