Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma ?
Also known as kala motia / kala paani – glaucoma refers to the progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve i.e. nerve connecting eye to brain.
The most common cause of glaucoma is an elevated pressure of the eye ie IOP but it can also happen with normal pressure.
TYPES OF GLAUCOMA
1. OPEN ANGLE
2. CLOSED ANGLE
3. NORMAL TENSION GLAUCOMA
4. CONGENITAL / CHILDHOOD GLAUOCOMA
5. SECONDARY GLAUCOMA
WHO IS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING GLAUCOMA ?
Family history , use of prolonged steroid medications via any route, high myopia . high hyperopia , trauma to eye, age >60 years Diabetic, hypertensive , Racial influence : Africans and Asians
HOW DO I TELL IF I HAVE GLAUCOMA ?
- Glaucoma mostly stays undetected as in majority of cases it does not cause symptoms in early stages .
- The visual loss begins from periphery of vision and slowly progresses towards central vision.
- Signs and symptoms can vary depending upon type of glaucoma.
HOW IS GLAUCOMA DIAGNOSED ?
After a detailed history – you will be advised one or more of the following tests to screen and diagnose glaucoma.
- Vision and refraction
- Detailed slit lamp evaluation
- IOP- by NCT and Applanation Tonometry
- Corneal thickness pachymetry
- Gonioscopy
- RNFL by OCT
- Perimetry / visual field analysis
HOW IS GLAUCOMA TREATED?
First and foremost – glaucoma cannot be reversed . With the best possible management the progression of glaucoma can be halted.
Advances in understanding of patho-physiology of glaucoma and medical science have made it possible today to control glaucoma in majority of the cases with just eye drops.
A patient may require a single or a combination of few drugs to control their IOP effectively and control glaucoma progression.
Closed angle glaucoma requires a Yag-laser Iridotomy for effective management. Such cases may or may not require additional eydrops.
When glaucoma is not controlled by either of the above measures – surgical intervention in the form of Trabeculectomy or Glaucoma drainage devices may be required.
HOW FREQUENTLY DO I NEED CHECK UPS IF I HAVE GLAUOCMA?
A person having Glaucoma is reviewed according to the severity of the condition.
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