Glaucoma is an eye condition responsible for vision loss, which has several varieties, and most of them are treatable. High intraocular pressure (IOP) is often linked to the optic nerve's gradual damage. In the world, it is one of the major causes of permanent blindness. But, with timely diagnosis and effective management, we can keep our vision optimal.
The main goal of glaucoma treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent the condition from getting worse. Medications and glaucoma surgeries are two main treatment choices here. For glaucoma surgery in Siliguri or near you, reach out to the leading eye hospital in the location.
Types of Glaucoma
The optic nerve, which is essential for sending visual data from the eye to the brain, gets affected by glaucoma. And, this eye illness usually progresses gradually and painlessly.Although glaucoma comes in a variety of forms, the two most frequent ones are:
Open-angle Glaucoma: The most prevalent type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma, in which the trabecular meshwork is partially blocked. It causes a steady buildup of pressure, although the drainage angle created by the cornea and iris stays open in this case.
Angle-closure Glaucoma: An abnormal increase in ocular pressure results from angle-closure glaucoma. However, it’sa less frequent but more urgent form in which the iris bulges forward to narrow. Also, it can block the drainage angle.
The Diagnosis of Glaucoma: Overview
The diagnosis of glaucoma often begins with a thorough eye examination. And your eye specialist may review your medical history for initial diagnostic accuracy. Important tests here:
- Intraocular pressure is measured using tonometry.
- Ophthalmoscopy is used to examine injury to the optic nerve.
- Peripheral vision is tested using perimetry.
- A gonioscopy checks for the angle in the eye where the cornea and iris meet.
- Pachymetry helps determine the thickness of the cornea.
Routine eye exams (as advised by an eye specialist) are crucial since glaucoma usually doesn't show any signs until there has been moderate or severe vision loss. Especially if you're over 40 or have a family history of the condition, consulting an eye specialist and discussing tests for diagnosis is vital.
Understanding Glaucoma Treatment and Whether Surgery is Necessary
- Non-Surgical Glaucoma Treatments
Surgery is not always the initial priority for glaucoma patients, and the following are typical non-surgical choices:
- Eye Drops
The most popular therapy is prescription eye drops (prescribed by an eye specialist). Although they work well, they have side effects, including stinging, redness, or systemic effects, and they must be taken strictly every day. Your eye specialist may prescribe more than one eye drop based on how low the ocular pressure is.
- Oral Medicines
Oral drugs,mostly carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, may be recommended since they help reduce ocular pressure if eye drops are insufficient in your situation.
- Typical Surgical Choices for Glaucoma
- Trabeculectomy: It treats glaucoma by opening a new channel for the drainage of fluid from the eye.
- Drainage Devices (Shunts or Tubes): These implants assist in removing extra fluid from the eye and effectively reduce eye pressure.
- MIGS: Compared to standard surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) decreases IOP with fewer risks and a quicker recovery, which is often done in combination with cataract surgery.
Even though surgery works well, it is usually for patients with moderate to severe glaucoma or those who are unable to take or tolerate medicine. Acute angle-closure glaucoma more often needs surgical care because it’s a medical emergency; therefore, fast treatment is vital. Talk to the top ophthalmologist for glaucoma surgery in Siliguri.
Hence, we can say that glaucoma may not necessarily require surgery, especially if it is diagnosed early and treated with medicationand eye drops. Yet, surgery becomes an essential option for maintaining vision when non-surgical alternatives are no longer viable. Seek advice from the top eye experts at The Himalayan Eye Institute.
