Glaucoma Care

Symptoms of Galucoma

Galucoma can manifest in various ways regardless of its form:

• Eye pain or pressure.
• Headaches.
• Rainbow-colored halos around lights.
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Red eyes
• Facing Low Vision, blurred vision, narrowed vision (tunnel vision) or blind spots

Causes of Galucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that arises primarily due to intraocular eye pressure. The aqueous humor produced by your eyes nourishes them and flows through your pupil to the front of your eye. In a healthy eye, the fluid leaves through the drainage canals present between your iris and cornea. However, in the case of glaucoma, the resistance increases in your drainage canals, and fluid accumulates in your eye, leading to elevated eye pressure. If left untreated, this pressure can ultimately damage your optic nerve and cause glaucoma.

Risk Factors

Being vigilant about the risk factors of glaucoma is crucial as this condition can cause significant damage to your vision before any noticeable symptoms appear

• High eye pressure known as Intraocular Pressure increases the risk of Glaucoma
• Glaucoma risk increases with age, especially after 60.
• Family history increases the likelihood of developing this condition
• Certain ethnicities are at higher risk for glaucoma.
• Thin corneas may increase glaucoma risk.
• People with health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure increases the risk of Glaucoma
• Eye injuries or surgeries increase glaucoma risk.
• Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness increases risk.
• Prolonged use of corticosteroid eye drops
• Eye conditions, such as retinal detachment or inflammation, can increase risk.

Test That Is Used To Diagnose Glaucoma

To evaluate the risk of glaucoma, measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) is one of the most reliable and effective methods available.

Ophthalmoscopy: The examination of the optic nerve enables the doctor to detect any damage or abnormalities.

Visual Field Test (Perimetry): Assess peripheral vision to detect glaucoma-related abnormalities.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Optical coherence tomography uses light waves to assess glaucoma-related structural changes in the optic nerve and retina.

Visual Acuity Test: A reliable metric for assessing visual acuity, crucial for identifying even the slightest changes over time.

Dilated Eye Exam: By using eye drops to dilate the pupils, a thorough examination of the optic nerve and retina can be performed.

Treatments of Glaucoma

Prescription eye drops are highly effective in lowering intraocular pressure. They work by either reducing the production of aqueous humor or improving its drainage. In some cases, oral medications may be prescribed to supplement the effects of eye drops, leading to even better results.

Laser Therapy : Laser therapy is an effective treatment for glaucoma and is a rare treatment. Laser trabeculoplasty is a procedure that uses laser energy to open drainage channels and improve the flow of fluid from the eye. Similarly, laser peripheral iridotomy is a technique that creates a small hole in the iris to enhance fluid flow, and is useful in certain types of glaucoma.

Surgery : Trabeculectomy is a highly effective surgical procedure that creates a new drainage channel in the eye, facilitating the flow of fluid out of the eye with great efficacy. Implantation of Drainage Devices is also a viable option to reduce intraocular pressure, making it a popular choice for many patients. When it comes to modern surgical techniques, Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is a highly recommended choice that aims to effectively reduce intraocular pressure with minimal trauma, ensuring quick and successful recovery.

Regular Monitoring : Regular eye exams and visual field tests are crucial for continuous monitoring of glaucoma progression. These tests enable doctors to identify changes in the condition early on and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, leading to better outcomes for patients.