Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye. This damage affects the nerve’s ability to transmit visual information from the eye to the brain, resulting in loss of vision. Early signs of glaucoma may include misty or patchy vision, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe vision loss, including the rare occurrence of central vision loss.
While glaucoma-related vision loss is irreversible, early diagnosis and proper management can help preserve sight. Regular glaucoma monitoring and treatments, such as eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery, can significantly slow disease progression, allowing the vast majority of individuals to retain useful vision throughout life.
At Edgbaston Eye Clinic, a leading glaucoma specialist clinic in Birmingham, we provide comprehensive glaucoma assessments using advanced diagnostic technology to detect this sight-threatening condition as early as possible.
Why Early Detection of Glaucoma Is Essential
Since glaucoma is typically painless and shows no early symptoms, routine eye health examinations are crucial for early detection. This is especially true for individuals at higher risk, such as those with a family history of glaucoma, people over 40, and those of African, Caribbean, or Asian descent.
Comprehensive Glaucoma Testing at Edgbaston Eye Clinic
A full glaucoma examination at our Birmingham clinic takes approximately an hour and includes several painless diagnostic tests to thoroughly assess your eye health:
- Ophthalmoscopy: Evaluates the appearance of the optic nerve to detect any signs of damage.
- Gonioscopy: Assesses the drainage system in the eye to determine the type of glaucoma.
- Central Corneal Thickness Measurement: Determines the thickness of the cornea, which can influence eye pressure readings.
- Goldmann Applanation Tonometry: Measures the intraocular pressure, a key factor in glaucoma detection.
- Visual Field Testing (Perimetry): Detects any blind spots or vision loss patterns.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Scans the optic nerve and nerve fibres to assess for early nerve damage.
- Stereo Photography: Captures detailed images of the optic nerve for monitoring over time.
Our clinic follows the latest NICE guidelines for glaucoma detection and management, ensuring that all patients receive the highest standard of care.
Causes of Glaucoma
The damage to the main nerve in the eye (the optic nerve) in glaucoma is usually associated with excessive pressure within the eye. A certain level of pressure is needed for the eye to keep its shape and to work properly, but if the eye pressure gets too high, it squeezes the optic nerve and kills some of the fibres, which leads to blindness. Pressure is the main risk factor for glaucoma alongside family history.
There are some forms of glaucoma where the eye pressure is not raised, but the optic nerve still becomes damaged. This is known as normal (or low) tension glaucoma.
High eye pressure does not always cause glaucoma. A common condition is ocular hypertension, where the eye pressure is above the ‘normal’ level, but there is no detectable damage to the field of vision or optic nerve. This condition may be monitored without treatment or treated in the same way as glaucoma.
It is very important to see an eye care practitioner experienced in glaucoma detection and management, as vital signs can sometimes be missed.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Age: Primary open-angle glaucoma becomes much more common with increasing age. It is uncommon below 40, but the number of people with the condition rises from about 2% over 40 to more than 5% over 80.
Blood Pressure: People with low blood pressure in relation to eye pressure are at greater risk. Your specialist may review your blood pressure treatment if necessary.
Ethnicity: People of African-Caribbean origin are at four times greater risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma compared to those of European origin. People of Asian origin are at an increased risk of developing primary angle-closure glaucoma.
Family History: Having a close blood relative with glaucoma increases your risk. Eye examinations are funded by the NHS for people over 40, but earlier testing is recommended if you have a family history or other risk factors.
Refractive Errors: Short-sightedness (myopia) increases the risk of glaucoma, while long-sightedness (hyperopia) increases the risk of angle-closure glaucoma.
Diabetes: People with diabetes may be at increased risk, although a direct link is unclear. Regular eye examinations are recommended.
How Common is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma affects around 2% of the UK population over 40, with an estimated 600,000 people suffering from the condition. Globally, over 75 million people are affected. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form, and studies show that up to half of all cases remain undiagnosed, meaning many people are unknowingly losing their sight. Early detection is key to preventing vision loss.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
While glaucoma-related vision loss cannot be reversed, early diagnosis and regular treatment can help prevent further damage. Treatment options at Edgbaston Eye Clinic include:
- Eye drops to lower intraocular pressure.
- Laser therapy to improve drainage within the eye.
- Surgery for advanced cases where other treatments are insufficient.
Mr. Williams is a glaucoma specialist with a particular interest in pre-perimetric or early glaucoma, detecting the condition before it starts to cause sight-threatening damage.
Edgbaston Eye Clinic is now the main glaucoma specialist clinic in Birmingham.