Glaucoma
General information
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that result in progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. This nerve is vital, as it acts as the “cable” that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain.
In most cases, the damage is associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), which compresses the delicate fibers of the optic nerve. It is known as the “silent thief of sight” because the loss of peripheral vision is gradual and often goes unnoticed until the disease is very advanced.
Important: Once damage has occurred, it cannot be reversed, but timely treatment can stop or slow the progression of the disease and preserve remaining vision.
Types of Glaucoma and Treatment Options
Glaucoma treatment always focuses on reducing and controlling Intraocular Pressure (IOP).
1. Open-Angle Glaucoma (Chronic)
Description: This is the most common type. The eye’s drainage system slowly becomes blocked over time, causing a gradual increase in IOP.
Main Treatments:
Eye Drops: Medications applied daily to reduce the production of aqueous humor or improve its drainage.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): An outpatient laser procedure that improves the function of the eye’s natural drainage tissue, facilitating fluid outflow.
Filtering Surgery (Trabeculectomy): A surgical procedure that creates a new drainage pathway for fluid to leave the eye and reduce pressure.
2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic)
Description: Occurs when the iris partially or completely blocks the drainage angle, causing a rapid and often painful increase in pressure. An acute attack is a medical emergency.
Main Treatments:
Peripheral Laser Iridotomy: A small hole is made in the iris to restore normal fluid flow to the drainage angle.
Surgery: May be required in chronic cases or after an acute attack, similar to filtering surgery.
3. Secondary Glaucoma
Description: Glaucoma caused by another medical condition, such as an eye injury, severe inflammation, prolonged use of certain medications (steroids), or previous surgery.
Treatments: Focused on treating both the underlying cause and controlling intraocular pressure (IOP).
Who is a good candidate for a glaucoma screening?
Early detection is key. Everyone should have routine IOP (intraocular pressure) checks to prevent vision loss from glaucoma. The following are risk factors:
Age: Being over 40 years old.
Family History: Having immediate family members (parents, siblings) diagnosed with glaucoma.
High Eye Pressure: Diagnosis of ocular hypertension (elevated IOP without nerve damage).
Medical Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, or high myopia (nearsightedness).
What to expect during the diagnostic process?
Diagnosing glaucoma requires more than just measuring eye pressure. It is a comprehensive evaluation process:
Intraocular Pressure Measurement (Tonometry): To determine your IOP level.
Optic Nerve Examination (Ophthalmoscopy and OCT): The specialist examines your optic nerve and uses Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to measure the thickness of the nerve fibers and look for evidence of damage.
Visual Field Test (Campimetry): This measures your peripheral vision to detect any vision loss that may have gone unnoticed.
If glaucoma is detected, we will establish a treatment plan and a strict follow-up schedule to constantly monitor your intraocular pressure (IOP) and the stability of the optic nerve.
FAQs
Can glaucoma be cured?
No, glaucoma is not curable, but it can be controlled. Treatment aims to prevent further damage and protect remaining vision.
Does having high eye pressure mean I have glaucoma?
Not necessarily. High pressure is called ocular hypertension. Glaucoma is diagnosed only when the high pressure has already caused proven damage to the optic nerve.
Are eye drops for life?
Generally, yes. Since glaucoma is a chronic disease, most patients will need to use eye drops continuously (often for life) to keep the pressure within a safe range and prevent further damage.
Is glaucoma surgery very risky?
Surgery is reserved for cases where eye drops and laser treatment fail to control intraocular pressure. While all surgery carries risks, glaucoma procedures have a high success rate in controlling IOP, and the benefit of preserving vision far outweighs the risk.
Contact us
If you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or have been told you have high eye pressure, don’t delay your evaluation. Schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam, including an assessment of your optic nerve. Early detection saves sight.
Do you have any questions? We are here to help you
You can write to us, call us, or visit us directly. At VISTA, we work to ensure you have the best experience, from the moment you walk in until you leave with the visual health you deserve.