Our team of optometrists has a strong track record in diagnosing and treating glaucoma patients. Glaucoma is damage to optic nerve at the point where it leaves the eye.
Symptoms:
- Most cases of Glaucoma present with no visual symptoms which is why regular routine eye tests are so important in the detection of this disease.
- For rarer cases of acute glaucoma, the affected eye may become red, or you may see misty rainbow coloured rings around white lights or just a sudden deterioration in sight. There may also be nausea and vomiting.
- Glaucoma can cause headaches and tenderness around the eye
Most at risk
- Age – Chronic glaucoma becomes much more common with increasing age. It is uncommon below the age of 40 but affects five per cent of those over 65.
- Race – If you are of African origin you are more at risk of chronic glaucoma: it may occur earlier in life and be more severe. Acute Glaucoma occurs more commonly in people of Asian origin.
- Family – If you have a close relative who has chronic glaucoma then you should have regular eye exams, particularly if you are over 40.
- Short sight – People with high levels of short-sightedness are more prone to chronic glaucoma.
- Diabetes is believed to increase the risk of developing this condition.
Detection
There are three tests to diagnose glaucoma all of which are done as part of a routine eye examination.
- Viewing your optic nerve either with digital retinal photographs or using a special lens and microscope designed to give a 3D view of the back of the eye.
- Measuring the pressure in the eye using a special instrument.
- Visual field test – where you are shown a sequence of spots of light or shimmering lines on a screen and asked to say which ones you can see.
To discuss treatment please get in touch. Rest assured we have a highly experienced team of experts in glaucoma and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Find out more about glaucoma in this informative video from The College of Optometrists.
