Medical Glaucoma Management
Glaucoma, often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the nerve responsible for carrying visual information from the eye to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and blindness. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preserving vision. While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively with medications to slow or prevent further damage.
AKUH offers a comprehensive glaucoma management programme dedicated to early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of this eye disease.
Conditions We Treat
Our programme specialises in addressing a variety of glaucoma conditions, including:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG): The most common type, characterised by gradual damage to the optic nerve.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: A less common but more severe type, where the angle between the iris and cornea narrows, blocking the flow of aqueous humour.
- Congenital glaucoma: A rare condition affecting newborns, often leading to enlarged eyes and vision loss.
- Secondary glaucoma: Develops as a result of other eye conditions or systemic diseases.
Our Services
We offer a comprehensive range of services to meet your needs, including:
- Comprehensive eye examinations: Detailed eye examinations to assess your risk for glaucoma and monitor its progression.
- Advanced diagnostic tests: State-of-the-art diagnostic tests, optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual field testing, and tonometry, to evaluate the health of your optic nerve and eye pressure.
- Medications: These medications are prescribed to lower the fluid pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve. These include:
- Prostaglandin analogues: Improve fluid drainage; usually taken once a day; possible side effects include mild redness or longer eyelashes.
- Beta-blockers: Reduce fluid production; often use twice daily; may cause fatigue or affect heart and lung function.
- Alpha agonists: Reduce fluid production and improve drainage; may cause mild redness or dry mouth.
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Reduce fluid production; available as eye drops or oral medication; may cause stinging or taste changes.
- Rho-kinase inhibitors: Increase fluid outflow; may cause redness or irritation.
- Combination drops: Two medications in one bottle for convenience and effectiveness.
- Follow-up care: Regular assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, track disease progression, and make necessary adjustments to the care plan.
Our Expert Team
Our services are delivered by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals, including:
- Ophthalmologists: Highly skilled eye surgeons who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
- Optometrists: Trained to perform eye exams and identify potential eye problems.
- Nurses: Dedicated to providing compassionate care and assisting with procedures.
To learn more about our highly trained and skilled experts, search on Find a Doctor under the speciality of Ophthalmology.
Regular eye exams are essential for early detection of glaucoma. If you have risk factors for glaucoma, such as a family history or advanced age, schedule a consultation with our glaucoma specialists today.
