Glaucoma Screening

Glaucoma is one of the most common eye issues that we assist our patients with. We strive to provide the best possible glaucoma treatments in a friendly, comfortable and relaxed environment for all patients. Eye-care is important, which is why we always provide our patients with all the information they need prior to deciding on a procedure, because we believe in the importance of being able to make an informed decision.

Glaucoma: what is it?

Contrary to popular belief, glaucoma is not a singular eye disorder. Glaucoma is categorized as a group of different disorders, each of which damages the optic nerve – the part of the body responsible for sending images from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, and the chances of suffering from the condition increase with age. Sight loss is completely preventable if glaucoma is treated in its formative stages, which is why an early diagnosis is so important.

It was once believed that glaucoma was caused solely because of high fluid pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure. Experts now understand that while this is a risk factor, it is not the only cause of glaucoma.

What causes glaucoma?

When clear liquid flows in and out of the eyes at uneven rates, the fluid pressure within the eyes is elevated. This elevation puts pressure on the optic nerve, leading to permanent damage. However, this isn’t always the case, as some patients with statistically elevated pressure will not develop the illness, whereas other patients with statistically normal ocular pressure may develop glaucoma.

Types of glaucoma

There are a couple of distinct variations of glaucoma, from mild and gradual to fast-onset and severe. Glaucoma is classified in the following ways:

Open angle glaucoma

• The most common type
• Pressure rises are mild and slow
• There are no initial signs
• Vision degenerates slowly over time
• Non-treatment can result in blindness
• Treatable with prescription eye drops

Narrow-angle glaucoma

• Less common
• Easy to detect
• Cause fast-onset damage
• Damage is severe
• Requires laser surgery to treat

Patients who experience any of the following symptoms should consider booking an appointment with us immediately, as these are all signs that narrow glaucoma is beginning to set in:

• Headaches
• Seeing “spots” or spotty light
• Severe pain in the eyes
• Seeing rainbows
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision

Glaucoma diagnosis and treatment

The best way to detect glaucoma is to undertake regular eye examinations. We’re here to check your intraocular pressure, look for nerve damage, assess the drainage angle of your eyes and test your vision. The process may involve retinal photographs being taken. Come view our high tech eye examination device.

While glaucoma has no known cure, there are many successful ways to manage it to the point where its negative effects are completely halted. These can include:

• Medication (such as eye drops)
• Laser eye procedures
• Shunts or implants
• Incisional surgery, such as goniotomy or trabeculectomy

We take glaucoma treatments incredibly seriously. For more information on how we could help you retain your vision and improve your condition, why not contact us today?