Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases where increased pressure in the eye causes damage to the optic nerve. iStent surgery is a way to help manage some glaucoma, reducing or eliminating the need for medicated eye drops.
Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure in the eye damaging the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.
That increase in pressure can happen if your eye is not draining properly. Your eye is constantly producing a liquid known as aqueous humor to nourish itself. Once it’s done its job, that fluid drains away through something known as the anterior chamber angle or drainage angle. If the drainage system becomes damaged then the fluid builds up in the eye, increasing the pressure on the optic nerve and, eventually, damaging your eyesight.
Glaucoma symptoms vary depending on the type of glaucoma you have.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type and causes no obvious symptoms in its early stages.
As the condition worsens, you may experience gradual changes in your vision, starting with a loss of peripheral vision.
Often, people don’t notice this until the optic nerve has already sustained a significant amount of damage. That’s why you’ll usually be offered a screening test for glaucoma whenever you have your eyes checked by the optometrist.
This is a less common type of glaucoma but it presents as a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma include:
Go to your nearest emergency department immediately if you experience the above symptoms.
Anyone can develop glaucoma but you’re at higher risk if you:
We can’t reverse or cure glaucoma so treatment aims to slow its progression and preserve sight.
We do that by reducing the pressure in the eye using:
All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Horizon Surgical Eye Centre can consult with you to confirm if this treatment is right for you.
