Glaucoma

In glaucoma the Optic Nerve Head or Disc has been damaged with resulting in the loss of visual field, and if neglected blindness.

There is usually increased pressure in the eye and often a family history of glaucoma.

Where glaucoma is detected, then it's recommended that all direct relatives who are over 40 years old should also be screened.

Screening for glaucoma involves examination of the eye, measurement of the pressure, computerised visual fields analysis, optic nerve head examination and sometimes laser scanning of the optic nerve.

Most commonly eye drops will control the condition but in a small number of patients pressure control is inadequate and surgery is necessary.

Trabeculectomy is the most frequent operation performed for glaucoma but on occasions laser procedures will suffice. This operation creates a new channel for the intra-ocular fluid to escape from the eye at a lower pressure thus protecting the optic nerve from further damage.

Sub-Acute and Acute Glaucoma

The hazey cornea and mid dilated pupil of acute glaucoma.

Symptoms include severe ocular pain, frontal headache, blurred vision, coloured halos around lights, nausea and vomiting.