Glaucoma is a common eye disease that affects the optic nerve connecting the eye to the brain and if not detected and treated early can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. It occurs when the drainage area at the back of the eye becomes blocked; causing fluid to build up and pressure inside the eye to increase. Vision loss starts to occur when the pressure inside the eye becomes too high and damages the optic nerve. According to The World Health Organization glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world and the leading cause of irreversible blindness.

1. New Treatment Offering
Relief for Glaucoma Patients
Phone: (+61) 3 9459 5133
Fax: 03 9455 2451
Email: info@eyecentre.com.auWebsite: https://www.eyecentre.com.au/

2. What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic
nerve caused by eye pressure. The
optic nerve becomes damaged and
the patient starts to lose peripheral
vision. If left untreated total
irreversible blindness may occur.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of
blindness in people over 60 years
old. Early detection and treatment
may prevent the development of
blindness.

3. Who is at risk of Developing Glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, however there are a number of factors that can increases a
persons risk of developing glaucoma at some point in their lives. These include:
• Having a first degree relative with glaucoma
• Being over the age of 40
• Having diabetes
• Having had a serious eye injury
• Having used steroid medications over long
periods of time
• Having high blood pressure (hypertension)

4. How is Glaucoma Treated?
Daily medicated eye drops are the most common form of treatment prescribed for
glaucoma. There are several classes of drops, which work in different ways. Some eye
drops work to reduce intraocular pressure by increasing drainage outflow from the eye;
others reduce the formation of fluid within the eye. While eye drops are the least invasive
form of glaucoma treatment they are not without side effects and since glaucoma often
has no symptoms, people may be tempted to stop taking, or may forget to take their eye
drops. It has been estimated that approximately half of all glaucoma patients don’t take
their glaucoma medication as prescribed, increasing the risk of permanent, irreversible
visual loss.

5. Fortunately in the last few years a new
treatment option has become available to
people who are unable or unwilling to use
medicated eye drops. This form of
treatment is know collectively as Minimally
Invasive Glaucoma Surgery or MIGS. At
the Northern Eye Centre we offer
glaucoma patients the option of MIGS
using the iStent inject device.
iStent Inject Device, from Glaukos

6. Contact Info & Details
Heidelberg
Phone: 03 9459 5133
Fax: 03 9455 2451
47 Burgundy Street
Heidelberg Victoria 3084
Swan Hill
Phone: 03 9459 5133
Fax: 03 9455 2451
Swan Hill Primary Health
31 High Street, Swan Hill VIC 3585
Mildura
Phone: 03 5023 7479
Fax: 03 9544 2451
Mildura Eye Specialists –
145 Langtree Ave, Mildura VIC
3500
Email: info@eyecentre.com.auWebsite: www.eyecentre.com.au