Introduction

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, is damaged by pressure inside the eye. This can happen when the pressure is higher or when the nerve itself is more susceptible to pressure damage. Glaucoma can affect one or both eyes.

Because you often can’t feel the pressure, and the wear and tear happens very slowly, you may not realize you have glaucoma until most of the damage has already been done. Any damage done cannot be repaired. It is therefore important that glaucoma is detected early enough. The surest way of prevention is not to forget to make regular appointments with your ophthalmologist, once every 1 or 2 years, especially if you belong to the high-risk groups.

If someone has glaucoma and does not cure it, then his vision too slowly will become darker and can lead to blindness. The good news is that glaucoma is usually just needed special eye drops.

Who gets glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma. The chances increase if
– Age over 40
– High myopia
– Family history of glaucoma
-Afro-Caribbean ancestry

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Because the early stages of glaucoma do not cause symptoms, regular visits to your ophthalmologist are the best way to prevent it.
There are three main tests done to diagnose glaucoma. First, the ophthalmologist examines the optic nerve using a special lens called an ophthalmoscope or a machine called a slit lamp. He can also photograph the optic nerve to compare the findings at the next visit.

The second test is to measure the pressure inside the eye. This is done with a machine called a tonometer which either throws a small murmur of air into the eye or after local anesthesia gently touches the eye. None of these tests cause pain.
The third test examines the visual fields. The sensitivity of the eye to light and the range of peripheral vision.
Sometimes someone can get glaucoma even if the intraocular pressure is at normal levels. If the signs are not clear, your ophthalmologist may ask to see you more times in the same day!

I have been told that I have increased intraocular pressure but that I do not have glaucoma.

Some have above-normal blood pressure without having glaucoma. However, it is very likely that they will develop glaucoma in the future if they do not make regular visits to their ophthalmologist.

What if I have glaucoma?

If your optometrist suspects after examination that you have glaucoma, then he will refer you to the ophthalmologist. If the ophthalmologist verifies the diagnosis, then you will be given medication in the form of eye drops. These drops will reduce intraocular pressure and control the flow of fluid into the eyes. Drops do not hurt.
During treatment you will not feel any difference and there will be no symptoms, so you will not be able to check whether the treatment is working what your doctor wants. That is why it is very important to
-Strictly follow the ophthalmologist’s instructions
-you are consistent in your review appointments as directed
-be consistent in taking the medicine.

In a very small number of cases, the ophthalmologist may suggest a small operation that helps absorb fluid into the eye.

There is no treatment that can correct glaucoma, but the doctor can control its progression with treatment. Any damage that has already been done by reducing vision will not go away, but vision will become much worse if you stop treatment. It is very important to use the drops every day even if you do not feel their action!

I have glaucoma, can I drive?

If you are driving and have been diagnosed with glaucoma in both eyes, then your vision may be affected. The ophthalmologist will examine whether the quality of vision meets the minimum legal standards for safe driving. Some additional tests may be needed, but usually most patients can drive normally.

Angle-closure glaucoma or acute glaucoma.

It is a type of glaucoma where the outflow of fluid into the eye has been limited or stopped for some reason. Sometimes the high blood pressure you cause can be temporary. Usually this can happen when the pupil is open, in a dark environment. Other symptoms are temporary eye pain, red eyes or the image of halos around lights. Vision can be like seeing through fog.
High risk groups for acute glaucoma are usually over 40, women, of Asian origin, with a family history of acute glaucoma and people with great hyperopia.

For more information contact your ophthalmologist or optometrist.

This information comes from a brochure of the British College of Optometrists (www.college-optometrists.org) which is a professional, scientific and examination association for optometry in the UK. Optometrists who are members must meet the highest clinical and ethical standards and bear the professional title MCOptom or FCOptom.

Please visit the www.lookafteryoureyes.org (English) for more information and to find your nearest optometrist.

This information should not replace advice given by your ophthalmologist or optometrist.