Glaucoma can impair your vision and identifying the cause could potentially help your ailment
Do you find that your vision is starting to become distorted and dark? Come see leading ophthalmic surgeon Dr Peter Martin to assess your vision for glaucoma…
Glaucoma is a condition affects the connection between the eye (retina) and the brain known as the optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits electrical impulses to and from the retina and the brain and is connected to the back of the eye near the macula; which is a highly sensitive part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision and allows us to complete tasks such as reading. Glaucoma causes the optic nerve to become damaged which therefore damages your vision. This is usually caused by intraocular pressure and is very hard to cure but Dr Peter Martin at Ophthalmologist Sydney can help diagnose your type of glaucoma.
There are several types of existing glaucoma but the most common types are…
Glaucoma is caused when a fluid called ‘aqueous’ which helps to keep the shape of the eye; this can actually put too much pressure on the lens called intraocular pressure; which then in turn damages the optic nerve.
Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma…
90% of glaucoma related cases are derivative of chronic open-angle glaucoma which progressively causes a gradual deterioration of the vision. It is important to note, that sufferers of this condition have a good chance of management as this typically responds well to treatment and many patients who suffer this condition will not suffer loss of vision. Laser treatment and surgery can sometimes be required to allow fluid to flow more freely out of the eye.
Acute or Angle-Closure Glaucoma…
This is a very sudden occurrence when the intraocular pressure in the eye and it must be treated immediately otherwise you can potentially suffer permanent damage to your vision. Treatment for this problem is usually:
- Medication to reduce the swelling and pressure
- Laser treatment and surgery can be performed to correct the problem
Thankfully this problem comes with very obvious warning signs such as severe pain in the eye, blurred vision, the appearance of coloured rings around light sources and even vomiting. Learning to identify these symptoms can make a difference between saving and losing a portion of your vision to acute or angle-closure glaucoma.
Secondary Glaucoma…
If you have conditions such as inflammation of the eye, tumours, injuries or advanced cataracts you can be at risk of developing secondary glaucoma. This condition can also occur from eye surgery if an infection becomes persistent. If you are worried about developing secondary glaucoma, consult Dr Martin so he can determine the potential risk.
Congenital Glaucoma…
This condition is the rarest out of the four stated here and usually occurs at, or shortly thereafter, birth. It causes the infants eyes to become enlarged, which in turn causes them to tear and they appear unusually sensitive to light. By identifying these signs you can tell if a newborn or infant are possibly suffering congenital glaucoma.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms come in for a consultation as soon as possible…
At Ophthalmologist Sydney we understand that glaucoma is often called ‘silent thief of sight’ because it develops without any obvious symptoms but if you are experiencing any loss or distortion in your sight it is crucial to see Dr Peter Martin as soon as possible for an evaluation of your sight.
Worried about the possibility of glaucoma? Call us today on 02 9369 16 08
