Eyeonic

Glaucoma – what is it?

Glaucoma occurs when pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve connecting the eye to the brain. This can lead to permanent visual loss.

What causes high pressure in the eye?

Fluid circulating in the eye is produced and drained at a balanced rate. If drainage becomes blocked, the eye pressure rises.

Detecting glaucoma early?

If detected early, glaucoma can be treated by lowering the eye pressure. This slows down or halts the progression of the disease. However, if detected too late, damage to the optic nerve from glaucoma cannot be undone.

The earlier glaucoma is detected and treated, the more vision can be preserved; ideally treatment begins before the disease causes the symptoms of reduced vision.

Dr Skalicky is a highly regarded glaucoma specialist dedicated to his patients, students, ongoing glaucoma research and organisations that fight glaucoma locally and internationally. He firmly believes that with early detection, persistent monitoring and the right treatment approach, glaucoma can be halted in its tracks.

Types of glaucoma:

  1. Primary open angle glaucoma.  Microscopic obstructions to the drainage pathways in the eye.
  2. Primary angle closure glaucoma. The drainage area is obstructed by the iris.
  3. Pseudo-exfoliation glaucoma. Small particles of dandruff-like material clog up the drainage pathways.
  4. Normal tension glaucoma. Some individuals are susceptible to normal or even low eye pressure.