Menu
Menu
- Home
- /
- Clinical Service
- /
- Glaucoma
WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
Understanding About Glaucoma
A class of eye diseases known as glaucoma harms the optic nerve, which is in charge of sending visual data from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma is usually connected to elevated eye pressure, but it can also happen at normal pressure.
Even though it can afflict people of any age, older folks are more likely to experience it, and in those over 60, blindness is frequently the result. Many types of glaucoma have no early warning symptoms and only cause significant vision abnormalities when the disease is further advanced.
For early detection, routine eye exams that include measurements of ocular pressure are essential. Glaucoma-related visual loss can be slowed or reversed with prompt diagnosis and treatment, requiring lifelong care or observation for people who are affected.
Symptoms
Glaucoma symptoms include
Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Early stages: Usually without symptoms
- Progression: Patchy blind patches in peripheral vision gradually develop
- Stages advanced: Inability to see objects with central vision
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- intense headache
- severe eye ache
- vomiting or feeling queasy
- hazy vision
- Colored circles or halos surrounding lights
- Redness in the eyes
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
- Early stages: Frequently asymptomatic
- Advancement: gradual onset of visual impairment
- Higher tiers: Diminished peripheral vision
Glaucoma in Children
- Babies: Cloudy or dull eyes, more blinking, tears without sobbing
- Older kids: headaches, blurred vision, and worsening nearsightedness
Pigmentary Glaucoma
- haloes surrounding lights
- deteriorated vision brought on by exercising
- gradual loss of peripheral vision
Treatments
Treatments for GlaucomaGlaucoma-related damage is irreversible. However, when the condition is detected early on, medication and routine examinations can help decrease or prevent vision loss.The treatment for glaucoma involves reducing intraocular pressure. Prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment, surgery, or a mix of methods are available as treatment options.
teardrops
Prescription eye drop medicines include
Prostaglandins
teardrops
- First prescribed eye drops are typically used in the treatment of glaucoma. Some may improve your eye's fluid drainage, which lowers eye pressure. Others lessen the quantity of fluid your eye produces. Depending on how low your needed ocular pressure level is, you can be prescribed more than one eye drop.
Prescription eye drop medicines include
Prostaglandins
- By increasing the fluid's outflow from your eye, they aid in lowering intraocular pressure. Latanoprost (Xalatan), Tafluprost (Zioptan), Bimatoprost (Lumigan), Travoprost (Travatan Z), and Latanoprostene Bunod (Vyzulta) are among the medications in this category.Blurred vision, iris darkening, pigmentation darkening of the lashes or skin around the eyes, and minor eye reddening and stinging are possible adverse effects. One dosage per day is recommended for this kind of medication.
- They aid in lowering ocular pressure by reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eye. Timolol (Betimol, Istalol, Timoptic) and Betaxolol (Betoptic S) are two examples. Breathing difficulties, a decreased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, impotence, and exhaustion are possible side effects. Depending on your particular condition, a prescription for this kind of medication may be written for you to take once or twice daily.
- These lessen the amount of fluid that is produced inside your eye. They also cause your eye's fluid to flow out more. Apraclonidine (Iopidine) and Brimonidine (Alphagan P, Qoliana) are two examples. An erratic heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, exhaustion, red, itchy, or swollen eyes, and dry mouth are possible adverse effects. Usually recommended for two times a day, this kind of medication can also occasionally be administered for three times a day.
- These medications lessen the amount of fluid generated in your eyes. Dorzolamide and Brinzolamide (Azopt) are two examples. A metallic taste, frequent urination, and tingling in the fingers and toes are possible adverse effects. Usually administered for two times a day, this kind of medication can also occasionally be prescribed for three times a day.
- This medication reduces intraocular pressure by inhibiting the Rho kinase enzymes that cause fluid retention. It is recommended for usage once day and is marketed under the brand name Netarsudil (Rhopressa). Redness and pain in the eyes are possible adverse effects.
- These cause your eye's fluid output to increase. Pilocarpine (Isopto Carpine) is one such. Headache, eye pain, constricted pupils, blurry or dim vision, and nearsightedness are some of the side effects. Typically, prescriptions for this kind of medication are written for up to four times a day. These medications are no longer prescribed very frequently due to possible side effects and the requirement for frequent daily use. You can have adverse effects unrelated to your eyes since some eye drops are absorbed into your circulation. After placing the drops in, close your eyes for one to two minutes to minimize this absorption. To stop the tear duct for a minute or two, gently press the corner of your eyes next to your nose.Remove any remaining droplets from your eyelid. It's possible that you require artificial tears or that you've been prescribed several eye drops. Make sure you give yourself at least five minutes between drops.
- Your eye pressure might not drop to the appropriate amount with just eye drops. Thus, oral medication may also be prescribed by your ophthalmologist. Usually, this medication is an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase. Frequent urination, tingling in the fingers and toes, sadness, upset stomach, and kidney stones are among the possible adverse effects.
