Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated. It is often associated with increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve fibers that transmit visual information to the brain.

Glaucoma is a progressive condition that can develop slowly over time, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and treatment.

Side Effects of Glaucoma

The most common side effect of glaucoma is gradual and irreversible vision loss. Initially, peripheral vision is affected, leading to tunnel vision in advanced stages.

Other potential side effects include eye pain, redness, halos around lights, and nausea or vomiting in acute cases of high IOP (known as acute angle-closure glaucoma).

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of glaucoma typically involves several key steps:

• Eye Examination: This includes measuring IOP, examining the optic nerve for damage, and assessing the angle where the iris meets the cornea.
• Visual Field Test: This test checks for any loss of peripheral vision.
• Gonioscopy: This exam helps determine the angle of the eye's drainage system.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This imaging technique provides detailed images of the optic nerve and can detect early signs of damage.

Early diagnosis is critical to prevent vision loss, as damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed.

Potential Treatment of Glaucoma

Treatment options aim to lower IOP to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment may include:

• Eye Drops: These medications help reduce IOP by either decreasing the production of fluid in the eye or improving its drainage.
• Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications may be prescribed to lower IOP.
• Laser Therapy: Procedures like laser trabeculoplasty or iridotomy can help improve the drainage of fluid from the eye.
• Surgery: When other treatments are not effective, surgical options such as trabeculectomy or drainage implants may be considered to create new drainage channels for the fluid to leave the eye.

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