Do you suffer with glaucoma or is there a history of it in your immediate family?

Despite these difficult times for us all with COVID-19 continuing to spread in our communities, if you suffer from glaucoma, or have a history of it in your immediate family, it is important you do not take your eye off the ball!
Glaucoma can lead to blindness. Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is at an advanced stage.

It is important, despite the pandemic, that you look after your eyes. And if you are concerned about glaucoma, as well as an eye test, we would recommend a non-invasive OCT scan of your eyes.

Penzer Opticians remains open during lockdown and is ready to provide essential as well as routine eyecare. If you are overdue for an eye test, please make contact with us – we are currently open from Tuesday to Friday.

Please note. The practice is COVID secure. We are operating a strict one in one out policy and the premises is cleaned between patients. All staff are wearing appropriate PPE for their and your safety. Prior to entry we will take your temperature and then ask you to use the hand sanitizer stations. You will be required to wear a mask in the practice at all times.

Don’t hesitate to call us to make an appointment on 0121 430 5538, or click to message us.

What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. It’s usually caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can lead to loss of vision if it’s not diagnosed and treated early. It can affect people of all ages, but is most common in adults in their 70s and 80s.

Symptoms of glaucoma
Glaucoma does not usually cause any symptoms to begin with. It tends to develop slowly over many years and affects the edges of your vision (peripheral vision) first. For this reason, many people do not realise they have glaucoma, and it’s often only picked up during a routine eye test. If you do notice any symptoms, they might include blurred vision, or seeing rainbow-coloured circles around bright lights. Both eyes are usually affected, although it may be worse in one eye.

Very occasionally, glaucoma can develop suddenly and cause:
– intense eye pain
– nausea and vomiting
– a red eye
– a headache
– tenderness around the eyes
– seeing rings around lights
– blurred vision

Source: NHS website