Glaucoma is a degenerative disease caused by increased pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma treatment aims to reduce this pressure. At Clínica Nivaria, we have extensive experience and expert glaucoma specialists.
Vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible, but if detected early and treated carefully and consistently, vision can be preserved. Glaucoma can usually be controlled with medication or surgery. If you are diagnosed with this disease, it is important to follow your treatment plan without fail.
Glaucoma Surgery
Treatment for glaucoma includes laser surgery (trabeculoplasty), conventional surgery, or a combination of these methods. Laser surgery is generally recommended over filtering microsurgery unless eye pressure is very high or the optic nerve is severely damaged.
Types of glaucoma
- Open-angle glaucoma occurs when intraocular fluid has difficulty draining properly. This type of glaucoma gradually reduces peripheral vision and generally presents no symptoms until advanced stages. By the time symptoms appear, permanent and irreversible damage will have already occurred, making prevention (intraocular pressure monitoring and fundus examination) essential.
- Closed-angle glaucoma occurs due to a blockage of the drainage area, leading to sudden symptoms such as eye pain, headaches, halos around lights, dilated pupils, loss of vision, red eyes, nausea, and vomiting.
- Normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) occurs when the optic nerve is damaged even though intraocular pressure is not very high. It is usually caused by poor blood flow to the eye, systemic diseases, and unhealthy habits (alcohol, tobacco, etc.).
- Congenital glaucoma occurs in infants when the eye's drainage channels do not develop properly or are incomplete during the prenatal period. It is a rare condition that can be inherited and requires surgery.
- Other types of glaucoma include variants of open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma: secondary glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma, pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, traumatic glaucoma, neovascular glaucoma, and iridocorneal endothelial syndrome (IES). There are different methods for treating glaucoma by controlling intraocular pressure. Glaucoma treatment includes antihypertensive eye drops, laser surgery (laser trabeculoplasty), conventional surgery, implantation of drainage devices, or a combination of these methods. Trabeculoplasty is a technique indicated for people with early-stage open-angle glaucoma. The surgeon uses a laser beam to improve the drainage angle.
At what age can glaucoma appear?
It typically occurs after age 40 and the risk of developing it increases with age. However, as mentioned, there are cases of glaucoma that begin at a young age.
How is glaucoma detected?
Glaucoma is detected through a comprehensive eye exam. This exam includes:
- Visual acuity test. This test uses optotypes and a scale to measure vision at different distances.
- Visual field test. This test measures the potential for peripheral vision. It helps the ophthalmologist determine if you have a loss of side vision, a sign of glaucoma.
- Eye exam with pupil dilation. This allows the ophthalmologist to examine the retina and optic nerve through a special magnifying lens. This enables them to observe any damage or eye problems.
- Tonometry. An instrument is used to measure eye pressure.
- Pachymetry. A drop is applied to the eye to anesthetize it. The ophthalmologist uses an ultrasonic instrument to measure the thickness of the cornea.
What can I do to prevent glaucoma?
At Clínica Nivaria, we recommend that glaucoma screening be included as part of routine eye exams for children, adolescents, and adults. Therefore, regular eye exams are essential for preventing, diagnosing, and treating any eye condition.
