Published during Glaucoma Awareness Month | Cathedral Eye Clinic
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” for good reason. This progressive eye condition damages the optic nerve gradually, often without you noticing any symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. During Glaucoma Awareness Month, Cathedral Eye Clinic wants to emphasise one crucial message: early detection through regular eye examinations is your best defence against irreversible vision loss.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, most commonly caused by increased pressure within the eye. In the UK, the condition affects 2% of people over 40 and up to 10% of people over 75, making regular screening essential as we age.
At Cathedral Eye Clinic, we diagnose and manage all glaucoma types including primary open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, and secondary glaucomas. As the only private clinic in Northern Ireland offering advanced glaucoma surgeries, our experienced team led by Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Mr Gerard Reid provides comprehensive care from early detection to the most advanced surgical solutions.
Recognising the Warning Signs
The challenge with glaucoma is that symptoms can be subtle initially and often go unnoticed by patients. In most cases, the condition is painless and develops slowly over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or missing patches in your visual field
- Increased difficulty seeing at night
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
With very high eye pressures, you may experience:
- Sudden eye pain or redness
- Halos around lights
- Sudden vision loss (this is a medical emergency)
If you experience any acute symptoms, seek immediate medical attention as acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss.
Who Should Be Tested?
Because glaucoma develops silently, regular comprehensive eye examinations are crucial. Cathedral Eye Clinic recommends the following testing schedule:
- Every 2 years for everyone over 40
- Annually if you have a family history of glaucoma
- Immediately if you experience any acute symptoms
Family history plays a significant role in glaucoma risk. If you have a parent or sibling with glaucoma, your risk increases substantially, making regular monitoring even more important.
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
At Cathedral Eye Clinic, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to detect glaucoma at its earliest stages, often before you notice any symptoms. Our comprehensive assessment includes:
- OCT imaging for detailed cross-sectional images of the optic nerve
- Visual field analysis to detect blind spots and monitor progression
- Advanced pressure assessment to measure intraocular pressure accurately
- Optic nerve examination to identify early damage
These advanced technologies allow us to create a complete picture of your eye health and develop a tailored treatment plan built around your lifestyle, glaucoma type, and long-term vision goals.
Treatment Options at Cathedral Eye Clinic
While glaucoma damage cannot be reversed, treatment can effectively slow or halt progression, preserving your remaining vision. Our comprehensive treatment options range from medication to advanced surgical procedures:
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): A non-invasive laser procedure that improves fluid drainage to reduce eye pressure. This quick, painless treatment is performed in our clinic and can reduce or eliminate the need for daily eye drops.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Modern, low-impact surgical techniques performed via microscopic incisions. These procedures offer faster recovery times with excellent pressure control outcomes.
Trabeculectomy: A proven surgical procedure that creates a new drainage channel, allowing excess fluid to leave the eye and reduce pressure effectively.
Aqueous Shunts (Glaucoma Drainage Implants): Small tubes surgically implanted to help drain excess fluid, particularly effective for complex or advanced glaucoma cases.
Our experienced surgeons will discuss the most suitable procedure for your individual needs, ensuring you fully understand the benefits, expectations, and alternatives before moving forward.
WATCH: Aaron Watson discusses his glaucoma diagnosis and treatment experience at Cathedral Eye Clinic
Living with Glaucoma
Managing glaucoma successfully requires ongoing commitment to your treatment plan. If prescribed eye drops, consistent daily use is crucial for maintaining eye pressure control. Regular follow-up appointments allow our team to monitor your condition and make adjustments as needed.
Lifestyle considerations that support eye health include:
- Maintaining overall health through regular exercise
- Eating a nutrient-rich diet with leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids
- Protecting your eyes from injury with appropriate eyewear
- Managing stress effectively
- Staying hydrated throughout the day
Many patients worry about losing their sight after a glaucoma diagnosis, but with early detection and proper treatment, most people can preserve their vision and maintain their quality of life. Glaucoma Awareness Month is the perfect time to take that first step towards protecting your vision.
Take Action This Glaucoma Awareness Month
Don’t wait until you notice vision problems to schedule an eye examination. By the time symptoms appear, significant irreversible damage may have already occurred.
If you’re over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or haven’t had a comprehensive eye examination recently, visit your local optometrist for a routine eye test. Early detection through regular screening is your best defence against vision loss.
If your optometrist detects glaucoma or suspects you may be at risk, Cathedral Eye Clinic provides expert treatment and ongoing management. As Northern Ireland’s only private clinic offering advanced glaucoma surgeries including MIGS, trabeculectomy, and aqueous shunts, we work closely with optometrists across the region to deliver comprehensive specialist care – from initial consultation and treatment planning to the most advanced surgical solutions.
Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or need more advanced treatment options, our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way, giving you confidence that your vision is in expert hands.
Ask your optometrist about referral to Cathedral Eye Clinic, or contact us directly on 028 9032 2020. Early intervention and specialist treatment can preserve your vision for a lifetime.
Cathedral Eye Clinic specialises in comprehensive glaucoma diagnosis, treatment, and management. Led by Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Mr Gerard Reid, our experienced team uses advanced diagnostic technology and proven treatment methods to help patients preserve their vision. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
