Glaucoma (glaucomatous optic neuropathy) is slow in onset and progression, but does lead to irreversible vision loss if unchecked. This underscores the importance of early detect and treatment. Some of the principle risk factors for the chronic varieties are advanced age, positive family history, African ancestry, high intraocular pressure and pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The rarer acute forms of the disease affect the elderly, highly hyperopic individuals and those with uncontrolled diabetic eye disease or neglected cataracts.
Patients with a family history of glaucoma, or those with a personal concern about glaucoma, can be evaluated for the clinical signs of the disease by an appropriately trained and equipped optometrist (Optometrists role: consensus).
Patients known to have glaucoma, or glaucoma suspects on treatment, should be under the care of an ophthalmologist.
Ophthalmologists with an interest in glaucoma include:
* These clinicians have sub-specialty training in Glaucoma
Referral Types
