FAQ

Frequent asked questions

DO I HAVE GLAUCOMA EVEN IF I SEE WELL?

Vision can be divided into peripheral and central vision. Glaucoma usually affects peripheral vision first.

We don't really use peripheral vision with intent. This is the field of vision that allows you to see if a car is coming your way from the side even though you are looking somewhere else. Central vision is the vision you use consciously, for example to read, look at faces or watch television.

Because you don't actively use peripheral vision, and also because the vision is lost very slowly you will adapt to it without realising it. For example, drivers with glaucoma with loss of peripheral vision will subconsciously move their eyes much more often to make up for the loss of the peripheral vision. This is obviously not very good because you may not notice obstacles right in front of you. This is why you need to tell the DVLA if you have glaucoma.

Your central vision is usually only affected in late stages of the disease. This is nice because it means you may be able to read or recognise faces even at late stages of glaucoma but at this point is much more difficult to stop the disease.

Your doctor may tell you need multiple drops or even that you need surgery even if you think you see well but this is because they will want to treat your glaucoma before it is too late. Your doctor should always allow you to ask any questions you need answered before making any decision

HOW CAN GLAUCOMA BE TREATED?

The only way to treat glaucoma is by bringing eye pressure down. Generally, eye pressure builds up because the eye does not drain fluid as well as it once did.

There are a few ways to bring pressures down.

For mild to moderate cases

- SLT laser - this laser tickles your drainage membrane to increase the fluid that goes through it.

- Drops - there are quite a few drops that you will have to use regularly on a daily basis. They whether increase drainage or decrease production.

- Cataract surgery - this has a positive effect in reducing pressure in the eye. The effect is greatest in a specific type of glaucoma called angle closure glaucoma.

- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries - these are quick, reliable and low risk surgeries that can be done usually alongside cataract surgery. They have been known to lower pressure, reduce need for medications and possibly improve symptoms of dry eye.

Filtrating surgeries - these include trabeculectomy, microshunts and tubes and are reserved for more complex and advanced cases. They require stricter and more frequent follow up but usually provide lower pressures post operatively on less (or no) medications

Will SLT laser hurt?

SLT is a very mild laser that targets the drainage membrane of the eye. The procedure is done under anaesthetic drops and patients are absolutely fine 99% of times.

Can I have cataract surgery on a local anaesthetic?

The great majority of cataract surgeries are done under a topical or local anaesthetic. Thanks to very small instruments and very effective anaesthetics there is no need for general anaesthetics.

When can I get back to work after cataract surgery?

We advise staying 2 weeks off work post cataract surgery but this period can be longer if your eye develops post operative complications.

How long does cataract surgery take?

Depending of the cataract, it may take from 10 to 15 minutes. We always take the necessary time to do a good job so we will not rush any steps.

Do MIGS really work?

MIGS have been shown in many studies to be effective in bringing the pressure and the number of medications down. They rely on a functioning own drainage and most glaucoma patients will have one. There is a small amount of patients where MIGS don't work and this is because the drainage pathway is not working at all. In these cases you may have to have a surgery to build a new drainage pathway.

Can I drive after the cataract?

We recommend you don't drive for a few weeks as vision may be blurry in the immediate period post cataract surgery. You may require new glasses to achieve driving vision.

Is glaucoma really a blinding disease?

1 in 6 patients with glaucoma will lose vision in both eyes and almost half of patients will have severe vision loss in one eye. Glaucoma is real and it has a devastating effect in the life of affected patients.

FAQ