Early Detection For Glaucoma Sufferers, UK

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 17 Sep 2008 - 0:00 PST

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Lincolnshire residents at risk from an eye disease that is a major cause of blindness can now take advantage of state-of-the-art equipment at David Burghardt Vision Care for early detection of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is one of the main causes of severe vision loss and can affect anyone, especially those with a family history of the condition, shortsightedness or blood pressure problems.

The new Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph (HRT 3) at leading optometrist David Burghardt Vision Care in Nettleham detects signs of the progressive disease up to eight years earlier than conventional techniques.

The revolutionary instrument uses a high-resolution laser scanner to make a 3D precision measurement of the optic nerve head at the back of the eye where the damage occurs.

During the examination, which takes a few seconds, it measures up to 28 million individual points which are then analysed through a computer system to assess the optic nerve head's condition.

With such early detection glaucoma can be prevented from developing and causing permanent harm to the eye, including complete blindness.

David Burghardt is one of only three practitioners in Lincolnshire to offer this early high-tech glaucoma detection, which is not widely available even in hospital clinics.

Many of David's glaucoma assessments are carried out as a result of referrals from doctors or other optometrists, but anyone can book an appointment if they are concerned about glaucoma.

David said: "By offering this new service to our patients we are hoping to detect any signs of glaucoma much earlier than we could before through more traditional methods.

"If caught early enough it can be treated simply with eye drops to prevent any further damage. I would recommend that people take glaucoma seriously and get checked regularly for the disease."

For more information on David Burghardt Vision Care or to book a glaucoma assessment, visit http://www.davidburghardt.co.uk.

Notes

- The Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph (HRT 3) is produced by Heidelberg Engineering.

- David Burghardt Vision Care first opened in Lincoln in 1984 and the practice relocated to Nettleham in 1989. David Burghardt also practises at Vision Care @No8 off Bailgate in Lincoln.

- David Burghardt has an impressive list of specialist qualifications to his name, including a Diploma in Contact Lens Practice and a Diploma in Therapeutics.

- The award-winning David Burghardt Vision Care was shortlisted in two categories in The Optician Awards: Independent Practice of the Year and Software Practice of the Year. The practice was also awarded the Rodenstock Impression ILT Lens Practice of the Year in 2006 and still holds this title.

- David Burghardt is one of only two practitioners in the Lincoln area to offer orthokeratology - the use of rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, normally worn only at night, to improve vision through the reshaping of the cornea.

- David Burghardt Vision Care also offers pre- and post-laser care, including assessment for laser treatment, as well as a large selection of quality spectacle frames and sunglasses.

David Burghardt Vision Care