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What is glaucoma?
IN THIS VIDEO I PROVIDE A BRIEF EXPLANATION
Everything you need to know about glaucoma
IN THESE TOGGLES YOU WILL FIND THE DETAILS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
Glaucoma is a common eye condition that forms when the optic nerve becomes impaired. The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain and raised pressure in the eye can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if untreated. It often affects both eyes to varying degrees. One eye may develop glaucoma quicker than the other.
There are many different types of glaucoma. However, the main types are:
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Secondary glaucoma
- Developmental glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the condition. The iris of the eye is in a normal position maintaining an open-angle. However, the trabecular meshwork (drainage system) of the eye is thought to be dysfunctional, meaning that the eye cannot drain fluid properly. This can lead to an increase in eye pressure, which eventually may start to damage the optic nerve.
Angle-closure glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris of the eye bulges forward. This causes a blockage of the drainage angle, which is formed between the cornea and iris. This makes it difficult for fluid to circulate outside the eye. The effect is similar to open-angle glaucoma Pressure starts to build up in the eye as the fluid has nowhere to drain, and this may damage the optic nerve.
Developmental glaucoma
This type of glaucoma is presented at birth and is otherwise known as congenital glaucoma. As a result of the baby’s or child’s young age, it can be difficult to recognize the symptoms. However, they can display such symptoms as:
- Large eyes due to the pressure in the eyes causing them to expand
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Having a cloudy appearance to their eyes
Watery eyes
Jerky movements of the eyes
A squint, which is an eye condition that causes one of the eyes to turn inwards, outwards or up/downwards, while the other eye looks forward
Glaucoma is a condition caused by damage to the optic nerve. As the nerve becomes more damaged, this starts to negatively affect your vision. A patient may begin to experience blind spots and blurred vision.
The eye can experience increased pressure from a build-up of fluid. Usually, the fluid in your eye would drain through a tissue called the trabecular meshwork. However, when this drainage system becomes blocked, the internal fluid cannot drain at its usual rate, causing the pressure in the eye to build up. While this is the most common cause of glaucoma, patients can also develop the condition if their vascular system is compromised or if the condition runs in their family.
Glaucoma slowly develops over the years, therefore, when you first start experiencing it, you may not show symptoms straight away. And in many cases, it may be completely asymptomatic.
Glaucoma is the main cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It is estimated that some 480.000 people in England alone suffer from glaucoma, that is 2 percent of over 40 years old patients, and The National Eye Research Centre estimates that by 2050 there will be 3.2 million people diagnosed with this condition in the UK.
It is, therefore, important that you keep in mind the following list of common symptoms. Please note that both eyes may be affected by glaucoma. However, symptoms may appear worse in one than the other.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sudden eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Tenderness of the eyes
- Headache
- Red eyes
- Seeing haloes or ‘rainbow-like’ rings around
- lights
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Intense pain
The symptoms will also vary depending on the type of glaucoma you have. For instance, the symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma are similar to the
common symptoms listed above. They can come on suddenly or take a long time to develop. Open-angle glaucoma, on the other hand, has different symptoms that are outlined below:
- Tunnel vision in the advanced stages
- Formation of patchy blind spots in your side or central vision
If you are experiencing any of these conditions and are worried that you may have glaucoma, you must consult with your doctor at your nearest convenience. Our skilled team at Eye Clinic London will run some tests during your consultation to see if you are suitable for glaucoma treatment.
If your doctor diagnoses glaucoma during your routine eye test, you will need to undergo some additional tests. These tests will be carried out by an optometrist and include:
- Gonioscopy
- Eye pressure test
- Optic nerve assessment
- Visual field test
If the condition is detected, you will be referred to a specialist who will be able to identify how far the condition has developed.
There are several treatment options available for glaucoma. Whether you have a mild or severe condition will determine the type of treatment you will need. Below is a list of treatment options available with details about what they entail.
- Eye Drops: Your treatment would often start with eye drops that will be prescribed by your doctor. They help fluid drain from the eye by decreasing the amount of fluid the eyes make or by allowing more fluid to drain through the drainage system.
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): This is a form of surgery. It uses an argon laser to improve drainage through the eye’s trabecular meshwork. The procedure takes around five to ten minutes to complete.
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Devices (MIGD): These devices are implanted into the eye to help reduce the amount of pressure. It is a minimally invasive surgery that aims to prevent further damage to your optic nerve.
Miotics: Miotics are drugs that cause the pupil to contract. They are mainly used to treat angle-closure glaucoma. Miotics pull the iris away from the trabecular meshwork to improve the drainage system so that fluid can exit the eye at its usual rate.
In January 2022, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended new guidance in managing and treating Glaucoma. The new evidence showed outstanding results when treating patients with ocular hypertension (OHT) or chronic open-angle glaucoma (COAG) with Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a primary, first-line treatment in favour of traditional eye drops. The efficiency of SLT treatment includes a reduction in intraocular pressure, visual field progression and overall health-related quality of life improvement.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a novel laser technique to stimulate the drainage system of the eye and improve drainage. This is a painless and relatively safe option for you to lower the eye pressure and/or reduce the need for eye drops, especially if you have early to moderate glaucoma or ocular hypertension (high eye pressure but without damage to the optic nerve). According to the latest NICE guidelines, you may be suitable for SLT as a first-line treatment for your glaucoma prior to considering treatment with eye drops. Reducing the need for eye drops may be beneficial for patients who experience side effects from the drops or who don’t want to remember to take drops.
Here at Eye Clinic London, we follow the latest innovations and technology to bring our patients the best types of diagnostics and services.
