Information about Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease in which the optic nerve in a person’s eye is damaged, leading to progressive and irreversible loss of vision. It can damage nerve fibres causing blind spots to develop in one’s vision. The optic nerve is a bunch of nerve fibres that connect the retina to the brain. The retina is light-sensitive tissue at the back to the eye. The optic nerves help transmit the information from the eyes to the brain to help interpret the visual information we are seeing.

Glaucoma is the second largest cause of blindness in the world. When left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage of the optic nerve and eventual blindness. Even after receiving treatment, people may suffer from further vision loss. As the loss of vision is very slow and gradual, a person may not notice the problems until the disease has progressed significantly. At developed stages of the disease, options for treatment are significantly reduced as permanent damage to the optic nerve may already have occurred. As a result, we strongly urge you to carry out periodic eye tests to detect the occurrence of this condition as early as possible.

Glaucoma is normally found in two forms, acute and chronic. Attacks of the acute type can be mild or severe. Mild attacks can cause pain in the eyes and one will see haloes around lights. However, these symptoms are releived by sleeping. Severe attacks can cause the symptoms already mentioned as well as redness and watering of the eye, sensitivity to bright light, nausea and vomiting, and are more common among women.

Glaucoma Types

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma found. Open-angle glaucoma predominantly takes place when the optic nerve is damaged due to a build of pressure inside the eye. This pressure build-up takes place when the fluid flowing in of the anterior chamber of the eye is not able to flow out as quickly over time. Optic nerve damage causing glaucoma can also take place due to other reasons

Low-Tension or Normal-Tension GlaucomaLow pressure in the eye can also cause optic nerve damage resulting in glaucoma

Angle-Closure GlaucomaThis type of glaucoma is often accompanied by a sudden increase in blood pressure. Symptoms include redness of the eye and blurred vision with severe pain and nausea.

Congenital GlaucomaChildren can be born with a defect in the angle of the eye that slows fluid drainage in the eye. Surgery is safe and effective and the child usually has an excellent chance of having good vision.

Secondary GlaucomasThese types of glaucoma may occur as complications from other medical conditions such as eye injuries, advanced cataracts, eye tumours, diabetes etc. Pigmentary glaucoma and neovascular glaucoma are examples of secondary glaucoma.

Risk Factors

Increased pressure of the fluid in the eye can cause damage to the optic nerve resulting in glaucoma. There are several other risk factors associated with it as well. People over the age of 60 are more liable to get glaucoma. Recent studies have also shown that people using steroid inhalers to control asthma are more likely to get ocular hypertension, or high eye pressure, thus becoming candidates for getting glaucoma.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma does not come with any warning signals. In its most common form, there are no symptoms such as pain associated with it. Generally, vision loss begins in the peripheral and side vision. At that stage, we subconciously compensate by turning out heads to the side to see. This condition generally goes unnoticed until significant vision loss takes place. The best way to maintain your eye sight is to get regular sight examinations from your nearest opticians who have the correct equipment. If glaucoma is detected, then treatment for it can be started immediately, thereby reducing or even stopping any further vision loss.

Detection

At Mairead O’Leary Opticians,measuring eye pressure, a very high risk factor for glaucoma, is a standard test for customers over the age of 40. We strongly believe in taking a proactive approach with our clients in ensuring their eyes are healthy and vision remains good. Our branches in Blanchardstown and Rathmines are fully equipped with the latest instruments to detect glaucoma at the earliest possible stages. This is critical for completely arresting the development or slowing the progression of the disease.

Our dedicated glaucoma page has further information about the exact nature of the disease. Pictures of the symptoms and our 3D resource centre will provide you with informative and understandable information. If you are already experiencing some of these symptoms, make an appointment with us immediately. We will carry out a diagnosis and begin treatment to slow down the progress or even arrest its development.

Treatment

If you are above the age of 40, we recommend getting your eyes tested immediately. The opticians in our branches are qualified and highly experienced. Apart from carrying out the standard eye tests, they will also measure your eye pressure through methods which you may be most comfortable.

Glaucoma can cause irreversible optic nerve damage and detection as early as possible is best way to arrest its development. As vision loss can be very slow and gradual, it is prudent to get your eyes tested for glaucoma. You will have the peace of mind if knowing that the latest equipment will be used to test your eyes. Book an appointment or call us now to make arrange for a test for glaucoma.