Glaucoma

Glaucoma is usually caused by a blockage in the normal flow of the eye fluid, between the cornea and the lens. This means the pressure in the eye builds, and will gradually damage the optic nerve leading to loss of peripheral vision.

 Regular check ups

Because patients don’t always realised they are suffering from glaucoma, it’s vitally important to have regular eye checks, so it can be detected before it damages the optic nerve. Anyone over the age of 65 should have an examination every year as a matter of routine. If they have a family history of glaucoma, regular check ups should start earlier, say, at the age of 40.

 Glaucoma cannot be completely cured, but today we can often control it with treatment – medication, laser treatment or surgery.

For more detailed information on glaucoma and glaucoma treatment, click here.

Dr Raj Pathmaraj

As I was studying, some of my friends had family members who ended up in late diagnosis of glaucoma. This unfortunately meant that they ended up with poor field of vision. It made me think about how we could improve early diagnoses – if you can catch it early, it can save sight.

Glaucoma is another common cause of vision problems. It’s something that might not even be apparent, because there are often no obvious symptoms until it’s well progressed.