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What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma is usually associated with increased eye pressure. Diagnosis is made by measurement of eye pressure, examination of the appearance of the optic nerve, and evaluation of peripheral field of vision.
What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a very complex disease which affects 2% of the population. It is a particularly dangerous disease because it usually does not produce symptoms and can only be diagnosed early by periodic eye exams. Left untreated, Glaucoma will cause blindness that is not recoverable.
What causes Glaucoma?
There is a clear liquid that is made and circulates inside the front portion of the eye. This small amount of fluid must drain from the eye by way of a microscopic drainage system, at a rate consistent with production of the fluid, to maintain a healthy pressure inside the eye. In some cases the drainage system doesn't work properly and pressure will build up to dangerous levels causing optic nerve damage.
What is the treatment for Glaucoma?
If glaucoma damage has already occurred it can not be reversed. Eye drops, lasers, and sometimes cutting surgery will control glaucoma and stop any further damage.
Eye Drops, taken daily, will decrease the amount of fluid produced in the eye by either opening up the structures that drain fluid or by decreasing the amount of fluid made in the first place. This is usually the first line of defense. It is the simplest and most benign option in treating glaucoma.
Laser Surgery can be effective in treating certain forms of glaucoma. By focusing light rays on certain structures in the eye, fluid is more easily able to get to the drain and out of the drainage structures.
Cutting Surgery is usually a last resort to treating glaucoma. In an outpatient surgery setting microscopic instruments are used to create an alternative route for fluid to escape the eye. This procedure requires close follow up after the surgery.
Treatment for Glaucoma requires a working relationship between patient and doctor. An ophthalmologist can prescribe treatment, but only the patient can make sure progression stops by following the doctors instructions. Frequent follow up visits and compliance with eye drops are necessary to insure the health of the eye.
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