An experienced glaucoma specialist in Melbourne can stop you from being one of the 50% of Australians with glaucoma who go undiagnosed every year.
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An experienced glaucoma specialist Melbourne can stop you from being one of the 50% of Australians with glaucoma who go undiagnosed every year
Access to timely expert management is key to preventing or slowing the irreversible vision loss caused by glaucoma. That’s why at Armadale Eye Clinic we are pleased to offer the care of our glaucoma specialist to Melbourne and surrounding communities.
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, broadly classed as a type of optic neuropathy. It is known as the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide as any vision loss from damage to the optic nerve cannot be undone, even with intensive glaucoma treatment. In Melbourne, we are fortunate to have access to a number of ophthalmologists with an interest in glaucoma management and surgery but as glaucoma typically presents with no noticeable symptoms, there is often a delay in referral to a glaucoma specialist.
In simple terms, glaucoma occurs when the pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure, rises to a level too high for the health of the optic nerve. This causes damage to the nerve and subsequent loss of vision in the area served by those damaged nerve fibres.
There are two broad classifications of glaucoma:
- open angle glaucoma
- angle closure glaucoma
These refer to the configuration of the iris (the coloured tissue visible at the front of the eye) to the cornea (the transparent dome covering the iris). At the point where the iris meets the cornea is an anatomical structure called the “anterior angle”, an area where the fluid produced within the eye drains out. Intraocular pressure is largely controlled by the balance of fluid production and drainage within the eye. As the name suggests, open angle glaucoma includes those cases where the anterior angle is sufficiently wide but fluid drainage is impeded for other reasons; angle closure glaucoma refers to situations where the iris sits too close to the cornea at the angle, reducing the ability for fluid to be removed.
Glaucoma Management
Armadale Eye Clinic is well equipped to provide glaucoma management to the Melbourne community. We use the latest technology in diagnostics, including optical coherence tomography and visual field testing, to provide us with an accurate diagnosis and for monitoring of any glaucoma progression. Our glaucoma specialist ophthalmologists have undergone extensive training both internationally and locally, and are highly skilled in their chosen sub-specialties.
Once a diagnosis of glaucoma has been determined, your ophthalmologist may counsel you on a variety of treatment options. You may be recommended one form of glaucoma management over another due to various factors such as:
- co-existing systemic or eye diseases
- ability to maintain dosing schedules for medications
- likelihood of adequate intraocular pressure control with a certain treatment
- availability of co-management options with another clinician, such as an optometrist
Throughout the entire process, the team of ophthalmologists and orthoptists at Armadale Eye Clinic are committed to ensuring you feel comfortable and empowered to make well-informed decisions regarding your glaucoma treatment.
Although there is no cure for this disease, it can be managed with appropriate glaucoma treatment. Melbourne continues to remain at the forefront of research and development, and at Armadale Eye Clinic we aim to bring the latest knowledge to you.
Anti-glaucoma medication
These are topical eye drops that must be instilled every day. Depending on the specific medication you have been prescribed, you may be recommended to instil a drop at night, in the morning, or both. You may also be prescribed more than one bottle of drops at a time.
Laser therapy
There are few types of laser employed in the use of glaucoma management. Our Melbourne clinic is equipped to provide management for the prevention or treatment of angle closure glaucoma with a procedure known as YAG laser iridotomy, and also with SLT laser facilities to improve fluid outflow in the case of open angle glaucoma.
Surgery
Glaucoma surgery has advanced a long way from its conception. We are now looking to a future of MIGS, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, which shows promising results in providing significant and sustained intraocular pressure reduction in our glaucoma patients. For certain cases MIGS (including iStent and Hydrus) can be combined with cataract surgery.
At Armadale Eye Clinic we pride ourselves on providing expert, compassionate care for our glaucoma patients. If you or a family member are concerned about glaucoma, call us now to book an appointment.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
© Copyright – Armadale Eye Clinic 2019
OPENING HOURS:
Weekdays: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
CONTACT US:
Phone: (03) 9070 5753
FAX: 8692 1131
Email: info@armadale-eye.com.au
WHERE TO FIND US:
93 Kooyong Rd, Armadale,
Melbourne, VIC, 3143,
Australia