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.
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