28 April 2022
What is Glaucoma?
You may be wondering, “What is Glaucoma?” The answer is a complicated one. This eye disease is caused by an elevated pressure in the eye’s aqueous humor, which flows throughout the eye and drains out through the trabecular meshwork, a structure at the angle of the iris and cornea. It also tends to run in families, and scientists have found that certain genes are associated with the high eye pressure and the damage to the optic nerve.
Treatment
If you suffer from glaucoma, you may be considering laser surgery. This procedure, performed in the office, aims to open the blocked drainage tissue inside the eye. The fluid from the eye can then pass through the opening, easing the pressure inside the eye. Another treatment for glaucoma that has proved to be effective is iStent placement. It bypasses the blocked drainage tissue and allows fluid to drain into the eye without using drops or surgery.
Another option for glaucoma treatment is to reduce the pressure inside the eye with eyedrops. These drops are generally used 1 to four times a day and must be used according to the instructions. There are some side effects associated with these eyedrops. Some people are not suitable for eyedrops. The dosage for this treatment depends on the severity of the disease. The following treatments can be used in conjunction with eyedrops:
Causes
Many people wonder, “What Causes Glaucoma?” The answer is that the disease is caused by a buildup of pressure in the eye. This pressure can damage the eye’s optic nerve, which is responsible for seeing clearly. The front portion of the eye contains a clear fluid, called aqueous humor, which normally drains away through the drainage system. Those with glaucoma, however, have a drainage angle that is blocked or clogged. As a result, the fluid buildup in the eye can damage the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss.
The most common cause of glaucoma is an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), which occurs due to the eye’s inability to drain fluid properly. Normally, this fluid drains out through the trabecular meshwork, which is a network of tissue and cells. However, the trabecular meshwork may become clogged with debris, leading to elevated pressure in the eye.
Symptoms
While elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a common symptom of glaucoma, the disease can also occur when IOP is normal. This is thought to occur when the trabecular meshwork is blocked, a structure that can damage the eye’s nerve. As a result, the pressure inside the eye rises, which damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and blindness. Luckily, it can be diagnosed early with a routine eye examination.
There are two types of glaucoma: open-angle and angle-closure. The most common form is open-angle glaucoma. This type of glaucoma affects the trabecular meshwork, which drains fluid from the eye. Angle-closure glaucoma affects more people in Asian countries. It causes pressure to build inside the eye and is associated with cataracts and farsightedness.
Diagnosis
The primary objective of a glaucoma diagnosis is to detect damage to the optic nerve, also called ‘cupping,’ within the eye. These alterations occur in both eyes, though in some people, glaucoma can be detected without high intraocular pressure. A doctor may dilate the pupil to check the optic nerve, or use diagnostic machines to examine the optic nerve prior to the eye examination.
A directed history will also help rule out other causes of the disease. For example, trauma, steroid use, uveitis, and severe blood loss can all result in glaucoma. Systemic medications may also contribute to glaucoma management. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are contraindicated in glaucoma patients. Further, a complete examination of the eye and retina are necessary for a precise diagnosis.
Prevention
While the symptoms of glaucoma are not always painless, there are ways to prevent glaucoma. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. It is also essential to get a full eye examination every one or two years. In some cases, a doctor may recommend more frequent eye exams. However, the prevention of glaucoma is not as simple as a few visits to the doctor. Luckily, there are many methods of reducing IOP and protecting the eyes.
What is Glaucoma?
The most effective prevention of glaucoma involves treating the underlying causes of the disease. Genetics plays a role in this disease. People with a family history of glaucoma have a higher risk for developing the condition than those without. Certain medical conditions can also increase your risk of developing glaucoma. Physical injury to the eye can also cause it. In addition, the buildup of fluid in the eye can cause the development of glaucoma.