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ConditionandTreatments

Overview

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that lead to damage of the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP). This condition is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Early detection and treatment are crucial to managing the disease and preserving vision.

Signs and Symptoms

Glaucoma can be asymptomatic in its early stages, which is why regular eye exams are important. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

  • Gradual loss of peripheral vision
  • Tunnel vision in advanced stages
  • Blurred vision
  • Halos around lights
  • Eye pain or discomfort (more common in acute angle-closure glaucoma)

Who are the People at Risk of Glaucoma?

  • People with diabetes
  • Spectacle wearers - Myopia / Hypermetropia
  • Steroid users
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • Thyroid diseases
  • Other eye diseases (e.g., uveitis, vitreous hemorrhage, major eye surgery)
  • Eye injury

Types

Open-Angle Glaucoma:

The most common form, where the drainage canals become clogged over time, leading to gradual vision loss.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma:

Occurs when the iris blocks the drainage angle of the eye, resulting in sudden and severe symptoms, including headache and nausea.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma:

Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure.

Congenital Glaucoma:

A rare form present at birth due to abnormal eye development.

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosing glaucoma often requires regular eye exams, as the condition can be asymptomatic. An eye doctor may perform several painless tests to assess for glaucoma, including:

  • Dilated Eye Exam: To examine the optic nerve.
  • Gonioscopy: To view the drainage angle.
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): To detect changes in the optic nerve.
  • Tonometry: To measure intraocular pressure.
  • Pachymetry: To determine corneal thickness.
  • Slit-Lamp Exam: For a detailed view of the eye's interior.
  • Visual Acuity Test: To assess overall vision.
  • Visual Field Test: To check for peripheral vision changes.

Treatment

Treatment for glaucoma aims to lower IOP and prevent further optic nerve damage. Approaches include:

Medications:

  • Eye Drops: Commonly prescribed to reduce eye pressure. They may include prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
  • Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications may be used in conjunction with eye drops.

Surgery:

  • Laser Surgery: Procedures like laser trabeculoplasty can enhance fluid drainage from the eye.
  • Traditional Surgery: For advanced cases, surgical options such as creating a new drainage pathway (trabeculectomy) may be necessary.

Prevention

Early detection of glaucoma through routine eye exams is the best way to protect eye health and prevent vision loss. Glaucoma testing should occur every:

  • One to three years after age 35 for people at high risk.
  • Two to four years before age 40.
  • One to three years between ages 40 and 54.
  • One to two years between ages 55 to 64.
  • Six months to 12 months after age 65.

FAQs

  • Can glaucoma be cured?

    No, while there is no cure for glaucoma, it can be effectively managed to prevent further vision loss.

  • How often should I have my eyes checked for glaucoma?

    It is recommended to have regular eye exams, especially if you are over 40 or have risk factors such as family history, high eye pressure, or diabetes.

  • Is glaucoma hereditary?

    Yes, family history can increase the risk of developing glaucoma. It’s important to inform your eye doctor if glaucoma runs in your family.

  • What lifestyle changes can help manage glaucoma?

    Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, can support eye health.

For more information or to schedule an eye examination, please contact Yatharth Hospital. Early detection and treatment are key to managing glaucoma effectively.

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