VISION CARE IN PAPHOS

Glaucoma Screening & Monitoring in Paphos

Glaucoma can develop gradually and often without obvious early symptoms. Evaluation focuses on the optic nerve, eye pressure, imaging, and long-term follow-up so that risk can be assessed properly and changes can be detected over time. For glaucoma assessment and treatment in Paphos, Dr Valentina Stavrou provides structured monitoring with a focus on long-term stability.

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OCT optic nerve imaging Visual field testing Pressure checks & follow-up

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of conditions that can damage the optic nerve over time. In many patients, it develops slowly and without clear early symptoms, which is why regular eye examinations matter.

The goal of glaucoma care is not just to record a single pressure reading. It is to understand the whole clinical picture — including optic nerve appearance, imaging, visual field results, corneal thickness, and how findings change over time.

Often detected during a routine eye examination
Can progress without noticeable early symptoms
Monitoring focuses on long-term stability, not a single visit

Why early detection matters

Because glaucoma-related optic nerve damage is typically not reversible, early detection and consistent monitoring are central. Many people feel their vision is "fine" until meaningful change has already occurred.

Evaluation is therefore structured around identifying risk, confirming whether glaucoma is present, and deciding how closely follow-up should be planned. A comprehensive eye examination provides the baseline for this assessment.

Dr Stavrou has also contributed to peer-reviewed research in glaucoma assessment and optic nerve testing, which reflects the practice's emphasis on careful diagnostics and long-term follow-up.

What a glaucoma evaluation may include

A glaucoma visit may involve a combination of clinical examination and structured testing, depending on your history and prior results.

Intraocular pressure measurement
Slit-lamp examination
Dilated optic nerve assessment
OCT imaging of the optic nerve / nerve fiber layer
Visual field testing
Corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry) when relevant

The practice uses fundus-tracked perimetry technology for glaucoma assessment, one of the most advanced forms of visual field testing currently available.

Comparing results over time is one of the most important parts of glaucoma care.

Who may need regular glaucoma checks?

Regular monitoring may be especially important for people with a family history of glaucoma, elevated eye pressure, increasing age, high myopia, diabetes, or long-term steroid exposure in selected cases.

Not everyone needs the same follow-up schedule. Intervals are individualized based on risk, examination findings, and whether previous testing has remained stable.

Treatment and monitoring options

When glaucoma or ocular hypertension is confirmed, management may include observation, eye drops, laser treatment, or surgical care depending on the type of glaucoma and the level of risk.

The right plan depends on pressure levels, optic nerve findings, test results, and whether there is evidence of progression over time.

Monitoring without immediate treatment in selected cases
Pressure-lowering eye drops
Laser treatment such as SLT in appropriate patients
YAG peripheral iridotomy for selected narrow-angle anatomy
Referral onward for surgery when required

When urgent assessment matters

Urgent eye assessment is important if you develop sudden severe eye pain, marked redness, halos around lights, nausea or vomiting with eye pain, or a sudden drop in vision.

These symptoms do not automatically mean glaucoma, but they should not be ignored. Learn more about when to seek urgent eye assessment.

Glaucoma care

Next steps and related care

Glaucoma assessment often sits within broader ophthalmology care, especially when patients also need general eye examination, cataract review, or retinal evaluation.

Glaucoma suspects and ocular hypertension

Some patients do not have confirmed glaucoma but do need monitoring because of elevated pressure, optic nerve appearance, or borderline test results. In these situations, follow-up is often focused on detecting true change over time before making long-term treatment decisions.

Laser treatment in selected cases

Laser may form part of glaucoma management depending on the clinical picture. SLT can be used in suitable open-angle cases, while YAG peripheral iridotomy may be considered for selected narrow-angle anatomy after assessment.

Cataracts and glaucoma

Cataracts and glaucoma often overlap, especially as patients get older. Blurred vision or glare may relate to cataract, glaucoma, dry eye, or a combination of factors, which is why a proper examination matters. Learn more about cataract surgery.

Related ophthalmology pages

Frequently Asked Questions about glaucoma

Does glaucoma always cause symptoms early on?

No. Many patients with glaucoma notice no early symptoms, which is why regular examinations and monitoring are important.

Who may benefit from glaucoma assessment?

Assessment may be particularly relevant for patients with a family history of glaucoma, raised eye pressure, increasing age, high myopia, diabetes, or optic nerve findings that need follow-up over time.

Is a high eye pressure reading enough to diagnose glaucoma?

Not by itself. Eye pressure is one part of the picture, but optic nerve findings, imaging, visual field testing, corneal thickness, and follow-up over time also matter.

Can glaucoma be cured?

Treatment is aimed at reducing risk and slowing or preventing progression. The focus is on protecting vision over time through monitoring and treatment when needed.

Do all patients with glaucoma need laser treatment?

No. Some patients are monitored, some use drops, some may benefit from laser, or may need surgery. The right approach depends on the type of glaucoma and the clinical findings.