Glaucoma

 
Open-angle glaucoma is a relatively common disease that causes a slow and painless loss of vision.  It is often called the “sneak thief of sight”. While sometimes there is a family history, there is often no cause.  A small minority will have had trauma, cortisone treatment or other causes that may have contributed to the condition.
 
Treatment for open angle glaucoma involves reducing intraocular pressure with a combination of  eye drops, laser and/or surgery. With treatment it is usually possible to stop or slow progression of this disease. The damaged vision cannot be reversed. Early diagnosis is paramount.  At Mona Vale Eye Centre, we have an optical coherence tomography (Zeiss HD-OCT) that is able to detect damage to the optic nerve before vision loss occurs. We have a Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer (HFA) that is used to monitor vision.

We offer selective laser trabeculoplasty as a means to treat the glaucoma without the need for eye drops. Our surgeons are skilled in performing trabeculectomy for more difficult and advanced cases.

Angle-closure glaucoma is a less common condition that can cause sudden loss of vision and eye pain. At Mona Vale Eye Centre, we have a YAG laser that is able to prevent and treat angle-closure glaucoma. The YAG laser creates a small hole in the iris and allows fluid to escape.

 To find out more visit the Glaucoma Australia  and the National Eye Institute websites.

 
Mona Vale Eye Centre