Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common form of eye disease. Those with a family history of glaucoma are three times more likely to develop the disease. It affects the optic nerve which connects the eye to the brain.

Glaucoma is often caused by elevated intraocular pressure, a result of too much fluid being produced inside the eye and or a blockage in the eye's internal drainage system. Early detection, intervention and management can prevent vision loss.

With an estimated 350,000 Australian's suffering glaucoma, no eye examination is complete unless this disease is ruled out.

Checking the eye pressure, fields of vision, digitally scanning the optic nerve and looking into the eyes drainage area are some of the techniques we use to ensure that our patients do not go on to develop this gradual, painless, and symptomless ocular disease.

What Are the Types of Glaucoma?

There are three main types of glaucoma:

• Open angle glaucoma (OAG): Also known as primary wide angle glaucoma is probably the most common form of glaucoma. The structures of the eye often appear normal but aqueous fluid internally does not flow properly out of the trabecular meshwork or drainage area within the eye
• Angle closure glaucoma (ACG): Also called acute or chronic angle closure glaucoma is less common in Australia but more common in Asian countries. The angle between the iris and the cornea becomes too narrow leading to a sudden build-up of pressure in the eye. Patients often present with ocular pain, brow ache, a general feeling of being unwell, discomfort, nausea and often report seeing haloes around lights
• Secondary Glaucoma: Are types of glaucoma caused by secondary conditions such as taking medications like steroids, pseudo-exfoliation syndrome (PXF), pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) and thrombotic glaucoma after a retinal vein occlusion