Glaucoma testing in Bristol

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions typified by an increased fluid pressure inside the eye. The increased pressure causes compression and damage of the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Elevated eye pressure is the greatest risk factor for optic nerve damage in glaucoma. If unrecognised and untreated, glaucoma can cause partial vision loss, with blindness as a possible eventual outcome.

Around 9 out of every 10 cases of glaucoma reported, are open-angle, or chronic. Open-angle glaucoma is most often seen in older patients and stems from the gradual thinning and blockage of the area separating the eye’s iris and cornea. This blockage, which grows over time, inhibits the flow of necessary fluid in the eye. Open-angle glaucoma can go largely unnoticed as it shows no external symptoms, only a worsening of vision, which can appear natural.

Angle-closure or closed-angle glaucoma, is different from open-angle because it can appear suddenly. Patients suffering from closed-angle glaucoma report a high level of eye pain. Although the pain can cause great discomfort, it acts an advanced warning of a problem before permanent damage is caused. At Mike Cees Opticians, we use a series of assessments to detect glaucoma. Our qualified opticians have many years of experience and will ensure all the tests are conducted in a clean and safe environment. Call us if you need more information on our glaucoma and macular degeneration screening.