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Glaucoma
Your doctor has told you that you may have glaucoma and you are worried. Though there is no cure for this condition, it is crucial to identify it so that doctors can help preserve your remaining vision and enable you to live a full life. Hence an early detection of Glaucoma is very necessary. Eye & U does thorough glaucoma evaluation with advanced glaucoma workups and treats with various advanced glaucoma surgeries.
WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
- Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve.
- Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and hence need early detection.
- 80 million people worldwide have glaucoma.
- In glaucoma the field of vision decreases so gradually that often the patient does not appreciate the problem till it is too late.
- Glaucoma is known as the “silent blinder” because there are no noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
- Family history, especially a sibling relationship, is a risk factor for glaucoma.
- Eye pressure is the only known modifiable risk factor for glaucoma and is the target of current treatment regimens.
WHAT CAUSES GLAUCOMA
- Race. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness for people of African descent.
- Age. People age 60 and older are more at risk for developing glaucoma.
- Family history. People with a family history of glaucoma are more likely to develop the disease, especially those with a sibling who has the condition.
- High fluid pressure inside the eyes. People with high fluid pressure inside the eyes are at an increased risk.
- Decreased corneal thickness. People with a thinner cornea are at greater risk of glaucoma.
Anyone in these risk groups should get an annual eye exam.
HOW IS GLAUCOMA DIAGNOSED
- Visual acuity test. The common eye chart test measures how well you can see at various distances.
- Pupil dilation. The pupil is widened with eye drops to allow a close-up exam of the eye’s optic nerve and retina.
- Visual field. This test measures a person’s side or peripheral vision. Lost peripheral vision may mean a person has glaucoma.
- Tonometry. This standard test determines the fluid pressure inside the eye.
- Optic nerve imaging. Photographs of the optic nerve are taken to indicate areas of damage.
- Gonioscopy: A lens is placed on the eye to look at the area called the drainage angle. This is where fluid drains from the eye. This test determines whether the drain is open or closed, and if any damage has occurred.
- Pachymetry: A measurement is taken of corneal thickness.
TREATMENT-A HOLISTIC VIEW
- Although there is no lasting treatment for glaucoma, early treatment can often control it. This may include medical management, surgical management and preventive measures:
- Medicines. Some medicines cause the eye to make less fluid, while others lower pressure by helping fluid drain from the eye.
- Surgery. The purpose of surgery is to create a new opening for fluid to leave the eye. This can be done by creating a passage for drainage or by implanting a shunt to help drain the fluid.
- Laser. Several types of surgery using a laser are used to treat glaucoma.
- In some cases, a single surgery isn’t enough to slow down the progress of glaucoma. Repeat surgery and/or continued treatment with medicines may be necessary.
Without treatment, glaucoma can cause permanent blindness.
NEED FOR CONSTANT CARE
Lifelong monitoring is essential; the frequency of follow up visits depends on the individual case. At each visit most of the tests may be repeated to determine the progression of the disease and decide whether change in treatment is needed.
