OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA

Open angle glaucoma is an eye condition that leads to progressive, irreversible damage to the optic nerve, which in turn leads to defects the peripheral vision.

Given that open angle glaucoma mainly affects the peripheral vision, it is easy for a patient to have the condition and be totally unaware, until their vision is irreversibly damaged and they begin to have problems.

Many people associate glaucoma with high pressures in their eyes, this is because high pressures are the biggest modifiable risk factor for developing glaucoma, however some patient's can have glaucoma without having high pressures.

Symptoms of glaucoma include:

• Blurry/missing peripheral vision
• Many patients have no symptoms at all!

If you are concerned about glaucoma, we suggest that you book an eye examination

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

The best way of preventing sight loss due to glaucoma is by having regular eye examinations. At these appointments we will check your optic nerve health and intraocular pressure, which can tell us a lot about if a patient has glaucoma or is at risk of developing it.

If an optometrist is suspicious of glaucoma, often visual fields tests are performed to check the health and function of the peripheral vision.

If following all these tests, it is determined that there is a strong suspicion of glaucoma, the optometrist will suggest a referral to the glaucoma department at the hospital. 

OCT scans can also be very helpful where glaucoma is suspected. These tests can assess damage to layers of the eye that are typically affected in glaucoma, and also can allow a more thorough examination of the optic nerve.

When a patient is diagnosed with glaucoma by an ophthalmologist, they are often started on treatment which can help to slow down or stop any damage to their optic nerves. This is typically in the form of eye drops, however sometimes minor procedures and surgeries can be effective.

ANGLE CLOSURE GLAUCOMA

Closed angle glaucoma is an eye condition that can lead to rapid , irreversible damage to the optic nerve, which in turn leads to defects the peripheral vision.

Unlike open angle glaucoma, angle closure glaucoma patients may have symptoms. Symptoms of angle closure may include:

• Blurry/misty vision
• Haloes around lights
• Headaches and eye pain
• Red eyes
  

Angle closure can have varying degrees of severity. Patients with acute intensely painful red eyes often need emergency referrals to the hospital, while patients with milder symptoms can be seen routinely.

If you are concerned about glaucoma, we suggest that you book an eye examination

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

If you are having significant symptoms of an angle closure episode, you should contact an optometrist immediately. If outside of normal practice hours, you should attend an eye department.

At every routine eye examination your optometrist should be looking at your anterior chamber angle, to ensure it is open and allowing the fluid in your eye to drain properly. If a narrow or closed angle is detected, your optometrist will be able to advise on if you need a referral or not.

Intraocular pressure assessment and optic nerve health are also routinely performed at eye examinations, which are both critical in looking for any type of glaucoma.

OCT scans can also be very helpful where glaucoma is suspected. These tests can assess damage to layers of the eye that are typically affected in glaucoma, and also can allow a more thorough examination of the optic nerve. Additionally an OCT scan can be taken of the front of your eye to measure the angle in your eye and get a better perspective on if it is truly closed.

If a patient with narrow angles is seen in the hospital, they may be offered a small laser procedure, that allows better exchange of fluid within the eye, thus helping reduce the pressure and reduce the risk of angle closure attacks, and subsequent damage to the optic nerve.