At Vision North Eyecare, our optometrists are dedicated to staying up to date with the latest advancements in eyecare. One exciting development in optometry is SightScore™, a groundbreaking risk score that assesses your genetic risk of developing glaucoma.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition where you lose the connection between the eye and the brain at a faster rate than average- this loss occurs at the optic nerve. There are many different types of glaucoma and generally it is a degnerative condition which affects older people. People with the condition lose their peripheral vision slowly- over many years. Unfortunately the vision loss is irreversible and there is no cure for the condition. Risk factors for glaucoma include having a family member with the condition, high eye pressure, increasing age, having certain other eye conditions like myopia or an eye injury and being of African or Asian descent.
What is SightScore™?
SightScore™ uses a saliva swab to analyse thousands of genetic variants to estimate a person’s risk of glaucoma. This helps us predict future development or assess the potential progression of existing glaucoma- in particular, a type oincf glaucoma called Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG). Genetic testing is be performed by collecting a saliva sample, extracting the DNA inside, and then analysing genetic results.
Why Does It Matter?
In Australia, glaucoma affects approximately 300,000 people, and it is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. It is known as the ‘thief of sight’ as glaucoma has no obvious symptoms – you may be living with it and not know it! According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the prevalence of glaucoma increases with age, with about 1 in 10 Australians over 80 affected by the disease. Early detection is crucial, as 50% of people with glaucoma are unaware they have it, highlighting the importance of tools like SightScore™.
The Benefits of SightScore™
SightScore™ helps optometrists like us identify individuals at the highest genetic risk for glaucoma, allowing for prioritisation in monitoring and intervention. This proactive approach significantly increases the likelihood of early detection, which is vital for preserving vision.
Additionally, SightScore™ aids in identifying those at lower genetic risk, enabling a more comprehensive approach to eye care. This personalised strategy ensures that whether you are at high or low risk, you receive the most appropriate care tailored to your genetic background.
By understanding your genetic predisposition we can provide tailored care specific to your needs – for example:
- How to best care for eyes which are more likely to develop glaucoma
- Treatment options
- Knowing when to review you again for an appointment
- When to refer you on to a specialists
- Whether other blood relatives should be checked for glaucoma
At Vision North Eyecare, we are committed to using the latest advancements in eye health to provide you with the best possible care. If you have concerns about glaucoma or want to learn more about how SightScore™ could benefit you, don’t hesitate to reach out. All of our optometrists are able to order the testing for you and complete it in the clinic. Results take around 4 weeks to be received.
For more information on Sight Score , click here .
For more information about glaucoma, click here.
Make an appointment online for a comprehensive eye exam which includes a glaucoma risk assessment,
References
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2022). “Eye Health in Australia.” AIHW
- Tham, Y. C., Li, X., Wong, T. Y., et al. (2014). “Global prevalence of glaucoma and its visual consequences: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Ophthalmology, 121(11), 2081-2090.
