GLAUCOMA Treatment
Glaucoma is a condition wherein the pressure of fluid within the eye hydrostatic pressures within the eye gradually increases to a level not tolerated by the sensitive tissues of the eye The optic nerve which is similar to a cable wire carrying visual images to the brain is the portion of the eye susceptible to damage from glaucoma Such damage is irreparable and visual loss due to glaucoma is irreversible There is a fluid filled chamber in the front of the eye called the anterior chamber It is filled with aqueous humour which bathes and nourishes the tissues of the eye If the drainage of this fluid is restricted for reasons yet unknown pressure builds up within the eye causing glaucoma One of the leading causes of blindness in India about 3 percent of the general population have some form of glaucoma Persons over the age of 40 are more likely to develop glaucoma However the disease may occur in people of all ages including newborns Persons with myopia diabetes systemic hypertension and family history of glaucoma have an increased risk In most cases of glaucoma the patient is not aware of the gradual loss of sight until vision is significantly impaired However if glaucoma progresses without adequate treatment the following symptoms may occur in some individuals Pain around the eyes when coming out from darkness, as soon as the person comes out of a cinema hall Coloured halo rings seen around light bulbs especially in the mornings and nights Frequent change of reading glasses headaches pain and redness of the eyes Reduced vision in dim illumination and during nightsGradual decrease of side vision with progression of glaucoma Blurring of vision A simple test with a device called the tonometer measures pressure within the eye This test alone cannot detect all glaucomas The back of the eye should be inspected to view the optic nerve after dilating the pupils Side vision may also be examined by a computerassisted simple test called perimetry visual field examination
The loss of vision due to glaucoma is irreversible However appropriate treatment and regular followup can preserve residual vision Earlier the diagnosis better the chances of arresting visual impairment For most people with glaucoma regular use of medications will control the increased fluid pressure However in some drugs may stop working after a period of time In these situations the ophthalmologist can help by adding or changing medications or by choosing another type of treatment laser or surgical methods Periodical eye examinations are therefore essential to ensure that the medications are working In some type of glaucomas called angle closure glaucomas laser treatment is the primary form of reducing the eye pressure This is a simple outpatient procedure which uses a strong beam of light to relieve the fluid pressure In open angle type glaucomas laser treatment is applied only if various medications fail to control the fluid pressure Medications need to be continued regularly even after laser treatment Laser treatment has very minimal complications but its effect in reducing the eye pressure may wear off over time In some persons with glaucoma medical or laser treatment is insufficient to arrest glaucoma and surgery is indicated But this treatment option has its risks and limitations and is reserved as the treatment of last resort Even after surgical treatment individuals with glaucoma should continue periodical checkups by an ophthalmologist and additional medications may be required indefinitely to control eye pressures
Glaucoma is a condition wherein the pressure of fluid within the eye hydrostatic pressures within the eye gradually increases to a level not tolerated by the sensitive tissues of the eye The optic nerve which is similar to a cable wire carrying visual images to the brain is the portion of the eye susceptible to damage from glaucoma Such damage is irreparable and visual loss due to glaucoma is irreversible There is a fluid filled chamber in the front of the eye called the anterior chamber It is filled with aqueous humour which bathes and nourishes the tissues of the eye If the drainage of this fluid is restricted for reasons yet unknown pressure builds up within the eye causing glaucoma One of the leading causes of blindness in India about 3 percent of the general population have some form of glaucoma Persons over the age of 40 are more likely to develop glaucoma However the disease may occur in people of all ages including newborns Persons with myopia diabetes systemic hypertension and family history of glaucoma have an increased risk In most cases of glaucoma the patient is not aware of the gradual loss of sight until vision is significantly impaired However if glaucoma progresses without adequate treatment the following symptoms may occur in some individuals Pain around the eyes when coming out from darkness, as soon as the person comes out of a cinema hall Coloured halo rings seen around light bulbs especially in the mornings and nights Frequent change of reading glasses headaches pain and redness of the eyes Reduced vision in dim illumination and during nightsGradual decrease of side vision with progression of glaucoma Blurring of vision A simple test with a device called the tonometer measures pressure within the eye This test alone cannot detect all glaucomas The back of the eye should be inspected to view the optic nerve after dilating the pupils Side vision may also be examined by a computerassisted simple test called perimetry visual field examination
The loss of vision due to glaucoma is irreversible However appropriate treatment and regular followup can preserve residual vision Earlier the diagnosis better the chances of arresting visual impairment For most people with glaucoma regular use of medications will control the increased fluid pressure However in some drugs may stop working after a period of time In these situations the ophthalmologist can help by adding or changing medications or by choosing another type of treatment laser or surgical methods Periodical eye examinations are therefore essential to ensure that the medications are working In some type of glaucomas called angle closure glaucomas laser treatment is the primary form of reducing the eye pressure This is a simple outpatient procedure which uses a strong beam of light to relieve the fluid pressure In open angle type glaucomas laser treatment is applied only if various medications fail to control the fluid pressure Medications need to be continued regularly even after laser treatment Laser treatment has very minimal complications but its effect in reducing the eye pressure may wear off over time In some persons with glaucoma medical or laser treatment is insufficient to arrest glaucoma and surgery is indicated But this treatment option has its risks and limitations and is reserved as the treatment of last resort Even after surgical treatment individuals with glaucoma should continue periodical checkups by an ophthalmologist and additional medications may be required indefinitely to control eye pressures
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