Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve, a structure that connects the eye with the brain. The damage to the optic nerve is typically slow and progressive in open angle glaucoma, however may be far more rapid in forms of glaucoma such as narrow angle glaucoma. Usually, peripheral (‘side’) vision is reduced as glaucoma develops, and in advanced cases, only small portions of central vision may remain. This is often referred to as having ‘tunnel vision’. The damage that occurs during this process is most often result of raised pressure within the eye.

Glaucoma is typically only detected during an eye examination with an eye care practitioner. As often no symptoms exist, particularly in the early stage of glaucoma, without regular eye examinations the condition may remain undetected until it is too late. Only by having a thorough eye examination will glaucoma be diagnosed. A complete eye examination should include measuring the eye pressure, measuring optic nerve tissue thickness, assessing visual fields, and examining the anterior drainage portion of the eye known as the ‘angle’. OCT scanning in particular is helpful in diagnosing early glaucoma and also allows for accurate ongoing monitoring of the progression of glaucoma. 

Common risk factors include increasing age, a family history of glaucoma, increased eye pressure diabetes, high myopia, high or low blood pressure and sleep apnea.

Treatment for glaucoma most often involves eye drops or selective laser surgery that is designed to lower the pressure within the eye. The medications works by slowing down internal fluid production and also helping improve fluid outflow from the eye. The overall effect is to lower the pressure within the eye to a safe level to prevent further nerve damage or visual field loss. These medications are often taken over a lifetime. The treating eye care practitioner will often decide the best course of action for treatment.

Generally, a comprehensive eye examination every two years will determine whether you have risk factors for glaucoma. The frequency of examinations increases as the number of risks factors increase. In some cases, an individual may need screening for glaucoma every 6-12 months if they are over 50, with high eye pressure and a family history of glaucoma. If you are unsure as to whether you have been appropriately screened for glaucoma then having a further checkup is recommended. At this practice we have invested in the latest technology that helps us detect  glaucoma at the very earliest stages, so treatment can begin to prevent further sight loss in the future.