What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve at the back of the eye is damaged in a characteristic way. This can initially result in a patchy loss of peripheral vision, rarely noticed by the affected individual. If allowed to progress the “side” vision gradually deteriorates and in rare circumstances can eventually result in only a small central island of vision remaining.
What causes glaucoma?
The exact cause of glaucoma is usually unknown but the most important risk factor is usually an elevated intra-ocular pressure (IOP). This is the pressure of the fluid inside the eyeball. The IOP tends to rise if the fluid produced inside the eye cannot efficiently drain away from the eye into the blood stream.
Other risk factors for developing POAG include:
- Age: Glaucoma rarely affects individuals below the age of 40 years.
- Race: The incidence of glaucoma is higher in Africans and people from Eastern Asia.
- Genetics: People with a family history of a first degree relative (ie sibling or parent) with glaucoma are at higher risk.
- Short-sightedness (myopia)
- Diabetes: Probably due to a reduced blood supply to the optic nerve.
Glaucoma diagnosis / treatment
A full detailed eye examination is required to diagnose glaucoma including IOP measurement, drainage assessment and optic nerve imaging. Treatment is aimed at lowering the IOP either with laser, eyedrops or occasionally surgery.
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- Phone : 01903495532
- Location : 1 Brooks Road, Lewes, BN7 2DN
- Email : contact@eyedoctorclinic.co.uk
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