Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a family of disorders which if left untreated can cause progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve.

About

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a family of disorders which if left untreated can cause progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is essentially the cable wire transferring visual information from the eye to the brain.

The damage to the visual system tends to be in a characteristic pattern with a corresponding loss in visual field. It is the most common cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and by 2020, there will be an estimated 80 million people suffering with glaucoma.

Types of glaucoma

Glaucoma can be divided based on whether or not the drainage angle within the eye is open or closed as well as if there is a secondary cause for the glaucoma or not.

Open angle glaucoma

This is the most common type of glaucoma. In most cases, the patient is asymptomatic and it is incidentally identified, often at a routine eye test. It can be associated with high eye pressure or normal eye pressure. This can be primary (without another identifiable cause) or secondary (due to other conditions such as pseudoexfoliation or pigment dispersion syndrome).

Closed angle glaucoma

This occurs due to the mechanical obstruction of the drainage angle and is associated with suddenly high eye pressure. Again, the cause for this can be primary (anatomically narrow angle) or secondary (for example diabetes, and previous inflammation). The eye pressure can suddenly rise and cause an attack of acute angle closure.

How it works

The Process

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Initial Assessment

On your first visit, you'll undergo a series of examinations. As glaucoma is progressive, some tests will be repeated in subsequent visits to monitor changes.

Medical History Collection

A thorough medical history will be taken to understand any factors that might influence your eye health.

Slit Lamp Examination

You will undergo a slit lamp examination focusing on:

  • The front segment of the eye.
  • Checking the intraocular pressure.
  • Assessing the drainage angle.
  • Looking for any secondary causes of glaucoma.

Review & Explanation of Results

The results of all examinations and tests will be thoroughly explained. If a diagnosis of glaucoma is confirmed, various treatment options will be discussed with you.

Treatment

Explore Glaucoma Treatment

At Adelaide Eye Surgeons, we provide comprehensive and effective treatment options for glaucoma, a condition often referred to as the 'silent thief of sight'. Recognising the critical nature of early detection and management, we utilise advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess the stage and severity of glaucoma in each patient.

Our treatment approach is tailored to individual needs, ranging from medicated eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure, to state-of-the-art laser therapies and minimally invasive surgical procedures for more advanced cases. Our experienced team is dedicated to preserving your vision and preventing the progression of glaucoma, ensuring that each patient receives the most effective, personalised care.

We also prioritise patient education, helping you understand your condition and the importance of regular monitoring and treatment adherence, which is crucial in managing glaucoma effectively.

FAQ

Still Have Questions?

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What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition that causes permanent vision loss from damage to the optic nerve. This nerve carries signals between the eye and brain. Over time this can lead to peripheral vision loss. Most cases of glaucoma are caused by high levels of pressure within the eye, however, glaucoma can also occur when the pressure is not abnormally high.

Why do I have it?

Some risk factors include:

  • Family history of glaucoma
  • Age
  • High pressure within the eye
  • Previous eye injury
  • Being severely short or long sighted.
  • Long term use of steroids

How do I know I have it?

In early stages glaucoma does not typically present with any symptoms. Therefore, glaucoma is generally picked up during your regular eye examinations. Due to its insidious nature, glaucoma can often be termed as the ‘silent thief of sight’.

What treatment is available?

There is not cure for glaucoma. But there are several treatment options that are available to minimise further vision loss. This can include anti-glaucoma eye drops, laser or other surgical treatments. Your Ophthalmologist will determine the most appropriate treatment for your eyes.

Founder and Surgeon at Adelaide Eye Surgeons

Dr Edward Greenrod

At Adelaide Eye Surgeons, our aim is to provide all South Australians with the best care for their eyes. We are experts in proven, advanced surgical treatments utilising modern technology. We specialise in cataract, cornea, glaucoma, laser and retinal surgery."

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