What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve -the part of the eye that carries the images we see to
the brain. The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers, like an electric cable containing
numerous wires. When damage to the optic nerve fibers occurs, blind spots develop. If the entire
nerve is destroyed, blindness results.
Glaucoma is an important cause of blindness in India. Yet when diagnosed early, blindness
from glaucoma is almost always preventable by timely Glaucoma treatment.
Early detection and Glaucoma treatment by an ophthalmologist are the keys to preventing optic nerve
damage and Blindness from glaucoma.
What causes Glaucoma ?
To maintain a healthy level of pressure within the eye a small amount of clear fluid called
aqueous humor is produced constantly in the front portion of the eye while an equal amount
flows out of the eye. Any obstruction to this fluid drainage results in raised eye pressure which
causes glaucoma.
Who is at risk for Glaucoma?
- Far sightedness
- Near sightedness
- Family member having glaucoma
- Age more than 40 years
- Certain medications (eg. Steroids)
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes mellitus
If you have any of these, your risk of developing glaucoma is higher than normal, and you need
to have regular examinations to detect the early signs of glaucoma.
What are the symptoms of Glaucoma ?
Often, glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages, and vision remains
normal. Glaucoma can steal vision so quietly that the patient is unaware of trouble until
the optic nerve is badly damaged. Because no symptoms occur, the best way to diagnose
this form of glaucoma is by periodic eye examination.
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Redness and watering of eyes
- Headache
- Rainbow-colored halos around lights
- Nausea and vomiting
If you have any of these symptoms, report to your ophthalmologist
immediately. Unless this type of glaucoma is treated quickly, blindness can result.
How is Glaucoma detected?
Regular eye examinations by your ophthalmologist are the best way to detect glaucoma.
During your glaucoma evaluation, your ophthalmologist will :
- Measure your intraocular pressure (tonometry)
- inspect the drainage angle of your eye (gonioscoy)
- evaluate whether or not there is any optic nerve damage (ophthalmoscopy, Digital Nerve
fibre analysis- GDx)
- test the peripheral vision of each eye (visual field testing or perimetry).
These tests may need to be repeated on a regular basis
Glaucoma Treatment - How is Glaucoma treated?
As a rule, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Eye drops, laser surgery, and
surgery are used to help prevent further damage. With any type of glaucoma, periodic
examinations are very important to prevent vision loss. Because glaucoma can progress
without your knowledge, adjustments to your Glaucoma treatment may be necessary from time to time.
Glaucoma Medications :
Glaucoma is usually controlled with eye drops taken daily. These medications lower
eye pressure, either by decreasing the amount of aqueous fluid produced within the eye
or by improving the flow through the drainage angle.
- Never change or stop taking your medications without consulting your ophthalmologist.
If you are about to run out of your medications, ask your ophthalmologist if you should
have your prescriptions refilled..
- Maintain timing of application suggested by your doctor.
Glaucoma medications can preserve your vision, but they may also produce side effects.
Common side-effects include :
- a stinging or itching sensation
- red eye or redness of the skin surrounding the eye
- changes in the pulse and heart beat
- changes in energy level
- changes in breathing (especially with asthma or emphysema)
- dry mouth, changes in taste sensation
- headaches
- blurred vision
- change in eye color
All medications can have side effects or can interact with other medications.
Therefore, it is important that you make a list of the medications you take regularly and share
this list with each doctor you see.
Laser Treatment for Glaucoma:
Laser surgery Glaucoma treatment may be recommended for different types of glaucoma.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
What is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) ?
SLT is a Non-invasive Laser Treatment for reducing eye pressure in patients with Glaucoma.
How does SLT work ?
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is an advancement over other lasers been
used safely and effectively in Glaucoma treatment of open-angle glaucoma.
- SLT works by using laser light to stimulate the body's own healing response to
lower your eye pressure. Using a special wavelength and energy, the laser affects only
pigmented (melanin containing) cells your eye. SLT improves the flow of flu in the eye,
which in turn lowers your eye pressure.
What are the benefits of SLT?
* Safe: SLT is not associated with systemic side effects or the compliance and
cost issues of medications.
* Selective: SLT utilizes selective photothermolysis to target only specific cells,
leaving the surrounding tissue intact.
• Smart: SLT stimulates the body's natural mechanisms to enhance outflow of
the fluid in your eye.
Who can have SLT Treatment for Glaucoma?
If you have Open angle Glaucoma, you are a good candidate for SLT. Your doctor can examine you and tell whether you are good candidate for SLT.
How is SLT performed ?
SLT is usually performed in the physician’s office and only takes a few minutes. Prior to the procedure, eye drops will be given to prepare the eye for Glaucoma treatment The laser applications are made through a special microscope, similar to the one used for eye examinations.
What to expected after SLT treatment for Glaucoma?
Your eye pressure may drop as quickly as a day or more of having SLT
performed The doctor may treat the eye with anti- inflammatory eye drops that
will be continued after the procedure. Most likely, you will have to return for
follow-up visits.
What are the effects SLT ?
Unlike some glaucoma medications, there are no incidences of allergy or
systemic side-effects with SLT. Complications are minimal but may include
inflammation, temporary increase in eye pressure, blurred vision,
headache, iritis, corneal edema, corneal lesion, conjunctivitis, or eye pain.
For more information about SLT and how it may benefit you, please ask your
doctor.
What I feel anything with the laser treatment for Glaucoma?
Generally, the laser treatment for Glaucoma does not cause pain. You may see a green flash
of light, and feel nothing from the laser.
Will I still need to continue using my eye drops following the SLT procedure ?
Because each individual reacts differently to SLT, your doctor can best answer
this question. However, many individuals do not require to use any eyedrops
after SLT laser treatment.
Surgery in the operating room:
Nowadays glaucoma surgeries are very safe.
Glaucoma surgery options:
Express Shunt
Trabeculectomy
Ahmed Valve
What is ExPRESS Shunt Surgery ?
ExPRESS SHUNT is a new procedure that appears to be safe and effective at lowering IOP
in Glaucoma patients.
What are the benefits of ExPRESS Shunt Surgery ?
- Latest, more safe and effective method to control the intra-ocular pressure
- Fast post-operative recovery
- Better controlled IOP
- More precise and predictable surgery
- Lesser Side Effects than Conventional Surgery
What is your role in Glaucoma treatment ?
Glaucoma treatment requires team work between you and your doctor.
Your ophthalmologist can prescribe Glaucoma treatment, but only you can make sure that you
follow your doctor’s instructions and use your eye drops. Once you are taking
medications for glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will want to see you more frequently.
Typically, you can expect to visit your ophthalmologist every three to six months. |
