Glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition where the optic nerve in the eye becomes damaged.
The optic nerve is a bundle of nerve fibres that provides a connection from the eye to the brain. Pressure can build up in the eye, or there can be a lack of blood supply, which can cause damage to the optic nerve. This can result in a loss in the field of vision.
Glaucoma is sometimes curable, but always treatable and the visual loss can be minimised. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important that you book an appointment at a glaucoma treatment clinic.
What are the types of glaucoma?
Glaucoma is mainly of two types depending on the drainage angle of the eye which allows fluid to drain out of the eye, thereby preventing a build up pf eye pressure. The normal eye pressure ranges form 8-22mm Hg.
Primary open angle glaucoma
- eye pressure may build up due to genetic factors as it may run in the family
- age is a risk factor as it is commoner in older adults
- racial factors contribute as it is more common in Afro-Caribbeans
- gender plays a role as it is more common in men
- medical conditions such as high blood pressure may be a risk factor
Secondary open angle glaucoma
- pigment dispersion syndrome where pigment is shed from the iris which is the coloured part of the eye and deposits in the drainage angle blocking it
- uveitis which causes inflammation of the drainage angle and outflow obstruction
- neovascularisation or new vessel growth due to complication in retinal disorders
- pseudoexfoliation where white amorphous material is shed and blocks the angle
- prolonged use of steroid medication
Primary angle closure glaucoma
- narrow drainage angle may be present from birth
- a sudden blockage of the angle may occur leading to an emergency with a severely raised eye pressure that needs immediate attention
Secondary angle closure glaucoma
- trauma or injury to the eye can lead to anatomical changes that may alter the angle
- pushing forward of the iris by a mature cataract may also cause a mechanical narrowing
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of angle closure glaucoma include eye pain, nausea or vomiting, redness, headache, tenderness around the eyes, seeing rings around lights and blurred vision.
The symptoms of open angle glaucoma may vary and it may go unnoticed until a routine visit to the optician results in a diagnosis based on the diagnostic tests performed at Glaucoma clinic, may include a visual field test and or an optical coherence tomography (OCT).
What are the treatment options?
Eyedrops
Eyedrops are the first line treatment and the commonest way to initiate treatment for glaucoma. The act in various different ways by either reducing the production of fluid inside the eye or by increasing the drainage of fluid outside of the eye. Various eyedrops act via different mechanisms and are available in different combinations.
Laser
Laser is an effective glaucoma treatment that helps to reduce the eye pressure and depending on the type glaucoma and whether the angle is narrow or open, laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI)Â or selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) may be offered.
Surgery
Glaucoma surgery is usually offered if both laser treatment and eye drops have not been effective. Surgery involves creating a bypass for the fluid inside the eye or facilitating the outflow of fluid to prevent the pressure building up in the eye and include:
- Trabeculectomy
- Shunt surgery
- Tube surgery
At a glaucoma treatment clinic, your surgeon will discuss the various glaucoma treatment options depending on the type of glaucoma you have and the treatment that would best work for you.
Our Treatments and Price List
| New patient consultation | £320 |
| Follow up appointment | £280 |
LASER PERIPHERAL IRIDOTOMY (LPI)
| one eye | £550 |
| both eyes | £750 |
GLAUCOMA SURGERY
| depending on complexity | £2550 - £3550 |
SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY (SLT)
| one eye | £550 |
| both eyes | £750 |
If you would like to discuss Ophthalmology treatments, please get in touch with a member of our team
