Glaucoma: preserving your sight before it's too late

Optic nerve damage

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy, most often linked to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Asymptomatic at first, it slowly destroys peripheral visual field.

Screening

IOP measurement, fundus examination, visual field, optic nerve OCT. Screening recommended after age 40, earlier for family history or Afro-Caribbean origin.

Treatments

• Eye drops: prostaglandin analogues (latanoprost), beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
• Laser: selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), iridotomy
• Filtering surgery (trabeculectomy) or MIGS (minimally invasive surgeries)

Prognosis

Diagnosed early, it is well controlled. Later on, visual losses are permanent. Hence the importance of regular screening.