Glaucoma is a condition which eventually leads to damage of the optic nerve and then blindness. Glaucoma is mostly commonly seen in the middle age to the older aged individuals. Any treatment modality cannot completely cure glaucoma but can help in limiting the progression of damage to the optic nerve. This in turn can prevent blindness by controlling the intra ocular pressure (pressure of the fluid present in the eye, normal IOP is 10-21mm of Hg) .Various medications in the form of eye drops have been used for the treatment of glaucoma. If appropriate relief is not attained with medication a glaucoma surgery can be suggested.
What are the types of glaucoma ?
Mainly glaucoma can be of two types.
- Open-angle Glaucoma: This is attributed to the production of aqueous humor (a liquid or gelatinous substance present between the lens and the cornea of the eye) but its inadequate drainage due to clogging leading to increased intra ocular pressure. This is the most common form of glaucoma.
- Closed-angle Glaucoma: In closed angle glaucoma the iris is pushed close to the eye lens there by reducing the angle for drainage of aqueous humor. This type is common in the Asian population.
Other types of glaucoma include Normal tension glaucoma, congenital glaucoma and secondary glaucoma.
What are the causes of glaucoma ?
The exact causes of open-angle glaucoma are not known. The closed-angle glaucoma is attributed to an anatomical defect in the structure of the eye which causes difficulty in drainage of aqueous humor. The secondary causes of glaucoma include diabetes, high blood pressure, difficulty in breathing while sleeping, hypothyroidism, previous eye injury, near sightedness and consumption of medicines like steroids. Glaucoma is also considered as a hereditary disease as it is seen in families.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma ?
The initial symptoms include blurring of vision at the periphery or tunneling of vision. The patients complain that they are able to view those objects clearly which are in front of the eye and the side vision is blurred. In some cases the patient may even see rainbow like halos associated with nausea and vomiting. If the initial symptoms are not addressed they can lead to complete blindness.
How do you diagnose glaucoma ?
If you are above 40 years of age and are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, it is essential to seek consultation with an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough examination of the eye including tests like tonometry (to measure the intra ocular pressure), visual field testing to check the vision and measurement of corneal thickness.
The normal intra ocular pressure is 10-21mm of Hg and individuals who have an intra ocular pressure of 21-30 mm of Hg or above are at a greater risk of getting glaucoma.
What are the treatments available for glaucoma ?
The initial treatment of symptoms of glaucoma includes administration of medication in the form of eye drops as suggested by the ophthalmologist. Surgery can be an indication in individuals when much relief is not achieved by medication.
What are the surgical options to treat glaucoma ?
The ophthalmologist will suggest a treatment on the basis of thorough examination and when other treatments are not successful. Glaucoma can be treated by a conventional surgery or by a laser surgery.
The two main procedures are elaborated as under.
- Trabeculoplasty: This procedure is also known as Laser surgery as it utilizes a laser for making tiny holes which will aid in drainage of aqueous humor and thereby reducing the intra ocular pressure and improving the vision. This is most commonly used for open-angle glaucoma and is performed as a chair side procedure. The patient is instructed to use medication followed by the procedure.
- Trabeculectomy: This procedure is also known as the filtration surgery or a conventional surgery for the treatment of glaucoma. The surgeon surgically creates a passage in the sclera (the white part of the eye) and a flap is raised to help in drainage of fluid in the eye. The procedure might also include the removal of a small part of the iris. The benefit of this conventional technique is that any kind of further medication is not required.
The conventional surgery may also use a stent or a shunt during the procedure to help in the drainage of fluid and hence maintaining the intra ocular pressure. This procedure can be done as a chair side procedure of the patient might be asked to stay overnight after the procedure. The possible risk of this surgery includes scarring, eye infections or cataracts.
What is the post-operative care for glaucoma surgery ?
The ophthalmologist might ask you to refrain from straining your eyes as it may increase the intra ocular pressure. If any post operative medicated eye drops are prescribed they should be taken without fail. The use of sunglasses is recommended to avoid the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays.
What is the outcome of a glaucoma surgery ?
The choice of getting a surgery done for the treatment of glaucoma is dependent on the patient’s condition and the consultant’s analysis of the symptoms. Before deciding on the type of treatment to be done it is essential to understand the outcome, risks and benefits of each procedure so as to choose the best suited treatment. Glaucoma surgeries have been performed successfully over decades helped many individuals in retaining their vision.
How to find eye surgeons for glaucoma surgery ?
Now you can find eye surgeons for glaucoma surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple eye surgeons, get cost estimates for glaucoma surgery from different eye hospitals, compare things and then choose a eye surgeon for glaucoma surgery.
Find and choose a eye surgeon for glaucoma surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
