Pritchard-Cowburn Opticians
Cardigan - Narberth - Pembroke
Opticians

Glaucoma

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Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve (the nerve at the back of the eye) is damaged, often in association with raised pressure within the eye. This leads to a reduction in the field of vision and in the ability to see clearly. In most cases the patient will experience no symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
 
If detected early enough, glaucoma can usually be treated. In most cases eye drops to reduce the pressure in the eye will be prescribed, although in some cases an operation is needed.
 
  • Glaucoma is the primary cause for 11.7% of those registered as blind (Statistics of those registered as blind and partially sighted, RNIB 1996)
  • The majority of new glaucoma patients arise through referrals from optometrists, whose training equips them to recognise the early signs of the disease.
  • Patients with a family history of glaucoma in first-degree relatives, or in certain ethnic groups (e.g. African-Caribbean people) are considered as being at more than average risk of glaucoma.
  • Research has shown that patients age 40 and over are at greater risk of glaucoma. There is an increasing risk with every decade of life.

    • There are 3 glaucoma tests that may be carried out by an optometrist to check for glaucoma:

    1. Ophthalmoscopy - checking the appearance of the optic disc using an ophthalmoscope, a special torch for looking into the eyes.
    2. Perimetry - testing the field of vision using small points of light to check for blind spots.
    3. Tonometry - this test measures the pressure within the eye, using either an instrument that emits a small puff of air against the eye, or by a probe that is placed against the eye, after it has been numbed with anaesthetic drops.
    To aid detection of glaucoma, the College of Optometrists recommends an eye examination every two years, or more frequently if there is a family history of the condition. If glaucoma is suspected, the optometrist will then refer the patient to their GP, who will then refer them to an ophthalmologist.
    Glaucoma sufferers and certain close relatives are entitled to a free eye examination provided by the NHS.
     
    [data from www.college-optometrists.org]
    4 William Street, Cardigan, Ceredigion, SA43 1EL 01239 612004
    pritchard-cowburn.com
    Mon 06 Sep 2010 12:16:26