Glaucoma - Dr Pankaj Agarwal

Wed, Apr 19th 2017 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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Our speaker was  Pankaj  K Agarwal, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Lead Consultant for Glaucoma Services in NHS Lothian. His talk focused firstly on cataracts then provided us with information on glaucoma.

Pankaj advised that the word cataract means waterfall. A clean lens is required to see properly and individuals with cataracts have poorer eyesight due to opacity or cloudiness of the lens. This is caused by protein clumps coming together and clouding the lens.

Symptoms include blurring of vision, glare at night when driving, double vision and poor identification of colours. These can arise from ageing, hereditary, metabolic issues, trauma or other eye diseases.

Treatment involves surgery where the lens is replaced. This is carried out when one’s daily activities are affected. It is advisable not to leave it too late to have surgery as this can result in complications. Surgery lasts for less than 30 minutes and in 99% of cases no stitches are required. After surgery the patient should not carry out any heavy lifting for a week and after that they can continue with normal activity. Usually distance glasses will no longer be required (or a minimum prescription required to correct distance vision) and cataracts will not return.

Pankaj advised that glaucoma cannot be cured however if treatment can be timely initiated it would prevent a person from going blind.  It arises due to abnormal internal pressure on the optic nerve which becomes compressed.  Initially nothing may be noticed and up to 40% of the optic nerve fibres can be damaged before the condition becomes apparent. Eventually it can lead to tunnel vision then blindness so it is important to regularly visit an optician. Close family members are likely to be affected as well so it is important that they are made aware of their relative’s condition.  Causes include age, race and shortsightedness.

Treatment involves the use of eye drops to reduce the pressure. Surgery is an option in cases where the pressure is not reduced through use of medicines.

Mike Latimer delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the Club for an extremely enjoyable and informative talk.

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