Glaucoma UK
Glaucoma UK is a leading charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Conchita, their Training & Engagement Officer, has shared some useful information to raise awareness of glaucoma.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of common eye diseases where your optic nerve has become damaged. Your optic nerve takes information from your eye to your brain. Damage to your optic nerve can lead to some sight loss. With treatment, most people with glaucoma keep good sight for life, but early detection is crucial so you can start receiving treatment.
Most people cannot tell if they have glaucoma. Their sight seems okay. Routine eye tests at your local high street optician to check for signs of glaucoma are vital. Eye tests are the only way to know whether you have glaucoma.
Glaucoma is often called ‘the silent thief of sight’ because most types of glaucoma develop gradually, so in the early stages there are no symptoms. You could lose significant vision before you’re able to see changes in your own eyes.
Having glaucoma diagnosed early, ideally before you’re able to spot any changes, gives you the best chance of preserving your vision for the future.
Who is more likely to get glaucoma?
Anyone can get glaucoma, but you’re more likely to get it:
- If you have African-Caribbean or east Asian heritage
- If you have a close relative with it
- As you get older
Hear about Chukwudike's experience
Chukwudike has always been careful about his eye health. His late father was diagnosed with glaucoma, a disease the family had never heard of before. When they researched it, they found out there was no cure, which worried Chukwudike. Due to the delay in his father being diagnosed with glaucoma he had lost a considerable amount of his vision even with treatments, which required a big adjustment for him.
Determined not to go through the same thing, Chukwudike makes sure to have regular eye tests. He knows that catching glaucoma early is important because it can be managed well so that he can maintain a good quality of life.
When will you book your next eye test?
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to significant vision loss if not detected and treated early. Regular eye tests are essential, especially for those at higher risk. Early detection and proper management are key to preserving vision and ensuring a brighter future for those affected by this silent thief of sight.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are a number of reasons you might be entitled to a free sight test. For example, you’re eligible if:
- You’re aged 60 or over
- You’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- You’re under 16, or under 19 and in full time education
- You’re 40 or over and have a close relative with glaucoma (your mother, father, sibling or child)
- You’re registered as partially sighted or blind
You might also be eligible for free eye tests if you or your partner receive certain benefits, such as Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit, or if you’re under 20 and the dependent of someone receiving these benefits.
How Glaucoma UK can help
The helpline is available to answer your questions. They provide advice and support at every stage of your journey with glaucoma. Call their helpline on 01233 648 170 or email helpline@glaucoma.uk. They’re open 9.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday. If you call outside these working hours, just leave a message and they’ll call you back as soon as possible
Their website has lots of advice and resources if you’re looking for support, including information on compliance aids for putting in eye drops.
They also produce a range of information covering all aspects of living with glaucoma. All their publications are free to order or download through the website thanks to the generosity of Glaucoma UK supporters.