To drive safely after dark, you need good night vision. If you've noticed that your night vision isn't quite as good as it once was, you could be suffering from glaucoma. But what is glaucoma and how can your optometrist help to resolve the problem? Read on to find out more.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma commonly affects both eyes, although the condition may not develop in each eye equally at the same rate.
Your eyeball contains a fluid called aqueous humour. This fluid is continually produced by the eye, and any excess is drained away through tubes within the eye. Glaucoma occurs when the aqueous humour fails to drain away. This causes a build-up of pressure that can damage the optic nerve and the light-receptor nerves at the back of your retina. At night, your eyes need to be able to utilise as much light as possible to keep your vision clear, which is why glaucoma can compromise your vision, especially at night.
Signs and symptoms of glaucoma
Glaucoma is often very slow to develop, and usually, any subtle changes in vision are often blamed on just 'getting older'. This is why regular eye tests carried out by a qualified optometrist are extremely important for your visual health. These tests can help to identify very slight visual changes caused by glaucoma at an early stage, meaning that treatment can be much more effective in the long term.
In very acute cases of glaucoma, the symptoms can be severe and include:
These symptoms very often come and go rather than remaining constant. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your GP or optometrist without delay.
Treatment
Glaucoma is relatively easily treated with eye drops. In more advanced or serious cases of glaucoma, surgery or laser treatment may be the most successful course of action. Early diagnosis is very important in order to minimise future damage to the eyes.
In conclusion
Glaucoma can seriously impair your night vision, making it dangerous for you to drive at night. Make sure that your eyes are healthy by having regular check-ups and eye tests carried out by a qualified optometrist, and if you suspect that you may have a visual problem, always seek expert healthcare advice immediately.
Share19 February 2016
Eye exams aren't always easy for kids. Some kids have social anxiety or fear of doctors. Others may have issues such as extreme dyslexia holding them back from even being able to read the letters on the chart, and you my be worried about what to tell the optometrist. If you are worried bout having a successful eye exam, you are not alone. I have felt the same way in the past. However, after four kids – three of whom own glasses – I have learned how to negotiate the world of optometry with kids. If you have kids, check out these tips. They will get you and your kid through your next appointment.
