Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of diseases where the optic nerve at the back of the eye is damaged causing irreversible vision loss. This is most commonly caused by increased pressure inside the eye, although many people with Glaucoma do not have raised pressure.

High pressure occurs when there is an imbalance in the speed of the fluid pumped into the eye and the speed of the fluid flowing out of the eye. The aim of treatment is to reduce the pressure by decreasing the fluid production or increasing fluid drainage.

Glaucoma is common, affecting nearly 2% of the population over the age of 40. Most people have no eye symptoms when glaucoma is diagnosed. Symptoms only occur in the very late stages of advanced glaucoma.

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Treatments

Once the diagnosis of glaucoma is made, the eye pressure must be reduced (in high pressure situations) to prevent damage to the sight. Although glaucoma usually cannot be cured, in most cases it can be successfully controlled with the proper treatment.

Eye drops are the most common form of treatment. More than one type of drop may be needed to maintain a lower pressure. The control of the eye pressure needs to be monitored by an Ophthalmologist or an Optometrist as the effectiveness of treatment may reduce with time. Sometimes tablets are also used.

Laser and/or surgical procedures may reduce or eliminate the need for glaucoma eye drops. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is offered by the Ophthalmology practices we partner with, using devices such as the iStent Inject, Hydrus and XEN.