What is glaucoma, and how is it caused?
A glaucoma is a group of disorders that cause high fluid pressure inside the eye (Intraocular pressure). The trabecular meshwork drains the fluid from the eye and becomes obstructed in glaucoma, causing pressure to build up. It is a chronic disease that damages the optic nerve and nerve fibres which are the parts of the retina enabling visual representation.
Glaucoma often causes no pain or discomfort until vision loss begins. In most cases, the vision loss from glaucoma is permanent and irreversible, highlighting the necessity for early diagnosis.
TYPES OF GLAUCOMA
Broadly, there are two types of glaucoma, namely,
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Closed-angle glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma
The most prevalent type of glaucoma is “Open-angle glaucoma”. It comparatively shows fewer symptoms. It is characterized by a gradual loss of vision. This usually happens to people over 50. There is no cure and it gets worse over time. This can harm the optic nerve. Also, you could gradually become blind before even realizing that you are suffering from such a disease.
Closed-angle glaucoma
It occurs without any underlying disease, or we can say that acute closed-angle glaucoma occurs suddenly and is more common.
Closed-angle glaucoma develops when the iris projects forward and narrows the drainage angle produced by the cornea and iris. Some individuals have narrow drainage angles, increasing their risk of angle-closure glaucoma.
RISK FACTORS OF GLAUCOMA
One must be mindful of the factors given below:
- Family history of glaucoma
- People with high eye pressure
- Having eye injury
- Long-term consumption of steroids or medications
- People with diabetes, high/low blood pressure, and migraines
- People who are Asian, Black, or Hispanic
- Having a thin cornea in the centre of the eye
SYMPTOMS OF GLAUCOMA
Depending on the kind and stage of glaucoma, there are different indications and symptoms. For instance:
In Open-angle Glaucoma, one can experience:
- Patchy blind spots in the centre or sides of your vision frequently affect both eyes.
- Tunnel vision in the advanced stages
In Closed-angle Glaucoma, one can experience:
- Pain in the eyes
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Redness in eyes
- Halos around lights
DIAGNOSIS
In the primary stages of glaucoma, there might be minimal or no symptoms at all. In the later stages, one can experience the symptoms mentioned above from mild to a significant degree, depending on the type and stage. One misconception about Glaucoma is that it only affects the elderly. It has nothing to do with how old you are. Hence, it is essential to consult a doctor if any symptom eventuates majorly due to one’s carelessness. A patient experiencing any symptoms or risk factors must consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. There are many tests and methods available to test glaucoma. The detrimental effects of glaucoma can be addressed and treated if an eye doctor identifies it early and the patient properly adheres to the prescribed course of treatment.
DIAGNOSTIC METHODS AVAILABLE AT DEVANSH EYE CLINIC
At Devansh eye clinic, we offer the following tests to analyze the kind and stage of glaucoma:
- Tonometry
- Pachymetry
- Gonioscopy
- Ophthalmoscopy
- Perimetry
- OCT- (RNFL, GCC)
- Fundus photo
TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA AT DEVANSH EYE CLINIC
The majority of patients can be cured with just drugs. Whereas, patients with advanced levels of glaucoma, require surgery.
You can expect a painless surgical procedure at our clinic using cutting-edge methods and tools. We offer a pool of skilled medical professionals that have years of experience managing glaucoma.
After studying the nature and history of the diagnosis extensively, we apply our tailored approach to offer the safest and easiest procedure to our patients. The latest technology and practices that are used around the world are being offered at the Devansh Eye Clinic.
We are aware of the anxiety level that our patients go through during the entire procedure. The doctors try their best to ease their patient’s thought processes and make them mentally prepared to go through the surgery. To ensure a trouble-free procedure, a pre-glaucoma workup is performed. We take pleasure in offering our patients a painless service.
For more than 16 years, Devansh Eye Clinic has been curing glaucoma in patients. Our goal is to change the lives of our patients by offering world-class medical services at reasonable prices.