Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a diagnosis given to a group of conditions that cause loss of retinal nerve fibres with a consequent loss of vision. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve.
The front part of the eye is filled with a fluid called the aqueous humour. This fluid continuously circulates through the inner eye, flowing in and draining out. If the drainage area of the eye (called the drainage angle) is blocked, the pressure within the eye increases. This increase in pressure is thought to damage the sensitive optic nerve at the back of the eye.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 40 and affects approximately 2% of the population. It is most common in people with a family history of the disease. Patients with diseases such as diabetes, anaemia, or hardening of the arteries are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. A comprehensive examination is required for diagnosis, and early treatment is the best way to preserve vision once the diagnosis has been made.
No one single test can diagnose glaucoma. There are currently five separate checks which may be performed to aid the diagnosis.
- measurement of intraocular pressure
- direct viewing of the optic nerve
- visual field examination
- Heidelberg Retinal Tomography
- drainage angle inspection

Glaucoma cannot be cured. The aim of treatment is to prevent any further damage to the optic nerve fibres. It is normally treated using eyedrops which are used to reduce the pressure within the eye. Laser surgery can be used to aid the flow and drainage of the fluid flowing in the front of the eye.