Many patients attend our clinic concerned about glaucoma, but only have a vague understanding of what it is. Today I am here to answer the most common questions we get about glaucoma from our patients.
I've Heard of Glaucoma But I Don't Know What It Is, Can You Explain It?
Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve at the back of the eye. Gradually over time, the optic nerve becomes damaged, affecting the peripheral vision, eventually leading to blindness if untreated.
What Are The Symptoms of Glaucoma?
This is one of the most tricky parts to explain to patients, initially most types of glaucoma present with no symptoms at all! On paper glaucoma affects the peripheral vision (the area around the outside of your vision), but often, because this is a gradual change to our peripheral vision, patients may not notice subtle defects. In some more aggressive types of glaucoma, the eyes can hurt, appear red and patients may see some haloes around lights.
Some patients with moderate glaucoma may find they trip over things or bump into door frames or objects more often than they used to, this is due to their narrower field of vision.
In the very late stages of glaucoma, patients may only be left with a small area of central vision, or possibly even loose their sight completely.
If ever you are concerned that you have any symptoms of glaucoma, you should book an eye examination straight away.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Like with most things related to glaucoma, this is a complicated answer. For many patients the issue is that the pressure inside the eye is too high. We think there are other factors involved, including blood pressure control and the size of the eye. Some patients can develop glaucoma secondary to infections, injuries and inflammation.
What Is The Treatment For Glaucoma?
Again this varies depending on the patient, the consultant looking after them, and the stage of glaucoma. Many patients are initially offered a laser procedure called scanning laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). This is a newer therapy and has been shown to be quite effective in reducing the pressures in the eye. If SLT is not an option for the patient, they are often given eye drops to help to reduce the pressure in the eyes, which need to be taken every day.
If There Aren't Any Symptoms, How Can I Prevent Myself From Developing It?
What a great question! The answer is regular eye examinations, even better if you include OCT scans and imaging of your eyes to add extra levels of detail, allowing us to pick up subtle changes earlier than conventional testing methods. In fact OCT scans actually can be used over time to track progressive damage to the optic nerve, and many hospitals use this in the care of patients diagnosed with glaucoma.
If your optometrist is suspicious of glaucoma, they will refer you on the an ophthalmologist (an eye doctor) at the hospital for a second opinion and possibly treatment.
If I Have Glaucoma, Can I Still Drive?
This varies based on how advanced the glaucoma is, but for patients who are diagnosed early, yes absolutely. It is important that when you are diagnosed that you inform the DVLA immediately, if not your insurance is completely invalid. Patients with glaucoma have to attend a specific eye examination every few years to check their vision still meets driving standards.
Can Glaucoma Be Cured?
At the time of writing this post, the answer is no. The damage that happens to the optic nerve is irreversible and permanent. It's not all doom and gloom though! The condition can remain stable for many years with careful monitoring and treatment. Many patients don't develop symptoms after diagnosis, and it's quite rare to see a patient with treated glaucoma who completely loses their vision.
How Can We Help?
We offer private enhanced glaucoma case findings, which allow us to provide the hospital with more information about patients where we are suspicious of glaucoma. This allows for more appropriate triage within the hospital eye service, and in more extreme cases, can allow patients to be seen earlier. If this isn't the option for you, we provide NHS and private eye examinations, including routine glaucoma screening
