Glaucoma is defined as a disease which causes damage to the optic nerve head and photo-receptors, with resulting loss of visual field. If left undetected and untreated it can lead to blindness.

Glaucoma may develop because the intra-ocular pressure is raised above the normal level causing mechanical damage to the optic nerve head.

An eye exam with us will reveal your intra-ocular pressure using a non puff method, and will establish the risk.

However Glaucoma can still develop at low and normal tensions so comprehensive optic nerve analysis is critical.

If you have a family history of either type of glaucoma we would strongly encourage you to have a scan of the eye. The scan will immediately tell us if there are things you need to be aware of.

Our practitioners can monitor changes in pressure, changes in structure and changes in retinal sensitivity which will help us build up a picture of disease progression over time.

Anyone suffering from glaucoma, anyone at risk of glaucoma, and anyone where there is a known family history of glaucoma will be called regularly for monitoring. As early disease is likely to be asymptomatic the uptake of recall is extremely important, and OCT scanning uptake highly recommended.

Glaucoma is very treatable and sight loss easily preventable if detected early.