What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve at the back of the eye, the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. The main risk factor is raised pressure inside the eye, and lowering that pressure remains the only proven way to protect the optic nerve from further damage.
Glaucoma usually affects the peripheral, or side, vision first and may not be noticed until it’s quite advanced, which is why regular eye checks matter as much as treatment itself. It’s generally not painful, except in certain acute subtypes where pressure rises suddenly.
You may be at risk of glaucoma if you notice:
- No symptoms at all, found on routine testing
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- A family history of glaucoma
- Sudden eye pain with headache and haloes (acute type)
- Raised eye pressure on a previous test
At A Glance
- Lifelong condition
- Regular monitoring required
- Drops, laser or surgery
- Self-pay and insured patients
Other Conditions
- Raised Eye Pressure
- Cataract
- Cloudy Vision
- Dry Eyes
Concerned About Glaucoma?
Book an assessment with Mr Miles Parnell to discuss glaucoma testing, monitoring and treatment.
How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis and monitoring require a thorough examination, including a check of your vision, measurement of eye pressure, a detailed slit lamp examination, gonioscopy to assess the drainage angle, and examination of the optic nerve using dilating drops.
Specialised tests are often used as well, including pachymetry to measure corneal thickness, visual field testing to assess peripheral vision, and OCT imaging of the optic nerve fibre layer, building a complete picture of your eye health over time.
What To Expect From Treatment
The mainstay of glaucoma treatment is lowering the pressure inside the eye, achieved with eye drops, laser treatment or surgery, chosen and tailored to your type and stage of glaucoma. Treatment aims to protect the vision you have and slow further damage, since vision already lost to glaucoma cannot usually be restored.
Risks & Safety
Eye drops and laser treatment carry a low risk profile. Surgical treatment, where needed, carries more specific risks, which Mr Parnell will explain fully so you can make an informed decision about the right option for your glaucoma.
Recovery
Recovery depends on the treatment given. Eye drops and laser treatment involve no downtime, while surgical treatment involves a period of close follow-up while the eye heals and new drainage pathways settle.
When To Seek Help
A sudden, severely painful red eye with headache, nausea, haloes around lights and blurred vision may be a sign of acute angle-closure glaucoma, a medical emergency. Seek urgent medical attention if this happens.
At A Glance
Other Conditions
Concerned About Cataracts?
Book an assessment with Mr Miles Parnell to find out whether surgery is right for you.
Common Glaucoma Signs
No Early Symptoms
Most glaucoma is symptomless until it’s advanced.
Peripheral Vision Loss
Gradual narrowing of your side vision.
Raised Eye Pressure
Often found incidentally during a routine check.
Family History
A significantly increased risk if a close relative is affected.
Acute Pain & Haloes
Sudden symptoms in less common, acute subtypes.
Tunnel Vision
Advanced, longstanding glaucoma affecting most of the visual field.
Your Glaucoma Care Journey
A clear pathway from first assessment to lifelong management.
Full Assessment
Pressure check, optic nerve exam and imaging to confirm diagnosis.
Treatment Plan
Drops, laser or surgery selected for your type and stage.
Regular Monitoring
Ongoing visual field and OCT checks to track stability.
Long-Term Management
Treatment adjusted over time to keep your pressure controlled.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
Eye Drops
First-line treatment for most patients, taken daily.
Laser Treatment
SLT and other laser procedures to improve drainage.
Glaucoma Surgery
Trabeculectomy, shunt surgery or MIGS for more advanced cases.