What is Glaucoma ?
Glaucoma is a group of disorders characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often caused by elevated fluid pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure).
- Optic Nerve Damage: The optic nerve transmits visual information from the eye to the brain, and its damage leads to vision loss.
- Progressive Nature: Vision loss from glaucoma is gradual, often without noticeable symptoms until advanced stages.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, particularly among individuals aged 60 and above.
Causes of Glaucoma
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, or certain eye conditions.
- Age: More common in adults over 40, particularly after 60.
- Genetics: A family history of glaucoma increases the risk.
- Injury: Previous eye trauma or surgeries.
- Elevated Intraocular Pressure: Caused by improper drainage of fluid within the eye.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
- Sudden appearance of floaters (small dark spots or strings in vision)
- Flashes of light in one or both eyes (photopsia)
- A shadow or curtain-like darkness over a portion of your visual field
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Gradual reduction in peripheral (side) vision
How Glaucoma treated ?
Glaucoma treatment focuses on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. While damage already done cannot be reversed, treatment can slow or stop progression.
Common treatment options include prescription eye drops that reduce fluid production or improve drainage, oral medications in some cases, and laser therapies like trabeculoplasty or iridotomy to enhance fluid outflow.
For more advanced or unresponsive cases, surgical options such as trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage implants, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) may be recommended. Early diagnosis and regular eye exams are essential for preserving vision.
What are the surgical techniques for Glaucoma?
Trabeculectomy
Trabeculectomy is a traditional glaucoma surgery that creates a new drainage channel to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). It is often used in moderate to advanced glaucoma cases unresponsive to medications.
Key Benefits
- Long-term IOP reduction
- Effective for open-angle glaucoma
- Can reduce dependency on eye drops
Drainage Implants
Drainage implants like the Ahmed or Baerveldt valve use a small tube to divert fluid from the eye, reducing pressure. These are especially useful in complex or previously failed glaucoma cases.
Advantages
- Ideal for refractory glaucoma
- Lower risk of scarring than trabeculectomy
- Long-term pressure control in difficult cases
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS procedures use tiny devices like iStent, Hydrus, or XEN gel stents to improve fluid outflow with minimal tissue damage. Commonly performed alongside cataract surgery.
Benefits
- Faster healing time
- Minimal invasiveness
- Ideal for early-to-moderate glaucoma
Laser Therapy
SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) and LPI (Laser Peripheral Iridotomy) are non-invasive options that enhance fluid drainage or prevent angle-closure attacks.
Advantages
- Outpatient, quick recovery
- Often eliminates need for medication
- Painless and repeatable if needed
FAQs
Care Tips After Glaucoma
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.
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 four months. This will vary depending on your treatment needs.