Glaucoma Clinic
Glaucoma Clinic
Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. In most cases, glaucoma is caused by increased pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure. This pressure can damage the optic nerve over time, leading to gradual vision loss that may not be noticeable until it has progressed significantly.
There are several types of glaucoma, including:
- Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma, accounting for approximately 90% of cases. It occurs when the drainage canals in the eye become clogged over time, leading to increased intraocular pressure.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: This is a less common but more severe form of glaucoma. It occurs when the iris is pushed forward, blocking the drainage canals and causing a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. This can lead to rapid vision loss and requires immediate treatment.
- Normal-tension glaucoma: This is a form of glaucoma that occurs despite normal intraocular pressure levels. It is thought to be caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve.
Treatment for glaucoma usually involves lowering intraocular pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. This may be achieved through the use of eye drops, oral medication, laser surgery, or traditional surgery. Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the glaucoma, as well as other individual factors such as age and overall health. Regular eye exams are important to detect glaucoma early and begin treatment before significant vision loss occurs.
Investigations
- Dilated eye examination to test for optic nerve damage
- Imaging tests to check for optic nerve damage
- Visual field test to identify areas of vision loss
- Pachymetry to measure corneal thicknes
- Gonioscopy to inspect the drainage angle
- Tonometry to measure eye pressure
- Ophthalmoscopy to inspect the optic nerve
- Optic nerve imaging
- Visual field testing
Treatments
- Prostaglandin analogs: eye drops that increase the outflow of fluid from the eye (e.g. latanoprost, bimatoprost)
- Beta blockers: eye drops that decrease the production of fluid in the eye (e.g. timolol, betaxolol)
- Alpha agonists: eye drops that reduce the production of fluid and increase drainage (e.g. brimonidine, apraclonidine)
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: eye drops or oral medications that decrease fluid production in the eye (e.g. dorzolamide, acetazolamide)
- Laser trabeculoplasty: a procedure that uses a laser to improve the drainage of fluid in the eye
- Conventional surgery: a procedure that creates a new drainage channel in the eye to reduce pressure (e.g. trabeculectomy, tube shunt surgery)
- Micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS): a minimally invasive procedure that reduces eye pressure using tiny devices or implants
Our Services
- Comprehensive eye exams to diagnose and monitor the progression of glaucoma
- Visual field testing to identify areas of vision loss
- Tonometry to measure eye pressure
- Gonioscopy to inspect the drainage angle
- Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness
- Ophthalmoscopy to inspect the optic nerve
- Optic nerve imaging to detect and monitor damage to the optic nerve
- Prescribing and administering eye drops or oral medications to reduce eye pressure
- Performing laser therapy to improve drainage of fluid in the eye
- Performing conventional surgery or micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) to reduce eye pressure
- Providing patient education and counseling on glaucoma management and lifestyle changes
- Coordinating care with other medical professionals as needed, such as primary care physicians or neurologists