Glaucoma Treatment at The Medical Eye Clinic
At the Medical Eye Clinic, we provide specialised care for individuals dealing with the long-term impact of glaucoma. Our comprehensive range of glaucoma treatments is specifically designed to effectively lower intraocular pressure (IOP), which is currently the only method of managing this condition.
Our highly experienced glaucoma consultant will customise a treatment plan tailored to your unique requirements. Trust the Medical Eye Clinic as your trusted local eye surgeon for expert management of your glaucoma treatment.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma, a highly complex eye condition, presents a formidable challenge that requires our attention. Our informative guide provides valuable insights into the intricate anatomy of the eye, explaining the concept of intraocular pressure and its close association with glaucoma diagnosis. Within the realm of glaucoma, a group of eye disorders, there is a common thread: an increase in the pressure inside the eye.
This elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) often causes significant harm to the delicate optic nerve, leading to irreversible damage and the gradual loss of peripheral vision. Each type of glaucoma necessitates tailored treatment approaches. The danger lies in the subtle nature of this condition, as significant damage can occur without any accompanying pain or noticeable changes in vision.
Unfortunately, individuals often become aware of the problem only after a significant amount of peripheral vision has been irreversibly lost. The diagnosis of glaucoma is anything but straightforward, as it requires a range of diverse tests to uncover the underlying cause and mechanism of optic nerve impairment. In many cases, glaucoma presents alongside increased pressure within the eye.
To truly understand the impact of glaucoma on our well-being, it is crucial to delve into the complexities of ocular structure and grasp the paramount importance of maintaining normal eye pressure. Our esteemed team of ophthalmologists and optometrists at the Medical Eye Clinic specialises in providing comprehensive management for glaucoma. We ensure that each patient receives the highest level of care and expertise, prioritising their well-being.
Early detection of this eye condition and subsequent treatment are therefore vital if sight loss is to be avoided.
Who is at Risk?
1 in 200 People in The UK are at Risk of Glaucoma.
- If you have a direct relative who has glaucoma, then your risk of having the disease is increased by 10%.
- If your Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) is greater than 22 mmHg, you are more likely to have glaucoma. IOP should be measured during a routine eye examination by your optometrist.
- The risk of glaucoma varies between ethnic groups. Black and Asian populations have a higher incidence of glaucoma compared to Caucasians.
- As you get older, the risk of suffering from glaucoma increases.
- Evidence shows that patients who have suffered certain eye complications, such as central retinal vein occlusion, retinal detachment, Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa, have a higher incidence of glaucoma.
How do I Know if I Have Glaucoma?
In its early stages, glaucoma may not present any noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to detect. Initially, it primarily affects peripheral vision, leaving central vision intact, which is crucial for activities such as reading, recognising faces, and watching television. Consequently, this initial impact often goes unnoticed.
The most reliable way to determine if one is affected by glaucoma is through regular eye health check-ups with an optician or optometrist. These professionals will conduct painless tests, including measuring the intraocular pressure, to assess the need for further examination by an ophthalmologist. Unfortunately, glaucoma is a chronic disease that persists throughout one’s life and currently lacks a cure.
Once vision is lost as a result of glaucoma, it cannot be restored. However, there is some encouraging news, as effective medical treatments can slow down or even halt the progression of damage caused by the disease. In the past, glaucoma was often associated with inevitable blindness. However, significant advancements in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment have dramatically changed the prospects for those affected. In the United Kingdom, the vast majority of individuals with glaucoma can now maintain useful vision for their entire lives.
Detection
Glaucoma, a common eye condition, presents a grave danger to our vision if left unattended. Over time, this condition progressively worsens and can ultimately lead to a loss of sight. Thus, timely identification becomes paramount. It is strongly recommended, particularly for individuals aged 40 and above, to undergo regular eye check-ups. Remember, it is always preferable to prevent rather than cure!
