Glaucoma


What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition whereby there is damage to the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good peripheral vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye (intraocular pressure). Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs and the damage caused by glaucoma can’t be reversed. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is at an advanced stage. Therefore, regular visits to your ophthalmologist are important so a diagnosis can be made in its early stages and treated appropriately.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

The signs and symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of which condition you may have:

Open-angle glaucoma

  • Patchy blind spots in your side (peripheral) or central vision in one or both eyes
  • Tunnel vision in the advanced stages

Acute angle-closure glaucoma

  • Severe headache
  • Eye pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Halos around lights
  • Eye redness

Treatment options for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is treated by lowering your eye pressure. Depending on your situation, your options may include prescription eyedrops, oral medications, laser treatment, surgery. Once assessed your ophthalmologist will tailor one or a combination of any of these depending on your type and severity.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. If you’re diagnosed with this condition, you’ll need urgent treatment to reduce the pressure in your eye. This generally will require both medication and laser or other surgical procedures in order allow fluid (aqueous humor) to flow through your eye and relieving eye pressure.

 

For Patients

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To see one of our surgeons you will need a referral.
Please visit your local General Practitioner or Optometrist. Once you have the referral please get in touch with us to book your appointment.

For Referrers

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Thank you kindly for your referral.
Please provide your patient with a written referral or send an electronic referral to us via our web form. Please contact us for details.

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Alternatively you can send a letter (via mail or fax). Please include the reason for the referral and results of any diagnostic testing that was performed. A list of current medications and pertinent medical history is also useful if known.