Glaucoma

There are lots of different types of glaucoma but the most common type is called Chronic Simple Glaucoma. 

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Symptoms of cataracts

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is often referred to as the ‘silent thief of sight’ because it can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve without any noticeable symptoms until it is in advanced stages.

However, the good news is that with early detection and proper treatment, the progression of glaucoma can be slowed down or even stopped. There are a variety of treatment options available, including medication, laser therapy, and surgery, that can help preserve vision and improve quality of life for those living with glaucoma.

How do you know you have Glaucoma?

In individuals with glaucoma, there is a buildup of pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. When the optic nerve is damaged, it can lead to vision loss and potentially blindness.

The main issue in glaucoma sufferers is the inability of the eye to properly regulate the production and drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid that nourishes the eye. The imbalance can result in increased pressure within the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve over time.

The goal of treatment is to reduce pressure and slow down progression of the disease to preserve vision. By addressing the underlying issue of elevated pressure through the various treatment options is to protect vision and maintain a good quality of life.

what are floates

Treatment

The main treatment for glaucoma is eye drop therapy. Importantly patients need to continue to use drops as long as their GP says it is necessary. It can be a case of using drops ‘long term, over the course of the rest of their life to prevent any sight loss. Alternatively patients can have laser surgery which is painless and can be done as a day case procedure. It takes a matter of minutes.

Another possibility is MIGS or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. This is a surgical option to reduce eye pressure. This type of surgery is often combined with cataract surgery. There are a number of types available.

If, following eye drop treatment and laser surgery it’s deemed that the glaucoma is progressing then it is possible to have another operation. The aim of this operation is to release fluid from inside the eye to the outside by creating an artificial passage through the white of the eye.

Benefits of treatment for Glaucoma

Eye drops are often the first line of treatment for glaucoma. These medications work by either reducing the production of the fluid in the eye or increasing its drainage, thereby lowering intraocular pressure.
Laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to improve the drainage of fluid from the eye, reducing intraocular pressure. This treatment can be effective in some cases of glaucoma and may reduce the need for eye drops.

For more severe cases of glaucoma, surgical interventions such as trabeculectomy, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), or implantation of drainage devices may be recommended. These procedures aim to create a new drainage pathway for fluid to reduce intraocular pressure.

MIGS uses tiny devices to improve the drainage of fluid from the eye. MIGs procedures are typically glaucoma surgeries and may have fewer risks and fast recovery times.

MIGS is a relatively new and innovative approach to treating glaucoma. MIGS procedures are designed to reduce intraocular pressure in a minimally invasive manner, with the goal of preserving vision and improving quality of life for individuals with glaucoma. Some key features of MIGS include

Combining micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) with cataract surgery offers several benefits for individuals with both glaucoma and cataracts:

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Your consultation is the first step in your journey to treatment. You will meet one of our diagnostic specialists and your consultant surgeon. The whole appointment takes appointment takes approximately one hour.