Eye Clinic London is proud to say we have helped many clients achieve their desired vision goals. So, if you would like to know more about how we can help you and speak to one of our friendly team members, book a consultation today. We aim to respond to your queries as soon as possible.
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STEP 2: LET’S MEET
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STEP 3: FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS
Get the richness of life back in full colour! And (if you’re suitable), you might even decided to restore your natural reading vision at the same time.
Even more information about eye conditions
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Patient Reviews
MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS
“As soon as I met Mr Hamada, I knew I was in safe hands. He is an expert in his field, and very reassuring. His work was impeccable, and I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone wanting a professional, kindly, expert service.”
“I came all the way from the US to be evaluated by Mr. Samer Hamada who provided me with a world-class experience. I was treated with technology that doesn’t exist in the United States. My vision improved significantly since the surgery. Mr. Samer Hamada is definitely a Keratoconus expert.”
“I am glad to be with Mr Hamada. I am glad to be examined by Mr Hamada who acts responsibly and professionally. I never had this experience before from a previous ophthalmologist. I am thankful to Mr Hamada for the successful diagnosis and treatment of my case.”
“What a Consultant. Dr. Hamada is a man who was born for this profession. As soon as we walked into the room you felt that you had met a man who was gentle and kind. His demeanour was of a man who knew his trade. He speaks in a way that you will understand. He explains exactly what is wrong and the way he will help fix it for you.”
“My eyes got really sore, tired and gritty feeling this year. It kept getting worse for about 6 months and every time I thought about it, I kept thinking it would eventually go away, but it just didn’t budge. So I want to say a big thank you to eye doctor Mr Samer Hamada who finally sorted me out! Apart from the eye tests I expected, he also took a really personal approach. I appreciate that he asked questions about my whole diet and lifestyle which helped him to quickly figure out why my eye surface was inflamed. I now have simple steps I can take to reduce the inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes which I’ve now been doing for 2 weeks. I also have been using the special non-preservative eye drops and gels that Mr Hamada provided. My eyes are already feeling so much better and I’m so relieved to have had help to sort this out. If you’ve been noticing your eyes getting dry – don’t wait to sort it out as it keeps getting continually worse and you can find relief very quickly with the right help.”
“Mr Hamada’s London Eye Care and his team are a delight. Nothing was too much trouble and the help, support, advice and guidance before during and after the surgery was all world class. I have worn glasses since the age of 13 years and had the onset of cataracts for the last five so it has all been very much a life changing experience to be free from glasses once more.”
“We saw Mr Hamada after our 14-year-old son was diagnosed with keratoconus by another specialist. Mr Hamada talked us through the pros and cons of the cxl epi off and epi on procedures, he answered all our many and detailed questions without rushing us and as openly and honestly as possible. We opted to go ahead with cxl epi off with Mr Hamada. Our experience with Mr Hamada and his team, from his incredibly informative and supportive Secretary Joanna, nurse Mimi and Mr Hamada himself who was incredibly reassuring and put us and our son at ease both before, during and after the procedure, and at each follow-on appointment, has been the best possible. I would go so far as to say that he and his team are by far the best medical team I have ever experienced. I recommend him highly and would be happy to speak to anyone considering an expert in this field.”
“I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Hamada and his team. From the first call to inquire about booking an appointment to booking it, I was so impressed with his wonderful secretary Joanna- she really is worth her weight in gold, her lovely manner and care made me decide to go for this clinic. Dr Hamada was a lovely man with a very kind and thorougher way about him – he put my 4-year-old daughter at ease. The appointment was lengthy but at no point were we rushed and able to ask as many questions- things were explained so well. I would have no hesitation at all to recommend anyone to use Dr Hamada and his team- I have already recommended to some other parents.”
“Mr Hamada, his assistant Joanna and his ophthalmic technicians provide a caring, efficient and high quality service. From the admin through to the surgical aftercare we were very well looked after and we had a high degree of confidence in Mr Hamada’s abilities. Our daughter’s cataracts have been corrected (under general anaesthetic) and her quality of life has improved substantially. You also feel well cared for throughout – the human touch is vital in healthcare, but not always delivered, so well done and thanks to all of the team.”
“We were referred to Dr.Hamada by one of the UK experts. The expert himself admitted that Dr.Hamada was better than him!! We were not disappointed at all. Dr. Hamada was excellent with my child. His communication skills and knowledge were exemplary. He gave us clear management plan and would not hesitate to recommend him.”
“Dr Hamada is an excellent, highly competent doctor with a very kind and sympathetic manner. His reputation for successfully treating dry eye patients seems unparalleled. His team are all extremely friendly and helpful, especially Dr Hamada’s PA Joanna, making the overall experience better than anywhere else I’ve been!”
“Appointment setting and follow-up were very efficient and well managed. Mr Hamada was kind, reassuring, knowledgeable and had a very warm manner with my young son, making him instantly feel at ease. I feel that we can trust him and that he will finally be able to solve my son’s long-term eye problems that have stumped other eye doctors.”
“A real care provider – true in letter and spirit. After having seen few other consultants we were lucky to see Mr. Hamada. He treated my mother’s eyes and the prolonged inflammation finally went away. My mother went on to receive a corneal graft. Mr. Hamada and his clinic are simply wonderful. Their response is immediate every time even if it’s the weekend. Mr. Hamada puts a lot of personal attention answering every question very patiently and alleviating any fears. His manner is so kind that puts his patients completely at ease. This caring trait continues in the rest of his staff especially his assistant Joanna. I really can’t thank them enough. I thoroughly recommend anyone with eye problems to go to Mr. Hamada. You couldn’t be in better hands. He has treated my mother who is a long sufferer of eye problems. I am grateful always to Mr. Hamada and Joanna for all the support they have provided throughout.”
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About the expert
Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon
MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.