Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the vital structure that connects your eye to your brain.

In many cases, this damage is associated with increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure), but glaucoma can also occur with normal eye pressure.

If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to:

• Gradual peripheral (side) vision loss
• Tunnel vision
• Permanent blindness

The most common form in New Zealand is primary open-angle glaucoma, which develops slowly and painlessly.

Why Early Dectection of Glaucoma Matters

Glaucoma damage is irreversible — but it is often preventable.

With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most people can retain useful vision for life.

Because symptoms usually don’t appear until later stages, regular comprehensive eye examinations are critical — especially if you have risk factors.

How we test for Glaucoma at Illume Eye Care

A routine vision check alone may not be enough to detect glaucoma. We perform a comprehensive glaucoma assessment, which may include:

1. Eye Pressure Measurement (Tonometry)

We measure intraocular pressure using accurate, modern instruments.

2. Optic Nerve Assessment

We carefully examine the optic nerve for early structural changes both directly and with high resolution, wide field photography.

3. OCT Imaging

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) provides detailed cross-sectional imaging of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fibre layer — often detecting damage before visual symptoms occur.

4. Visual Field Testing

This measures peripheral vision and identifies functional vision loss.

5. Corneal Thickness Measurement

Central corneal thickness can influence pressure readings and glaucoma risk.

6. Angle Assessment (if indicated)

In certain cases, we assess the drainage angle to rule out angle-closure glaucoma.

At Illume, we combine structural and functional testing to build a complete clinical picture.

Who Is at Risk?

You may be at higher risk of developing glaucoma if you:

• Are over 40
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Have elevated eye pressure
• Are of Māori or Pacific ethnicity (higher risk in NZ populations)
• Have diabetes or high blood pressure
• Are very short-sighted (myopic)
• Have had previous eye trauma
• Use steroid medications long-term

If you fall into one or more of these groups, regular monitoring is especially important.

When Should You Book?

You should book a glaucoma assessment if:

• You have a family history of glaucoma
• You’ve been told your eye pressure is high
• You haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam in the past 2 years
• You are over 40 and have never had an OCT or visual field test

Management of Glaucoma

While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can usually be managed successfully. The goal of treatment is to lower eye pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage.

Management may include:

• Prescription eye drops
• Laser treatment
• Surgical procedures (in collaboration with ophthalmology)
• Regular monitoring to track progression

Our optometrist Ella Ewens, as a therapeutically endorsed glaucoma prescriber, can initiate and manage topical glaucoma medications where appropriate, and we work closely with local ophthalmologists for shared care when required.

Our approach is collaborative, ensuring you receive the right level of care at the right time.

Glaucoma Eye Drops

Glaucoma eye drops are the most common first-line treatment used to lower eye pressure (intraocular pressure) and help protect the optic nerve from damage. They work either by reducing the amount of fluid produced inside the eye or by improving how fluid drains away.

For many patients, glaucoma is a long-term condition, and eye drops need to be used every day to be effective. In some cases, more than one type of drop may be prescribed to achieve the target pressure.

Using your eye drops correctly and consistently is essential. Incorrect technique can reduce how much medication reaches the eye, making treatment less effective. This is why patient education, including how and when to use drops, is an important part of glaucoma care.

Glaucoma Eye Drops and Dry Eye

Many glaucoma patients experience dry eye symptoms, particularly with long-term use of drops or those containing preservatives. This can cause irritation, redness, or fluctuating vision and may make drops harder to use regularly.

We take a holistic approach to glaucoma care, supporting both eye pressure management and the health of the ocular surface. This may include recommending preservative-free options where appropriate, as well as targeted dry eye treatment to improve comfort.

Why Choose Illume Eye Care?

At Illume Eye Care, we believe in proactive, evidence-based eye care. Glaucoma is often silent but with careful monitoring and modern diagnostics, we can protect your sight for the long term. For trusted New Zealand information, we also recommend the excellent resources from th Team at Glaucoma New Zealand.

If you’re unsure about your risk, we’re here to help.

Book a comprehensive eye examination today.