Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions that gradually damage the optic nerve, which is crucial for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can lead to loss of vision if it is not diagnosed and treated early. Glaucoma tends to develop slowly over many years and affects the edges of your vision (peripheral vision) first. It is important that you attend your regular eye tests and hospital appointments to make sure the condition is monitored and managed. With early detection and treatment, most people have good vision for life.
Following an eye test, if your optometrist has found signs you may be at risk of glaucoma, you will be referred to a glaucoma specialist. This doesn’t mean you have the condition. A specialist will conduct more tests, and will then decide whether you have glaucoma, or are at an increased risk, and whether you need to start treatment or not.
Damage caused by glaucoma cannot currently be reversed, however it is possible to stop or slow the progression of the condition. Eye drops to decrease the amount of fluid in the eye are the most common treatment for glaucoma. Laser treatment or surgery may also be offered – your specialist will discuss the right treatment for you.
After diagnosis with glaucoma you will be recommended a treatment plan, in the form of laser treatment, eye drops or surgery. You may be booked on to a monitoring service to evaluate how your eyes are doing and ensure your treatment is working as intended. If any progression of the condition is detected, you may need to be offered an alternative treatment plan.
At SpaMedica, our glaucoma monitoring service is delivered by trained ophthalmic staff who will carry out the required assessments to manage and track the progression of the condition. This service includes detailed imaging and visual field tests to evaluate eye pressure and optic nerve health. You will receive consistent monitoring and personalized treatment plans to help prevent vision loss. You will not see a doctor on the day of your monitoring appointment, but all the tests will be carefully reviewed by a glaucoma consultant. Once the consultant has reviewed your file a report will be sent to your GP and you.
This service is currently offered at SpaMedica Wakefield.