Glaucoma is an eye condition where increased pressure within the eye damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss if left untreated. Early detection is key to managing glaucoma effectively.
Common symptoms include blurred vision, loss of peripheral (side) vision, seeing halos around lights, eye pain or pressure, and redness in the eye. In its early stages, glaucoma may not present noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are crucial for early detection.
Normal eye pressure typically ranges between 10 and 21 mmHg. Higher pressure can indicate a risk of glaucoma.
Glaucoma occurs when fluid in the eye doesn’t drain properly, causing increased pressure that damages the optic nerve over time.
Treatment options include eye drops to lower eye pressure, laser treatments, and surgery, such as trabeculectomy, to improve fluid drainage.
Most glaucoma patients will need to use eye drops on a long-term basis to help manage eye pressure and prevent further vision loss.
Trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure where a small drainage channel is created to reduce eye pressure, helping to manage glaucoma and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
The surgery typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and it is designed to provide long-term pressure relief for glaucoma patients.
Eye drops, such as prostaglandin analogs and beta-blockers, are commonly prescribed to lower eye pressure and manage glaucoma.
While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively with the right treatment to prevent vision loss and maintain eye health.
Regular follow-ups every 3 to 6 months are important to monitor eye pressure and ensure the condition is under control.
In addition to medication, alternative treatments include laser therapy and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), which can help reduce eye pressure.