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Writer's pictureVaibhav Khanna

Don't Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight!



Glaucoma, often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," is a group of eye conditions that can cause irreversible vision loss if left untreated. This article aims to shed light on glaucoma, its different types, risk factors, symptoms, and available treatment options. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial in managing this chronic eye disease effectively.


Causes:

Glaucoma is a complex eye disease characterized by damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. The most common type of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), which develops gradually and usually without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. Other types include angle-closure glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma, such as age, family history, ethnicity, certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes), and prolonged use of corticosteroid medications. While anyone can develop glaucoma, individuals over the age of 60, those with a family history of glaucoma, and people of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent are at higher risk.


Symptoms

TIn its early stages, glaucoma rarely causes noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, individuals may experience peripheral vision loss, blurred vision, halos around lights, difficulty adjusting to the darkness, and, in severe cases, tunnel vision. Regular comprehensive eye exams, including tonometry to measure intraocular pressure (IOP), are essential for early detection and diagnosis of glaucoma.


Treatments

While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, various treatment options can help manage the disease and slow its progression. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) within a safe range to protect the optic nerve.

  • Medications:

    Eye drops are often the first line of treatment for glaucoma. They work by either reducing the production of fluid in the eye or improving its drainage. Compliance with the prescribed medication regimen is crucial to ensure its effectiveness.

  • Laser Therapy:

    Laser trabeculoplasty and laser peripheral iridotomy are two common laser procedures used to treat different forms of glaucoma. Laser trabeculoplasty helps improve drainage in open-angle glaucoma, while laser peripheral iridotomy is effective for angle-closure glaucoma by creating a small hole in the iris to allow fluid flow.

  • Surgical Interventions:

    When medications and laser therapy are insufficient, surgical options may be considered. Trabeculectomy, where a new drainage channel is created, and aqueous shunt implantation, which diverts excess fluid, are two commonly performed surgeries for glaucoma. Certain valves like Ahmed glaucoma valves are used in advanced glaucomas to control ey pressure .

  • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS):

    MIGS procedures are a newer category of surgical interventions that offer a less invasive approach to managing glaucoma. These procedures can often be performed at the same time as cataract surgery and aim to improve the eye's natural drainage system.


Conclusion

Glaucoma remains a significant cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. Regular eye exams, especially for those at higher risk, play a vital role in early detection and management. While glaucoma cannot be cured, effective treatment options, including medications, laser therapy, surgical interventions, and MIGS procedures, can help control the disease's progression and preserve vision. Remember, early diagnosis and timely intervention are key to maintaining healthy eyes and preventing vision loss caused by glaucoma.


To Know more:

Watch our Youtube Videos on Glaucoma: https://tinyurl.com/Glaucoma-videos-Playlist

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