
Protect Your Sight with Expert Glaucoma Care in Mosman, Sydney
Don’t let glaucoma rob you of your sight. Book an appointment with our expert optometrists in Mosman, Sydney, and take the first step towards preserving your precious vision.
Understanding Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight
The most common type of glaucoma, known as primary open-angle glaucoma, develops slowly and often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. This “silent” nature is why glaucoma is sometimes referred to as the “silent thief of sight.”
Glaucoma Symptoms: Recognising the Warning Signs
While glaucoma may not display obvious symptoms in its early stages, there are some signs to watch out for:
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision: This is one of the earliest and most common symptoms of glaucoma.
- Difficulty adjusting to changes in lighting: Transitioning from bright to dim light or vice versa may become more challenging.
- Halos or glare around lights: Some people with glaucoma report seeing rainbow-coloured circles around lights, especially at night.
- Frequent headaches or eye pain: Increased eye pressure can cause discomfort and pain.
- Blurred vision: As the optic nerve becomes damaged, central vision may start to blur.
It’s important to note that these symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. This is why regular eye tests are crucial for the early detection and management of glaucoma.
Causes and Risk Factors of Glaucoma
The primary cause of glaucoma is an imbalance in the production and drainage of the fluid (aqueous humour) inside the eye. When this fluid cannot drain properly, it leads to a build-up of pressure within the eye, which can damage the delicate optic nerve.
Some of the key risk factors for developing glaucoma include:
- Age: The risk of glaucoma increases with age, especially after the age of 60.
- Family history: Individuals with a close blood relative with glaucoma have a significantly higher risk of developing the condition.
- Ethnicity: People of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent are at a higher risk of developing certain types of glaucoma.
- Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can increase the risk of glaucoma.
- Eye injuries or surgeries: Trauma to the eye can lead to the development of glaucoma.
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications: These medications can contribute to increased eye pressure.
Comprehensive Glaucoma Testing at Eyes on Mosman
- Tonometry: This test measures the pressure inside your eye (intraocular pressure) to check for signs of high pressure that could indicate glaucoma.
- Optic Nerve Evaluation: Our optometrists closely examine the optic nerve for any signs of damage or deterioration.
- Visual Field Testing: This test maps your peripheral and central vision to identify any blind spots or areas of vision loss.
- Pachymetry: This measures the thickness of your cornea, which can provide valuable information about your risk of glaucoma.
- Gonioscopy: This specialised test allows us to assess the drainage angle of your eye and determine the type of glaucoma you may have.
By combining these advanced diagnostic tools with our optometrists’ expertise, we can provide an accurate and detailed assessment of your eye health, enabling us to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Innovative Glaucoma Treatments
There are several treatments to help manage glaucoma.
Medications
Prescription eye drops are often the first line of defense against glaucoma. These medications work to reduce eye pressure by either decreasing fluid production or improving fluid drainage within the eye.
Referrals for Advanced Treatments
In cases where medication alone cannot control your glaucoma, our optometrists may recommend referring you to an ophthalmologist for more advanced treatments such as:
- Laser Therapy: Procedures like selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and laser iridotomy can improve fluid drainage and lower eye pressure.
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): These innovative micro-incision surgeries enhance fluid drainage to reduce eye pressure with a shorter recovery period.
- Traditional Glaucoma Surgery: Procedures like trabeculectomy and tube shunt implantation create new pathways to improve fluid outflow when other treatments are ineffective.
The Importance of Early Glaucoma Detection and Treatment
Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for the early detection of glaucoma, as they allow our optometrists to identify any changes in your eye health and address them before they become more severe.
By catching glaucoma in its early stages, we can implement effective treatments to manage the condition and prevent or slow down the progression of vision loss.
Why Choose Eyes on Mosman for Your Glaucoma Care?
At Eyes on Mosman, we are committed to providing exceptional, personalised eye care to our patients.
Our team of experienced optometrists is dedicated to staying at the forefront of glaucoma diagnosis and treatment, utilising the latest technologies and evidence-based practices to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Don’t let glaucoma compromise your sight. Book your comprehensive eye test at Eyes on Mosman today and take the first step towards protecting your precious vision.
Why Choose Us for Your Dry Eye Treatment
We understand the impact that dry eyes can have on your daily life and are committed to offering the most effective treatments available, based on the latest research and technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my eyes tested for glaucoma?
It’s recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam, including glaucoma testing, at least once a year, or more frequently if you have risk factors for the condition.
Can glaucoma be cured?
While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection, and proper treatment can help manage the condition and prevent or delay the progression of vision loss.
Does glaucoma always cause blindness?
No, if glaucoma is detected and treated early, the risk of significant vision loss can be greatly reduced. However, if left untreated, glaucoma can lead to complete blindness.
Can glaucoma be inherited?
Yes, there is a strong genetic component to glaucoma. If you have a close family member with the condition, you have a significantly higher risk of developing it as well.
What happens if glaucoma is left untreated?
Untreated glaucoma will continue to damage the optic nerve, leading to progressive and permanent vision loss, starting with peripheral vision and eventually affecting central vision as well.