GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged, most commonly caused by increased pressure inside the eye.

Increased eye pressure is is usually due to buildup of a fluid (aqueous humor) that flows throughout the inside of your eye. Normally, this fluid would drain out by itself through a drainage system called the trabecular meshwork, located at the point where the iris and cornea meet. When there is more resistance to outflow or when there is more fluid produced, the eye pressure can increase and over time damage the sensitive optic nerve.

Glaucoma has a strong heredity link and scientists have identified genes related to high eye pressure and optic nerve damage.

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma is a condition that affects the eyes and can lead to progressive loss of vision. Usually the peripheral vision is reduced first and the visual problems slowly advance into the more central part. It is in the vast majority of cases completely asymptomatic with no warning signs for the patients until the visual defect is quite advanced. It is therefore extremely important that all patients aged 40 or more are screened for glaucoma.

WHAT TYPES OF TREATMENT EXISTS?

There are several types of treatment for glaucoma, including:

Medications: Eye drops or even oral medications can help lower eye pressure by reducing fluid production or increasing drainage.
Laser Therapy: Procedures such as laser trabeculoplasty can improve drainage in the eye, helping to lower pressure. These laser procedures are becoming the first line of treatment, reducing significantly the burden of eyedrops.
Surgery: In cases where medications and laser treatments are not effective, surgical options like MIGS (micro-invasive glaucoma surgery), trabeculectomy or the placement of a drainage implant may be considered to create new paths for fluid to exit the eye.

At our Clinic we offer a highly personalised assessment and treatment plan spanning across all treatment options.