Can glaucoma be treated without surgery?
Glaucoma is a condition where fluid builds up inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve. The condition can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. While some patients can control their symptoms through medication, others require surgery.
Glaucoma affects nearly 60 million Americans and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The disease is caused by damage to the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eyes to the brain.
What causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve and can lead to blindness if left untreated. This condition has been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, kidney disease, obesity, smoking, and other factors. There are two types of glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and angle-closure glaucoma (ACG).
POAG occurs when the trabecular meshwork becomes damaged, causing fluid to build up in the eye. ACG occurs when the iris blocks the drainage of fluid from the eye. Both conditions have similar symptoms including painless vision loss, but they require different treatments.
Types of Glaucoma
Open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma are the two main types.
Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is the most common type. In OAG, the drainage system of the eye becomes blocked, causing increased pressure within the eyeball. In turn, this causes nerve damage.
They are a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve. They can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. There are two types of open-angle glaucomatous conditions:
primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and secondary open-angle glaucoma disease (SOAG).
POAG occurs when fluid pressure builds up inside the eyeball, causing damage to the optic nerve and resulting in vision loss. SOAG occurs when the fluid pressure builds up behind the iris, causing the pupil to dilate and block light from entering the eye.
Both conditions are caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the amount of pressure inside the eye. IOP is controlled by the trabecular meshwork, a network of tiny tubes located in the front chamber of the eye. When the trabecular cells become damaged, they no longer function properly and allow too much fluid into the eye. This causes the pressure inside the eye to rise. If this condition is not treated, it can eventually result in blindness.
Closed-angle glaucoma (CAG) is a type of glaucoma that occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea becomes closed off. This causes fluid to build up inside the eye, leading to damage to the optic nerve. CAG can occur at any age but is most common among older.
When to see the doctor for glaucoma?
Symptoms of glaucoma include:
• Blurred & Double vision
• Eye pain for long term
• Nausea due to eye pressure
If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, you should get treatment from the best eye specialist in Coimbatore.
Glaucoma Surgery vs. Medication
1. Glaucoma surgery can be performed at any age, but usually occurs after the age of 50. This type of surgery involves removing the eye’s natural drainage system (the trabecular meshwork) and replacing it with a synthetic device that drains fluid from the eye. The procedure may require general anesthesia and hospitalization.
2. Glaucoma medications are prescribed to lower the pressure inside the eye. They do this by decreasing the production of fluid inside the eye. They are typically taken once daily and do not require surgical intervention.
Surgery or medications, depending on the patient’s condition, may be effective. Reduced eye pressure is used to treat glaucoma (intraocular pressure). Prescription eye drops, oral drugs, laser treatment, surgery, or a combination of these may be available depending on your situation.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, while Glaucoma screening and treatment may slow down the progression of glaucoma, many patients still need to undergo glaucoma surgery to treat this disease.
