World Glaucoma Week
It is estimated that 600,000 people in the UK have Glaucoma, with half of those undiagnosed.
This week is World Glaucoma Week (11th – 17th March), so what exactly is Glaucoma and why is it so important to have regular eye tests to help detect it?
Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye conditions in which the main nerve to the eye (the optic nerve) is damaged where it leaves the eye. As it becomes damaged, vision is lost and this results in misty and patchy vision.
The damage to the optic nerve in glaucoma is usually associated with excessive pressure within the eye. A certain level of pressure is needed for the eye to keep its shape and to work properly, but if the eye pressure gets too high, it squeezes the optic nerve and kills the nerve fibres, which leads to irreversible sight loss.
Most types of glaucoma have no symptoms, so a regular eye test is the only way to know you have the condition. It is particularly important to check for glaucoma if you have a close relative who has or had glaucoma, if you have diabetes, low blood pressure or are short-sighted.
Using our state-of-the-art OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) camera, which takes a 3D scan of the back of the eye, we are able to detect signs of glaucoma (and other eye diseases) at a much earlier stage. Although any vision which has already been lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, with early diagnosis, careful monitoring and regular use of treatments, the vast majority of people retain useful sight for life.
For more information regarding Glaucoma, please call in to see us in Palace Street, Canterbury for a free information booklet or visit www.glaucoma-association.com
To book an eye examination, contact us on 01227 760501.