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 may be treated in the same way as glaucoma.

It is very important to see an eye care practitioner that has got experienced in glaucoma detection and management as sometimes vital signs can be missed.

Risk Factors which make the onset of glaucoma more likely.

People with low blood pressure, in relation to the eye pressure, are at greater risk. The eye doctor may want to ensure that the blood pressure is not too low and may review blood pressure treatment, if it is being taken.

There is an increased risk of developing glaucoma if you have a close blood relative with the condition (father, mother, brother, sister, or child). Eye examinations are funded by the NHS for people over the age of 40, but an earlier test is recommended, especially if you also fall into one of the other risk categories. If you have glaucoma, don’t forget to tell your relatives about the condition and the need for them to be tested. More information can be found in the IGA (International Glacuoma Association) leaflet titled ‘Glaucoma and your relatives’.

Long sighted people are known to be at increased risk of developing angle closure.

Glaucoma of some type is found in about two per cent of the population over the age of 40. It can also affect children and young adults, although much less frequently.

It is estimated that more than 600,000 people suffer from glaucoma in the UK, with more than 75 million people affected across the world.

The vast majority of those with glaucoma have a chronic (slow developing) form of the condition, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), and studies have demonstrated that half of all cases remain undiagnosed.

In other words, 300,000 people in the UK are unaware that they are slowly losing their sight.

The treatment of glaucoma has developed considerably over recent years and new, more potent drugs with fewer side effects than earlier medications are now available.

Surgical techniques have also improved and it is estimated that the vast majority of people diagnosed early with glaucoma will retain useful sight for life.

Edgbaston Eye Clinic work in close collaboration with one of the leading Glaucoma Surgeons in Mr Imran Masood.

Mr Masood is a pioneering surgeon and he was one of the first surgeons to use the revolutionary IStent.

Mr Masood continues to do high level research in Glaucoma and is very much known worldwide for his research and surgical skills.