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Glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that affect the optic nerve and causes irreversible vision loss. The optic nerve is a sensitive part that connects the eyes with the brain. Glaucoma is commonly the result of increased intraocular pressure (eye pressure or IOP) putting tension on the optic nerve. Eye pressure rises when the fluid in the eye does not drain efficiently through the drainage channels in the eye.
What tests are required for glaucoma evaluation?
Different tests and procedures are done to check glaucoma. We preform these essential procedures at our clinic:
- IOP measurement
- Anterior chamber angle check (angle between cornea and iris)
- Optic nerve examination
- Visual Field Test
- Optic nerve and Retinal imaging
- Corneal thickness measurement
Are you at risk for Glaucoma?
The following factors increase the risk of developing glaucoma:
- Aging (especially above 60)
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Family history of glaucoma
- Steroid medication use
- Race
- Personal history of eye injury or surgery
Treatment options for Glaucoma
All glaucoma therapies are geared towards lowering the eye pressure and include medications, lasers, and surgeries.
Eye drop medications are usually the first line therapy for the control of glaucoma. Your doctor will choose the best medicine according to the type and stage of glaucoma.
This type of laser surgery can be performed as the first or second line of therapy. It is quick and causes minimal discomfort. Laser surgery can be performed in a clinic or surgery center. This procedure helps improve fluid drainage by opening the internal drainage channels. It may reduce the need to use medicines and helps control glaucoma effectively.
As the name suggests, MIGS is a minimally invasive surgery that aims to increase aqueous humor drainage from the eye. This surgery is widely done with cataract surgeries for appropriate patients.
Microscopic instruments are introduced into the eye through a microincision. These instruments improve the outflow of eye fluid and help reduce intraocular pressure. This type of surgery has significantly lower risk with quicker recovery compared to more invasive surgeries such as trabeculectomy.
In advanced cases, glaucoma surgery such a tube shunt implant or trabeculectomy may be needed.
Can vision loss from glaucoma be recovered?
Unfortunately, there is no therapy to reverse glaucoma damage. The goal of therapy is to slow down the progression of glaucoma.
