Glaucoma presents in many forms. Most common are open and closed angle Glaucoma. Intraocular Pressure (IOP) in excess of 21mmhg, is a sign that requires close monitoring. Observation of the optic nerves is a must during any eye examination as low IOP can also result in Glaucoma.

Closed Angle Glaucoma is the narrowing of the drainage channel which obstructs the release of Aqueous (fluid in the eye) resulting in an acute rise of eye pressure, which can quickly damage the optic nerve and vision. It is easily detected on eye examination by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist and very easily treated, provided it is detected in time. If left untreated it will result in irreversible vision loss.

Secondary open angle Glaucoma is a result of other systemic medical conditions such as Diabetes.
Screening methods for Glaucoma is taking of IOP, examination of the optic nerves to look for any progression or change in its anatomical structure. OCT is another technology which enables the examiner to obtain detailed structural information of the health of the nerves. Visual Field Testing is carried out to measure peripheral (side vision sensitivity) in order to rule out any functional loss due to Glaucoma. A normal eye pressure reading below 21mmhg does not indicate you are free of Glaucoma. Open angle Glaucoma has no symptoms till major damage to your optic nerve has occurred.

Glaucoma has the dubious honour of being the second leading cause of blindness in the world.

Symptoms of Closed Angle Glaucoma

• Seeing halos around bright lights
• Red and painful eye
• Bad headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Steamy and blurry vision

Such symptoms should require immediate medical attention.

Our clinic has all the above equipment enabling us to do a full Glaucoma screening evaluation. If any of these tests confirm or raises the possibility of the disease the patient should be referred to an Ophthalmologist.

How is Glaucoma treated and monitored?

If Glaucoma is diagnosed, treatment is usually started with eye drops that will decrease the eye pressure to a level that hopefully addresses further structural optic nerve damage and functional vision loss.

As Open Angle Glaucoma presents no symptoms, it is usually detected during a routine eye examination. It is therefore crucial that we undergo an eye exam by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, irrespective of our ability to see well.