Hey there, Sunshine Coast community! Did you know that glaucoma, often referred to as the “sneak thief of sight,” is a serious eye disease that can cause irreversible vision loss and even blindness? It’s a real concern, but don’t worry, we’re here to shed some light on the matter. 

Welcome to Best Practice Eye Care, where we’ll talk about our glaucoma specialist on the Sunshine Coast, how glaucoma is often detected when damage has already occurred, and why it’s important to take care of your eyes. Let’s dive in!

Glaucoma is a progressive condition that damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for carrying visual information from your eyes to your brain. The scary part is that it often goes unnoticed until significant vision loss occurs. The eyes are like a digital camera. The optic nerve is the data cable, and the brain is the computer. All of these need to be working together well for us to have good vision. 

In fact, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting over 300,000 Australians. Shockingly, more than half of those affected are unaware of their condition.

So, who is at risk of developing glaucoma?

Well, certain factors increase your chances, such as getting older, having a family history of the disease, being of African descent, experiencing high intraocular pressure, having diabetes, or having had previous eye injury or surgery. It’s worth mentioning that glaucoma doesn’t discriminate – even celebrities like Bono, Whoopi Goldberg, and Andrea Bocelli have been affected.

Dr. Michael Karpa, a  glaucoma specialist and comprehensive ophthalmologist at Best Practice Eyecare, emphasises the importance of early detection and treatment. 

Unfortunately, once vision is lost due to glaucoma, it cannot be restored. 

That’s why regular comprehensive eye exams are key. The sooner glaucoma is detected, the better the chances of preventing optic nerve damage and preserving your precious vision.

Besides regular check-ups, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing glaucoma. Taking care of your overall health plays a significant role, including maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). 

Another important aspect is protecting your eyes from injury. Consider wearing protective eye gear during high-risk activities at work and play, and avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can potentially harm them. 

Remember, it’s crucial not to wait until it’s too late to safeguard your vision. Reach out to your optometrist to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams. By catching glaucoma early on and receiving proper treatment, you can preserve your eyesight and shield yourself from the consequences of this condition. If they are concerned about any aspect of your eye health you can be referred to Dr Karpa for further investigation and care.

If you’re on the Sunshine Coast and in need of a glaucoma specialist, we’ve got you covered! Best Practice Eyecare Sunshine Coast offers cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care to help you maintain your eyesight. 

And if you’re specifically looking for a Golden Beach Ophthalmologist or a Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologist, you’ve come to the right place. Our dedicated and experienced team is ready to guide you through your glaucoma journey and provide the best possible care. Every person is different. Whilst eye drops may be sufficient to manage some glaucoma cases, others may need laser or even surgery. 

Don’t take your eyesight for granted. Let’s work together to keep the world bright and your sight intact. Stay tuned for more eye-opening articles and remember to prioritise your eye health. 

Love your eyes. Get them checked.