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.
