What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, crucial for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. However, it can occur at any age but is more common in older adults. Early detection and treatment can help protect your vision.

In the UK it is estimated that around 2% of people over the age of 40 have glaucoma 1. The prevalence increases with age, affecting 10% of those over 75. Approximately 700,000 2 people in the UK have glaucoma with many cases undiagnosed due to the conditions often asymptomatic nature in the early stages. Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and management.

There are different types of Glaucoma as detailed below:

  • Open1-angle glaucoma
  • Angle-closure glaucoma
  • Normal-tension glaucoma
  • Congenital glaucoma

Glaucoma Symptoms

Glaucoma is usually asymptomatic however depending on the type and stages of the disease some symptoms may be experienced.

  • Patchy blind spots in your side (peripheral) or central vision, often in both eyes
  • Tunnel vision in the advanced stages
  • Nausea/Pain/Haloes around lights and reduced vision (Angle-closure glaucoma)

Glaucoma risk factors

There a multiple risk factors for glaucoma, some of which are outlined below

  • Increasing Age
  • Family History
  • Ethnicity: African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics have a higher risk for certain types of glaucoma.
  • Medical Conditions
  • Eye Conditions: high myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) can increase the risk.
  • Elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP)

Glaucoma Treatment

Existing treatment options for Glaucoma include:

  • Eye drops
  • Oral medications
  • Surgery
  • Laser treatment
Laser eye surgery microscope

iStent Combined Cataract Treatment

The iStent is a tiny device implanted during cataract surgery to treat open-angle glaucoma. It helps to reduce intraocular pressure by improving the outflow of aqueous humor, the fluid in your eye. This combined approach is beneficial for patients needing cataract surgery who also suffer from glaucoma.

Benefits of iStent:

  • Reduces the need for glaucoma medications
  • Performed alongside cataract surgery
  • Minimally invasive

Procedure:

  • The iStent is implanted during cataract surgery
  • It is a quick procedure, often adding only a few minutes to the overall surgery time
  • Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days
private-cataract-treatment-optegra

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

SLT is a laser procedure used to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. It is considered when medications are insufficient or cause significant side effects. SLT uses a low-level laser to target specific cells in the trabecular meshwork, the eye’s drainage system, increasing fluid outflow.

Benefits of SLT:

  • Non-invasive
  • Minimal discomfort
  • Can be repeated if necessary
  • Reduces or eliminates the need for glaucoma medications

Procedure:

  • The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops
  • A special lens is placed on the eye to focus the laser
  • The laser targets the trabecular meshwork
  • The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes per eye

Post-procedure Care:

  • Follow-up visits to monitor eye pressure
  • Temporary mild discomfort or blurry vision
  • Use of anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed
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