At our specialised glaucoma department, our experienced opticians conduct detailed examinations to ensure the well-being of your optic nerve, situated at the back of the eye. They also measure your intraocular pressure and perform a peripheral vision test to assess your entire visual field. However, it is important to note that relying solely on these tests has its limitations, as they can only diagnose a problem once it becomes evident, such as a defect in your visual field.
On the other hand, The Medical Eye Clinic distinguishes itself from other optical practices by utilising a state-of-the-art technique known as Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT). This cutting-edge eye scan enables us to analyse the condition of the optic nerve at an early stage, allowing us to detect this potentially blinding disease before it progresses significantly. OCT utilises light to visualise the different layers of the eye and produces a non-invasive, straightforward, and painless scan. The information gathered from OCT is invaluable and can aid in predicting the likelihood of future glaucoma complications for numerous patients.
Glaucoma Treatment
Taking care of glaucoma requires a long-term dedication involving consistent monitoring and ongoing medical intervention. At the renowned Medical Eye Clinic in Exeter, we offer a diverse range of treatment approaches, all focused on reducing intraocular pressure (IOP), which is currently the primary approach for managing this condition. Our highly experienced glaucoma treatment specialist will tailor a treatment plan that perfectly aligns with your individual needs.
Glaucoma Eye Drops
Historically, glaucoma eye drops have been widely relied upon as the primary treatment for this condition, consistently demonstrating their remarkable efficacy. Regular application of these drops, usually on a daily basis, has been deemed essential. Nevertheless, some individuals may experience discomfort with the daily regimen of eye drops, or their medical circumstances may render them unsuitable candidates for this specific form of glaucoma treatment. Thankfully, The Medical Eye Clinic is delighted to provide an array of alternative glaucoma treatments, guaranteeing that eye drops do not serve as the sole remedy for managing glaucoma.
Laser Treatments: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, or SLT
SLT offers a reliable and straightforward solution for reducing intraocular pressure in a substantial number of glaucoma patients. By utilising advanced laser technology to target the eye’s drainage structure, this procedure effectively alleviates pressure within the eye. To ensure the utmost comfort during the procedure, a few drops of anaesthesia are administered beforehand. While it is not advisable to drive immediately after the treatment, most patients can resume driving the following day without any complications.
It is common for patients to experience mild light sensitivity for approximately a week after the procedure. In rare cases, this sensitivity may be more severe and require treatment with anti-inflammatory drops. Shortly after the laser treatment, a small percentage of patients may notice a temporary increase in pressure. However, this increase typically resolves on its own and does not pose any long-term concerns. SLT has shown remarkable success in approximately 80% of glaucoma cases.
Although it may take a few weeks to fully experience the benefits of the treatment, the resulting reduction in intraocular pressure tends to remain stable for several years. As a result, patients can avoid the constant use of eye drops. Regular appointments will be scheduled to monitor the progress of the treatment, utilising advanced techniques such as OCT, visual field analysis, and IOP measuring.
If necessary, the procedure can be repeated to maintain optimal results. Typically, optometrists are the first to detect signs of glaucoma during routine eye examinations. We strongly encourage you to book your routine eye exam at our Exeter eye clinic, where our dedicated team can provide you with the necessary care and attention you deserve.
Trust The Medical Eye Clinic for Your Glaucoma Treatment!
You can rely on the Medical Eye Clinic when it comes to your glaucoma treatment needs. With a focus on individuals facing the long-lasting effects of glaucoma, we offer specialised care. Our wide array of glaucoma treatment aims to effectively reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), the primary method of managing this condition. Our exceptional glaucoma consultant will create a personalised treatment plan to fit your specific needs. Count on the Medical Eye Clinic as your trusted choice for expert glaucoma management.
To embark on your journey towards glaucoma treatment with the Medical Eye Clinic, we highly encourage you to reach out to our dedicated team today. You have the option to either call our team at 01392 829436 or use our convenient online contact form.