Why are eye exams and 3D OCT retina scans important for glaucoma?
Many adults think that if their vision and eye health seem fine, there is no need to go to an optician. But many eye diseases, including glaucoma, show no obvious symptoms in the early stages, which is when they are most treatable.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is where the optic nerve, connecting the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. This damage is usually caused by a build-up of fluid in the front of the eye that causes abnormally high pressure in your eyeball. It’s a common condition, especially in older people, and can lead to sight loss if left untreated.
There are two main types of glaucoma – open angle and closed angle glaucoma.
In most cases, people develop open angle glaucoma, which does not cause any obvious symptoms to begin with. When it does eventually start to show visible signs, you will notice loss of peripheral vision first.
With closed angle glaucoma, the onset is a lot more sudden and requires immediate medical assistance. Some people notice rainbow-coloured halos around bright lights, experience severe eye pain, redness, and nausea.
Is glaucoma hereditary?
You’re more likely to develop glaucoma if you are over 40 and have a close relative with the condition, which is why we always ask your medical and family history at your appointment.
Other risk factors include having conditions like diabetes, taking certain medications and are short sighted.
Tests for glaucoma
A standard eye exam includes checking for glaucoma. However, a 3D OCT retina scan is better at detecting even the smallest changes in your eye. This advanced scan is quick, easy, and painless, producing instant, detailed images of all the layers of your retina at the back of your eye that your optometrist can use to form a diagnosis. This scan is instrumental in the early detection of many sight-threatening eye diseases, including glaucoma, making it invaluable to us and our patients.
The OCT scan is also used to help monitor glaucoma following a diagnosis and to determine how effective treatment is. Damage can’t be reversed, but it can be slowed down and there are options we can explore to help you manage the condition and prevent further vision loss.
If you are over 40 and a close blood relative is diagnosed with glaucoma, or are identified as a glaucoma risk, you will be entitled to free NHS eye tests. Most adults should have an eye exam every 2 years, but if you’re at risk of glaucoma, your optometrist will most likely recommend annual eye exams, with the having a 3D OCT scan too if you choose to.
Book your eye exam
Contact us to book an eye exam for your peace of mind at one of our opticians in Dorset, Somerset and Greater London.