Title: New Treatment Offering Relief for Glaucoma Patients.pptx
1New Treatment Offering Relief for Glaucoma
Patients
Phone (61) 3 9459 5133 Fax 03 9455 2451
Email info_at_eyecentre.com.au
Website https//www.eyecentre.com.au/
2What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve caused
by eye pressure. The optic nerve becomes damaged
and the patient starts to lose peripheral vision.
If left untreated total irreversible blindness
may occur. Glaucoma is the leading cause of
blindness in people over 60 years old. Early
detection and treatment may prevent the
development of blindness.
3Who is at risk of Developing Glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, however there are a
number of factors that can increases a persons
risk of developing glaucoma at some point in
their lives. These include
- Having a first degree relative with glaucoma
- Being over the age of 40
- Having diabetes
- Having had a serious eye injury
- Having used steroid medications over long periods
of time - Having high blood pressure (hypertension)
4How is Glaucoma Treated?
Daily medicated eye drops are the most common
form of treatment prescribed for glaucoma. There
are several classes of drops, which work in
different ways. Some eye drops work to reduce
intraocular pressure by increasing drainage
outflow from the eye others reduce the formation
of fluid within the eye. While eye drops are the
least invasive form of glaucoma treatment they
are not without side effects and since glaucoma
often has no symptoms, people may be tempted to
stop taking, or may forget to take their eye
drops. It has been estimated that approximately
half of all glaucoma patients dont take their
glaucoma medication as prescribed, increasing the
risk of permanent, irreversible visual loss.
5iStent Inject Device, from Glaukos
Fortunately in the last few years a new treatment
option has become available to people who are
unable or unwilling to use medicated eye drops.
This form of treatment is know collectively as
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery or MIGS. At
the Northern Eye Centre we offer glaucoma
patients the option of MIGS using the iStent
inject device.
6Contact Info Details
Swan Hill Phone 03 9459 5133 Fax 03 9455
2451 Swan Hill Primary Health 31 High Street,
Swan Hill VIC 3585
Mildura Phone 03 5023 7479 Fax 03 9544
2451 Mildura Eye Specialists 145 Langtree Ave,
Mildura VIC 3500
Heidelberg Phone 03 9459 5133 Fax 03 9455
2451 47 Burgundy Street Heidelberg Victoria 3084
Email info_at_eyecentre.com.au
Website www.eyecentre.com.au