51 Ballow Street, Fortitude Valley 4006

Glaucoma

Expert care for your vision's future

Your vision is precious. Dr Juanita Pappalardo combines decades of expertise with genuine care to help protect what matters most to you – your sight.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically develops without warning signs. It’s a group of eye conditions that gradually damage the optic nerve – the vital connection between your eye and brain that enables you to see.

Here’s what you need to know: glaucoma affects two in every 100 Australians, making it the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. However, when caught early, vision loss can be prevented in the vast majority of cases.

Understanding the Symptoms

Most people with glaucoma don’t realise they have it. The most common type – open-angle glaucoma – develops so gradually that you may not notice vision changes until significant damage has occurred.

Urgent: When to Seek Immediate Care

Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • Severe eye pain or headache
  • Sudden blurred vision
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seeing rainbow halos around lights
  • Eye redness

What Causes Glaucoma?

While glaucoma typically develops when pressure inside your eye becomes too high, the reality is more complex. Your risk increases with age, and certain factors make you more vulnerable:

  • Family history of glaucoma
  • Medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
  • Previous eye injury or surgery
  • Long-term use of certain medications
  • Being very short-sighted or far-sighted
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Prevention Through Early Detection

While glaucoma cannot be cured, it responds excellently to treatment when detected early. The key is regular eye examinations – particularly important if glaucoma runs in your family.

Dr Pappalardo recommends comprehensive eye checks that include pressure testing, visual field assessment, and detailed optic nerve evaluation. These painless tests can detect glaucoma years before you’d notice any symptoms.

How We Diagnose Glaucoma

A thorough glaucoma assessment involves several specialised tests, all performed comfortably at Valley Eye Specialists. We measure your eye pressure, map your peripheral vision, and use advanced imaging to examine your optic nerve health.

You’ll receive dilating drops to allow Dr Pappalardo to thoroughly examine the internal structures of your eyes. While this temporarily blurs your close vision, it provides crucial information about your eye health.

Treatment Options

The good news is that glaucoma treatment is highly effective at preserving your remaining vision. Our approach focuses on lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage.

Treatment options include:

  • Prescription eye drops: Usually the first line of treatment, used daily to reduce eye pressure
  • Laser therapy: A precise, in-office procedure that improves fluid drainage from your eye
  • Surgical options: Reserved for cases where drops and laser therapy aren’t sufficient

Dr Pappalardo will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, taking into account your specific condition, lifestyle, and preferences.

Take the Next Step

Don’t wait when it comes to your vision. Dr Juanita Pappalardo, a specialist ophthalmologist with extensive experience in glaucoma management, is here to provide the expert care you deserve.

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms, have family history concerns, or simply want peace of mind, we’re here to help protect your sight for the future.

Book Your Consultation

Personalised care, exceptional results with Dr Juanita Pappalardo