WANT to do something really special for a loved one or for yourself? Then ask this simple question: “have you had an eye examination in the past two years?”
If the answer is no then a quick call to make an appointment could make the world of difference.
This is because glaucoma is the number one cause of preventable irreversible blindness in the world and the sooner glaucoma is detected and treatment begins, the better chance a person has of retaining good quality of vision.
Glaucoma is the name given to a group of disorders that affect the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending visual information from the eye to the brain. If the optic nerve is damaged, portions of vision will be permanently lost.
World Glaucoma Awareness Week (March 6-12) is designed to raise awareness of the condition and ways it can be prevented and treated.
It is estimated that over 300,000 people in Australia have glaucoma and 50% remain undiagnosed. Unfortunately, there are no symptoms in the early stages of the disorder, which is why regular eye examinations after the age of 50 are crucial, particularly for people with a family history of glaucoma.
Dr Tim Roberts of Vision Eye Institute believes an eye test is one of the best things you can do for yourself or a loved one's health and quality of life.
“Glaucoma can happen to anyone, particularly people over the age of 50 who have a family history of the disorder,” says Dr Roberts. “Fortunately, there are a number of very exciting developments in the detection and treatment of the disease that give us a far better chance of controlling the disease than even a few years ago.”
# 1 – the iStent
Glaucoma specialists at Vision Eye Institute are involved in a large study of the latest treatment in Australia – the iStent.
The ‘stent’, the size of a grain of sand, is inserted in an area of tissue that is responsible for draining the aqueous humour from the eye.
“If the natural outflow from the area is inhibited, the intraocular pressure builds up, damaging the optic nerve.” says Dr Roberts. “The iStent allows the natural outflow to bypass the area via a tiny tube, thus reducing the pressure on the optic nerve.”
At this stage, the device can only be implanted in a glaucoma patient during another procedure such as cataract surgery. However, Dr Roberts has already seen some great results, reducing intraocular pressure in patients who have a mild to mid-level range of glaucoma.
“This breakthrough is particularly good news for glaucoma sufferers who live in regional areas. The need for visits to major cities for ongoing treatment can be reduced by the implantation of the iStent.”
#2 – OCT Scans
The traditional diagnostic tests for glaucoma are the intraocular pressure test, manual slit lamp and a visual field test.
“While these are important tests, it’s been discovered that an OCT scan, used to diagnose disorders such as macular degeneration, is very accurate in detecting glaucoma," says Dr Roberts.
“The technology isn’t new, but it is excellent for detecting levels of damage earlier, therefore managing the disease more successfully.
“New OCT software has really come to the fore in glaucoma testing and management."
#3 – Slow release medication
The Vision Eye Institute Chatswood clinic is currently one of eight sites in Australia undertaking a slow release implant trial for glaucoma.
Rather than the standard drops, a pellet is infused with medication, which is then slowly released over the course of 4 months. The pellet sits in the eye itself, doesn’t become diluted and therefore increases its effectiveness.
“This is perfect for the reticent or forgetful patient who has trouble with using drops,” says Dr Roberts. “We are still trialing it but this is potentially a game-changer in terms of how we treat glaucoma, so it’s very exciting.
“We would also like to welcome more trial patients so, if the results continue to be as good as they are, this can get to market sooner rather than later as it will benefit so many people.”
