Glaucoma Surgery & Treatment Brisbane

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve. As the optic nerve gradually deteriorates, it causes loss of side (peripheral) vision. If left untreated, glaucoma can progress and impact central vision. Once vision is lost to glaucoma, it can’t be restored.

Early detection is critical to preventing vision loss caused by glaucoma. Our specialists are here to manage, treat and monitor your glaucoma and help you enjoy a better and happier quality of life.

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What causes glaucoma?

In many cases, glaucoma is caused by increased pressure in your eye. Pressure builds up when the system that creates and drains fluid within your eye doesn’t work properly. However, glaucoma can also develop even with normal eye pressure and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss or total blindness within a few years.

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What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma.

• Most people don’t have symptoms until experiencing vision loss.
• The best way to catch the early signs is to visit your optometrist for regular comprehensive eye exams.

Closed-angle glaucoma is less common and symptoms usually come on faster and are more obvious. Damage can occur quickly, so if you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to get medical care straight away.

• Blurred vision.
• Vision loss.
• Seeing halos around lights.
• Eye redness, discomfort or pain.

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Am I at risk of glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma but some people are at higher risk than others:

• You’re over the age of 60.
• You’re of African or Asian descent.
• You have a family history of glaucoma.
• You have diabetes.
• You have a history of certain medications such as prednisone.
• You have a history of eye trauma.

If you’re in one of these risk categories, it’s essential to see your optometrist for regular eye exams.

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How is glaucoma treated?

There’s currently no cure for glaucoma and vision lost to the disease can’t be restored. However, proper medical care may stop it from progressing and prevent further vision loss.

Our ophthalmologists will advise you on the best treatment depending on the type and severity of your glaucoma. This may include special eye drops which help lower eye pressure, laser eye surgery, and other types of eye surgery.

Regular monitoring and follow-up visits with your eye care doctor are crucial to slowing down progression and managing your condition effectively.

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If I have glaucoma, what can I do to save my vision?

The best way to protect your vision is to be consistent with your prescription drops and see us regularly every 6-12 months. Using glaucoma drops can contribute to dry eye symptoms but, rest assured, if you experience dry eye as a result of your glaucoma treatment, we can help with that too.