What Is Glaucoma
Also known as the silent thief of vision,it is the second most cause of permanent blindness in the world. The main reason for the vision loss is due to the damage that happens in the Optic Nerve, which is the nerve responsible for sending visual information to the brain.
Effects of Glaucoma
Glaucoma Causes loss of vision by gradually damaging the field of vision. The Vision Loss due to is also permanent and irreversible. Hence it is extremely important for all patients above the age of 40 years or those who have a family history of Glaucoma to meet their Eye Doctors for a complete Eye Examination at least once in 2 years.
Causes Of Glaucoma
Like blood pressure, our eyes also have a certain pressure on the inside called the Intraocular Pressure [IOP]. This is due to a fluid called the aqueous humor which is secreted in the eyes. Aqueous humor drains out from the eyes through the Trabecular Meshwork [Sieve-like structures present between the iris diaphragm and the Cornea].
This delicate balance of production and drainage of the aqueous maintains the IOP within normal limits. In certain conditions, the drainage of this aqueous humor is affected, causing the pressure in the eyes to increase. This increase in pressure impacts on the optic nerve thereby causing Glaucoma. There are numerous types of this disease which have been identified, for which different approaches for Glaucoma Treatment have been developed.
HOW CAN YOU GET RID OF GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma Treatment Options
Glaucoma Eye Drops
Medical management of Glaucoma with eye drops is the first line management to lower the pressure in the eyes. Since Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, you will have to rely on these eye drops for lifetime Glaucoma Treatment. The eye drops may differ based on the severity of the condition of your eye. Often our specialists will put you on a combination therapy of drops to bring your IOP to the target eye pressure.
Laser Treatment for Glaucoma
Laser Treatment is a very common form for treating Glaucoma. The type of Glaucoma Laser Surgery is very much dependent on the severity of the disease. Prior to performing Glaucoma Laser Treatment, your eyes will be numbed to make it painless. Laser Surgeries can be
Glaucoma Surgery
Surgery for Glaucoma is only reserved for advanced Glaucoma or when all medical treatment options have failed. It is the most common surgical process preferred for Glaucoma. Here, it is all about the removal of the eye's drainage tubes so that fluid flows freely through them. Glaucoma Surgery is crucially performed with the help of an Anesthesia to experience hassle-free operation. Another surgical modality is the implantation of Glaucoma Valves inside the eyes to aid in the outward transport of the aqueous humor from the eye, thus lowering the Intra-ocular Pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone can get Glaucoma. People who have an immediate family member or a close relative taking treatment for Glaucoma are at greater risk. But Glaucoma can develop even without any positive family history. Glaucoma can also occur in eyes with injury, inflamamation and Cataract. It can also occur in people taking steroid medications for other systemic issues. People with blood pressure who take their BP medications at night need to routinely monitor for a variant of glaucoma called as Normotensive Glaucoma [NTG], where the damage to the optic nerve occurs despite a normal IOP.
Glaucoma is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes several tests to check for signs of the disease. Since glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms, regular eye exams are essential, especially if you are at risk.
Common Tests to Detect Glaucoma:
- Tonometry (Eye Pressure Test) – Measures intraocular pressure (IOP). High pressure can indicate glaucoma.
- Ophthalmoscopy (Optic Nerve Exam) – The doctor examines the optic nerve for signs of damage.
- Perimetry (Visual Field Test) – Checks for blind spots or peripheral vision loss.
- Gonioscopy – Examines the drainage angle of the eye to determine the type of glaucoma.
- Pachymetry (Corneal Thickness Test) – Measures corneal thickness, which can affect eye pressure readings.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) or Scanning Laser Tests – Creates detailed images of the optic nerve and retina to detect early damage.
Unfortunately the damage that has already occurred to Glaucoma cannot be reversed. However it is important to prevent further progress of the disease before it involves the central vision by the use of eye drops, Laser Treatments or Surgery.
Your optic nerve will be damaged with the pressure formed in the eye. This pressure and the nerve damage stops the images being sent to the brain – leading to your blindness.