Glaucoma Management & Laser

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Silent Thief of Sight - Early Screening & Laser

Glaucoma Management & Laser at Mitra Eye Hospital

What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma surgery in Punjab, Jalandhar, Phagwara, Glaucoma is a group of eye problems that can damage the optic nerves. It is categorized as a common type of optic nerve which leads to ‘VISION LOSS’. The problem leads to fluid build-ups which put excess pressure on the eye. Although slight pressure on the eyes can also lead to glaucoma. The occurrence of this condition occurs after the age of 60 and sometimes in older adults also. Make sure to get the condition treated on time under the supervision of the best ophthalmologist at Mitra Eye Hospital.

Do you know?

Untreated or not getting the right treatment plan for glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss, blindness, and permanent vision loss.

What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?
There are different types of glaucoma and it includes:

Open-angle	Most common type affects 90% of people. Occurs in tiny deposits build up in the eye drainage canal which clogs it. Within months or years it starts putting pressure on the optic nerves. The problem is left unnoticed as the symptoms are noticed right away.
Closed-angle	Also known as narrow-angle glaucoma or angle-closure. This condition occurs all of a sudden. The angle b/w the iris and cornea will narrow down. It can lead to symptoms like headaches, eye pain, and sometimes it is too severe that you need medical attention right away.
Normal-Tension	1 in 3 people have optic nerve damage which puts pressure on the eye pressure. The problem is common in Asian Americans and Asians.
Congenital	Also known as childhood, infantile or pediatric glaucoma. Some babies have problems with drainage canals. During childbirth the doctor will check the symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?

The symptoms you have will depend on your condition as every patient is different from others:

Open-angle Glaucoma	Acute angle-closure glaucoma
Tunnel Vision (at advanced stage) Patchy blind spots on the sides or central vision affects both of your eyes.	Severe headache Eye pain Nausea and vomiting Blurred vision Halos around lights Eye redness

If you notice the symptoms are getting severe, then make sure to consult the medical expert right away.

What are the risk factors of Glaucoma?

If the condition is chronic, then it can greatly affect the vision even before you can notice the symptoms. Some of the major risk factors are:

Excess internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
Age above 60
Being black, Asian, or Hispanic
Family history of glaucoma
Having corneas that are thin in the center
Extremely nearsighted or farsighted
Eye injury or certain types of eye surgery
Taking corticosteroid medications, especially eye drops, for a long time
Having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and sickle cell anemia

Does glaucoma affect both eyes?

In most cases, people develop this condition in both eyes, however, one of the eyes will have a more severe condition. In the case of open-angle glaucoma type, one person will have severe or moderate damage and the other eye will be affected less. Gradually, the condition will get worse for both eyes. In the case of closed-angle glaucoma, one eye will have the chance of developing by around 40% to 80%.

What are the causes of glaucoma?

In many cases, the reason for glaucoma is not known but it can occur due to several factors. One of the major factors in intraocular eye pressure. The eye produces a fluid which is known as ‘Aqueous Humor’ which affects them. The liquid flows through the pupil to the front of the eye.
With this condition, the drainage canals are clogged with microscopic deposits. The fluid will build up in the eye, as it cannot go anywhere else. When the pressure gets in excess it will damage the optic nerve.

What are the tips to prevent Glaucoma?

In the initial stage, you must follow the self-care tips which help in preventing vision loss and the problem will slow down from progressing further.

Get regular dilated eye examination	Getting a regular eye examination will detect the problem early and damage will not get worse. If you are under 40 years old, then make sure to get an eye examination every 5 to 10 years. Under the age of 55 to 64, get it every 2 years.
Know about your family history	If someone had it in your family, then you are also at increased risk. So, it is better to get the screening on time.
Exercise safely	Make sure to exercise regularly as it reduces eye pressure. Talk to the doctor about which eye exercises you should do.
Take prescribed eye-drops	Talk to the doctor about which glaucoma eye drops you should take.
Wear eye-protection	It is better to wear the eye-protection when you doing high-speed racket sports and using power tools.

What are the laser surgeries used to treat Glaucoma?

2 types of laser surgery are there to treat Glaucoma, to take out the aqueous. The ophthalmologist will perform the treatment at the hospital

Trabeculoplasty	Iridotomy
It is for people who have open-angle glaucoma. The surgeon will use the laser, so that the drainage is better. It makes it easier for fluid to flow and eye pressure is less	It is for people who have angle-closure glaucoma. The doctor will create a tiny hole in the iris and this way the fluid will flow.

What are the medications to treat Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is treated with eyedrop medication. The doctor will suggest that eye drops be used every day. The use of these will help to keep the vision and it will reduce the side effects. Some eye drops can lead to:

Changes in your energy level
Changes in breathing
Dry mouth
Blurred vision
Eyelash growth
A stinging or itching sensation
Red eyes or red skin around the eyes
Changes in your pulse and heartbeat
Changes in your eye color, the skin around your eyes, or eyelid appearance

The medications come with side effects, so make sure to consult the doctor on which one you should take regularly. Don’t do anything on your own.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

The doctor will perform the following test to diagnose glaucoma:

Dilated eye exam to widen pupils and check the optic nerve at the eyes back.
Gonioscopy to check the angle where the iris and cornea meet.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) checks the changes in the optic nerve that may indicate glaucoma.
Ocular pressure test (tonometry) to measure eye pressure.
Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness.
Slit-lamp exam to examine the inside of the eye with a special microscope called a slit lamp.
Visual acuity test (eye charts) to check for vision loss.
Visual field test (perimetry) checks the changes in peripheral vision (your ability to see things off to the side).

How is glaucoma managed or treated?

Treatment will reduce the risk of additional vision loss and it will restore lost vision. Glaucoma treatment will include:

Eye Drops/Medication
Laser treatment
Surgery (To reduce eye pressure)

What is the ideal age to get Glaucoma testing?

1 to 2 years – After age 35 (People at high risk)
2 to 4 years – Before age 40.
1 to 3 years – Ages 40 and 54.
1 to 2 years – Ages 55 to 64.
6 months to 12 months – After age 65

What are the emergency symptoms to consult the doctor?

Treatment will reduce the risk of additional vision loss and it will restore lost vision. Glaucoma treatment will include:

Blurred or low vision.
Halos, eye floaters, or flashers.
Sensitivity to light.
Vision loss.
Sudden, severe eye pain or headaches.

Final Word

Although there is no cure for this condition, effective treatment will reduce eye control and prevent permanent vision loss. Consult the best eye doctor at Mitra Eye Hospital to get the right kind of treatment plan.