Glaucoma screening
Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve.
Because this nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the relevant cortex in the brain, such damage can cause significant changes to the field of vision, leading to sight loss and even blindness if left untreated.
Although it is often associated with raised eye pressure, glaucoma can also occur when the pressure is normal, which means a series of different tests are required to accurately diagnose the condition.
There are two types of glaucoma:
Open angle glaucoma
The most common form of the condition, open angle glaucoma affects 1-2% of over-40s in the UK. There are no symptoms in the early stages and it progresses slowly, gradually damaging the optic nerve and causing blind spots to develop in the field of vision. Early diagnosis is key to preventing these from enlarging and causing significant, irreversible visual problems. The treatment is often as simple as using special eye drops that can stop the condition from advancing.
Closed angle glaucoma
The eye produces an aqueous fluid that drains out through the angle, acting as a kind of guttering system. Closed angle glaucoma occurs when the drainage system becomes blocked very quickly, causesing a rapid rise in pressure and resulting in uncomfortable symptoms including a painful red eye, nausea and blurred vision. Urgent medical attention and treatment is essential for such cases, so referral to the accident and emergency department is crucial.
Proactivity and in-depth examinations enable us to treat open angle glaucoma before it worsens
By using sophisticated diagnostic equipment, we can catch open angle glaucoma in the early stages before significant damage is caused. We recommend regular screening if you are over the age of 40, have a family history of the condition, are of Afro-Caribbean descent or if you suffer from myopia (short-sightedness) and/or diabetes, as studies have shown these factors increase the risk of developing the condition.
Our expert optometrists have extensive clinical experience and are highly trained in using advanced technology such as eye pressure measuring instruments and visual field testing equipment. This enables them to identify and monitor early changes to the optic nerve structure.
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IN FOCUS
The Optomap is the only test that captures more than 80% of your retina in one panoramic image. The unique optomap ultra-wide view helps detect early signs of retinal disease more effectively and efficiently than with traditional eye examination alone. The test is fast and pain-free and nothing touches your eye.
OPENING HOURS
| Monday – Friday | 9:00 – 5:30 |
| Saturday | 9:00 – 4:00 |
| Sunday | Closed |
LOCATION
Harrow Practice
Northwood Practice
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