GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is a collection of eye diseases where eye pressure affects the optic nerve. The optic nerve sends visual data from the eyes to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve permanently interferes with this process. Even though it’s not always the case, a high eye pressure is the leading cause of glaucoma.
If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. However, when caught early enough, the long-term effects of glaucoma can be prevented.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Glaucoma usually causes painless gradual vision loss.
Other less common signs of glaucoma are:
- Eye pain
- Red eyes
- Blurry vision
- Haloes
- Watering eyes
What are the causes of glaucoma?
The eye continuously makes aqueous humour, a clear fluid that fills the front chambers of the eye. This fluid naturally exits the eye via channels between the cornea and iris. When these channels become blocked, the fluid collects and raises eye pressure. High internal eye pressure damages optic nerve tissue.
We refer to glaucoma as a group of eye diseases because someone who develops the condition may not have high intraocular pressure. Family genetics, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, low or high blood pressure, cortisone use, chronic eyedrop use, thin corneas and eye inflammation are other common causes of glaucoma.
How do you diagnose glaucoma?
Tonometry (pressure measurement), pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement), ocular tomography (optic nerve fibre assessment) and perimetry (visual field) tests help diagnose glaucoma. Tonometry and a pachymetry tests detect abnormalities such as ocular hypertension (high eye pressure) and a thin cornea. Ocular tomography assesses the optic nerve structure. A perimetry test assesses the patient’s central and peripheral vision to assess optic nerve function.
More importantly, ophthalmologists look for any physical changes to the optic nerve. Dr McClunan additionally takes a series of photographs and laser scans of the retina and optic nerve structures. He uses the latest diagnostic equipment and software programs to analyse and compare each picture as part of his glaucoma diagnosis process.
How do you treat glaucoma?
Dr McClunan offers a wide array of medical, laser and surgical treatment options for glaucoma. He chooses a tailor-made approach to the management of glaucoma for each patient depending on various individual factors.
Dr McClunan is a leader in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery is known as MIGS. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery aims to lower eye pressure and minimise damage to the optic nerve. This type of surgery involves a combination of different procedures through the use of internal or external stents, shunts and mild laser photocoagulation. Ultimately, MIGS puts a stop to the build-up of fluid in the eye.
FAQ
Your Questions Answered
We have compile a list of some of our most frequently asked questions to give you more information on the conditions we treat and the procedures we perform.
TESTIMONIALS
What our Patients have to say
"There was never a shadow of doubt in my mind that I had chosen the right specialist. I can honestly say my eyesight can now be compared with that of a teenager. For those of you, regardless of your age, that need any sort of eye treatment, I have no hesitation in saying - look no further."
- John Wittstock, Cataract