Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve at the back of the eye is slowly destroyed. In most people this damage is due to an increased pressure inside the eye - a result of blockage of the circulation of aqueous, or its drainage.
In other patients the damage may be caused by poor blood supply to the vital optic nerve fibres, a weakness in the structure of the nerve, and/or a problem in the health of the nerve fibres themselves.
What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?
Chronic (primary open-angle) glaucoma is the commonest type. It has no symptoms until eye sight is lost at a later stage.
Damage progresses very slowly and destroys vision gradually, starting with the side vision. One eye covers for the other, and the person remains unaware of any problem until a majority of nerve fibres have been destroyed, and a large part of vision has been destroyed. This damage is irreversible. It is progressive and usually relentless.
Treatment cannot recover what has been lost. But it can arrest, or at least, slow down the damage process. That is why it is so important to detect the problem as early as possible, to be able to start treatment with as little damage to the vision as possible.
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Normal Vision |
The same scene as it might be viewed by a person with glaucoma |
Who is at Risk?
Although anyone can get glaucoma, some people have a higher risk, those with
- a family history of glaucoma
- diabetes
- migraine
- short sightedness (myopia)
- eye injuries
- blood pressure
- past or present use of cortisone drugs (steroids)
People in these groups should have their first eye check no later than the age of 35. For most people, it is recommended to have an eye check for glaucoma by the age of 40.
How is Glaucoma Detected?
Regular eye examinations are the best way to detect glaucoma early.
Visual Field Analizer
A glaucoma test usually includes the following:
- optic nerve check with an ophthalmoscope
- eye pressure check (tonometry)
- visual field assessment if needed - this tests the sensitivity of the side vision, where glaucoma strikes first
Can Glaucoma Be Treated?
Although there is no cure for glaucoma it can usually be controlled and further loss of sight either prevented or at least slowed down.
Treatments include:
- Eye Drops
Eyedrops
- Laser (laser trabeculoplasty)
Laser Terapy
Laser Burns
- Surgery (trabeculectomy)
Treatment can save remaining vision but it does not improve eye sight.