Glaucoma is a common eye issue that can affect people of all ages but most notably adults in their 70’s & 80’s. If left untreated, glaucoma has the potential to lead to loss of vision, therefore making it important that the condition is diagnosed in its early stages. At Reyonlds & Slater, we specialise in the identification and treatment of glaucoma by using advanced diagnostic equipment at our practice. In this blog, we outline how glaucoma affects eyesight and the treatments that are available.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a common eye condition that damages the optic nerve; this is the nerve that connects the eye to the brain. This condition tends to stem from pressure inside of the eye which is caused by a buildup of fluid over time. Glaucoma often becomes worse slowly and over a number of years, with the peripheral vision (the outer edges of your sight) being affected first.
How Does Glaucoma Affect Your Sight?
For those that suffer with glaucoma, it usually goes unnoticed as during the initial stages there are no or very little symptoms. Reflecting on this, the condition is commonly identified during routine eye examinations, making it crucial to regularly attend eye tests. As well as damage to your peripheral vision, possible symptoms can include blurred vision, seeing rainbow-coloured halos around bright lights, as well as headaches and nausea. If you are concerned about your eye health you should seek professional advice without any hesitation.
What Treatments Are Available?
The best preventative measures you can take in detecting glaucoma is to regularly attend routine eye examinations. However, if you do find that you require treatment for the condition, there are a number of options available.
The type of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition and includes eye drops, laser treatment and surgery. Eyes drops are administered to reduce the pressure in the eyes, whereas laser treatment is used to unblock the buildup of fluid or limit the production of fluid. Where surgery is advised, this procedure aims to improve the drainage of fluid that causes the blockage.
Despite it not being possible to reverse any damage to your vision, treatment will help to stop the condition from worsening.
Support with Glaucoma at Reynolds & Slater Opticians
At Reynolds & Slater, we are glaucoma specialists, with advanced diagnostic equipment available that is the same standard of that used at hospitals. This leading technology gives us the potential to be able to detect the condition more effectively and in its early stages.
What’s more, the owner of the practice, Marcus Slater, specialises in glaucoma and holds a postgraduate certificate in the condition. When Marcus is not based at the Penzance and Falmouth practices, he supports Treliske Hospital in Truro as part of the glaucoma monitoring team. You can find out more about Marcus and the rest of the team on our team archive.
Booking an Eye Appointment
Take the first step to optimal eye health by booking an eye examination. You can make an appointment by contacting us or using our online booking system.
