Glaucoma Treatment

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Glaucoma Treatment

Advanced Glaucoma Care at Al-Noor Eye Hospital

At Al-Noor Eye Hospital, we specialize in advanced glaucoma treatment, combining cutting-edge technology with expert care. Our team is dedicated to early detection and personalized treatment, utilizing the latest tools like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field testing to ensure precise diagnosis and effective management. With a focus on comprehensive and holistic care, we aim to preserve your vision and enhance your quality of life.

Overview

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that lead to progressive vision loss, often due to damage to the optic nerve. It is classified into two main types: primary and secondary. The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, is typically age-related and involves a chronic disturbance in the eye’s fluid pressure. Acute or secondary closed-angle glaucoma is less common and presents with a sudden, painful increase in intraocular pressure. Secondary glaucoma can be triggered by factors such as trauma, certain medications, infections, tumors, or advanced cataracts, all of which can elevate intraocular fluid pressure.

As the second leading cause of blindness globally, glaucoma is a diverse group of disorders characterized by damage to the optic nerve, which may lead to specific visual field defects. This damage can be slowed or prevented by effectively lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). However, it’s important to note that IOP is not always a definitive indicator of glaucoma. Some individuals may experience optic nerve damage and visual field loss even with normal IOP levels—a condition known as normal-tension glaucoma. In fact, it is estimated that up to 50% of glaucoma patients may have normal IOP. Therefore, a thorough examination of the optic nerve is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of your glaucoma treatment. We’re here to address your concerns and empower you to take control of your eye health.

Understanding Glaucoma: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Types of Glaucoma:

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG):
POAG is the most common type of glaucoma worldwide. It progresses slowly and often has no symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. This type of glaucoma is linked to high pressure inside the eye, which damages the optic nerve. Risk factors include age (over 40), family history, and being of African descent. Early screening and treatment can help prevent vision loss.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG):
ACG happens when the iris (the colored part of the eye) blocks the eye’s drainage system, causing a sudden and painful increase in eye pressure. This is an emergency and needs immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. Symptoms include severe eye pain, blurred vision, headaches, and nausea.

Other Types of Glaucoma:

  • Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma: Caused by deposits of a material that blocks fluid drainage in the eye.
  • Pigmentary Glaucoma: Occurs when pigment from the iris blocks the eye’s drainage system.
  • Angle Recession Glaucoma: Results from scar tissue due to past eye injuries.
  • Neovascular Glaucoma: Caused by new blood vessels growing on the iris and drainage structures, often linked to other eye diseases.
  • Normal Tension Glaucoma: Occurs even with normal eye pressure, leading to optic nerve damage.
  • Childhood Glaucoma (Pediatric Glaucoma): Affects babies and young children, often present at birth.

Symptoms of Glaucoma:

Most types of glaucoma have no early symptoms. By the time vision problems are noticed, the disease is often advanced. Symptoms of acute (sudden) glaucoma include:

  • Blurred vision, especially at night
  • Seeing halos or rainbows around lights
  • Severe headaches or eye pain
  • Nausea

Because glaucoma is often symptomless, regular eye exams are crucial, especially for those at risk.

Glaucoma Risk Factors:

Glaucoma is more common in adults over 40, but anyone can be at risk. You’re more likely to develop glaucoma if you:

  • Are over 60 years old
  • Have a family history of glaucoma
  • Are African-American (over age 40) or Hispanic (over age 60)
  • Have diabetes or high blood pressure
  • Are very nearsighted or farsighted
  • Use steroids regularly
  • Have had an eye injury
  • Are Asian

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing glaucoma involves several painless, non-invasive tests:

  • Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside your eye.
  • Visual Field Test: Checks for vision loss in your peripheral (side) vision.
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Uses computer imaging to measure the thickness of your optic nerve fibers, detecting damage that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
  • Optic Disc Photography: Takes pictures of your optic nerve to monitor any changes over time.
  • Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of your cornea, which can affect eye pressure readings.
  • Gonioscopy: Examines the drainage angle of your eye to see if it is open or closed.

Treatment:

Medications (First-Line Treatment):
Glaucoma medications aim to lower eye pressure by reducing fluid production or improving fluid drainage in the eye. Common treatments include:

  • Prostaglandin Analogues: The most commonly prescribed, these help fluid drain from the eye more effectively.
  • Beta-Blockers: Reduce fluid production in the eye.
  • Adrenergic Agonists: Increase fluid drainage but are less commonly used due to side effects.
  • Cholinergics: Increase fluid drainage but require multiple doses daily and have significant side effects.
  • Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: Reduce fluid production, often used if other treatments aren’t effective.
  • Combination Products: Medications that combine two different drugs to reduce eye pressure more effectively.

Non-Medication Treatments (Second-Line Treatment):

  • Laser Trabeculoplasty: Uses a focused laser to improve drainage and reduce eye pressure, often used if medications aren’t effective.
  • Trabeculectomy: Surgery that creates a new drainage path for eye fluid, usually considered if other treatments fail.
  • Cyclodestructive Procedures: Used in severe cases, this treatment reduces fluid production by damaging the part of the eye that produces fluid.

By understanding the types, symptoms, and treatments of glaucoma, patients can work with their eye care providers to manage the condition and preserve their vision. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment.