GLAUCOMA
COMMON EYE CONDITIONS
Excellence in Eye Care
Glaucoma comprises a family of interconnected eye conditions that result in optic nerve damage, which serves as the conduit for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. Typically, this condition arises due to the accumulation of excess fluid in the anterior part of the eye. This surplus fluid elevates intraocular pressure, leading to the impairment of the optic nerve.
Causes of Glaucoma
Glaucoma primarily stems from elevated intraocular pressure, which results from an irregular circulation of fluid within the eye’s anterior chamber. Typically, the clear fluid, known as aqueous humor, flows out of the eye through a mesh-like drainage system. When this drainage pathway becomes obstructed, it leads to the accumulation of fluid, ultimately triggering the onset of glaucoma.
Types of Glaucoma
- Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most prevalent form of glaucoma, characterized by a gradual onset. In open-angle glaucoma, the eye’s drainage system becomes less efficient over time, leading to increased intraocular pressure, which, in turn, results in optic nerve damage.
- Angle-closure Glaucoma: Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when an individual’s iris is in close proximity to the drainage angle within their eye. In some cases, the iris may obstruct this drainage angle, causing a sudden increase in intraocular pressure.
- Glaucoma is often asymptomatic, characterized by a lack of pain or noticeable symptoms
- Early detection is of paramount importance in managing and treating glaucoma effectively
- A significant risk factor for glaucoma is a family history of the condition
Treatment can involve medications, laser therapy, or surgical procedures. Medications may include eye drops or oral medications to reduce intraocular pressure. Laser therapy, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or trabeculectomy, is used in some cases. Surgery, like minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or traditional surgery, may be necessary for severe or advanced glaucoma.
Glaucoma does tend to run in families, indicating a genetic predisposition to the condition. Individuals with a family history of glaucoma should be especially vigilant in having regular eye exams to monitor for signs of the disease.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterized by optic nerve damage. It’s primarily caused by elevated intraocular pressure due to impaired drainage of eye fluid.
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it usually progresses without noticeable symptoms. In advanced stages, it can lead to peripheral vision loss or tunnel vision.
Glaucoma is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, including tonometry (to measure intraocular pressure), optic nerve evaluation, and visual field testing. Imaging tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) may also be used.
Treatment can involve medications, laser therapy, or surgical procedures. Medications may include eye drops or oral medications to reduce intraocular pressure. Laser therapy, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or trabeculectomy, is used in some cases. Surgery, like minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or traditional surgery, may be necessary for severe or advanced glaucoma.
Glaucoma does tend to run in families, indicating a genetic predisposition to the condition. Individuals with a family history of glaucoma should be especially vigilant in having regular eye exams to monitor for signs of the disease.
Glaucoma comprises a family of interconnected eye conditions that result in optic nerve damage, which serves as the conduit for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. Typically, this condition arises due to the accumulation of excess fluid in the anterior part of the eye. This surplus fluid elevates intraocular pressure, leading to the impairment of the optic nerve.
Causes of Glaucoma
Glaucoma primarily stems from elevated intraocular pressure, which results from an irregular circulation of fluid within the eye’s anterior chamber. Typically, the clear fluid, known as aqueous humor, flows out of the eye through a mesh-like drainage system. When this drainage pathway becomes obstructed, it leads to the accumulation of fluid, ultimately triggering the onset of glaucoma.
Types of Glaucoma
- Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most prevalent form of glaucoma, characterized by a gradual onset. In open-angle glaucoma, the eye’s drainage system becomes less efficient over time, leading to increased intraocular pressure, which, in turn, results in optic nerve damage.
- Angle-closure Glaucoma: Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when an individual’s iris is in close proximity to the drainage angle within their eye. In some cases, the iris may obstruct this drainage angle, causing a sudden increase in intraocular pressure.
- Glaucoma is often asymptomatic, characterized by a lack of pain or noticeable symptoms
- Early detection is of paramount importance in managing and treating glaucoma effectively
- A significant risk factor for glaucoma is a family history of the condition
Treatment can involve medications, laser therapy, or surgical procedures. Medications may include eye drops or oral medications to reduce intraocular pressure. Laser therapy, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or trabeculectomy, is used in some cases. Surgery, like minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or traditional surgery, may be necessary for severe or advanced glaucoma.
Glaucoma does tend to run in families, indicating a genetic predisposition to the condition. Individuals with a family history of glaucoma should be especially vigilant in having regular eye exams to monitor for signs of the disease.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterized by optic nerve damage. It’s primarily caused by elevated intraocular pressure due to impaired drainage of eye fluid.
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it usually progresses without noticeable symptoms. In advanced stages, it can lead to peripheral vision loss or tunnel vision.
Glaucoma is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, including tonometry (to measure intraocular pressure), optic nerve evaluation, and visual field testing. Imaging tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) may also be used.
Treatment can involve medications, laser therapy, or surgical procedures. Medications may include eye drops or oral medications to reduce intraocular pressure. Laser therapy, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or trabeculectomy, is used in some cases. Surgery, like minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or traditional surgery, may be necessary for severe or advanced glaucoma.
Glaucoma does tend to run in families, indicating a genetic predisposition to the condition. Individuals with a family history of glaucoma should be especially vigilant in having regular eye exams to monitor for signs of the disease.