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Glaucoma Screening in Plymouth
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve - essential for good vision. Glaucoma is often caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye. It is a leading cause of blindness, frequently developing slowly without symptoms until significant, permanent vision loss (usually peripheral) occurs.
Who is at risk of developing glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but your risk is higher if you are over 40 - 50, have a family history of glaucoma, are of African, Caribbean, or Asian descent, or have high eye pressure, diabetes, or severe short-sightedness.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Glaucoma is often initially detected during an routine eye test using tonometry to measure your eye pressure, ophthalmoscopy to inspect the optic nerve, an OCT scan to reveal your eyes internal structure and visual field testing to assess peripheral vision. Formal diagnosis is made by a hospital eyecare specialist following referral by your optometrist. Because glaucoma often has no early symptoms, regular eye tests are essential for detection.
Glaucoma screening
For those consided to be at higher risk of developing glaucoma and, those already formally diagnosed as having glaucoma, there are two types of appointment available, both funded by the NHS.
Glaucoma related appointments at NHK Opticians. . .
Regular Annual Eye Tests
If you are considered to be at higher risk of developing glaucoma, the NHS provide funding towards regular eye tests.. Higher risk groups include those with an immediate family member that has been diagnosed with glaucoma. We strongly recommend that you consider our Ultimate Eye Examination. This includes an Optical CT Scan that is essential in early detection of Glaucoma.
NHS Glaucoma Screening Programme
If you have already been diagnosed with glaucoma, the NHS provide regular screening appointments to monitor the progress of the disease. We also carry out more in-depth screening on behalf of the Royal Eye Infirmary, avoiding the need to go to Derriford.
Please do not contact to book this. You will normally be contacted by us, once we have been notified by the NHS that your screening appointment is due.