Glaucoma

Glaucoma explained

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to permanent damage to the optic nerve and thus permanent blindness. Glaucoma symptoms include unnoticeable blind spots, then tunnel vision, and finally complete loss of sight. There is a relationship between diabetes and open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma). Whilst ophthalmologists do not yet fully understand the mechanism, all diabetics should be aware of the condition and the risks that it brings.

Experts originally believed that pressure within the eye, intraocular pressure or IOP, was the sole cause of the optic nerve damage that causes glaucoma. Whist intraocular pressure is certainly a primary reason; experts now realise that many other factors influence the condition as people with 'normal' levels of pressure can experience vision loss through glaucoma.

To treat glaucoma successfully, early detection of glaucoma symptoms is vital. Most opticians now carry out glaucoma tests as a matter of course. However there is no cure and whilst medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss the appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma.

Glaucoma treatment

Although London Vision Clinic will readily offer advice and guidance about glaucoma treatment, and screens all patients for glaucoma symptoms, surgery is only an option of last resort and we do not perform it.

If you have any suspicion that you may be experiencing the symptoms of glaucoma, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.