1. What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name used to describe a number of similar eye conditions that result in damage to the optic nerve at the point of it leaving the eye. The damage may be caused solely by an increase in the fluid pressure within the eye or, alternatively, by a weakness of the optic nerve. However damage is usually due to a combination of both of these factors.

Chronic Simple Glaucoma
The most common form of glaucoma. Characterized by a gradual rise in fluid pressure within the eye as the drainage channels around the iris become blocked.

Acute (or Closed Angle) Glaucoma
Less common than chronic simple form. Unlike chronic simple glaucoma the blockage of the drainage channels is more sudden and complete. The underlying cause is a narrowing of the area above the channels, known as the “angle”, which prevents fluid flow through to the drainage channels. This results in quite rapid increases in fluid pressure within the eye.

Secondary Glaucoma
A rise in fluid pressure within the eye as a result of other eye conditions.

Developmental Glaucoma
A rare condition that affects babies resulting from irregular development of the eye.

2. What will happen to my sight?

Chronic Simple Glaucoma
A particularly insidious condition; there are rarely any obvious symptoms such as pain or poor eyesight. However damage is still being done.

The most obvious effect on sight is usually a reduced visual field. This will often start with a small arc of blank vision slightly off centre when the eyes are in the primary gaze position, looking straight ahead. If left untreated the area of blank vision spreads over the remaining visual field.

Commonly the central field of vision is not affected until the end stage of the condition, leading to tunnel vision.

Acute (or Closed Angle) Glaucoma
Fortunately there are more obvious symptoms with acute glaucoma.

There will be severe pain in the affected eye associated with redness, a drop in vision and occasionally total black out of vision.

A commonly described symptom of early acute glaucoma is rainbow coloured halos around bright lights, especially when the eye has been functioning in low light conditions.

It is possible that mild forms of the symptoms will precede the onset of the condition and should be treated as warnings of the development of the acute condition.

3. Is there a cure for Glaucoma?

In all cases of Glaucoma it should be remembered that once damage has been done to the optic nerve it cannot be repaired. Thus early detection and diagnosis of Glaucoma is essential in the successful management of the condition.

Glaucoma can be treated and often cured very successfully if dealt with early and regular visits to eye care professionals are essential.

Chronic Simple Glaucoma
Usually treated by the long-term prescribing of eye drops and careful clinical management.

Acute Glaucoma
Attacks will usually be treated initially with eye drops to reduce the fluid pressure within the eye. These drops work by reducing fluid production and increasing fluid drainage.

Long-term acute Glaucoma is usually treated by surgical intervention. A small perforation is made near the base of the iris, either by laser or a minor operation, which allows fluid to flow more smoothly.

4. Will I go blind?

Whilst untreated Glaucoma can lead to total blindness, early detection and treatment of the condition will prevent any permanent damage to sight.

5. How can I help myself?

As already stated there is no reason why Glaucoma should cause severe vision impairment.

A regular eyecare regime involving sight tests carried out by qualified eyecare professionals will ensure detection of Glaucoma in its early stages. Referral to an Ophthalmologist will enable an appropriate treatment regime to commence.

If there is a family history of glaucoma regular examinations are even more essential, especially for those over the age of 40.

In the event of there being some visual impairment, a good, directional non-glare light source, when attempting any near visual task, should always be considered.

Techniques such as Sensory Substitution and Eccentric Viewing may be useful, depending on the location of any visual field losses. Similarly the use of Magnifying Devices and other Non Optical Devices can prove to be of great benefit.