What is Glaucoma?
The eye produces
a fluid called the aqueous humour. This fluid circulates around the
tissues of the eye and drains away through outflow channels.
'Normal' eye pressure is when the amount of fluid produced is balanced
by the amount of fluid draining away. If the fluid in the eye does not
balance then the pressure inside the eye becomes raised - chronic glaucoma.
Glaucoma, if untreated, causes damage to the optic nerve at the back
of the eye, ultimately resulting in loss of vision.
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Series
of diagrams showing progressive loss of tissue from the optic
nerve at the back of the eye (referred to as increased cupping of the optic nerve).
Diagram a. represents a normal eye. Diagram f. represents a very advanced case with extensive loss of tissue. |
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Signs and Symptoms
Glaucoma causes damage to your field of vision. This means that the
edge of your peripheral vision can start to disappear although the central
vision remains good.
Early diagnosis is important as the pressure in the eye will gradually
rise over time and patients are usually not aware that they have glaucoma.
Treatment can prevent the damage from becoming worse but it cannot reverse
damage that has already happened.
Glaucoma can be hereditary but the commonest link is with increasing
age. If there is a history of glaucoma in your family you are entitled
to a free eye tests and should have them on a regular, annual basis.
Ideally everyone over the age of 40 should have a regular eye test for
glaucoma.
Glaucoma Tests
Pressure Check
A local anaesthetic drop will be placed in both eyes. These drops only
last for 2-3 minutes, then a measurement probe gently touches the eye.
Field Test
A test can be carried out to check the peripheral vision.
All tests are quick and painless and simply require you to press a button
when a light is seen.
Treatment
Treatment aims to reduce the pressure in the eye either
by helping the fluid to drain away or by reducing the amount of fluid
produced.
The usual treatment
is the use of eye drops on a long term, regular basis. Eye drops are
a treatment not a cure and once started must be continued until you
receive advice otherwise from your ophthalmologist.
Further information and help
International Glaucoma Association
Woodcote House
15 Highpoint Business Village
Henwood, Ashford
Kent
TN24 8DH
Sightline (helpline) no: 01233 64 81 70
Administration Tel. 01233 64 81 64
Website: http://www.glaucoma-association.com
