Slider bottom border

Glaucoma & Ocular Hypertension

Glaucoma & Ocular Hypertension Banner

Glaucoma is a collective term for a group of eye conditions that gradually damage the optic nerve, often due to elevated pressure within the eye. While it commonly affects both eyes, one eye may be more affected than the other. Managing glaucoma is crucial as it can lead to vision loss over time.

optometrist

Symptoms and Detection

The challenge with glaucoma lies in the fact that symptoms typically manifest when it’s nearly too late for treatment. Peripheral vision loss is an early indicator, detectable during routine eye tests conducted by optometrists, therefore it is crucial you undergo regular eye health assessments with your designated optometrist.

One uncommon type of glaucoma, known as acute angle closure, can start with a sudden and painful build-up of pressure. This is an ophthalmic emergency and may be accompanied with a lot of pain and blurred vision; it is preventable and can be treated. If you ever experience symptoms like these, seek help straight away from your optometrist, registered eye clinic or casualty department.

Causes of Glaucoma

The eyes produce a fluid called aqueous humour, which normally drains away, maintaining consistent pressure. If drainage is impeded, ocular hypertension, or raised eye pressure, can occur. Glaucoma arises when this pressure damages the optic nerve, causing changes in vision.

In the case of acute angle-closure glaucoma, a sudden rise in pressure can result from a blockage in the eye’s draining system, often observed in individuals who are long-sighted or have smaller-sized eyes.

Glaucoma Image
Eye Drops

Diagnosis and Referral

Your optometrist conducts various tests during regular eye exams to identify potential signs of glaucoma, including eye pressure checks, field of vision assessments, and optic nerve health evaluations. If glaucoma is suspected, you’ll be referred for further diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

Treatments

Treatment for glaucoma varies and may involve monitoring, eye drops, or, in some cases, surgery.

Eye DropsSpecialist eye drops are a common treatment, aiding in reducing eye pressure and preventing further damage. Regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist ensure effective monitoring.
Laser Treatment (SLT)Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is recommended in early glaucoma cases. This non-invasive procedure uses light pulses to assist fluid drainage, potentially eliminating the need for eye drops.
Surgery (Trabeculectomy)In rare cases, surgery may be required. Trabeculectomy, the most common surgical procedure, aims to reduce eye pressure. Your consultant will guide you through the process if surgery is recommended.

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or are at risk, regular monitoring by our consultants is vital. Our team is here to guide you through every stage of your glaucoma journey. For more information or to learn about our services, please explore our website or contact us directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is glaucoma?Chevron

    Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions where the eye pressure is too high for your eyes and can cause nerve damage and over a longer-term period visual loss which is irreversible. Don’t worry, glaucoma is generally picked up early by your optometrists and treated by a doctor, so significant visual loss is unusual.

  • There are several tests that help us diagnose glaucoma. Even then, the results may not be able to 100% diagnose glaucoma. The core tests are:

    • A visual acuity test.
    • A measure of the thickness of your cornea, called a pachymetry.

  • Generally, the eye tests are undertaken by an optician or technician/nurse and these are then available for the doctor to review. You will be informed of the outcome of the tests within the next week or will be seen by the doctor at appointments.

  • As for any eye appointments, we would recommend that you do not drive. It may be that the doctor decides not to put in dilating drops but we often can’t decide that until the day of the consultation.

  • Glaucoma is a lifelong condition and, as such, you will be treated and monitored for life. This is often not too intrusive other than eye drops daily and then appointments every 6 to 12 months.

Patient Testimonials

  • Star Star Star Star Star

    Exquisite and exemplary cataract customer service from booking to surgery follow-up appointments. The staff throughout both procedures have been extremely supportive, professional, and compassionate.

    Keith R Whitburn

 
Required 'Candidate' login to applying this job. Click here to logout And try again
 
 

Answers

 

Account Activation

Before you can login, you must activate your account with the code sent to your email address. If you did not receive this email, please check your junk/spam folder. Click here to resend the activation email. If you entered an incorrect email address, you will need to re-register with the correct email address.