Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damages the optic nerve leading to visual loss or blindness. The visual loss is gradual and a considerable amount of peripheral vision may be lost before one notices the problem. Unfortunately, the visual loss is irreversible. Hence, it is important to have the condition diagnosed and managed early before the changes take place.
Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma can be classified into two main categories: open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma.
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): This is the most common form of glaucoma where there is a gradual increase in the eye pressure leading to gradual irreversible damage of the optic nerve.
Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma (PACG): Angle-closure glaucoma is less common. It occurs when the drainage angle in the eye is blocked, causing an increase or significant fluctuations in IOP. This will also lead to irreversible optic nerve damage.
Risk Factors
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors may increase the risk, including:
- Age (older)
- Family history of glaucoma
- High eye pressure
- African, Asian, or Hispanic heritage
- Thin cornea
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Symptoms
Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it typically progresses without noticeable symptoms until later stages. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision in advanced cases)
- Blurry vision / spot
- Eye pain, headache, or nausea (in cases of acute angle-closure crisis)
Treatment
While any damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed, the treatment in glaucoma is aimed at preventing ongoing damage. This is achieved by lowering the eye pressure.
Eye pressure lowering can be achieved by the following options:
- Eyedrops
- Laser (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)
- Surgery
- Cataract surgery
- Combined cataract surgery with microinvasive glaucoma surgery (i-Stents, Hydrus)
- Microinvasive bleb surgery (Preserflo, Xen Gel Stent)
- Conventional filtration surgery – trabeculectomy
- Glaucoma drainage device
Prevention
Regular eye examinations are vital for early detection. If you have risk factors or a family history of glaucoma, you should consider regular eye check-ups with your optometrist.
At Gawler Eye Clinic, our experienced team of ophthalmologists is dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and managing glaucoma. We are committed to helping you preserve your vision and eye health.
