Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. It is often associated with increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness worldwide.
Age : The risk of glaucoma rises >40 years of age.
If you have Glaucoma, you may observe
Gradual Loss of Peripheral Vision
Halos around Lights
Eye Pain or Discomfort
Vision Disturbances
Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing glaucoma. Regular comprehensive eye exams, including tonometry to measure IOP, visual field testing, and optic nerve evaluation, are essential for diagnosis. Treatment options often involve medications (eye drops or oral), laser procedures (such as trabeculoplasty or iridotomy), or surgery (trabeculectomy or drainage implants) to lower IOP and prevent further optic nerve damage..
Although glaucoma cannot be cured, timely intervention can help slow its progression and preserve remaining vision. Therefore, it is important for individuals at risk, such as those with a family history of glaucoma or advanced age, to undergo regular eye screenings to detect and manage glaucoma effectively.
Laser therapy. Laser trabeculoplasty (truh-BEK-u-low-plas-tee) is an option if you can't tolerate eye drops. It also may be used if medicine hasn't slowed the progression of your disease. Your eye doctor also may recommend laser surgery before using eye drops.
Drainage tubes. In this procedure, the eye surgeon inserts a small tube in your eye to drain excess fluid to lower eye pressure.
Filtering surgery. This is a surgical procedure called a trabeculectomy (truh-bek-u-LEK-tuh-me). The eye surgeon creates an opening in the white of the eye, which also is known as the sclera. The surgery creates another space for fluid to leave the eye.
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Your eye doctor may suggest a MIGS procedure to lower your eye pressure. These procedures generally require less immediate postoperative care and have less risk than trabeculectomy or using a drainage device. They are often combined with cataract surgery.