One Stop Glaucoma Clinic at Springfield Hospital

This is a Specialist Consultant led service using the latest technology to detect and treat people with glaucoma to prevent glaucoma blindness.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of conditions in which the optic nerve suffers a characteristic form of damage at the back of the eye. The optic nerve damage causes patchy loss of vision that varies in severity.

Glaucoma is one of the most preventable causes of blindness in the UK. Without treatment, the loss of vision usually gets worse over time. The loss of vision in glaucoma is permanent, but with early treatment, the damage to vision can be minimised.

Common risk factors include

- Family history of glaucoma

- Aged over 40

- African-Caribbean origin

How do you detect glaucoma?

Often glaucoma damage is not noticed because:

- An affected eye can "fill in" for the other

- The detailed central vision is not affected until a late stage

- People wrongly assume that reduced vision is due to age

The Specialist Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon examines the eyes using full state of the art technology with five diagnostic tests of pressure, function and structure of the eye to detect glaucoma.

1. Laser Scan of the optic nerve

The Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph provides exceptional detail of the structure of the optic nerve. The statistical analysis makes it possible to detect glaucoma damage before vision is lost.

2. Computerised visual field assessment

Our Orthoptist uses the Humphrey Field Analyser to map out the function of the retina, at the back of your eye. It detects less sensitive and blank areas of your field of vision and provides statistical information of glaucoma which may vary from visit to visit.

3. Eye pressure (Tonometry)

The pressure inside the eye is measured using the gold standard applanation tonometer attached to the slit lamp. Anaesthetic eye drops with yellow dye are used to allow the instrument to touch the front of the eye.

4. Central corneal thickness

The Pachymeter measures the thickness of the front surface of the eye to provide a more accurate interpretation of the pressure inside the eye. For example a thick cornea over estimates a higher pressure reading.

5. Ophthalmic Assessment

The health of the retina, optic disc and structures of the eye are examined using a slit lamp and ophthalmoscope by the Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon. Eye drops are used to dilate your pupils; they will temporarily affect your vision for 2-4 hours. You are advised not to drive immediately afterwards.

The Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon reviews all the results to provide the most advanced analysis to assess if glaucoma is present. If glaucoma is present, you will be offered the latest advice and treatment and opportunity to monitor any changes.

How do you treat glaucoma?

Treatment is by eye drops, tablets, laser light beam or surgery.

The Specialist Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon in charge is

Mr Petros Andreou BM.,FRCOphth

Website: http://www.petrosandreou.co.uk

Email pandreou@aol.com

Secretary Tel 01245 514580

Our Orthoptist is

Ms Helen Collett DBO D

Website: www.privateorthoptist.com

Email Helcollett@aol.com

Tel/Fax 01787 472195

For more information

International Glaucoma Association

http://www.glaucoma-association.com

Tel 0845 766 9999

How do I book?

Springfield Hospital Tel 01245 234040

Please book a separate 40 minute appointment for diagnostics with Helen Collett prior to your consultation with Mr Petros Andreou, the Specialist Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon.

You should contact your GP or Optician to seek a referral letter to the Consultant and Orthoptist prior to booking your appointment. Please bring your glasses for reading and distance vision and your most recent prescription for glasses.

Payment options

There are separate invoices for diagnostics with our Orthoptist and consultation with the Consultant, settled directly with Insurance companies or by cheque with self pay patients.

Helen Collett, www.privateorthoptist.com

March 2008