The Stoneygate Eye Hospital

Ms. Lina Osman, a Consultant Ophthalmologist at the University 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 is the nerve that connects your eye to the seeing part of the brain. Having high pressure in your eyes is the most significant risk factor 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 be referred promptly to the glaucoma 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 follow up regularly, almost all types of glaucoma can be prevented from causing irreversible loss of vision and keep good vision for life. How can you treat Glaucoma?

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 effective. Other treatment options include laser treatment (Selective laser Trabeculoplasty, laser peripheral iridotomy, cyclodiode), Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries, Minimally Invasive Bleb-forming Surgeries, Trabeculectomy and

A Few Word From Dawn

After Christmas we are all likely to feel overweight and not happy about ourselves. Our skin may look dehydrated due to the alcohol intake over the festive period.

The answer to getting our skin to bloom again is Micro needling which stimulates our skin’s natural collagen, reduces fine lines, and will also flatten white raised scars. The treatment involves tapping a fine needle into the skin with a fast, repetitive motion, using either a single needle or a Dema-roller (a multi-needle device)

The procedure can also used for Crow’s Feet (around the eyes), naso-mentalis lines (either side of the mouth) and stretch-marks on the body.

If you would like to know more about this or any other treatment - Microblading, Medical or Cosmetic Tattooing (permanent makeup), hair removal by Electrolysis, make-up lessons - please contact Dawn Cragg MBE by telephone 01777 860 500, or email dawn_cragg@hotmail.co.uk. Dawn has a private clinic in Retford.

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 follow up. 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 keeping a regular check-up, prompt treatment can be advised and progression of the disease can be halted. Can I still drive with Glaucoma? Certain types of Glaucoma can affect both eyes. In such situa- tion 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.

What to do next?

To find out more information or to book a no-obligation private consultation with Ms. Lina Osman, please contact The Stoneygate Eye Hospital on 0116 270 8033 or visit www.thestoneygateeyehospital.co.uk