Glaucoma Testing & Treatment

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, often developing without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. It affects the optic nerve, which transmits visual signals from the eye to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness.

At Fitzgerald Optometry, we provide advanced glaucoma testing and personalized treatment plans to detect the disease early and help protect your vision.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure (intraocular pressure or IOP). This damage can lead to gradual vision loss, starting with peripheral (side) vision before affecting central vision.

Glaucoma often develops without symptoms, earning it the name “the silent thief of sight”. Regular comprehensive eye exams are the best way to detect it early.

Types of Glaucoma

There are different forms of glaucoma, each requiring different management approaches.

1. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)

The most common type of glaucoma.
Develops slowly and painlessly, making it difficult to detect early.
Caused by the gradual blockage of the eye’s drainage system, leading to increased pressure inside the eye.

Symptoms:

Gradual loss of peripheral vision
No pain or discomfort in early stages
Vision loss occurs slowly over time

2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute Glaucoma)

A less common but more severe form.
Occurs when the eye’s drainage angle becomes blocked suddenly, causing a rapid increase in eye pressure.
Requires emergency treatment to prevent permanent damage.

Symptoms:

Severe eye pain and headaches
Sudden vision loss or blurred vision
Halos around lights
Nausea and vomiting

3. Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Occurs even when eye pressure is within normal limits.
Thought to be caused by poor blood flow to the optic nerve.
It can only be detected through a comprehensive glaucoma screening.

Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?

Certain factors increase the risk of developing glaucoma, including:

Age – More common in individuals over 40.
Family History – Glaucoma can be hereditary.
High Eye Pressure (IOP) – Increased eye pressure is a major risk factor.
Diabetes – People with diabetes are at higher risk.
Previous Eye Injuries – Trauma to the eye can increase glaucoma risk.
Long-Term Steroid Use – Prolonged use of corticosteroids may contribute to glaucoma.

If you have any of these risk factors, regular eye exams are essential for early detection.

Glaucoma Testing at Fitzgerald Optometry

We use advanced diagnostic technology to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages, before vision loss occurs.

Our glaucoma tests include:

Tonometry – Measures intraocular pressure (IOP) to check for increased eye pressure.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Creates high-resolution images of the optic nerve to detect early signs of glaucoma.
Visual Field Testing (Perimetry) – Assesses peripheral vision to detect vision loss.
Gonioscopy – Examines the eye’s drainage angle to determine the type of glaucoma.
Retinal Imaging – Captures detailed images of the optic nerve head for long-term monitoring.

Routine glaucoma screenings help detect changes early so treatment can begin before vision loss becomes severe.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

While glaucoma cannot be cured, early treatment can slow progression and protect remaining vision.

Treatment options include:

1. Prescription Eye Drops

The first line of treatment for most glaucoma patients.
Works by reducing eye pressure either by decreasing fluid production or improving fluid drainage.
Must be used consistently as prescribed to be effective.

Pros:

Non-invasive and easy to use.
Can effectively slow progression.

Cons:

Requires lifelong use.
Possible side effects, such as irritation or redness.

2. Laser Therapy (SLT or ALT)

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) or Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) help improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
A minimally invasive treatment that lowers eye pressure when eye drops are not enough.

Pros:

Can delay or reduce the need for medication.
Non-surgical and quick recovery.

Cons:

May need repeat treatments over time.
Effectiveness can vary by patient.

3. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

A modern surgical approach that improves drainage while reducing complications compared to traditional glaucoma surgery.
Often performed at the same time as cataract surgery.

Pros:

Lower risk than traditional surgery.
Effective in reducing eye pressure long-term.

Cons:

Not suitable for advanced cases.
Some procedures may require additional treatments.

4. Traditional Glaucoma Surgery (Trabeculectomy or Drainage Implants)

Creates a new drainage pathway for excess eye fluid to lower pressure.
Recommended for advanced glaucoma cases when other treatments fail.

Pros:

Effective in lowering eye pressure long-term.
Suitable for advanced glaucoma patients.

Cons:

Higher risk of complications.
Requires longer recovery time.

Why Choose Fitzgerald Optometry for Glaucoma Care?

We are dedicated to protecting your vision with early glaucoma detection and personalized treatment plans.

Our skilled team provides:

Comprehensive glaucoma testing using advanced technology.
Customised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
Ongoing monitoring to track changes and adjust treatment.
Collaboration with ophthalmologists for specialist referrals if needed.

Glaucoma does not have to lead to vision loss—but early diagnosis is critical.

Book a Glaucoma Screening Today

Glaucoma is a silent but serious condition that can lead to blindness if left undetected. If you’re over 40, have risk factors, or haven’t had an eye exam recently, now is the time to book a glaucoma test at Fitzgerald Optometry.