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Glaucoma
Many eye conditions develop slowly. As we have two eyes, changes
in one eye are masked by the normal vision of the other eye. A
full range of tests for
glaucoma are always included in all our eye examinations.
It
is especially important to check the elasticity of the eye as eye
pressure readings alone could be misleading. The latest addition
to glaucoma detection tests, Packymetry, is a simple but effective way
to assess the risk associated with your eye pressure.
With
glaucoma the peripheral vision deteriorates starting in very small areas
of the field of vision and with only vague changes at first. These are
initially always masked by the overlapping field of vision of the other
eye and the progress of the deterioration and ultimate loss of sight can
take several years.
What Is
Glaucoma?
Vision
commences when light is focused on the innermost membrane of the eye, the retina. Very simply, glaucoma is the loss of retinal
sensitivity due to a deficient blood supply which results in poor
nourishment of this vital tissue.
What Causes Glaucoma?
In
many cases of glaucoma the reduction in blood supply to the retina is
caused by a raised pressure within the eye itself. In approximately
20% of cases however, the blood supply to the retina, especially at the
optic nerve, can very gradually become impaired even without a raised
eye pressure. Called ‘simple chronic glaucoma’ this develops over a
number of years but, in the very early stages, changes in the appearance
of the optic nerve and subtle changes in the sensitivity of the visual
field may become evident to your optometrist during a routine eye
examination.
Infrequently,
the intra-ocular pressure can rise above the normal level over a very
short period of time if there is a very narrow angle between the iris
and cornea. This condition is called ‘acute glaucoma’ and is the
only variation of glaucoma to cause pain and needs immediate treatment.
Diagnosis...
Currently
the most advanced test for predicting the possibility of glaucoma
involves analysing the blood flow in the retina (OBF analysis). An
Ocular Blood Flow test along with visual field mapping and routine
observation of the interior of the eye fulfill a comprehensive screening
for glaucoma. All these tests are provided as part of our routine eye
examination wherever necessary.
Treatment...
Treatment
with eye drops to regulate the eye pressure and promote a balanced blood
flow is very effective in preventing loss of vision in 'simple chronic
glaucoma'. The earlier the treatment starts the greater the chance
of success. Surgery is usually necessary to relieve acute glaucoma
or, occasionally where a raised eye pressure fails to respond to eye
drops.
The Vital Statistics...
The
majority of glaucomas are called ‘simple’ or ‘chronic’. They are
normally age-related and occur in the over forties. Between 1% and 2% of
the population get glaucoma and the chances of developing the condition
are greater if close members of the family have it. ‘Acute glaucoma’
usually affects younger people and commences with discomfort and a red
eye. However, mild symptoms of eyestrain or even difficulty with reading
can sometimes be associated with glaucoma.
The
easiest way to be sure that your sight is safe is to have your eyes
examined regularly.
More Information...
For a detailed
explanation of glaucoma and the causes go to GLAUCOMA
IN DETAIL
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