Glaucoma
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a common eye condition that can slowly damage your sight.
It affects the optic nerve – the nerve at the back of the eye that carries visual information from your eye to your brain.
In many cases, glaucoma is linked to pressure building up inside the eye. However, some people can develop glaucoma even when their eye pressure appears to be within the normal range.
The important thing to know is that glaucoma can often be managed very successfully when it is found and treated early.
Concerned about glaucoma or your eye pressure?
A specialist glaucoma assessment can help you understand your individual risk and whether you need treatment or monitoring.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Your eye naturally produces a clear fluid.
This fluid normally flows through the front of the eye and drains away. If it does not drain properly, pressure can build up inside the eye.
Over time, this pressure can damage the optic nerve.
However, eye pressure is only part of the picture. Some people have higher eye pressure without developing glaucoma, while others develop glaucoma despite having pressure readings within the normal range.
This is why a glaucoma assessment looks at more than just your eye pressure.
Why Is Glaucoma Important?
Glaucoma usually develops slowly.
In the early stages, you may not notice any change in your vision at all. This means some people only discover they have glaucoma during a routine eye examination.
Over time, glaucoma can affect your peripheral or side vision. If it is left untreated, the damage can become permanent.
Regular eye checks are therefore particularly important if you have risk factors for glaucoma, for example a family history of glaucoma.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
The most common forms of glaucoma usually cause no obvious symptoms in the early stages.
You may see perfectly well and still have early glaucoma.
As glaucoma progresses, you may gradually lose some of your side vision. Because this change can happen slowly, it may be difficult to notice yourself.
This is one of the reasons regular eye examinations are so important.
Can glaucoma develop suddenly?
A less common type of glaucoma can develop very quickly.
Symptoms may include:
severe eye pain
a red eye
blurred vision
seeing coloured rings or halos around lights
headache
feeling sick or being sick
Sudden symptoms such as these require urgent medical attention.
Who is more likely to develop glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but your risk may be higher if:
glaucoma runs in your family
you are over the age of 50
you have certain types of short-sightedness or long-sightedness
you have diabetes or certain other medical conditions
you are from some Black African, Caribbean or Asian backgrounds
you have previously had an eye injury
you have been told that your eye pressure is higher than normal
If a parent, brother or sister has glaucoma, it is particularly important to have your eyes checked regularly.
Can glaucoma be treated?
Yes.
Although damage that has already occurred cannot usually be reversed, treatment can help slow or prevent further damage and protect your remaining vision.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma and may include:
eye drops
laser treatment
minimally invasive glaucoma procedures
glaucoma surgery
Not everyone needs treatment immediately. Some people simply need regular monitoring.
Your specialist will discuss the most appropriate options for your individual eyes.
What happens if I have high eye pressure but no glaucoma?
Having high eye pressure does not automatically mean that you have glaucoma.
Some people have ocular hypertension, which means their eye pressure is higher than average but there is no evidence of damage to the optic nerve.
Your specialist can assess your overall risk and advise whether you need treatment or simply regular monitoring.
Medically reviewed by Ms Neeru A. Vallabh MBBS, FRCOphth, PhD, FEBOS-GL — Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Specialist.
When should I see a glaucoma specialist?
You may wish to arrange a specialist assessment if:
you have been told your eye pressure is high
your optometrist has noticed a change in your optic nerve
your visual field or OCT test is abnormal
glaucoma runs in your family
you have already been diagnosed with glaucoma
you would like a second opinion
you are worried about glaucoma and would like a comprehensive assessment
You do not need to wait until you notice changes in your vision.
Private Glaucoma Consultations
A private glaucoma consultation gives you time to discuss your concerns, review your test results and understand exactly what is happening with your eyes.
Following your assessment, you will receive a clear explanation of the findings and recommendations for treatment or monitoring where appropriate.
If you have been told you may have glaucoma, have high eye pressure or would simply like a specialist opinion, you can arrange a private consultation with Ms Vallabh.
Private Insurance Providers
If you require an appointment through an insurance provider, please contact the insurance company in advance to obtain a preauthorisation number.
Please bring the details of your insurance cover to your clinic visit.