Prevention of Glaucoma

Glaucoma cannot always be prevented, but vision loss can often be prevented by finding it early and treating it.

Get regular eye checks

• Adults should have a full eye exam, including pressure and optic nerve check, around age 40
• Repeat every 1 to 2 years, or as your doctor advises
• Start earlier and test more often if a parent or sibling has glaucoma, if you have diabetes, high myopia or have used steroids
• Children of parents with childhood glaucoma should be checked early

Reduce risk factors

• Keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control
• Do not use steroid eye drops, tablets or creams without medical advice, and have your eyes checked if you must use them long term
• Protect your eyes from injury with safety glasses during sports and work
• Do not smoke, and exercise regularly

If you have narrow angles

Your eye doctor may suggest a preventive laser (laser iridotomy), which can lower the risk of an angle-closure attack.

Know the emergency signs

Severe eye pain, headache, halos, blurred vision, red eye and vomiting need urgent eye care. Call 112 or 102.

Key point

Early detection and steady treatment protect remaining sight. A normal eye check one year does not mean you never need another.

Before your eye appointment

Carry your old reports, glasses and a list of all drops, tablets and supplements you use. Note any family history of glaucoma, diabetes or steroid use, and write down when symptoms occur. This helps your eye doctor choose the right tests and plan, and spot changes early.