Regular eye examinations are essential for maintaining optimal vision (13th May 2023)
Regular eye checks are essential for maintaining good eye health and detecting any potential eye diseases, especially for individuals over 40 years of age. Glaucoma is one of the most common eye conditions that can lead to irreversible blindness if left untreated. Hence, regular eye checks for glaucoma are crucial to ensure early detection and proper management of the disease.
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss. The disease is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically has no symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. Early detection is essential in preventing irreversible vision loss. Regular eye checks can help detect glaucoma early, even before symptoms appear.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that individuals above 40 years of age should undergo regular eye checks for glaucoma every 1-2 years. However, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, or other risk factors may need more frequent eye checks. Moreover, individuals with high eye pressure or suspicious changes in the optic nerve should also undergo more frequent eye checks.
During an eye check, an ophthalmologist or optometrist will perform various tests to assess the health of your eyes, including a tonometry test to measure your eye pressure, a visual field test to evaluate your peripheral vision, and an optic nerve assessment to check for any damage or abnormalities. If any signs of glaucoma are detected, further tests such as OCT (optical coherence tomography) or gonioscopy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
In conclusion, regular eye checks for glaucoma are essential for maintaining good eye health and preventing irreversible vision loss. Early detection is crucial in managing glaucoma, and regular eye checks can help detect the disease at an early stage, even before symptoms appear. Therefore, individuals above 40 years of age should undergo regular eye checks every 1-2 years to ensure their eye health is in check.
Eye Drops in Glaucoma treatment (23rd February 2023)
Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. It is often caused by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), which can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. Eye drops are one of the primary treatments for glaucoma, as they can help lower IOP and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
There are several types of eye drops used in the treatment of glaucoma. The most common are prostaglandin analogues, beta blockers, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Prostaglandin analogues are typically the first choice for glaucoma treatment, as they are highly effective at lowering IOP and have few side effects. Beta blockers and alpha agonists work by reducing the production of aqueous humor, the fluid that fills the eye, while carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce the amount of fluid produced.
When using eye drops for glaucoma, it is important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and instructions for administration. Eye drops are typically administered once or twice a day, although some may need to be used more frequently. It is important to use the drops at the same time each day and to wait at least five minutes between administering different types of eye drops.
Like all medications, eye drops can have side effects. Common side effects of glaucoma eye drops include stinging, burning, itching, and redness of the eyes. Some people may also experience blurred vision or changes in color perception. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own, but if they persist or worsen, it is important to contact your eye doctor.
In summary, eye drops are an important part of the treatment of glaucoma. They can help lower IOP and prevent further damage to the optic nerve, but it is important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and instructions for administration. If you have any concerns about your glaucoma treatment, be sure to talk to your eye doctor.
Advancement in Glaucoma Surgery with the PAUL Implant (11th January 2023)
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. High pressure in the eyes can lead to damage to the optic nerve which in turn can cause irreversible loss of vision. One way to reduce the eye pressure is to use a special device called the PAUL Implant, in a type of surgery called Aqueous Shunt Device Insertion.
This involves inserting a very small tube into the eye, which in turn is connected to a soft footplate, thereby achieving optimal eye pressure control.
Performed by a well trained and highly experienced surgeon, the PAUL Implant can help control eye pressure and stabilise glaucoma, protecting vision for you and your loved ones.
To watch a surgical video of the PAUL Implant, please visit my youtube channel.