About glaucoma

The number of people living with glaucoma in New Zealand is expected to increase by 44%. With an ageing population and modern technology making earlier detection possible, more and more New Zealanders will find out they are affected by glaucoma.  If you have recently been diagnosed or already living with glaucoma we are here to help you.

Glaucoma is a complicated disease. Put simply, it is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve.  Most people experience no symptoms in the early stages and the only way to know if you have it is to have an eye test.  If it’s not treated, glaucoma will lead to irreversible sight loss and even blindness. Being diagnosed with glaucoma might be unexpected and frightening but this website will give you all the information, advice and support you need to feel confident in your glaucoma journey.

What is glaucoma?

To get a good understanding of how glaucoma affects your sight, it’s useful to understand more about managing your glaucoma and making decisions. To find more information about the causes of glaucoma, the structure of the eye and why some people are more at risk of getting it than others follow the link below.

Find out more about glaucoma

Recently Diagnosed

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma you might be feeling overwhelmed and concerned for the future. Glaucoma New Zealand can help by providing support groups and free information to help you manage your glaucoma and preserve your eyesight.

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Types of Glaucoma

There are many different types of glaucoma. However, most glaucomas can be divided into two categories: Open-angle glaucoma; where the drain of the eye is wide open, and closed-angle glaucoma; where the drain of the eye is partially or fully obstructed.

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Testing For Glaucoma

The best way to protect your sight is to have a comprehensive eye exam including an optic nerve check which is simple and painless.

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Find Your Support Network

Our support groups are an opportunity to share your experience with like minded people and get support from people who understand.

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Your Eyes Booklets

Download Glaucoma NZ “Your Eyes ” Booklet in English, Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Chinese, Hindi, Punjabi, Japanese, Korean, Afrikaans and French

Download Booklets

Donate

Help us make a difference

Your donation will help us to save sight and continue helping people with glaucoma get access to the information and support they need.

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Join Glaucoma NZ

Get the support you need

Glaucoma NZ provides free information, support materials and invites to events to help you and others live well with glaucoma.

Join Glaucoma NZ