The Top 5 Things to Know About Glaucoma from An Orthoptist

Through my clinical work as an Orthoptist, and as a Patient Educator at Glaucoma Australia, I frequently encounter and speak with people living with glaucoma. Some of these patients are newly diagnosed and often feel overwhelmed, while others have lived with this chronic disease for many years, yet still carry concerns or have many unanswered questions. 

Through these real conversations, I’ve come to understand that there are five important areas that can help people feel more informed and supported when living with glaucoma 

1. It’s normal to feel anxious or confused at first 

A glaucoma diagnosis can come as a shock, especially because many people experience no symptoms at all. I often hear, “But my vision seems fine, I can see the bottom line on the chart.” This can often result in patient denial, making the diagnosis harder to accept. Feeling anxious, frustrated or overwhelmed is completely normal. The most important thing is to ask questions and take each appointment, one step at a time. You don’t need to understand everything immediately - learning about glaucoma takes time. 

2. Eye pressure is important, but it’s not the whole story 

Many patients tend to put too much emphasis on their eye pressure readings. While pressure is one of the key aspects in glaucoma, it’s not the only thing that is monitored. Your clinician will also consider the health of your optic nerve, visual field tests, OCT scans, and how these change over time. Even with similar eye pressure readings, disease progression can vary significantly from person to person. Glaucoma management is about trends and patterns, not just individual readings. 

3. The tests can feel repetitive, but they really matter 

Because visual field tests and scans are often repeated regularly, they can feel exhausting or even frustrating. However, these tests are very important as they enable your clinician to identify subtle changes, given that glaucoma typically progresses gradually and without any obvious symptoms. By comparing results over time, treatment can be adjusted early to help preserve your vision for as long as possible. 

4. Using your eye drops consistently 

Eye drops may seem like a simple treatment option, but they play a very important role in protecting your vision. Missing a dose, stopping drops due to side effects, or running out unintentionally can all have an impact on your glaucoma. If drops are uncomfortable, difficult to use, or you often forget, be sure to inform your treating optometrist or ophthalmologist. There is often an alternative drop, different techniques, or useful aids that can make things easier. It is important to speak up and not struggle in silence. 

5. You are not alone in this 

Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t mean you have to face it alone. Your eye care team - including ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists - are there to support you. Beyond the clinic, organisations like Glaucoma Australia provide education, support services, and opportunities to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Many patients find huge comfort in knowing that they’re not the only ones navigating this diagnosis. 

Living with glaucoma can feel daunting, but most people adapt far better than they anticipate. With regular monitoring, good communication with your eye care team, and support around you, many patients continue to live full, active lives with their vision well preserved. From my clinical perspective, the most confident patients are not the ones who know everything, but rather the ones who stay engaged, ask questions, and feel supported along the way.