What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disorder associated with pressure in the eye, and is characterized by damage to the optic nerve , with consequent visual loss, initially peripheral, but potentially blinding if relentlessly progressive. Unfortunately, glaucoma is usually a disease in which the patient is entirely asymptomatic (without symptoms) until late in the disease. The disorder we refer to as glaucoma, is not a single disease, but rather a myriad of diseases with one final common insult, injury to the optic nerve.

How to Diagnose Glaucoma?

To detect this condition at it’s earliest stages, it is important to undergo regular eye examinations, particularly if there is a family history of glaucoma.

There is no charge for an eye examination if you are over forty and have a family history of the condition. It is important that Intra Ocular Pressures, Visual Fields and appearance of the optic nerve are monitored regularly.

In some of our practices, we can offer OCT technology, which is linked to the latest software which can assist in the early diagnosis of glaucoma.