Index
It is an eye disease that occurs in the optic nerve in the back of the eye (the nerve is damaged).
It is caused by an increase in pressure, which if not treated in time, can lead to loss of vision and even blindness. All adults over 35 to 40 years old should have a regular checkup that includes measuring their eye pressure.
There are different types of glaucoma
Chronic open-angle glaucoma (also called chronic glaucoma or primary open-angle glaucoma) is the most common type. This develops slowly so that any damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision is gradual. The term ‘open angle’ refers to the angle between the iris and the sclera that is normal, in contrast to:
Acute angle-closure glaucoma: where the angle narrows, is rare. In this condition there is a sudden increase in pressure inside the eye. The eye quickly becomes painful and red.
Secondary glaucoma: is caused by several conditions that can cause an increase in eye pressure. For example, it can develop as a complication of some eye injuries.
Congenital glaucoma: is where glaucoma is present from birth.
What happens in chronic open-angle glaucoma?
In chronic open-angle glaucoma there is a partial blockage within the trabecular meshwork. This restricts the drainage of aqueous humor, which accumulates if deficient, increasing the pressure inside your eye. The increased pressure in the eye can damage the nerve fibers of the retina that run at the point where they converge and become the optic nerve (known as the optic nerve head or optic disc). These damaged fibers become permanent patches due to visual loss. In some cases this can eventually lead to total blindness.
Glaucoma can affect both eyes. However, it can often progress more quickly in one eye than in the other. In contrast, some people have an increase in eye pressure without any effect on the optic nerve. However, as a general rule, if the eye pressure is high, you have ocular hypertension and have a much higher risk of developing glaucoma and visual loss .
Who can be affected?
Glaucoma is common. In the United Kingdom about 1 in 50 people over 40 have glaucoma. This figure rises to about 1 in 10 people over 75 and is rare in people under 35 years of age. Glaucoma can affect anyone, but it is more common if you:
- You have a family history of glaucoma.
- It is very short of sight.
- He has diabetes.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
There are usually no symptoms at first, no pain or redness in the eye, but most people with glaucoma do not notice any problems until a little loss of vision occurs. However, the best eye can replace for a while the other if it starts to lose visual field plots.
Who should be tested for glaucoma?
All people over 35 to 40 years old should have an eye assessment at least every five years. A check-up every two or three years is advised if you are over 50 years old.
A review of the eye detects early signs of glaucoma before any significant loss of visionoccurs . Most people with glaucoma require routine eye monitoring.
What is the vision test for glaucoma?
The eye exam is usually done with the use of a special light and magnifying glass called a slit lamp. In particular, the back of the eye from where the optic nerve exits (known as the optic disc) will be examined. There are specific changes that can be seen in this area in a person with glaucoma. The optical disc acquires a typical appearance and is said to be cup-shaped.
Which is the treatment?
The goal of treatment is to reduce eye pressure. If the pressure in the eye is reduced, further damage to the optic nerve is likely to be prevented or delayed. However, unfortunately, the treatment may not restore any vision that has already been lost.
It is essential to use your drops exactly as indicated. If you are not sure if you are using drops correctly, ask your doctor or practice nurse for advice. A specialist will keep you in regular control of eye pressure, optic nerves, and the field of vision.
Laser treatments
If the eye drops are not helping to lower the eye pressure sufficiently, laser treatment may be suggested. A laser can burn the trabecular mesh in order to improve the drainage of aqueous humor. This treatment only takes a few minutes. A special contact lens is placed in the eye to help the specialist center the laser beam, in which you may feel a prickling sensation and notice some flashes of light, but the procedure is generally well tolerated.
Another technique is to use a laser to destroy parts of the ciliary body. This reduces the amount of aqueous humor that forms.
Surgery
If other treatments do not work, an operation called trabeculectomy is an option. This involves creating a channel from the inside of the front of the eye just below the conjunctiva. Thus, aqueous humor can bypass the trabecular meshwork.
As with all operations, there is a small risk of complications. In addition, the operation may have to be repeated in some cases. This is usually because some form scar tissue at the site of the canal, preventing it from working to drain the aqueous humor.
What is the prognosis?
It is important to realize that most people treated for glaucoma do not go blind. However, in order to preserve your sight, it is very important that you follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor. You should make sure to follow the instructions and use your eye drops regularly.
