Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which damage to the optic nerve causes gradual loss of peripheral vision. While it can occur at any stage, risk of glaucoma increases with age. A family history of glaucoma can also increase this risk. 

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Glaucoma has very few symptoms in its early stages. While treatment cannot restore vision that has been lost due to glaucoma, it is possible to prevent further loss. Diagnosis of glaucoma requires several tests to assess your optic nerves and your peripheral vision. At Milburn and Neill we have one of the most sophisticated OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scanners available to help diagnose glaucoma early and accurately. 

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Our optometrists are therapeutically endorsed to independently manage glaucoma by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board. This means not only can we monitor and diagnose glaucoma, we can treat glaucoma too. 

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Treatment usually involves the use of medicated eye drops to lower the pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). We are also able to refer for laser treatment or surgery if necessary. 

Heidelberg Spectralis OCT

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) allows your optometrist to visualise individual layers of your retina using a non-invasive scan of your eye. The OCT uses infra-red light to image your retina.

The OCT is crucial in detecting glaucoma to monitor changes to the structure of the optic nerve head. It is also used to diagnose and monitor other eye diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinal disease.

At Milburn and Neill, we are proud to offer one of the best OCTs available as part of our comprehensive services; the Heidelberg Spectralis OCT.

A Spectralis OCT has been used at the International Space Station (ISS) since 2013 to investigate Space Flight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) in astronauts. A newer module of Spectralis OCT was successfully installed at the ISS in December 2018. This module was launched by NASA aboard the Antares 230 Cygnus CRS OA-9, also known as Orbital Sciences CRS Flight 9E in May 2018.