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Breakthrough treatment for glaucoma sufferers

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>An eye implant that's smaller than a grain of sand has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of glaucoma, which is a leading cause of blindness. </p> <p>The implant measures just 0.2mm by 1mm and is a tiny polyester plug that gradually releases bimatoprost.</p> <p>This is a drug that's already found in eye drops that are often prescribed to patients to treat glaucoma. </p> <p>With more than seven in ten patients failing to use the drops properly, this highly reduces the benefit of the drug and others suffer from side-effects of the eye drops.</p> <p>It is hoped that the implant will improve treatment as well as slow down the progression of the disease.</p> <p>Glaucoma is most common in people in their 70s and 80s and is often caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye.</p> <p>This increases pressure in the eye and squeezes the optic nerve, killing some of the fibres needed to transmit information to the brain and leads to a loss of vision.</p> <p>The implant's benefits last for around eight months, with a patient only being able to be fitted for one.</p> <p>It is hoped in the future that they are able to have replacements when needed.</p> <p>"Anything that makes it easier for people to manage glaucoma is a good thing," says Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, clinical adviser for the College of Optometrists.</p> <p>"Implants are a possible option, but recent research suggests that a pressure-lowering laser treatment called selective laser trabeculoplasty may be even more helpful."</p> </div> </div> </div>

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5 signs you might have glaucoma

<p>Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the world.</p> <p>But did you know that up to 50 per cent of glaucoma sufferers remain undiagnosed until the damage is too far gone to be treated effectively.</p> <p>In recognition of World Glaucoma Week, leading ophthalmologist Dr Andrew White shares some of the warning signs that indicate you have glaucoma.</p> <p>Dr White also recommends anyone over 60 to go for biannual check-ups, as early diagnosis can prevent long-term damage and be treated if detected early enough.</p> <p><strong>Family history –</strong> if anyone in your family is undergoing treatment for glaucoma or has been diagnosed you should get your own eyes tested immediately. People with a family history of glaucoma are 10 times more likely to develop the condition than others.</p> <p><strong>Unusual sensitivity to light or glare –</strong> if you’re experiencing uncomfortable sensations around halogen lights such as car headlights, fluorescent lights mainly seen in offices or notice any pressure or eye pain with light or glare it may be a sign that you’re developing glaucoma. </p> <p><strong>Existing conditions such as diabetes or sleep apnoea –</strong> if you happen to suffer from diabetes, sleep apnoea, migraines or myopia (short sightedness), you could be more at risk of developing glaucoma.</p> <p><strong>Loss of peripheral vision or blind spots –</strong> if you’re unable to notice what’s happening out of the far corners of your eyes or even just blind spots in your vision it could be an early sign of glaucoma.</p> <p><strong>No symptoms –</strong> one of the most disturbing things about glaucoma is the majority of people show no early warning signs or symptoms. Treatment cannot recover lost vision but can at least arrest or slow down deterioration, which is why it is so important to get regular eye checks when you can. </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/03/couple-give-60-million-lottery-away/"><strong>Couple gives $60 million lottery win away</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/03/find-letter-t-image-puzzle/"><strong>Can you find the letter “T” in this image?</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/03/stunning-images-antarctica-remote-beauty/"><strong>Stunning images of Antarctica’s remote beauty</strong></a></em></span></p>

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Common questions about glaucoma answered

<p>Here are the most common questions about glaucoma answered. Just remember that any concerns you have should be raised with a healthcare professional.</p> <p><strong>What is glaucoma?</strong></p> <p>Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve at the back of the eye is slowly destroyed. In most people this damage is due to an increased pressure inside the eye – a result of blockage of the circulation of aqueous, or its drainage. In other people, the damage may be caused by poor blood supply to the vital optic nerve fibres, a weakness in the structure of the nerve, and/or a problem in the health of the nerve fibres themselves.</p> <p><strong>What glaucoma treatments are available?</strong></p> <p>Doctors usually prescribe special glaucoma eye drops but if the drops don’t work, surgery is often the next step.</p> <p><strong>When my eyes feel dry, can I take more of my glaucoma drops?</strong></p> <p>The short answer: no. Glaucoma drops can themselves have a side effect of causing dry eyes so increasing the drops could actually exacerbate the dryness. Always follow the instructions that come with prescribed drops and consult your eye care professional if there are any problems.</p> <p><strong>What is the ideal eye pressure?</strong></p> <p>It varies for each individual and is dependent on personal history, exam, and testing. One size does not fit all when it comes to an ideal eye pressure target.</p> <p><strong>Does high blood pressure affect my eye pressure?</strong></p> <p>Increased blood pressure over a long period of time can lead to decrease circulation of blood to your eye, which can affect your glaucoma.</p> <p><strong>Can I take my drop every other day to save on drops?</strong></p> <p>Glaucoma drops are specifically formulated medications so instructions for application should be followed to the letter.</p> <p><strong>Can I still wear contact lenses if I have glaucoma?</strong></p> <p>This depends on the type of glaucoma treatment your doctor selects for you. It is usually possible for you to continue wearing contacts if you use eye drops, although you need to consult your doctor.</p>

Eye Care