Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases that, if left untreated, result in progressive damage to the retinal cells that form the optic nerve. The result is a damaged optic nerve, and progressive loss of peripheral vision. The significant problem with glaucomatous peripheral vision loss is that it is not detectable by the patient, so they are unaware they have the disease and are losing vision. What is worse is that the vision loss associated with glaucoma is permanent so prevention is the absolute key. According to Glaucoma Australia, 50% of patients with glaucoma are undiagnosed. In Australia, 2 – 3% of the total population develop glaucoma, but if you have a first degree relative with glaucoma then your risk of developing glaucoma increases to almost 1 in 4.

Detection of glaucoma requires a careful clinical assessment. A combination or all of the following tests may be used to make an assessment of your eye health with respect to glaucoma:

Measurement of the retinal nerve fiber layer in suspected glaucoma patients helps detect glaucomatous changes prior to those evident on visual fields and hence treatment may be recommended sooner than would otherwise be possible. Toowoomba Ophthalmic Consultants uses the Heidelberg OCT to measure and track retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in glaucoma.

Whilst the exact mechanisms of the disease are still being established, intraocular pressure is a primary risk factor and its lowering forms the mainstay of glaucoma treatment. Intraocular pressure may be lowered in a number of ways:

Dr Holcombe performs minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. This is a relatively new type of surgical procedure available to glaucoma patients that offers them the opportunity to reduce their glaucoma eye drop use or occasionally cease them entirely. At the time of cataract surgery, a small drainage device is inserted into the drainage apparatus of the eye. This enhances drainage from the eye, reducing its pressure. Following this procedure many patients can reduce the number of glaucoma drops they require and occasionally may cease them all together.