About Glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition in which the eye (or intraocular) pressure is too high, and this can cause damage to the optic nerve, which can result in a loss of peripheral vision. If untreated, the loss of vision can extend to involve loss of central vision too.
What causes glaucoma?
In most cases there is no specific cause of the raised intraocular pressure and can be considered to be due to an imbalance between how much aqueous fluid is produced by, and drains from the eye. Glaucoma is more common in people who have a family history of glaucoma, are short-sighted, diabetic or have high blood pressure. Glaucoma can sometimes also be caused by inflammation within the eye or injury to the eye.
Are there any symptoms?
In a rarer type of the condition, known as acute glaucoma, symptoms can come on quite rapidly with a sudden rise in intraocular pressure causing blurred vision, eye pain, headache and nausea. In the event of this happening, emergency medical care is required. This type of glaucoma can be prevented with a laser procedure called Laser Iridotomy.
How it is detected?
As they are no immediate symptoms, it is easy for glaucoma to go unnoticed if you do not get regular eye tests. To avoid this, ensure you always attend your optician’s appointment at least every 2 years.
If your optometrist detects glaucoma during a routine check-up, you may have to go through further tests before being referred to an ophthalmologist, such as Mr Sundaram, for diagnosis and treatment.
What treatment is currently available for glaucoma?
The main aim of glaucoma treatment is to reduce the intraocular pressure in the eye. In most cases, this can be achieved by using eye drops or a laser procedure called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty.
Visit our Hertfordshire clinics…
If you are worried you may have glaucoma or are experiencing more serious symptoms, visit Mr Venki Sundaram at one of his Hertfordshire clinics. A trusted, experienced and highly professional ophthalmologist, you are in the best hands to receive the care and treatment you require.
