Glaucoma: Early Detection Prevents Blindness

     Glaucoma is a condition characterized by the degeneration of the optic nerve, which impairs its ability to transmit visual signals. When visual signals cannot be sent, it results in a loss of vision. Generally, patients with glaucoma often have higher intraocular pressure than normal, which is the primary cause of optic nerve damage.
 

Symptoms of Glaucoma

     In the early stages, there are no noticeable symptoms. Later, once more than 40 percent of the optic nerve is damaged, patients will begin to experience vision loss, with their field of vision gradually narrowing. If left untreated, the optic nerve will continue to slowly deteriorate until it eventually leads to complete blindness.
 

How Do You Know If You Have Glaucoma?

When evaluating patients who are suspected of having this disease, the initial examinations include:

1.  Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Measurement 

     The doctor will examine the internal structures of the eye for signs consistent with glaucoma, such as an optic nerve cupping that appears larger than normal because the nerve fibers have been compressed or destroyed.

2.  Additional Testing with Special Equipment to Examine the "Visual Field" 

This is done to identify blind spots and determine whether the nerve cells in specific areas are still functioning.

3.  Optic Nerve Scanning Test 

     Also known as an OCT scan, this technique uses an infrared laser to measure the thickness of the optic nerve layer or to check if the cells responsible for vision are still intact. All collected data is then evaluated collectively to determine if the patient has glaucoma.

Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?

Risk factors that contribute to the development of glaucoma include:

• Individuals with relatively high intraocular pressure, specifically 21 mmHg or higher.
• Increasing age.
• A family history of glaucoma.
• A history of eye trauma or previous eye surgery.
• Certain underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Individuals with thinner-than-normal corneas.

This disease can affect individuals ranging from newborns to the elderly. The most commonly affected group consists of older adults, particularly those over the age of 40. Furthermore, individuals with severe nearsightedness or farsightedness also carry a higher risk of developing glaucoma in the future.

How is Glaucoma Treated?

The goal of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure, thereby preventing and halting further optic nerve damage caused by glaucoma, as portions of the optic nerve that are already lost cannot be restored. This can be achieved through several methods, including:

• Medication: Using prescription eye drops.
• Laser Treatment: Can be used in combination with medication to help support and protect the optic nerve from being compressed.
• Surgery: Utilized when medications and laser therapies fail to adequately control intraocular pressure. Surgery is performed to lower eye pressure, and the physician will determine the most suitable treatment plan for each patient.

Eye Department is Ready to Care for You

     Glaucoma poses a significant danger to our eyes. Without proper care and attention to our ocular health, there is a serious risk of permanent vision loss. In addition to regular eye examinations

• Consuming a beneficial diet rich: Vitamins E, A, and C to nourish the eyes,
• Avoiding direct exposure to bright sunlight: Wearing UV-protective sunglasses is a highly effective preventive measure. These habits will allow us to maintain healthy vision for a much longer period.

Stay Proactive with Regular Eye Exams​​​

     Individuals aged 40 and above, along with those who present the risk factors mentioned earlier, should undergo screening for intraocular pressure and an evaluation of the optic nerve at least once a year. Follow-up examinations may be scheduled according to the physician's recommendations. If any abnormality is detected, treatment can be administered promptly.

Edited

01/09/2023