Glaucoma

Glaucoma is characterised by raised pressure inside the eye

Which can damage the optic nerve which is the nerve at the back of the eye. It reduces the field of vision and the ability to see clearly. There are two types of glaucoma acute and chronic. Acute glaucoma cause mild attacks of pain in the eye and haloes around lights.

Full blown attacks cause rapid deterioration of vision, intense eye pain, redness and watering of the eye, sensitivity to bright light, nausea and vomiting. Chronic glaucoma mainly affects people over the age of 60 and is more common with increasing age. If glaucoma is untreated it can lead to blindness. Because glaucoma tends to run in families, close relatives of those with glaucoma are more at risk than others. Yearly eye exams are advised for people who have a family history of glaucoma.

Every routine eye examination over the age of 20 and intraocular pressure check is carried and visual fields exam if required. The optician will refer to any ophthalmologist for any suspected glaucoma. In most cases, eyedrops to reduce the pressure will be prescribed although in some cases, a minor operation is needed.