standard-title Glaucoma

Glaucoma

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is characterized by damage to the optic nerve from high intraocular pressure (IOP), which can lead to optic nerve damage that causes unnoticeable blind spots at the edges of the visual field at the beginning. Glaucoma is therefore regarded as “thief of vision”. It is one of the common causes of blindness among adults.

 

Acute Glaucoma

Approximately one-third of glaucoma patients are classified as having acute glaucoma. Acute glaucoma patients suffer from painful eye, headache, rapid blurring of vision, nausea and vomiting. The patient will seek medical treatment because of pain caused by the acute onset.

 

Chronic Glaucoma

Two-thirds of glaucoma patients are classified as having chronic glaucoma. In the early stages, vision remains normal; there are no red eyes or pain; and the central vision remains clear. As the condition progresses to later stages, the patient will notice a complete loss of peripheral vision, experiencing the so-called “tunnel vision”, which, if left untreated, total blindness can occur.

 

 
 

The following persons are more susceptible to glaucoma:

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Patients with diabetes, hypertension or migraine.

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Those with a family history of glaucoma.

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Elderly persons, persons with eye trauma, people with myopia.

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Persons who were once on or are currently taking steroids.
 

 

Prevention of Glaucoma

Vision loss caused by glaucoma is irreparable. Prevention is better than cure. If any of your direct relatives have glaucoma, you should undergo regular eye examination.
The onset of glaucoma varies with individuals as it depends on how one’s optic nerve responds to intraocular pressure. It progresses differently in different people.
The normal range of intraocular pressure is 12 to 21mm Hg; however, even within this range, glaucoma can still strike. It is therefore very important to have your eyes examined regularly. Early diagnosis with proper treatment can prevent or slow down the damage to vision.

 
 

Treatment of Glaucoma

At present, the most effective way to treat glaucoma is to decrease the intraocular pressure to an appropriate level to prevent further damage to vision through the use of eye drops, laser surgery, eye surgery or a combination of these.

1.

Eye drops: The most commonly used treatment for glaucoma. Patients must use the medication as instructed. Common glaucoma drugs include:

 

．    Beta-blockers have been used for years. They reduce the production of aqueous to decrease intraocular pressure.

 

．    Prostaglandin analogs are newer agents that can improve the drainage of aqueous.

2.

Laser treatment: When eye drops alone cannot control the condition, laser treatment is used concurrently to decrease intraocular pressure. 

3.

Operation: Eye surgery is performed when both eye drops and laser treatment cannot control the progression of glaucoma.

Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for reference only. They are not, and should not be used as, diagnoses, medical treatments or recommendations for any drug. For enquiries, please contact Champion Eye Centre.