What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the name given to a group of conditions, where there is a build-up of pressure in the eye. Our eyes produce watery fluid continuously. Someone with glaucoma is unable to drain this fluid from their eyes in a typical way, which causes pressure. This pressure damages the eye; particularly, the optic nerve.
Our optic nerves carry information from our eyes to our brain: when this is damaged, not all visual information can be transmitted to the brain.
CYP with diagnosed glaucoma will usually have eyedrops prescribed to reduce the pressure in their eye/s.
How Glaucoma affects vision
Someone with glaucoma may have blurry vision, with a reduction in their clarity of vision. They may experience seeing flashes of light, or rings/circles around bright light sources.
It is useful to be aware that glaucoma does not just produce visual symptoms. It can cause intense eye pain, nausea and headaches – all of which can potentially affect a CYP’s access to learning.
Education strategies that can help
- The child or young person (CYP) should have their own copies of reading materials, avoiding sharing with others.
- The CYP may need to hold their tablet or reading materials at a specific angle or position, to maximise use of any remaining vision.
- As glaucoma tends to affect a person’s peripheral (side) vision first, keep the CYP central to the classroom board/screen and on the front row of desks. In some cases, the CYP may need a tablet or laptop so that your teaching resources can be shared via screen-mirroring.
- Provide resources in an appropriate font size, with clear presentation on A4 paper.
- Consider trialling alternative background colours to white, when using a tablet or laptop. The CYP may find it easier to read information when presented on buff or darker colours, that are less intense than white.
- If using an image, provide an image description and provide the highest quality images you can.
- The CYP may need to rest their vision regularly to help prevent visual fatigue and headaches. A good rule to follow is every twenty minutes. Some CYP like to close their eyes for 20-30 seconds.
- If the CYP is experiencing eye pain or a headache linked to their glaucoma, they will benefit from resting their vision for a longer period. They may wish to visit a trusted adult, get some fresh air or visit learning support. Ask their views on what would work best for them and make a plan together.
- The CYP may need extra time to complete tasks. In key stages 3-5, this will need to be considered their normal way of working and taken into consideration for their exam access arrangements (EAA).
- As an adult, verbalise your feelings as the CYP may not be able to see your facial expressions or body language. This will help them make good choices when in your classroom, as well as anticipate when you might raise your voice.
- Use adapted resources in PE lessons such as a noisy ball (a ball with a bell or whistle), high-vis shuttlecocks and jumbo tennis balls. More information is available here: PE – Support for schools and settings.
- Speak with your Advisory Teacher about delivering a peer awareness session for PE. Good communication from peers is vital to support someone with glaucoma, as their peripheral (side) vision will be reduced.