The unseen danger of glaucoma
In the UK:
Over 700,000 people have glaucoma, but half are undiagnosed.
Once vision is lost to glaucoma, it cannot be recovered.
The risk of developing glaucoma increases significantly after the age of 40, which is why regular eye examinations are vital.
The key to preserving vision is early detection. If we can diagnose glaucoma early, treatments such as eye drops, laser, or surgery are highly effective at slowing or stopping its progression. Book today if you're due a sight exam.
The "Silent Thief of Sight" and how we fight back with Nidek OCT technology
The 8th March to the 14th March 2026 marks World Glaucoma Week, a critical global initiative aimed at raising awareness about glaucoma, the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. At Barracloughs, we are committed to providing the highest standard of eyecare. That's why we are using this opportunity to highlight how advanced technology, specifically our hospital-grade Nidek Retina Scan Duo OCT, is revolutionising how we detect and manage this condition, helping us save the sight of our patients across East Sussex.
Why we must talk about glaucoma
Glaucoma is often nicknamed the "silent thief of sight." The primary challenge is that the most common form, Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG), develops extremely slowly. There are usually no warning signs - no pain, no blurriness - until the condition is advanced.
Glaucoma causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from your eye to your brain. This damage is most often, but not always, associated with raised pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure).
Our Advanced Diagnostics
The Nidek Retina Scan Duo OCT
World Glaucoma Week is the perfect time to showcase the investment we have made in your eyecare. The Nidek Retina Scan Duo is not just an eye scanner; it is a critical tool in our diagnostic arsenal, a hybrid system that provides both highly detailed cross-sectional scans (OCT) and advanced colour fundus photos simultaneously.
Here is why this technology is a game-changer for detecting glaucoma early:
Seeing below the surface: OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)
Our standard eye test always includes checking your eye pressure and looking at the surface of your optic nerve. OCT scans, however, go much deeper. They act like an ultrasound scan for the eye, but use light waves instead of sound to capture incredibly high-resolution, micrometre-scale 3D images.
The critical zones for glaucoma detection
The Nidek scanner allows us to measure two essential areas that are affected by glaucoma, often long before you notice any symptoms:
A. The RNFL: Protecting Your Optic Nerve
The Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) is the 'cable' of nerve fibres that bundle together to form your optic nerve. Glaucoma damages these fibres, causing the layer to thin. Our OCT system can precisely measure the thickness of this layer around the optic disc and compare it to a large 'normative database' (see our visualization below).
Think of it as a traffic light system. It compares your eye's measurements to a statistically average 'normal' eye. If your RNFL is thinner than average, the software flags this in red or yellow, allowing us to spot potential issues years earlier than traditional methods.
B. The GCC: Spotting Damage at the Source
The Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC) is located in the macula (the part of your retina responsible for detailed, central vision). Evidence suggests that these delicate ganglion cells are often damaged first in glaucoma, before the nerve layer around the optic nerve thins. The Nidek OCT can isolate and measure this complex, giving us one of the earliest indicators of pre-symptomatic glaucoma.
High-definition imaging
The integrated fundus camera captures a high-resolution, 12-megapixel photo of the optic nerve head itself. This allows us to visually inspect the disc for subtle signs, such as "cupping" (changes in the shape of the optic nerve head). When combined with the quantitative OCT measurements, it provides the ultimate 'all-in-one' screening tool.
Make this World Glaucoma Week count
Your vision is precious, and glaucoma is preventable if caught early. If you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or have concerns about your vision, we strongly advise you to book a comprehensive eye examination that includes an OCT scan.
Our investment in Nidek technology means we can see more of your eye than ever before. This World Glaucoma Week, don't let the silent thief win. Book your appointment today.
