Glaucoma

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Glaucoma

On this page, we discuss the causes, types, and treatments related to glaucoma. Glaucoma refers to a number of eye problems that creates excessive pressure in the eyes damaging the optic nerve. It usually shows no symptoms in the initial stages but silently becomes a thieve and destroys the eyesight. Early detection can prevent further loss of vision through effective treatments.

Glaucoma has an adverse effect on eyesight. Gradual loss of vision leads to blindness which unfortunately cannot be cured. Therefore, it is extremely important to detect glaucoma in the early stages to preserve the existing eyesight. Glaucoma is a life-long medical condition that requires lifestyle modification and professional help to reduce its intensity on eyesight.

Most of the patients visit an ophthalmologist after they start sensing problems in the eye. Hence, glaucoma management is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Our team of trained professionals constantly monitors the eyesight of patients and creates personalized treatment plans based on their requirements. We take pride in our committed eye specialists for their expertise in treating and taking care of all types of glaucoma. Our aim is to treat glaucoma with modern technologies and help patients lead stress-free life. 

1)-Types of Glaucoma

  1. Primary open-angle Glaucoma

 This is a common and prevalent type of glaucoma. In this condition, the fluid present inside the eyes doesn’t drain and exerts immense pressure on the eye nerve.

  1. Angle-closure Glaucoma

 In this condition, the drainage channel in the eyes gets clogged. The blockage rapidly exerts pressure on the eye nerve.

  1. Normal-tension Glaucoma

 The cause of normal-tension glaucoma cannot be detected completely. It is not caused due to increased pressure on the eye nerve. It might occur because of a weak optic nerve or decreased blood flow to the optic nerve.

  1. Congenital Glaucoma

 This type of glaucoma is mainly seen in infants or children. Its main cause is the clogging of the eye’s drainage channel. Family history or genetic problems can cause congenital Glaucoma.

  1. Secondary Glaucoma

 This is a condition caused due to injury in the eye, extensive use of steroids for a prolonged time, or inflammation. Such issues exert pressure on optical nerves leading to loss of eye-sight.

  1. Pigmentary Glaucoma

In some cases, minute pigmented particles in the iris flow outward and block the outflow of the fluids to the outside reservoir of the eyes. This raises the pressure and causes glaucoma.

  1. Pseudo exfoliative Glaucoma

In this condition, minute flaky particles gather and clog the eye’s drainage path. It exerts pressure on the eyes resulting in pseudo-exfoliative Glaucoma.

  1. Traumatic Glaucoma

Traumatic Glaucoma generally occurs after eye surgery. In this condition, the injury takes place on the top surface or deep inside the eye, which blocks the drainage path and exerts high pressure on the eye.

  1. Neovascular Glaucoma

 In this condition, the new blood vessels form abnormally blocking the outflow of fluid from the eyes. Such abnormal occurrences exert high pressure on the eyes which results in neovascular glaucoma.

2) Glaucoma Treatment

    1. Medication

    Early detection of glaucoma is crucial for the medications to work efficiently. Doctors generally recommend eye drops to decrease the pressure of the eye. The eye drops also help in clearing the blockages that have restricted the outward flow of fluid from the eye. Ophthalmologists guide their patients regarding the usage of the eye-drops based on the existing condition of the eye.

    1. LASER treatment

    An effective way of treating various types of glaucoma in the modern day is through laser treatment. Laser waves create alternative pathways for the outward flow of liquid from the eyes. This procedure decreases eye pressure and reduces the chances of complicated eye problems.

    1. Surgery

    When medicines fail to work, doctors prescribe surgeries to their patients. There are various surgical methods that ensure the outward flow of fluid to the external reservoirs, decreasing the eye pressure. Some surgical methods are-

    1. Trabeculectomy- In this method, a tiny channel is created to ensure the normal flow of aqueous humour resulting in decreased eye pressure.
    2. Tube Shunt Surgery- In this method, a tiny tube is placed in the eye that initiates the normal flow of fluid in the eyes.
    3. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery- These are newly invented glaucoma surgeries that require incisions and minimize eye pressure. These methods are beneficial and account for a faster rate of recovery.  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to cure glaucoma completely?

It is not possible to cure glaucoma completely. Nerves, once damaged, cannot get back to their normal state. However, constant monitoring and checkups can prevent the optical nerves from further damage.

2. What are the treatment methods for glaucoma?

In the initial stages, Ophthalmologists treat glaucoma with eye drops and medicines. In complex cases, patients may require surgeries. Another effective modern-day invention is laser treatments. However, glaucoma treatment must be done in the early stages to reduce complexities. Such complex conditions may lead to complete damage to eyesight. 

3. What are the initial signs that I’m having glaucoma?

Initially, there are no prominent signs of glaucoma in the initial stages. With a gradual increase, sudden symptoms are detected. Some of the signs are-

  • Pain in the eye
  • Coloured halos
  • Redness in the eyes
  • Blurred eyesight
4. Why is the role of the optic nerve in the human eye?

The optic or eye nerve and our brain are interconnected. It consists of millions of nerve fibres. These fibres carry signals from the eyes to the human brain. After receiving the signal, the brain converts them into images we can see in front of our eyes. Thus, the optic nerve is related to the functioning of the brain and generating proper eyesight.

5. How can I prevent glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an irreversible condition. Once detected, it cannot be fully cured. Visiting an ophthalmologist as per the requirement of your eye condition is vital to prevent further damage to your eyesight. Some other preventive measures include a modified lifestyle, effective food habits, and regular exercises that exert less force on the eyes.

6. Is it possible to drive even if I have glaucoma?

Most people do not experience any side effects after taking medicines. Doctors usually prescribe medicines based on the existing health conditions. However, some may experience dizziness, increased rate of heartbeat, fatigue, etc. Consult your doctor at the earliest if you feel any discomfort in your body.

7. Will I become blind if I have glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition that cannot be completely cured. Without timely intervention, glaucoma can result in blindness. However, if you have glaucoma, visiting an ophthalmologist for regular follow-ups is important. With proper treatment, chances of further damage to eyesight can reduce significantly

8. Are there any side effects of glaucoma medication?

Glaucoma is an irreversible condition. Once detected, it cannot be fully cured. Visiting an ophthalmologist as per the requirement of your eye condition is vital to prevent further damage to your eyesight. Some other preventive measures include a modified lifestyle, effective food habits, and regular exercises that exert less force on the eyes.

9. What are the methods for diagnosing glaucoma?

Initially, eye examinations are done at our clinic. They include examination of the eye nerve and measuring the pressure of the eye. Also, patients have to undergo field tests for diagnosing glaucoma

10. What should I do if I fail to visit my ophthalmologist for a regular checkup?

Do not panic if you have missed your routine checkup. Continue those medications as prescribed by your doctor. Make an appointment at the earliest to reduce the chances of complications.