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Glaucoma; the facts Glaucoma is a relatively common eye disease which initially displays no symptoms. This is why it is important to have regular eye tests
L
INA OSMAN, A Consultant phthalmologist at the ni ersity Hospitals of Leicester NHS trust and The Stoneygate Eye Hospital, explains about glaucoma, including commonly asked questions and treatment options. What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve connects your eye to the seeing part of the brain. Having high pressure in your eyes is the most significant risk for developing glaucoma, although glaucoma can occur with normal eye pressure. Vision loss from glaucoma occurs normally in the outer edge (peripheral) part of the vision and then progresses to the centre. If left untreated it can cause irreversible loss of vision. In most of the types of glaucoma the disease shows no symptoms until later on. Possible symptoms are often non specific and include blurred, patchy or misty vision. What should I do? A check up at the optician is vital to screen for glaucoma and to be referred promptly to the specialist if there are any early signs. This is more important - and strongly advised - if a family member has already been diagnosed with glaucoma. If picked up early, treated promptly and followed up regularly, almost all types of glaucoma can be prevented from causing irreversible loss of vision and patients can keep good vision for life.
How is glaucoma treated? Treatment options are individually tailored. The main aims of all available treatments are to reduce the eye pressure. This remains to date the only risk factor that we can alter. Whilst the most common type of treatment is eye drops, there are other treatment options that can be explored when eye drops are not suitable or not e ecti e ther options include laser treatment (selective laser Trabeculoplasty, laser peripheral iridotomy, cyclodiode), minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, minimally invasive bleb-forming surgeries, trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage devices or tubes. Cataract surgery can also be a treatment
option for some types of glaucoma. Research into neuroprotective treatments is still underway and is not yet conclusive. Can you cure glaucoma? Most types of glaucoma are conditions that require lifelong treatment and monitoring. As the disease does not show any symptoms early on, you will need to be monitored in the clinic to pick up any early changes to the nerve. By having a regular check-up, prompt treatment can be advised and progression of the disease can be halted. It is important to have regular eye tests when glaucoma is often tested for at the same time. Can I still drive with glaucoma? ertain types of glaucoma can a ect both eyes. In such situations your glaucoma specialist will advise you to inform DVLA as it is a legal requirement. Having glaucoma doesn’t mean you cannot drive, however you will be assessed periodically to ensure you are safe to do so. To find out more or to book a no-obligation private consultation with Lina Osman, please contact The Stoneygate Eye Hospital on 0116 270 8033 or visit www. thestoneygateeyehospital.co.uk
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