StemCell Therapy

GETTY

Glaucoma is caused when the optic nerve, which connects the eye to your brain, becomes damaged. It can lead to loss of vision if not detected and treated early on.

Dr Chris Hemmerdinger, glaucoma specialist at Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester, answers the frequently asked questions about the condition.

What is glaucoma?

According to the World Health Organisation, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world.

While people of any age can develop glaucoma, it is most prevalent in people over the age of 40.

It is a collection of eye conditions causing progressive damage to the optic nerve, which is the main nerve that transmits images from the eye to the brain, allowing us to see.

GETTY

What are the symptoms?

The most common form of glaucoma is Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG). POAG can often only be detected during a routine eye test as there are no noticeable symptoms until a considerable amount of vision has been lost.

Once vision is lost to glaucoma it cannot be restored.

Some forms of glaucoma can be caused by the drainage angle within the eye becoming closed. The acute form of closed angle glaucoma is an ophthalmic emergency. The pressure in the eye increases rapidly causing pain, redness and sudden loss of vision.

A family member suffered from glaucoma am I at risk?

Glaucoma is a hereditary disease, therefore if a family member suffers from glaucoma it can make you more susceptible to developing the condition.

If you are over 40 years of age and have a first-degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter) with glaucoma, you are entitled to a free annual NHS eye test. Its therefore important that a person who has a close relative with glaucoma mentions this during their eye check-up and arranges regular tests to ensure symptoms can be detected early.

According to the World Health Organisation, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world.

Dr Chris Hemmerdinger

How do you reduce the risk of glaucoma?

The risk of developing glaucoma increases as you get older, with the most common type of glaucoma affecting 1 in 50 people aged over 40 and on average 10 percent of people over the age of 75.

Early detection is the best way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma.

Regular sight tests with an optician can detect early changes in glaucoma such as raised intra ocular pressure (IOP) - as IOP builds, pressure pushes on the optic nerve directly or reduces its blood supply over time distorting the information passed from the eye to the brain leading to vision loss.

The earlier glaucoma is diagnosed the better, as treatment in the early stages can help stop your vision becoming severely affected.

An optometrist can help with a series of quick and painless tests to diagnose and monitor glaucoma.

GETTY

If signs of glaucoma are picked up you will be referred to an ophthalmologist who will conduct further tests to establish the type of glaucoma, the extent of damage to the eyes and the most appropriate treatment.

There are specialist glaucoma consultants like myself at all Optegra hospitals, so you can be sure youll be in safe hands. What is the treatment?

Glaucoma is treated by lowering eye pressure, which is most commonly achieved using eye drops.

However, laser treatment or surgery may be appropriate. Should you require treatment your ophthalmologist will discuss all suitable options with you.

A number of our hospitals offer bespoke glaucoma monitoring services including North London, Manchester and Hampshire. Our service identifies and captures any potential risks or developments. It is suitable for anyone who has, or is at risk of developing glaucoma, and is concerned about its potential progression.

GETTY

Getty Images

1 of 10

Diseases caused by high blood pressure

Patients are assessed by an Optometrist and a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon through a series of thorough and comprehensive tests, which uses state-of-the-art imaging equipment.

The service offers continued care and support to give peace of mind during what can be a daunting time.

How long does treatment last?

Glaucoma is not curable and vision lost cannot be regained. Therefore, treatment is usually required for life. Eye drops require continuous daily use, and other treatments such as laser treatment or surgery can last many years.

Read more here:
Glaucoma symptoms: THIS could be putting you at risk of incurable sight loss - Express.co.uk

This entry was posted on March 18, 2017 at 3:45 am and is filed under Eye Sight & Vision. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |