Glaucoma
GLAUCOMA IS A GROUP OF EYE DISEASES THAT DAMAGE THE OPTIC NERVE, OFTEN DUE TO RAISED EYE PRESSURE, AND CAN LEAD TO PERMANENT VISION LOSS IF UNTREATED. LEARN ABOUT SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, DIAGNOSIS, AND WHEN TO SEE A GLAUCOMA SPECIALIST.
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Read About Our Happy Patients
What a great experience! Very reassuring and I am very grateful for the consultation from Dr Musa he was so helpful in helping me make a decision to proceed to having eye correction surgery. I have the upmost confidence in him and the team at the Eye Doctor Clinic, Huddersfield.
Lozza 747I had implants with Dr Musa ten years ago. It was the best thing I've ever done. They are brilliant. My sight both near and distant was very poor but since the op I've had no glasses no lenses and my sight has been super. It remains really good to this day. Thank you Dr Musa. Brilliant consultations and treatment for glaucoma since.
Kay FitbitI can highly recommend the Eye Doctor Clinic, and I am so pleased I went there. Dr Musa, Gemma and Jess are lovely. They are very knowledgeable and were able to answer all my questions. My vision following surgery is great, and not having to wear glasses is fantastic.
Carol PeelWhat Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a long-term condition in which the optic nerve, the “cable” that carries visual information from the eye to the brain , becomes progressively damaged. Without treatment, this damage can lead to irreversible vision loss, but with early detection and careful management, most people retain useful sight for life.
In many forms of glaucoma, the fluid pressure inside the eye is too high for the optic nerve to tolerate. Over time, this pressure compresses and damages the nerve fibres, particularly those responsible for peripheral vision. In other forms, optic nerve damage occurs despite “normal” eye pressure, highlighting that pressure is a risk factor but not the only determinant.
The most common type is primary open angle glaucoma, where the drainage angle of the eye appears open but the drainage system is less efficient. Other types include angle closure glaucoma, secondary glaucomas linked to other eye conditions or medications, and developmental glaucomas present from birth.
Recognising the Signs
One of the most challenging aspects of glaucoma is that early disease usually causes no noticeable symptoms. Here is what to watch for as the condition progresses.
Causes and Risk Factors
Glaucoma results from a combination of factors. Raised intraocular pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor, but several others increase susceptibility.
Raised eye pressure
The primary modifiable risk factor for optic nerve damage
Family history
A first-degree relative with glaucoma significantly increases risk
Increasing age
Risk rises progressively from age 40 onwards
Ethnic background
Certain backgrounds carry higher risk, including African-Caribbean heritage for open angle glaucoma
High myopia
Severe short-sightedness increases susceptibility
Thin corneas
Associated with higher risk of pressure-related damage
Steroid use
Long-term steroid medications, especially eye drops, can raise eye pressure
Systemic conditions
Certain medical conditions can increase glaucoma risk
Diagnosis and Assessment
Glaucoma diagnosis involves several complementary tests. Eye pressure is measured, typically with tonometry. The optic nerve is examined and photographed to document its appearance. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans may be performed to measure the thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer and detect early damage.
Diagnosis is based on the combined pattern of structural and functional findings , not on pressure alone.
Tonometry (eye pressure measurement)
Eye pressure is measured to identify raised intraocular pressure, the primary risk factor for glaucomatous damage.
Optic nerve examination and photography
The optic nerve is examined and photographed to document its appearance and detect signs of damage or cupping.
OCT scan
Optical coherence tomography measures the thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer to detect early structural damage before symptoms appear.
Visual field testing
Peripheral and central visual field mapping assesses the functional impact of any nerve damage and monitors progression over time.
When to Seek Advice
You should see a glaucoma specialist if you have been told you have raised eye pressure, if there is a family history of glaucoma, if your optometrist has noticed suspicious changes in the optic nerve or visual field, or if you experience any sudden onset of severe eye pain and blurred vision.
Sudden severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and nausea together represent an acute angle closure attack, this is an eye emergency requiring immediate assessment.
“Early referral and treatment are key in preventing avoidable vision loss. Most people with glaucoma who are diagnosed and treated early retain useful sight for life.”
Glaucoma Treatments
Treatment is aimed at lowering eye pressure to a level the optic nerve can safely tolerate. These are the options available at the Eye Doctor Clinic.
SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)
A safe, effective, non-invasive laser treatment that lowers eye pressure by improving the eye’s natural drainage. An excellent first-line option for open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
Learn moreYAG Iridotomy
A fast, painless laser procedure that prevents angle-closure glaucoma by creating a tiny opening in the iris, allowing fluid to flow normally and keeping eye pressure stable.
Learn moreDeep Sclerectomy
A non-penetrating glaucoma operation with a strong safety profile that lowers eye pressure effectively while reducing the risks associated with traditional surgery.
Learn moreTrabeculectomy
The gold standard surgical treatment for glaucoma when drops and laser are insufficient. Creates a new drainage channel to achieve sustained low eye pressure.
Learn moreInternal Goniotomy
A minimally invasive glaucoma surgery particularly well suited to patients with mild to moderate glaucoma who are also undergoing cataract surgery.
Learn moreTubes (Aqueous Shunt Implants)
Diverts fluid from inside the eye to a reservoir beneath the eyelid, providing reliable long-term pressure control for advanced or complex glaucoma.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
Meet the Team
Where to Find Us
Three convenient locations across West Yorkshire. Visit us for consultations, diagnostics, and treatments.
Bolton
136 – 140 Newport St
Bolton, Greater Manchester
BL3 6AB
Huddersfield
Woodlands, 4 Longbow Close
Huddersfield, HD2 1GQ
Book a Glaucoma Assessment
If you have been told you have raised eye pressure, have a family history of glaucoma, or have noticed changes in your peripheral vision, a specialist assessment at the Eye Doctor Clinic is the right next step. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to protecting your sight.
