Glaucoma
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure within the eye. At Unia Opticians, we provide comprehensive glaucoma screening and monitoring using the latest diagnostic technology. Often called the silent thief of sight, glaucoma typically develops without symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred.
The damage affects peripheral vision first, so you might not notice anything wrong until the condition is quite advanced. This makes regular eye examinations with glaucoma screening absolutely essential, particularly if you have risk factors for the condition.
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Risk Factors and Who's Affected
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain factors increase your risk. These include being over 40, having a family history of glaucoma, being of African-Caribbean or Asian descent, being very short-sighted, having diabetes, or having previously experienced eye injuries.
If you have one or more risk factors, regular screening becomes even more important. The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, develops slowly over years, whilst acute angle-closure glaucoma is less common but requires emergency treatment. Understanding your personal risk helps us tailor your screening appropriately.
Advanced Screening and Detection
Our glaucoma assessment includes multiple tests to build a comprehensive picture of your eye health. We measure your eye pressure, examine your optic nerve using specialist lenses and digital imaging, assess your peripheral vision with visual field testing, and measure your corneal thickness.
OCT scanning allows us to analyse the optic nerve fibres in exceptional detail, detecting damage before it affects your vision. These tests together provide far more information than pressure testing alone, ensuring we don’t miss early glaucoma or incorrectly diagnose the condition.
Treatment and Management
Whilst damage from glaucoma cannot be reversed, treatment can prevent further vision loss by lowering eye pressure. Most patients are initially treated with daily eye drops that either reduce fluid production in the eye or improve drainage. For some people, laser treatment or surgery may be recommended.
If we detect glaucoma or suspect you may be developing it, we’ll refer you to a consultant ophthalmologist for specialist assessment and treatment. We then provide ongoing monitoring in partnership with the hospital eye service, ensuring your treatment remains effective.
The Importance of Early Detection
Glaucoma detected and treated early has an excellent prognosis, with most patients maintaining good vision throughout their lives. However, any vision already lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, which is why screening and early detection are so crucial.
Regular eye examinations allow us to establish a baseline of your optic nerve appearance and eye pressure, making it easier to detect changes over time. If you’re at higher risk, we may recommend more frequent monitoring to catch any problems at the earliest possible stage.
Schedule Your Glaucoma Screening
Protect your vision with comprehensive glaucoma testing. Contact us to arrange your appointment and ensure your eyes remain healthy for life.
