Eye Conditions

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve, usually linked to the pressure inside your eye. It's often called the 'silent thief of sight' because it can progress without symptoms until vision is already affected — so detection and monitoring are key.

What it is

The optic nerve carries what you see from the eye to the brain. In glaucoma this nerve is gradually damaged, often (though not always) because the pressure inside the eye is too high.

It usually affects your side vision first, and so slowly that many people don't notice until it's advanced. With regular checks it can be picked up early and managed to protect your sight.

What you might notice

Often no symptoms in the early stages
Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision
Patchy blind spots in your vision
Tunnel vision in advanced stages

Recognise these? Book a consultation and we'll help you get to the bottom of it.

When to seek help urgently

Rarely, glaucoma comes on suddenly with severe eye pain, redness, headache, nausea and blurred vision. This is a medical emergency — seek eye care immediately.

What causes it

Raised pressure inside the eye is the main risk factor, though glaucoma can occur at normal pressure too.

Risk rises with age, a family history of glaucoma, short-sightedness and some medical conditions.

How we help

Glaucoma can't be reversed, but it can be controlled — and the earlier it's caught, the more sight is preserved. Dr Leong assesses the optic nerve and eye pressure and manages glaucoma with ongoing monitoring and treatment.

If glaucoma runs in your family, regular checks are especially important.

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Common questions

Can glaucoma be cured?

There's no cure, but it can be controlled well with treatment — usually drops, and sometimes laser or surgery. The aim is to lower the pressure in the eye and stop further damage, so early detection is so valuable.

Does glaucoma run in families?

It can. If a close relative has glaucoma, your risk is higher, so it's worth mentioning at your appointment and keeping up with regular checks.

How is glaucoma tested for?

Through a combination of quick, painless checks — measuring the pressure in the eye, examining the optic nerve, and testing your side vision. Together these can catch glaucoma long before you'd notice any change.

Will I go blind from glaucoma?

Most people who are diagnosed and treated keep useful vision for life. The key is catching it early and keeping up with treatment and monitoring — which is why regular checks matter, especially if it runs in your family.

This page is general information, not medical advice, and doesn't replace a consultation. For anything specific to your own eyes, call us for advice or to book an appointment with Dr Leong on 04 470 7663.

Ready to see clearly?

Book a consultation with Dr Leong, or call the clinic to talk it through. We're here to help you see your very best.

Book a Consultation 04 470 7663