- Additional therapeutic alternatives encompass laser therapy and surgery. The following methods could be useful in reducing eye pressure and draining fluid from the eye:
- For those with difficulty using eye drops, there is an option available: laser trabeculoplasty. This is also taken into account when treatment doesn't stop the spread of the illness. Before using drops, your ophthalmologist may even recommend laser surgery. During this in-office surgery, tissue at the iris-cornea junction is targeted with a precision laser to improve drainage. It can take a few weeks for the full results to show.
- The term "trabeculectomy" refers to this surgical operation. The sclera, or white portion of the eye, is cut during this procedure by the eye surgeon. This cut opens up another channel for fluid to leave the eye. tubes for drainage. In order to reduce eye pressure, the eye surgeon will put a tiny tube into your eye to drain extra fluid.
- If your eye pressure is too high, your ophthalmologist might recommend a MIGS procedure. Compared to trabeculectomy or the use of a drainage device, these treatments typically carry a lower risk and require less immediate post-operative care. They frequently accompany cataract surgery. Your ophthalmologist will go over the various MIGS procedures with you and determine which one would be best for you. You must schedule follow-up examinations with your ophthalmologist following your procedure. If your eye pressure rises or if other changes take place in your eye, you might eventually require other treatments.
- Glaucoma with acute angle closure is a medical emergency. In order to lower the pressure in your eye, you will require immediate therapy if this condition is detected in you. In most cases, this will need to be treated with medication, laser therapy, or surgery. It's possible that you'll undergo a laser peripheral irisotomy. Using a laser, the doctor makes a tiny hole in your iris that lets liquid pass through. By helping to open the drainage angle of the eye, this reduces eye pressure.
Precautions
Precautions for Glaucoma
Get regular eye examinations
- Frequent thorough eye exams can assist in identifying glaucoma early on, before substantial harm is done. A comprehensive eye exam should be performed every 5 to 10 years if you're under 40, every 2 to 4 years if you're 40 to 54, every 1 to 3 years if you're 55 to 64, and every 1 to 2 years if you're older than 65, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
- You will require more regular screenings if you are at risk for glaucoma. Find out from your healthcare professional what screening schedule is best for you.
Know your family’s eye health history
- It seems that glaucoma runs in families. If your risk is higher, you might require more regular screenings.
- Glaucoma can result from serious eye damage. When using power tools or participating in sports, wear eye protection.
Take prescribed eye drops regularly
- Eye drops for glaucoma can drastically lower the likelihood that elevated intraocular pressure will develop into glaucoma. Even if you're symptom-free, use the eye drops that your doctor prescribes.
GLAUCOMA
Risk Factors For Developing Glaucoma
– Family History – parent or sibling
– Age above 40 years
– Myopia, hypermetropia
– Diabetes mellitus
– Hypertension, hypotension
– Hypothyroidism
– Eye inflammation, trauma, neglected cataract
– Long term use of steroid medicines (drops or tablets)
Before Surgery
How you prepare for Glaucoma Surgery
- Must take glaucoma medication up until the day of surgery
- Prior to operation, take a head bath
- Blood thinners should be stopped four days before to surgery; DM and blood pressure medication should be continued.
- In order to lower eye pressure before surgery, the doctor could suggest IV Mannitol.
During the Surgery
How you prepare for Glaucoma Surgery
Because glaucoma surgery typically requires local anesthesia, the operated eye will be covered with a patch for one day following the procedure.
After the Surgery
How you prepare for Glaucoma Surgery
- Due to inflammation and drug use, eyesight will be blurry for several weeks following certain procedures. Vision will gradually improve.
- Following invasive glaucoma operations, the patient may experience a prickling sensation in their eye as a result of sutures, which will eventually dissolve.
- Following surgery, severe pain, redness, watering, or vision loss require urgent care.
- For a few weeks, refrain from bending over, breathing heavily, lifting large objects, and straining.
- Skip face washes and head showers for two weeks.
- Post-operative instructions must be adhered to.
FAQS
Glaucoma FAQS
How does glaucoma cause vision loss?
Elevated intraocular pressure in the eye is the cause of glaucoma. The optic nerve is compressed by this intraocular pressure (IOP), which finally results in irreversible vision loss.
Why is glaucoma called ‘The Silent Thief of Sight’?
Because it frequently results in irreversible vision loss before the illness is even identified, glaucoma has earned the moniker “the silent thief of sight.” Glaucoma rarely exhibits signs in its early stages that would prompt you to visit your eye doctor due to vision abnormalities. This means that a significant percentage of vision loss has already happened by the time you visit your eye doctor.
What is ‘tunnel vision’?
If glaucoma is not adequately treated in its early stages, it can lead to a significant loss of peripheral vision, which is known as “tunnel vision.” Your field of vision is restricted to viewing only what is in front of you, or in your central vision, as tunnel vision obscures your “side vision.”
Will glaucoma affect all of my vision?
The first vision to be impacted is peripheral vision, which can lead to tunnel vision if not regulated at this point. The individual eventually experiences partial or whole irreversible visual loss as the condition worsens, affecting central vision next.
How common is glaucoma?
Worldwide, glaucoma affects about 70 million individuals. 12.3% of blindness worldwide is caused by glaucoma, one of the main causes of irreversible blindness. Up to 5% of persons over the age of 70 may have glaucoma, and the percentage rises to nearly 9% in those over the age of 80.
