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| WHAT IS GLAUCOMA? |
Glaucoma a leading cause of blindness in the world, especially
for older people. However visual loss is preventable or stabilized
with early diagnosis and treatment.
Glaucoma is a condition of the eye where
the optic nerve is damaged. The optic nerve carries images
to the brain, which are then perceived as vision. Minute nerve
fibres from various parts of the retina join to form the optic
nerve. Glaucoma results when the pressure within the eye is
high enough to be detrimental to the normal functioning of
these nerve fibres, some of which stop functioning. Non-functional
nerve fibres result in a loss of retinal function in the area
from where they originate, leading to defects in the field
of vision..
The disease is called the `sneak thief of
sight´ because it is painless, without symptoms and
irreversible. Therefore, the person with glaucoma is usually
unaware of it until much loss of vision has occurred. In fact,
half of those suffering damage from glaucoma do not know it.
Currently, damage from glaucoma cannot be reversed and if
the entire nerve is damaged, blindness results. Early detection
and regular treatment are the keys to preventing optic nerve
damage and blindness from glaucoma. |
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| WHAT CAUSES GLAUCOMA? |
The aqueous humour is the clear fluid circulating within and
nourishing some parts of the eye which have no blood supply.
'Normal' individuals have an equal production and drainage
of this fluid resulting in a constant pressure within the
eye. If the drainage is compromised due to any reason, there
is a pressure build-up in the eye, which can damage the optic
nerve. |
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| WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT
TYPES OF GLAUCOMA? |
A Chronic open-angle glaucoma
Most common type of glaucoma; damages vision gradually and
painlessly. The pressure is rarely high enough to be symptomatic. |
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Angle-closure glaucoma
An acute attack of glaucoma caused by sudden blockage of the
drainage channels leading to a sharp rise in pressure within
the eye.
Symptoms include:
Blurred vision
Severe eye pain, nausea and vomiting
Headache
Rainbow haloes around lights
Pain around your eyes after watching TV or after
leaving a dark theatre
Red eyes |
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An
acute attack requires the immediate attention of an eye doctor. |
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| HOW IS GLAUCOMA DETECTED? |
A Regular eye examinations by the ophthalmologist leads to
detection.
The complete and painless examination includes among other
tests:
Tonometry - Measurement of the intraocular pressure
[tension]
Gonioscopy - Inspection of the drainage angle
of the eye
Ophthalmoscopy - Evaluation of optic nerve damage
Perimetry - Testing the visual field of each
eye |
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| WHO IS AT RISK FOR
GLAUCOMA? |
Everyone should be concerned about glaucoma and its effects.
It is important for each of us, from infants to senior citizens,
to have our eyes checked regularly, because early detection
and treatment of glaucoma are the only ways to prevent vision
impairment and blindness. There are a few conditions related
to this disease that tend to put some people at greater risk.
This may apply to you if: |
Someone in your family has a history of glaucoma
Age: If you are over 45 and have not had your
eyes examined regularly
Near-sightedness [myopia]
Any injury to your eyes
Secondary to other ocular conditions [cataract,
inflammation, tumours etc.]
Long-term medication [cortisone] |
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| HOW IS GLAUCOMA TREATED? |
The
main treatment for chronic glaucoma aims at reducing the pressure
in your eye. Damage already caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed.
Eye drops, tablets, laser and surgical operations are used
to prevent or slow further damage from occurring. With any
type of glaucoma periodic examinations are very important
to prevent loss of vision. Because, glaucoma can irreversibly
worsen without your being aware of it, your treatment may
need to be changed from time to time during the periodic examination. |
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| Medical treatment |
|
| Eye drops |
When taken regularly and continuously as prescribed, they
control the eye pressure either by slowing the formation of
aqueous fluid within the eye or by increasing the flow at
the drainage area. The proper technique of using your medication
is a key to successful treatment. Our glaucoma clinic doctor
or assistant will teach you the technique. |
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| Tablets |
These are sometimes combined with the eye drops to decrease
higher levels of eye pressure. They are occasionally known
to cause tingling of fingers and toes, bowel irregularities,
and in the very long term, kidney stones. |
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Why a drug causes side effects in some persons and not others
is not fully understood. |
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By visiting the clinic regularly will help keep a check on
what treatment suits you and its results. |
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| Laser surgery |
Lasers
are usually used in one of three ways: |
In
open-angle glaucoma the draining angle itself is enlarged
to control eye pressure. |
In
angle-closure glaucoma the laser creates a hole in the iris
to open up and improve the flow of aqueous fluid to the drain. |
In
painful late-stage glaucoma medication or surgery do not control
the pressure. The laser closes some aqueous fluid-producing
areas in the eye and lowers the eye pressure. |
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| Operative surgery |
A new drainage channel is created for the aqueous fluid to
leave the eye. Sometimes a tube drains the fluid in very resistant
cases. |
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Surgery is recommended when your doctor feels that it is safer
to operate than to allow optic nerve damage to continue. |
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The best treatment for you should be decided after a thorough
examination and discussion with us. |
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Our centres run Glaucoma Clinics for the special purpose of
preserving sight in sight-threatening conditions such as glaucoma. |
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1.
The patient receives specialized care provided
by our glaucoma specialists |
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2.
Glaucoma needs regular follow-up since the condition
can cause asymptomatic and irreversible loss of vision if
poorly treated or neglected |
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3.
The effect of your treatment on the eye pressure
may not always be constant and needs to be regularly measured
by our glaucoma specialist. |
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4.
At the clinic we record images and maintain records
of your eye condition for comparison on following visits.
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| WHAT IS YOUR PART IN
THE TREATMENT? |
Treatment requires a team effort [you and the doctor]:
The prescription must never be altered or stopped without
consulting your doctor. Frequent eye examinations and tests
are critical to monitor your eyes for any changes. |
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| HOW DO I MINIMIZE THE
RISK OF GETTING GLAUCOMA? |
You need an eye examination -
Every 18 - 24 months if you are age 39 years or over,
Every 12 months if a family member has glaucoma, if you have
had a serious eye injury in the past, or if you are taking
steroid medication [tablets or eye drops]. The Glaucoma Clinic
has an early diagnosis centre keeping in mind the higher risk
for glaucoma among family members |
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