Glaucoma is a common form of eye disease that often runs in families. It is the name given to a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve at the back of the eye is slowly, but irreversibly damaged.
The most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is a condition in which the optic nerve, the structure responsible for transmitting information from the eye to the brain, becomes progressively damaged.
Glaucoma causes a gradual loss of the optic nerve fibres, which slowly affects the eye and vision over time. The peripheral vision is usually affected before the central vision. In advanced glaucoma, patients can be left with “tunnel vision”.
Early detection of glaucoma is critical for preventing vision loss. However, there are often no apparent symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Honour Optometry specialises in early testing and will help you manage glaucoma diagnosis and treatment.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Damage to the optic nerve is most commonly caused by high pressure within the eyeball, known as intraocular pressure. Intraocular pressure is determined by the eye’s fluid production called aqueous humour and the drainage of this fluid into the bloodstream via specialised tissue.
The body regulates this fluid’s production and drainage; however, with OAG, this balance is not adequately maintained, and intraocular pressure increases as a result.
Other risk factors for glaucoma include older age, a family history, diabetes, higher short-sightedness and previous trauma to the eye.
Glaucoma Diagnosis
Early detection is critical for preventing severe vision loss, so you mustn’t wait for symptoms before getting tested for glaucoma.
Glaucoma testing may include a non-invasive examination of the optic nerve using a special microscope and scanning devices, a measurement of the intraocular pressure, and a computerised visual field test to measure peripheral vision.
A positive diagnosis can be difficult in the early stages, and multiple tests are usually required. If we cannot make a definite diagnosis, we will monitor you closely over several appointments with repeated testing before commencing treatment.
Glaucoma Treatments
Glaucoma treatments attempt to lower the intraocular pressure of the eye to prevent further progression. Still, they are unable to reverse any optic nerve damage or vision loss that has occurred. This is why early detection is so important.
The current first-line treatment for glaucoma is eye drops. Most glaucoma medications are safe to use and have minimal ocular and systemic side effects. Dosing varies from once a day to three times a day. Sometimes, more than one type of anti-glaucoma medication is required to control your intraocular pressure adequately. This kind of treatment is usually an ongoing commitment for life. Other treatment options, including laser and surgery, are available through referral to an ophthalmologist, and can be discussed at any stage following diagnosis.