glaucoma
Glaucoma treatment is essential to prevent vision loss caused by increased eye pressure. At Chakshu Eye Care, we offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including medication, laser therapy, and minimally invasive surgery, ensuring the best care for your eye health.
Understanding Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. It occurs due to increased pressure within the eye, which damages the optic nerve responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma develops gradually and may not show noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred.
Early detection is crucial for preventing vision impairment. At Chakshu Eye Care, we offer comprehensive eye exams using advanced diagnostic technology to identify glaucoma in its earliest stages. Treatment options include prescription eye drops, laser therapy, and minimally invasive surgery to lower eye pressure and protect your vision.
Regular eye check-ups are essential, especially for individuals over 40, those with a family history of glaucoma, or people with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. With timely intervention and expert care, glaucoma can be managed effectively, preserving your eyesight for years to come.
What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma is primarily caused by increased pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP), which damages the optic nerve responsible for vision. This pressure buildup occurs when the eye’s drainage system becomes inefficient, preventing the proper outflow of aqueous humor (the fluid inside the eye). Other contributing factors include genetics, aging, medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension, prolonged use of steroid medications, eye injuries, and thin corneas. In some cases, glaucoma can develop even with normal eye pressure, known as normal-tension glaucoma. Since glaucoma often progresses without early symptoms, regular eye check-ups are essential for early detection and management.
What are the different types of glaucoma?
Open-Angle Glaucoma (OAG)
The most common type, where drainage canals become gradually clogged, increasing eye pressure over time.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG)
A sudden blockage of drainage canals, leading to a rapid increase in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG)
Damage to the optic nerve occurs despite normal eye pressure levels.
Congenital Glaucoma
A rare form present at birth due to abnormal eye development.
What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. In the early stages, most forms of glaucoma have no noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams essential for early detection.
- Open-Angle Glaucoma (Most Common): Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, often unnoticed until significant damage occurs.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Medical Emergency): Sudden eye pain, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and halos around lights.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Progressive vision loss despite normal eye pressure.
- Congenital Glaucoma (in infants): Enlarged eyes, excessive tearing, and light sensitivity.
Who is at risk for Glaucoma?
Certain factors increase the risk of developing glaucoma, including:
- Age: People over 40 are at higher risk, with the risk increasing with age.
- Family History: A genetic link makes those with a family history of glaucoma more susceptible.
- High Eye Pressure (Intraocular Pressure – IOP): Elevated eye pressure is a major risk factor.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can contribute to glaucoma development.
- Ethnicity: African, Hispanic, and Asian populations have a higher risk of certain types of glaucoma.
- Thin Corneas: A thinner central cornea may indicate a higher risk of glaucoma.
- Long-Term Steroid Use: Prolonged use of steroid medications, especially eye drops, can increase the risk.
- Eye Injury or Surgery: Trauma to the eye can lead to secondary glaucoma.
Can Glaucoma Be Treated?
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be effectively treated to slow or prevent further vision loss. Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to protect the optic nerve. Common treatment options include:
- Medications (Eye Drops): Help reduce eye pressure by decreasing fluid production or improving drainage.
- Laser Therapy: Procedures like selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) improve fluid drainage.
- Surgery: In advanced cases, procedures like trabeculectomy, drainage implants, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) create new pathways for fluid drainage.
Can glaucoma cause blindness?
Yes, glaucoma can cause blindness if left untreated. It damages the optic nerve, leading to gradual vision loss, often starting with peripheral (side) vision. Over time, without proper treatment, glaucoma can progress to complete blindness. Since symptoms may not be noticeable in the early stages, regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management. With timely treatment, such as medications, laser therapy, or surgery, most people with glaucoma can preserve their vision and prevent severe vision loss.