The eyes produce a fluid known as aqueous humour, which typically drains out to maintain stable pressure. If this drainage becomes obstructed, it can lead to ocular hypertension, or elevated eye pressure. Glaucoma develops when this increased pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to visual disturbances.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma, on the other hand, occurs when a sudden spike in pressure results from a blockage in the eye’s drainage system. This condition is more commonly seen in individuals who are long-sighted or have smaller eyes.
During routine eye examinations, your optometrist performs a series of tests to detect early signs of glaucoma. These include measuring eye pressure, assessing peripheral vision, and examining the health of the optic nerve. If glaucoma is suspected, you will be referred for additional testing and provided with a personalized treatment plan.
Proper management is essential to prevent gradual vision loss associated with this condition.
The difficulty with glaucoma is that symptoms often appear only when the condition has progressed to an advanced stage, making treatment less effective. Early signs, such as peripheral vision loss, can be identified through routine eye examinations performed by optometrists.
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or are at risk, regular monitoring by our consultants is vital. Our Clarity team is here to guide you through every stage of your glaucoma journey.
Specialist eye drops are a common treatment, aiding in reducing eye pressure and preventing further damage. Regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist ensure effective monitoring.
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.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) encompasses a range of advanced surgical techniques designed to manage intraocular pressure in individuals with glaucoma.
MIGS aims to improve fluid drainage by targeting specific blockages within the eye. By “clearing the clog,” this technique reduces pressure buildup and helps restore the eye’s natural drainage function.
MIGS uses tiny incisions and highly precise microscopic tools, resulting in lower risk and faster recovery times.
Typically recommended for individuals with mild to moderate glaucoma, MIGS is often combined with cataract surgery, enabling simultaneous treatment of both conditions.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated.
The most common type of glaucoma is called open-angle glaucoma. It develops slowly and often without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. As the condition progresses, it can cause gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, eventually leading to tunnel vision.
Another type of glaucoma is called angle-closure glaucoma.
This type is less common but can develop suddenly and cause severe eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights. It’s considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.
There are other types of glaucoma as well, such as normal-tension glaucoma, which occurs despite normal eye pressure, and secondary glaucoma, which is caused by other eye conditions or injuries.
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
If you have any concerns about glaucoma, it’s important to see an eye doctor for regular eye exams and to discuss any risk factors you may have. Early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss and preserve your eyesight.
Glaucoma, a prevalent eye condition affecting millions globally, is often dubbed the “silent thief of sight.” This is because it can gradually damage the optic nerve without causing noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial. With timely intervention, the progression of glaucoma can be significantly slowed down or even halted. A range of treatment options, including medications, laser therapy, and surgical procedures, are available to help preserve vision and enhance the quality of life for individuals living with glaucoma.
Glaucoma occurs when intraocular pressure (IOP), the pressure within the eye, builds up to harmful levels, damaging the optic nerve. This crucial nerve transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. Optic nerve damage, a consequence of elevated IOP, can result in vision loss and even blindness. The root of the problem lies in the eye’s inability to effectively regulate the production and drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid that nourishes the eye. This imbalance leads to increased IOP, gradually damaging the optic nerve. The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower IOP and slow the progression of the disease to preserve vision. By effectively managing elevated IOP through various treatment options, we aim to protect vision and ensure a good quality of life for individuals with glaucoma.
The primary treatment for glaucoma is the consistent use of eye drops. This may involve lifelong medication to effectively manage the condition and prevent further vision loss. Alternatively, laser surgery can be considered. This minimally invasive procedure is typically performed as a day case and takes only a few minutes. Another option is MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery), which can often be combined with cataract surgery to reduce eye pressure.
If glaucoma continues to progress despite eye drop therapy and laser surgery, further surgical intervention may be necessary. This typically involves creating an artificial passage through the white of the eye to allow the drainage of excess fluid.
Medication
Eye drops are often the first line of treatment for glaucoma. These medications work by either reducing the production of the fluid in the eye or increasing its drainage, thereby lowering intraocular pressure.
Laser Therapy
Laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to improve the drainage of fluid from the eye, reducing intraocular pressure. This treatment can be effective in some cases of glaucoma and may reduce the need for eye drops.
Surgical procedures (MIGS)
For more severe cases of glaucoma, surgical intervention may be necessary. This can include traditional procedures like trabeculectomy (creating a new drainage channel) or the implantation of drainage devices.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) offers a less invasive alternative. MIGS utilises tiny devices to enhance the natural drainage pathways within the eye. This approach often results in quicker recovery times and may have fewer risks compared to traditional surgeries.
MIGS represents a modern and innovative approach to glaucoma treatment. By minimally disrupting the eye’s structure, MIGS aims to reduce intraocular pressure, preserve vision, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with glaucoma.
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