Glaucoma

Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure in the eye which causes damage to the optic nerve (which carries information from your eye to your brain). However, glaucoma can also occur even when eye pressure is normal. If left undiagnosed or untreated, glaucoma can lead to gradual vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma is often referred to as the ‘silent thief of sight’. Therefore, regular eye examinations every year are essential to protect eyesight even when asymptomatic.

Glacuoma usually first affects peripheral (side) vision, so it is difficult to notice vision changes in the early stages.

There are two categories of glaucoma – open angle and closed angle. Open Angle Glaucoma develops slowly and painlessly; peripheral vision is lost first and there is often no symptoms until after significant damage is already done. Angle Closure Glaucoma can develop suddenly and is an eye emergency. Symptoms may include red eye, severe pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision and sensitivity to light.

Risk factors of glaucoma include

• Age >40
• Family history of glaucoma
• High eye pressure
• Diabetes
• High Blood pressure
• African, Asian or Hispanic descent

A comprehensive eye examination for glaucoma at iSight Specialists will involve measuring eye pressure (tonometry), testing peripheral vision (visual field test) and examining the optic nerve using OCT scans (3D scans).

Glaucoma treatment may include eye drops to lower eye pressure, laser therapy to improve fluid drainage to in turn reduce eye pressure or in advanced cases surgery.