Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve.

It’s usually caused by increased fluid pressure inside the eye.

We don’t always know why this happens, but certain factors can put you at higher risk, such as being over the age of 60, a family history of the disease, ethnicity, or having other medical conditions, such as diabetes.

Glaucoma doesn’t usually have symptoms at the beginning.

It affects the peripheral (side) vision first, so many patients don’t realise they have glaucoma until it’s picked up during a routine eye examination.

If these tests suggest you have glaucoma you should be seen by an ophthalmologist.

Blindness from glaucoma cannot be reversed, but if treated early enough you can stop your vision from getting worse.

• Central vision can remain quite clear. Peripheral vision gradually reduces into tunnel vision. 
• Blurred vision. 
• Difficulty adjusting to low light and night blindness. 
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare. 
• Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness. 

Whether you are in the early stages of glaucoma, or more advanced, Hunter Laser Vision offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment in one convenient location.

Diagnosis:

1. Comprehensive eye exam
2. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement
3. Visual field test - diagnostic procedure used to evaluate a person's entire scope of vision, including central and peripheral vision
4. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure the optic nerve and corneal thickness

Treatment aims to lower intraocular pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage.

We can do this with eye drops, or if needed, a laser. This procedure is called a Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty and can be done on site the same day as your diagnosis, saving you an additional visit to the clinic.

In rare cases glaucoma requires surgery in which stents are placed in the eye, a procedure which is completed in hospital.