Glaucoma: Understanding and Protecting Your Vision

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure.

Often called the "silent thief of sight"

Types of Glaucoma

• Open-Angle Glaucoma: Most common form
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Medical emergency
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Damage despite normal pressure

Risk Factors

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Often, there are no early symptoms in open-angle glaucoma. Vision loss is slow and gradual. Angle-closure glaucoma can present with sudden symptoms.

• Gradual peripheral vision loss (Open-angle)
• Tunnel vision in advanced stages
• Severe eye pain (Angle-closure)
• Nausea and vomiting (Angle-closure)
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Redness of the eye

Image source: aao.org

Diagnosis

Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection. Glaucoma can be diagnosed through various tests:

1. Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure (IOP).
2. Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the optic nerve for damage.
3. Perimetry (Visual Field Test): Checks for peripheral vision loss.
4. Gonioscopy: Inspects the drainage angle of the eye.
5. Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness.
6. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Imaging of the optic nerve and retina.

Image source: glaucoma.org

Treatment: Eye Drops

Medicated eye drops are the most common initial treatment. They help to lower eye pressure.

• Prostaglandins: Increase fluid outflow.
• Beta-blockers: Reduce fluid production.
• Alpha-adrenergic agonists: Reduce fluid production and increase outflow.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Reduce fluid production.
• Rho kinase inhibitors: Increase fluid outflow.

Image source: rxsafe.com

Treatment: Laser Therapy

Laser procedures can help increase fluid drainage in the eye.

• Trabeculoplasty (SLT/ALT): For open-angle glaucoma, to improve drainage.
• Iridotomy: For angle-closure glaucoma, to create a hole in the iris for fluid flow.
• Cyclophotocoagulation: To reduce fluid production in severe cases.

Image source: researchgate.net

Treatment: Surgery

Surgical options are considered when eye drops and laser therapy are not sufficient.

• Trabeculectomy: Creates a new drainage channel.
• Drainage Implants (Tube Shunts): Insert a tube to drain fluid.
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Less invasive procedures with faster recovery.

Image source: eyecareassociates.net

Living with Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a chronic condition requiring ongoing management. Early detection and consistent treatment are key to preserving vision.

• Regular eye exams are vital.
• Adhere to prescribed treatments.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Support groups and resources are available.

Protect your vision. Get regular eye checks!

Image source: brightfocus.org