Further information on glaucomacan be found at:

RNIB:

Scottish Sensory Consortium:

Moorfields Eye Hospital:

March 2016

How to contact us:

Address: SENSS VI Team, The Wheatley Centre, Littleworth Rd, Wheatley, Oxon. OX33 1PH

Tel: 01865 456711

Email:

Special Educational Needs Support Service (Visual Impairment)

Information leaflet

Glaucoma

What is it?

What are its effects?

What can we do to help?

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure of fluid within the eye causes damage to the retina (the part of the eye that ‘fixes’ an image to send to the brain) and/or optic nerve (the connection between the eye and the brain). This is usually the result of unusually high pressure of fluid but can occur at normal pressure if there is some weakness in the retina or optic nerve. Glaucoma can affect one or both eyes.

Glaucoma can occur as a discrete condition but can alsobe associated with other forms of visual impairment. Glaucoma might be present from birth but can be triggered by certain illnesses (diabetes), medications and trauma (injury to the eye). Glaucoma may be treated with medication (often in the form of eye drops) and/or surgery, both of which aim to control the pressure of fluid within the eye. Any visual damage that has already been caused by damage to the retina and/or optic nerve is usually non-reversible.

Possible impacts of glaucoma:

  • Visual field and visual acuity (clarity of vision) can both be affected by glaucoma. The resulting impairment in vision can range from very mild to profound.
  • In some cases, deformity of the eye is apparent. This can present as a swollen, ‘bulging’ eye, with possible discolouration and an enlarged pupil.
  • Photophobia (discomfort in bright light) may be experienced.
  • Safety may be compromised asmoving objects, obstacles, steps and kerbs may not be seen.
  • Social difficulties such as self-consciousness, becoming a victim of bullying and feelings of low self-esteem may be encountered as the result of any deformity in the appearance of the eye.
  • Visual social cues such as facial expression and body language may be missed.
  • Eye drops may need to be taken several times each day, for life.
  • Reading printed text may be impossible if the text is too small.
  • Information presented on noticeboards, display boards and sign-posts may be missed.
  • Access to information, text and images on the computer may be impaired.
  • Recognition of people from a distance may be difficult.

What can we do to help?

  • Take time to understand the specific, nature of your child’svisual imapirment, including detailed understanding of the child’s field of vision and visual acuity.
  • Support the regular use of medication.
  • Monitor visual functioning carefully so any changes can be acted upon quickly.
  • Be aware of any social difficulties and tackle these as appropriate.
  • Allow plenty of time for the completion of visual tasks.
  • Be aware of lighting levels and adjust these, where possible, to maximise visual functioning.
  • Support use of equipment designed to minimise discomfort from photophobia including peaked sunhats and tinted glasses.
  • Support use of low vision aids such as magnifiers, white canesand specialist software.
  • Ensure printed texts are available in the reader’s preferred font size.
  • Introduce yourself when addressing a person with glaucoma.
  • Address any person with glaucoma by name, particularly when in a group situation.
  • Ask what is most/least helpful in terms of support!