Glaucoma Care
Harley Street, London
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can cause irreversible vision loss without warning symptoms. As one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, glaucoma demands expert attention, early detection, and advanced treatment approaches. Miss Shreya Haldar’s comprehensive glaucoma services combine cutting-edge diagnostic technology with the most innovative treatment options available, ensuring that patients receive world-class care in the heart of London.
Understanding glaucoma’s complexity requires recognising that it encompasses a group of eye conditions rather than a single disease. What unites these conditions is their potential to damage the optic nerve, the vital connection between your eye and brain that carries visual information. When this damage occurs, vision loss follows, typically starting with peripheral vision and progressing inward if left untreated.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma represents a complex group of eye diseases characterised by progressive optic nerve damage that can lead to irreversible vision loss. The condition affects over 700,000 people in the UK alone, with many more undiagnosed due to its often asymptomatic nature in the early stages.
The optic nerve consists of over one million nerve fibres that transmit visual information from the retina to the brain. In glaucoma, these fibres become damaged and die, creating blind spots in the visual field. The insidious nature of this process means that significant damage can occur before patients notice any vision problems.
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the primary risk factor for glaucoma development and progression, though normal-pressure glaucoma can also occur. The eye continuously produces aqueous humour, a clear fluid that maintains eye shape and nourishes internal structures. This fluid normally drains through the trabecular meshwork, but when drainage becomes impaired, pressure builds up inside the eye.
Types of Glaucoma
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
This is the most common form, accounting for approximately 90% of glaucoma cases. The drainage angle appears normal, but the trabecular meshwork gradually becomes less efficient at draining aqueous humour. The condition develops slowly and painlessly, making regular eye examinations crucial for early detection.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
In this form, the iris physically blocks the drainage angle, preventing aqueous humour from flowing out of the eye. This can occur gradually (chronic angle-closure) or suddenly (acute angle-closure). Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
Normal-Pressure Glaucoma
Some patients develop optic nerve damage despite having intraocular pressures within the statistically normal range. This condition highlights the importance of comprehensive optic nerve assessment beyond pressure measurement alone.
Secondary Glaucoma
Various eye conditions, injuries, medications, or systemic diseases can lead to increased eye pressure and glaucomatous damage. These include trauma, inflammation, certain medications, and complications from other eye surgeries.
Risk Factors and Causes
Age represents the most significant risk factor, with glaucoma prevalence increasing substantially after age 60. However, the condition can affect people of all ages, including infants with congenital glaucoma.
Family history plays a crucial role, with first-degree relatives of glaucoma patients having a four to nine times higher risk of developing the condition. This genetic predisposition underscores the importance of regular screening for family members of affected individuals.
Ethnicity influences glaucoma risk significantly. People of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent face higher risks for different types of glaucoma. African ancestry increases the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma, whilst Asian populations have higher rates of angle-closure glaucoma.
Medical conditions that increase glaucoma risk include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and thyroid problems. Previous eye injuries or surgeries can also predispose to glaucoma development.
Certain medications, particularly long-term corticosteroid use, can increase intraocular pressure and glaucoma risk. This includes steroid eye drops, oral steroids, and even steroid nasal sprays when used extensively.
The Importance of Early Detection
Glaucoma’s reputation as the “silent thief of sight” stems from its ability to cause significant vision loss before patients notice symptoms. The visual field loss typically begins in the periphery, where it’s least noticeable during daily activities. By the time central vision is affected, substantial optic nerve damage has already occurred.
Regular comprehensive eye examinations are essential for early glaucoma detection. Miss Haldar’s glaucoma screening programme utilises advanced diagnostic technology to identify the earliest signs of glaucomatous damage, often years before patients would notice vision changes.
Early detection matters because glaucoma treatment aims to prevent further vision loss rather than restore lost sight. The earlier treatment begins, the more vision can be preserved over a lifetime. Studies consistently show that patients diagnosed and treated early maintain better vision and quality of life compared to those diagnosed later in the disease process.
Why Choose Miss Shreya Haldar for Glaucoma Care?
Miss Haldar’s expertise as a consultant ophthalmic surgeon encompasses the full spectrum of glaucoma care, from early detection through the most advanced glaucoma surgery. Her commitment to staying current with the latest advances ensures that patients benefit from cutting-edge treatments and techniques.
Her comprehensive approach considers not only the clinical aspects of glaucoma but also how the condition and its treatment affect daily life. This patient-centred perspective ensures that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
Located on Harley Street in London, Miss Haldar’s practice provides access to the most advanced diagnostic equipment and treatment options. The combination of state-of-the-art technology and surgical expertise ensures optimal outcomes for patients with all types of glaucoma.
Her experience with the latest MIGS devices and surgical techniques means that patients receive the most appropriate treatment for their specific condition. Whether simple laser treatment or complex surgical intervention is required, Miss Haldar’s expertise ensures the best possible outcomes.
The practice’s commitment to education helps patients understand their condition and treatment options, enabling informed decision-making and better treatment adherence. This collaborative approach improves outcomes and enhances patient satisfaction.
Don’t let glaucoma silently steal your sight. Miss Shreya Haldar’s comprehensive glaucoma services provide the expert care needed to preserve your vision for life. Contact our Harley Street practice today to arrange your consultation and protect your precious eyesight with London’s leading glaucoma specialist. Early detection and expert treatment make all the difference in maintaining your visual independence.