Protecting Your Vision, Even Before You Notice a Problem
Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can lead to gradual vision loss without early warning signs. It damages the optic nerve, the cable that transmits visual signals from your eye to your brain. And once that damage occurs, the lost vision cannot be restored.
At London Eye & Retina, we understand that the key to managing glaucoma is early detection and consistent care. We offer thorough assessments and ongoing monitoring to help preserve your sight for the long term.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma typically involves increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). This pressure can damage the optic nerve over time. However, not all glaucoma cases are linked to high pressure, some individuals may experience optic nerve damage even with normal IOP levels.
There are several types of glaucoma, including:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma – the most common form; it progresses slowly and often without symptoms
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma – a less common but more urgent type, which can cause sudden eye pain and vision changes
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma – where optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure
- Secondary Glaucoma – due to another eye condition, trauma, or medications
Who Is at Risk?
Glaucoma can affect anyone, but certain individuals may be at higher risk, including:
- People over age 40
- Those with a family history of glaucoma
- Individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure
- People who are severely short-sighted (high myopia)
- Individuals of certain ethnicities (e.g., Asian or African descent)
- Those using long-term steroid medications
Because glaucoma can develop without symptoms, routine screening is recommended, especially if you fall into one of these groups.
What Are the Symptoms?
In the early stages, glaucoma usually does not cause any discomfort or vision loss. That’s why many people only discover they have it during a routine eye check.
As it progresses, glaucoma can cause:
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Tunnel vision
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain (in angle-closure glaucoma)
- Halos around lights
- Sudden vision loss (in acute cases)
Once vision is affected, it typically cannot be reversed, making early diagnosis crucial.
How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
At London Eye & Retina, we use a combination of clinical tests to detect glaucoma early and monitor its progression:
- Tonometry – measures the pressure inside your eye
- Optic nerve imaging – assesses the structure of the optic nerve
- Visual field testing – checks for blind spots in your peripheral vision
- Gonioscopy – examines the drainage angle of the eye
- Pachymetry – measures corneal thickness, which can influence pressure readings
Together, these tools allow us to evaluate your risk and tailor a monitoring or treatment plan.
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can often be managed successfully. The aim of treatment is to lower eye pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage.
Treatment options include:
- Prescription eye drops to reduce eye pressure
- Oral medications (in some cases)
- Laser procedures, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI)
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or traditional glaucoma surgery for more advanced or unresponsive cases
The right approach depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, as well as your overall health and preferences.
Ongoing Care You Can Trust
Managing glaucoma requires more than a one-time visit. Regular check-ups, monitoring of pressure and visual field changes, and adjustments to your treatment plan are all part of long-term care. At London Eye & Retina, we’re committed to walking this journey with you, step by step.
Don’t Wait for Symptoms to Appear
Glaucoma often causes no symptoms until vision loss has already begun. That’s why early screening and follow-up are so important.
Book a glaucoma assessment at London Eye & Retina today and be proactive in protecting your vision.
Early Detection, Personalised Glaucoma Care
