Glaucoma

Glaucoma is characterised by damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to progressive vision loss.
Key characteristics include:

• Gradual or sudden vision loss
• Potential for complete blindness if untreated
• Often asymptomatic in early stages
• Multiple types with different progression rates
• • Open-Angle Glaucoma: Most common, develops slowly in both eyes
  • Closed-Angle Glaucoma: Develops suddenly, typically in one eye
  • Congenital Glaucoma: Present from birth

Early-stage glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial.
Advanced symptoms include:

• Blind spots in peripheral vision
• Severe eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Redness in the eye
• Halos around lights
• Nausea and vomiting (in acute cases)

Glaucoma is primarily caused by:

• High intraocular pressure
• Diabetes
• Near-sightedness or far-sightedness
• Prolonged use of certain eye drops
• Eye injuries
• Hereditary factors
• Age-related changes in eye structure

Diagnosis involves comprehensive eye examinations:

• Intraocular pressure tests
• Gonioscopy (examining the eye's drainage angle)
• Optic nerve assessment
• Fundus photography
• Visual field testing
• Corneal thickness measurement

Treatment approaches include:

• Medications (eye drops to reduce eye pressure)
• Laser therapy to improve fluid drainage
• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
• Traditional glaucoma surgery
  • Trabeculoplasty
  • Glaucoma drainage devices

Success Rate

• Early detection and treatment can prevent vision loss
• Approximately 50-80% of progression can be halted with proper treatment
• Ongoing management is crucial

Recovery Time

• Medication treatments: Immediate effect
• Laser therapy: Minimal recovery time
• Surgical interventions: 2-4 weeks for full recovery

Medications and Care

• Prescription eye drops to control intraocular pressure
• Regular follow-up appointments
• Potential combination of treatments
• Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management)