The problem with glaucoma is that symptoms don't appear until it’s almost too late to treat it. The loss of peripheral vision happens first, and this can be picked up, along with raised pressure, by an eye test.
One uncommon type of glaucoma, known as acute angle closure, can start with a sudden and painful build-up of pressure. This is an eye emergency with a lot of pain and blurred vision, but it is preventable and can be treated.
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or as being at risk of glaucoma, your condition will need to be monitored regularly. Treatment will vary from person to person, but glaucoma is typically treated in three ways: monitoring, use of eye drops, and surgery.
Patients are usually seen once or twice a year. At every visit you’ll normally be asked questions about your eyesight, your eye drops (if they have been prescribed), and your general health. You’ll also be examined on a machine called a slit lamp, which allows your optometrist or ophthalmologist to see your eye in great detail.
Your optician or GP will discuss the various treatment options available to you and where you can choose to have your treatment. You’ll be able to take the time to decide where you’d like to be treated, and your GP or optician will make the arrangements for your referral.
Please follow your local protocol regarding referrals – we accept direct referrals by secure email, fax, OptoManager and post. Please call us on the number at the top of this page if you would like any further information about making a referral to Newmedica.
Castleworks, 21 St George’s Road London, SE1 6ES
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