Dr Dory Neu-Ner specialises in the treatment of glaucoma at his practice in Fourways. Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve and can threaten your vision. It is usually, but not always, associated with raised pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) — glaucoma can still occur even when eye pressure is within the normal range, which is why a full assessment of the optic nerve is essential.
Did you know that glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people who are over the age of 60 years? Although it can occur at any age, it is more common in older adults. It is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve in the eye. This nerve supplies visual information to your brain from your eyes. Glaucoma is often a silent disease, and can be detected during a regular eye examination.
Dr. Dory Neu-Ner is an experienced, compassionate ophthalmologist who understands the anatomy of the eye. He strives to give the best possible eye care for all his patients and focuses strongly on provide them with all-round, quality services.
Because many forms of the disease have no warning signs, you may not even know you have glaucoma until it is in an advanced stage. If left untreated, the damage becomes so bad that it can ultimately lead to vision loss or total blindness.
Is glaucoma curable?
While there is no cure for glaucoma at present, early treatment can help slow or halt the progression of vision loss. Treatment options, which depend on factors such as age, type, and severity of glaucoma, may include laser treatments, medications and/or surgery aimed at reducing eye pressure.
What is glaucoma caused by?
Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive eye disease characterized by damage to the optic nerve, resulting in loss of the peripheral field of vision and ultimately blindness. Elevated eye pressure is a significant risk factor, often caused by abnormalities in the eye’s drainage system that lead to fluid accumulation and increased pressure, which damages the optic nerve.
How long can you live with glaucoma before going blind?
The timeline for vision loss due to glaucoma can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the disease, as well as how well it is managed. Glaucoma typically progresses slowly, and vision loss can occur over several years. Untreated glaucoma takes about 10-15 years to advance to total blindness.
Once you are on treatment and are being closely monitored your risk of losing vision decreases significantly.
What does a person with glaucoma see?
Initially a patient will not notice any changes to their vision when the disease has only caused early damage. In advanced disease. Individuals with glaucoma typically experience a gradual loss of peripheral vision while maintaining central vision. This often feels like looking through a tube, where objects straight ahead are seen clearly, but peripheral areas appear dim or blurred. The vision loss generally begins from the side closest to the nose.
When is it too late to treat glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition that gradually and silently causes vision loss over many years. When blurry vision occurs due to glaucoma, significant damage has already been done. Only when the patient is totally blind is there no need to treat the disease. If there still even very poor vision, treatment must given to prevent total loss of vision.
Can glaucoma be cured by surgery?
Surgery cannot cure glaucoma or reverse vision loss, but it can protect existing vision and prevent further deterioration. Various surgical options are available to help reduce intraocular pressure, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and glaucoma implant surgery.
Is glaucoma painful?
Glaucoma may cause pain in some cases, but it is important to remember that elevated eye pressure and glaucoma can occur without any pain. If you have a type of glaucoma that causes discomfort, effective treatment can alleviate the pain.
Can glaucoma be cured with eye drops?
Prescription eye drops are the most common treatment for glaucoma. They lower intraocular pressure and help prevent damage to the optic nerve. While these drops do not cure glaucoma or restore lost vision, they can prevent the condition from worsening.