Advanced Glaucoma Care

Diagnosis and Various Treatment Options

Glaucoma is the group of diseases that damages the optic nerve of the eye causing a gradual loss of vision. The loss of vision is very gradual and is often not noticed until the disease process is more advanced. Early detection and treatment are therefore essential to protect against serious loss of vision.

The front of the eye is filled with a clear fluid called Aqueous. The aqueous flow from behind the iris. It drains at the front through an area in the angle of the eye known as the Trabecular Meshwork.

‘Normal’ eye pressure ranges from 12 to 22 mmHg (millimetres of mercury). Eyes with pressure above 22 mmHg, but with no signs of glaucoma, are defined as having Ocular Hypertension. It is not unusual for eyes within the ‘normal’ pressure range to develop glaucoma.

How Does Glaucoma Affect Sight?

Glaucoma usually begins to affect the peripheral or side vision.

Early peripheral vision is not usually symptomatic. The brain tends to fill in the missing areas in the field of vision. It is only symptomatic when these areas begin to enlarge that patches of blurry vision or dark areas become noticeable.

Glaucoma Package

We offer a comprehensive Glaucoma package that offers superb value for your Glaucoma initial assessment continued monitoring. It includes:

A visual field test
High-resolution scanning (OCT) of your optic nerves and corneas at every visit
A complete clinical assessment by a Glaucoma specialist

Our annual fee of £400 includes two visits per year. The initial assessment fee is £100. This represents a saving of nearly 40%.

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Clinical Examination

There is no specific single test for glaucoma.

The diagnosis relies on accurate investigative tests and the clinical expertise of the professional assessing your eyes. This should include a detailed examination of the front part of your eye (anterior chamber), as well as your Optic Nerve.

A special lens is used to examine the drainage angle of the eye (gonioscope).

A check of your intraocular pressure using a device that gently touches the cornea.

Visual Field Testing

This test helps detect and monitor glaucoma. A visual field test maps out what your world looks like to you. It measures the area of vision, or how wide of an area your eye can see. It is important when taking this test that you concentrate on the fixation light in the centre. You must press the button when the blinking test light is seen with your side vision.

If you move your eyes to follow or look for the blinking lights, it decreases the reliability of the test. It also decreases the ability of your doctor to monitor your disease. Visual field shows changes that are not noticed by the patient until the damage is severe.

It is important when taking this test that you concentrate on the fixation light in the centre. You must press the button when the blinking test light is seen with your side vision. If you move your eyes to follow or look for the blinking lights, it decreases the reliability of the test. It also decreases the ability of your doctor to monitor your disease.

Areas that appear grey or black on the test results reflect areas in your vision that are blurred or missing. If your glaucoma remains uncontrolled, these areas will get darker and larger.

Corneal Thickness Measurement (Pachymetry)

This simple test measures the thickness of the central cornea and is used to help adjust for intraocular pressure measurements. Generally speaking, the thicker the cornea, the lower the true intraocular pressure.

Optic Nerve Scanning (OCT)

This is a highly sensitive objective optical scan of the optic nerve and surrounding neural structures. The OCT is capable of detecting objects of 10 microns or sometimes less in size. Good quality scans can sometimes pick up disease before they are clinically detectable by the doctor. The measurements can be compared over time to detect if the nerve has changed.

Treatment Options

Selective Laser

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) uses a laser that works at very low levels. It treats specific cells “selectively,” leaving untreated portions of the trabecular meshwork intact. For this reason, SLT may be safely repeated. SLT can be an alternative for those who have been treated unsuccessfully with pressure-lowering drops.

Drops

A number of medications are recommended by our glaucoma doctor in Yorkshire to treat glaucoma.

Your doctor may prescribe a combination of medications or change prescription over time to reduce side-effects or provide more effective treatment.

Typically medications are intended to reduce elevated intraocular pressure and prevent damage to the optic nerve.

Minimally invasive surgery (deep sclerectomy)

Deep sclerectomy has a safety advantage compared with standard filtration surgery.

This is primarily because the drainage area is created without entering into the eye.

A meticulous surgical technique is required. However, its efficacy and low rates of complications, particularly in surgically-induced cataracts, are very appealing. It makes this a procedure of choice in suitable eyes.

Trabeculectomy

In Trabeculectomy, a full-thickness cuts into the eye. It allows the fluid inside the eye to drain through a flap created from the white of the eye (Sclera).

Trabeculectomy is considered the standard operation for glaucoma. It works well for the majority of patients. The risk profile is higher than that for Deep Sclerectomy.

Most patients undergoing Trabeculectomy will need their cataract removal prior to, or at the same time as their glaucoma surgery.

Tube Implants

There are a number of different tube implants to help lower intraocular pressure.

