Glaucoma is a term that describes a condition in which ocular pressure mounts. This pressure can inflict damage on the optic nerve, and this can cause irreversible vision loss. LondonOC offers a few types of treatment to help protect glaucoma patients’ eyesight. Our glaucoma eye specialist, Vik Sharma, has compiled four helpful facts for you to help ensure you take the steps necessary to maintain quality vision.

Fact 1. You may have glaucoma and not know it

1 in 50 people will develop Glaucoma over 40 and most of these people are unaware that they have the condition. The reason for this low diagnosis rate is that the symptoms are minor and often slow to progress. Even as your vision worsens, you may attribute these changes to ageing or other factors, thus allowing glaucoma to go undetected.

Fortunately, you do not need to have significant symptoms to determine that you have glaucoma. By undergoing regular, comprehensive eye exams, your doctor can look for signs of glaucoma that may not be as apparent to you. With an early diagnosis, you have the best opportunity to protect more of your eyesight in the long term.

Fact 2. Glaucoma can lead to blindness

Nationally and internationally, glaucoma consistently ranks as one of the leading causes of blindness. Due to how often it goes undiagnosed, glaucoma can steal a lot of vision before a patient seeks treatment. Moreover, any amount of vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored.

Fact 3. Glaucoma is an umbrella term

Glaucoma is not a singular condition, but rather a term that can describe many conditions that result in pressure build-up in the eye. Most cases of glaucoma fall into one of two categories: open-angle glaucoma or angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma occurs more slowly and has sub-types including primary open-angle glaucoma, low-pressure glaucoma, angle-recession glaucoma, congenital glaucoma and pigmentary glaucoma. Angle-closure glaucoma occurs at a much more rapid pace and includes acute angle-closure glaucoma, secondary angle-closure glaucoma, neo-vascular glaucoma and chronic angle-closure glaucoma. The exact type of glaucoma you have can affect the symptoms that you experience as well as the appropriate treatment plan.

Fact 4. Glaucoma has no cure

Although experts in the ophthalmology field continue to search for a cure to glaucoma, sadly none has been found so far. Instead, eye specialists offer treatments that are known to dramatically slow the progression of glaucoma and help patients maintain a higher quality of sight for a longer period. With early treatment, it is possible for many glaucoma patients to maintain sufficient eyesight for the rest of their lives.

To book a consultation with our specialists please contact us and we will be more than happy to help.