M I N I M A L LY I N VAS I V E
G L A U C O M A
S U R G E R Y
Dr Heather Russell | Ophthalmologist
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye where vision is lost due to damage to the
optic nerve, usually as a result of high pressure inside the eye - intraocular
pressure (IOP). It is estimated to affect 2.3 percent of the Australian
population aged 55 years and over, and remains the second leading cause
of blindness worldwide.
The level of eye pressure at which damage occurs to the optic nerve varies between
people. Lowering IOP is the only effective way to slow glaucoma progression and the
resultant visual field loss. Traditionally, medical management with glaucoma drops and/or
laser therapy have been the mainstay of treatment for mild to moderate glaucoma.
Glaucoma drops effectively lower IOP and have a proven safety record, but they can cause
troublesome side-effects such as exacerbation of dry eye disease, which can lead to problems
with compliance (correct administration and dosing of drops) and persistence (regularity of
use of drops). Furthermore, compliance with glaucoma drops can be further reduced when
more than one medication is required.
14 | Pindara Magazine ISSUE 12 | 2018