Dr Tu Tran

Melbourne Ophthalmologist

Eye surgeon specialising in Cataract, Glaucoma and Pterygium

Glaucoma

Dr Tran sub-specialises in Glaucoma
Having trained extensively in this field, Dr Tran is highly skilled and experienced in diagnosing and managing all types of glaucoma. An example of the services provided include:
Comprehensive examinations and history taking to identify risk factors. Examinations usually include testing of:
  • optic nerve check with an ophthalmoscope
  • eye pressure check (tonometry)
  • visual field assessment if needed - this tests the sensitivity of the side vision, where glaucoma strikes first
Diagnosing of all types of glaucoma including:
  • Angle closure
  • Open angle
  • Uveitic
  • Aphakic
  • Traumatic
  • Post surgical
Investigations for glaucoma including:
  • Field testing
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
  • Disc photography
Treatment including:
  • Topical medications (eye drops)
  • Laser procedures including:
  • Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
  • Peripheral Iridotomy (PI)
  • Cyclodiode laser
  • Surgery
  • - Trabeculectomy
  • - Glaucoma drainage devices ( tube shunts)
  • - Mninmally invasive glaucoma surgery ( MIGS) - istent, Hydrus, Xen gel stent
Long term management of complex glaucoma
The Silent Thief
Glaucoma is the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness. It is also considered largely an invisible disease with 50% of Australians who have glaucoma are still undiagnosed.
Statistics show that 1 in 8 Australians over 80 will develop glaucoma, with higher risk if there is:
  • a family history of glaucoma
  • diabetes
  • migraine
  • short sightedness (myopia)
  • long sightedness (hyperopia)
  • eye injuries
  • blood pressure
  • past or present use of cortisone drugs (steroids)

With Australia's ageing population, glaucoma is becoming more and more prevalent and an increasing health concern for health practitioners.
Early Detection
As there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection is still the best means of slowing or halting the progression of glaucoma to reduce vision loss.
We recommend regular eye examinations in order to detect glaucoma early, providing the best chance of choosing the right treatment to slow down or even prevent further loss of sight.
Treatments can include:
  • Eyedrops - these are the most common form of treatment and must be used regularly. The drops can be varied to best suit the patient and the type of glaucoma.
  • Laser (laser trabeculoplasty) - this is performed as first line treatment to avoid the use of drops. It also can be used as adjuvant treatment when eye drops do not stop deterioration in the field of vision. In many cases eye drops will need to be continued after laser. Laser does not require a hospital stay.
  • Surgery (trabeculectomy) - this is indicated if eye drops and laser have failed to control the eye pressure or visual field progression in glaucoma. A new channel for the fluid to leave the eye is created.
  • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery - the latest surgical method for reducing intraocular pressure in the eye. This can be performed with or wiithout cataract surgery.

See your optometrist or ophthalmologist if your have any concerns.
Dr Tu Tran
Melbourne Ophthalmologist Cataract, Glaucoma and Pterygium Surgery
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