These are usually reserved for complex cases; such as glaucoma associated with uveitis all in eyes where previous surgery has failed.

If you have any questions Call Us on 01484 977333 or alternatively schedule an appointment today

N Ahmad

I had cataract surgery and lense replacement on both my eyes this year. I was extremely apprehensive and nervous so it was very important that I find the right consultant for my operation. I searched online for a good Ophthalmologist surgeon and found Dr Musa at the Spire Elland. I cannot express how thankful I am that he was my surgeon. I am extremely happy with the outcome of my surgery. He is an extremely competent and capable surgeon. I have no doubt that I made the right choice. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Dr Musa to family and friends. Thank you Dr Musa and Spire Elland.

Ruth Hall

I was recommended to Dr Musa by my optician. I have had cataracts replaced in both eyes less than six weeks from first meeting him. He is professional and approachable. He explains everything clearly and concisely. I am highly delighted with the improvement in my eyesight and I would not hesitate to recommended him.

Cliff Stewart

Dr Musa is without doubt second to none in terms of his skills attention to detail and his approach to his patients. I am so glad I was referred to him.

David Thornborrow

I was strongly recommended by a friend to see Dr Musa for cataract removal and lens replacement surgery following routine annual examination by my optician. I found the whole process from examination through to treatment and follow up consultations first class.Needless to say the results have made such a difference to me and to my enjoyment of the world around me.My grateful thanks to Dr Musa and his team for what they have done for me.

Denise Wall

I have had surgery to remove cataracts and had lense replacement ,and just had laser treatment by Dr Musa I am a nervous person where eyes are concerned but he really put me at ease I would recommend him to family ,thank you so much.

Thomas McGarrell

Not having ant type of surgery since I was 6 now 76 years and not knowing what to expect, on meeting Dr Musa for the first time Dr Musa professional approach soon put my wife and I at ease. His bedside manner made everything clear about the surgery and post treatment we would expect. My wife Brenda had both eyes operated on in January 21, and I had both eyes operated end of April start of May, with fantastic results. I would recommend anyone to see Dr Musa. Thank you from us both.

Hannah Parry

Dr Musa is friendly, professional and takes the time to explain everything in a way I could understand. He performed LASIK to correct my terrible shortsighted vision and I cannot believe the difference - 24 hours after surgery my vision was perfect with no pain or discomfort at all. Words can’t describe how amazing it is to wake up and be able to see without reaching for my glasses. I would 100% recommend Dr Musa for this procedure, and have done to several of my glasses wearing friends already.

David Taylor

I have been a contact lens wearer since the early 1960’s with no problems until recently (2020) when my optician mentioned that my sight was deteriorating, and that he had reached the limits of what was possible with new and stronger lenses each year. A referral to Yorkshire Eye Doctor (Spire) and an appointment and discussion with Dr Musa resulted in cataract removal surgery followed by lens implants on both eyes, and an almost unbelievable improvement in sight and vision was noticeable within 24-hours. I am struggling to find superlatives to describe the ‘relationship’ that I felt existed between doctor and patient during my initial consultation, the ensuing procedure and final follow-up. Dr Musa always had the time to listen, answer my questions and queries, despite the pressure of other demands upon him. If you are reading this review and contemplating eye surgery, then do not waste time, just simply make an appointment to talk to Dr Musa. David Taylor. 20/3/2020.

Alison Armitage

I had been wearing glasses for reading since age 42 (now 60), and for driving/TV for two years. I couldn't get used to varifocal glasses so continually had to carry two pairs with me all the time. It became a nuisance so I decided to have lens replacement. From the first consultation with Dr Musa at The Spire in Elland right through to aftercare check-ups with him I couldn't have asked for more. Dr Musa is a lovely man. He put me at ease and answered all my questions in a professional manner but in a way I could understand. He recommended the trifocal lens in each eye. I had no pain whatsoever at any point of the procedure, and now (four weeks after the first eye, one week after the second) thanks to Dr Musa I have better than 20/20 vision for all 3 distances, reading, middle and far. Highly recommended in every aspect. UPDATE: A couple of months after surgery, I had blurred vision in one eye. I went back to see Dr Musa. He examined the eye and said a membrane had grown over the eye (which can happen, but not usually so quickly). He lasered the membrane away painlessly and free of charge.

Fidah

I highly recommend Dr. Musa for Laser eye surgery. I was hesitant to go ahead with laser eye surgery for 2 years, and as soon as I had a conversation with Dr. Musa I felt at ease. He explained to me thoroughly the shape of my cornea and which procedure I should go ahead with for safety reasons. Another well known mainstream company tried their best to get a sale out of me, whereas this was totally the opposite while dealing with Dr. Musa. Thank you so much!