What tests are done during an eye examination to detect and monitor Glaucoma?
Your vision (visual acuity), eye pressure, drainage passages (angles) and optic nerve are assessed. A visual field test is performed to detect glaucoma damage to the optic nerve. This test also helps your doctor determine if the glaucoma is stable or worsening. Optic nerve imaging tests maybe used to diagnose and monitor glaucoma.
The Latest Modern Technology in Glaucoma Imaging at Eagle Eye Centre
At Eagle Eye Centre, we provide a comprehensive service for glaucoma screening and management. We have the latest automated Humphrey visual field machines, anterior segment imaging and optic nerve imaging technology to diagnose and management glaucoma.
Do you Treat Normal Pressure Glaucoma?
Besides managing high pressure glaucoma, we also manage Normal Tension Glaucoma or Normal Pressure Glaucoma. At Eagle Eye Centre, we have a developed program to diagnose and manage Normal Tension Glaucoma – tests include phasing eye pressure testing, questionnaires, posture eye pressure testing and use of our imaging technology.
How is glaucoma treated and managed?
Glaucoma is controlled by lowering the eye pressure. This can be achieved with eye drops or medications, laser treatment or surgery. Treatment is individualized and regular monitoring is required after successful control of the eye pressure. It is important to know that any damage to the optic nerve cannot be improved or reversed with treatment hence it is important to have early eye screening to detect glaucoma and prevent continued damage to the optic nerves. Glaucoma treatment aims to preserve the remaining vision and requires life-long monitoring. Your Eye Specialist will discuss the treatment options most suited for your condition.
Eagle Eye Centre has a comprehensive list of anti-glaucoma medications available for controlling intraocular pressures including the latest combination therapy eye drops. We perform lasers for glaucoma including argon laser peripheral iridotomy, laser iridoplasty, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation (TCP) and laser suturelysis after trabeculectomy. Glaucoma surgeries performed at EEC include – trabeculectomy with anti-metabolites, phaco-trabeculectomies (combined cataract and glaucoma surgery) with anti-metabolites, glaucoma bleb needling with anti-metabolites, glaucoma (bleb) revision surgeries; and glaucoma drainage implants.
How do I use my eye drops?
Compliance to eye drops plays a major role in success of glaucoma treatment and control of the disease.
- Use your eye drops as instructed
- If you have more than 2 eye drops to instil at the same time, wait for 5 minutes before instilling the next eye drop
- You can minimize absorption through the nasal passages by placing your index finger against the inner corner of your eye (against the nasal bone) for 30 seconds
- Excess eye drops should be cleaned from the skin with a moistened tissue or towel
- Time your eye drop with certain activities or set an alarm to help you remember to instil your eye drop everyday
- Bring your medications along for each visit to the eye doctor
- Remember to use your eye drop on the day of the eye check-up
- Do not miss your eye drops. If you are running out eye drops, return to the clinic for a new prescription in advance
- Inform the doctor if you have any problems with the eye drops
Laser Treatment for angle closure
Patients who are found to have narrow or closed drainage passages (angles) of the eye are at increased risk of developing angle closure glaucoma. In the acute situation, the eye pressure increases suddenly, rising to a very high level. This occurs as the eye fluid is trapped behind the iris at the pupil and closes the drainage passages (angles) of the eye. This results in obstruction of outflow and the buildup of the fluid in the eye and an increase in the eye pressure. Laser peripheral iridotomy helps to reduce the risk of this ocular emergency. The laser creates a small fluid channel in the periphery of the iris allowing the fluid from behind the iris to flow forward and through the drainage passages of the eye thus preventing a sudden rise in eye pressure.
The laser is done as an outpatient procedure. The eye is prepared with eye drops to constrict the pupil and to anaesthetize the eye. Some patients may experience a transient eye ache, headache or dimming of vision with these eye drops. Eye drops or medications may be given to lower the eye pressure before the laser procedure. A contact lens will be placed on the eye during the laser procedure. The laser is usually painless and an aching sensation may be felt in some patients. The patient is seated much like the eye examination at the slit-lamp in the clinic. The eye pressure is checked again after the laser.
The laser procedure is not surgery and requires minimal after care. Eye rubbing should be avoided. The vision may appear cloudy for a few hours after the laser. Eye drops are required for 1 to 2 weeks after the laser. There are no restrictions to daily activities. Some patients may experience glare symptoms after the laser. The possible risks of the laser include increased eye pressures, damage to the surrounding eye structures like to the corneal cells that can result in loss of corneal clarity later. Please approach your Eye Specialist if you have any questions on this procedure.
If you have Glaucoma, EEC can help you. Our Glaucoma Specialists are experienced in performing laser eye surgeries, medical and surgical treatments to treat glaucoma. Learn more about treatment and management options or book for an appointment.