Glaucoma is a serious and progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve , an essential component for vision, and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Although commonly associated with older adults, glaucoma does not discriminate by age and can affect both children and young adults . This condition often develops when the fluid circulating inside the eye, known as aqueous humor, does not drain effectively. This inadequate drainage results in increased intraocular pressure, which over time can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve.
Glaucoma surgery is one of the most effective treatments for controlling intraocular pressure and preventing further damage to the optic nerve . Depending on the type and severity of glaucoma, different surgical techniques can be used, such as trabeculectomy, which creates a new drainage channel for the aqueous humor, or the implantation of drainage devices. At Clínica Nivaria, our glaucoma specialists use the latest technologies and advanced surgical techniques to personalize treatment according to each patient's individual needs, maximizing the chances of preserving vision and improving quality of life.
What is glaucoma and how does it affect vision?
Glaucoma is an eye disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve, which is crucial for vision. If left untreated, this damage can lead to permanent vision loss, typically beginning with peripheral vision before affecting central vision.
Which types of glaucoma may require surgery?
The main types of glaucoma include open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is more common and usually requires surgery when medications fail to effectively lower eye pressure. Closed-angle glaucoma may require immediate surgical intervention to prevent rapid and severe damage to the optic nerve.
What surgical options are available to treat glaucoma?
Options include trabeculectomy, which creates a new drainage pathway for the aqueous humor, and the implantation of microscopic drainage devices to facilitate fluid flow and reduce intraocular pressure. Newer techniques also include minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), which offers fewer complications and faster recovery times.
How is it decided which surgical procedure is appropriate for a patient?
The choice of surgical procedure depends on several factors, including the type and severity of glaucoma, the overall health of the eye, and the response to previous treatments. At Clínica Nivaria, our glaucoma specialists carefully evaluate each case to select the safest and most effective option for each patient.
What are the risks associated with glaucoma surgery?
Although glaucoma surgery is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it carries risks. These can include infection, inflammation, increased eye pressure, or, in rare cases, vision loss. However, the risk of not treating active glaucoma is much greater, as it can lead to blindness.
What can I expect during recovery from glaucoma surgery?
Recovery can vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Generally, patients may experience mild discomfort, redness, or blurred vision during the first few weeks. Detailed instructions on postoperative care and follow-up appointments are provided to monitor recovery and adjust treatment if necessary.
Is glaucoma surgery curative?
Glaucoma surgery does not cure the disease, but it can stop or significantly slow the progression of optic nerve damage. Ongoing monitoring and, in some cases, additional treatment are essential to maintain eye pressure within a safe range long-term.
What technologies does Clínica Nivaria use for glaucoma surgery?
We use state-of-the-art technologies, including laser surgery and MIGS, which allow for more precise and less invasive procedures, facilitating a faster recovery and reducing the risks associated with traditional surgical techniques.
How can I find out if I am a candidate for glaucoma surgery?
If you are being treated for glaucoma and your doctor suggests that medication is not enough to control your intraocular pressure, a thorough evaluation can determine if surgery is appropriate. At Clínica Nivaria, we offer a comprehensive evaluation to help you make the best treatment decision.
What should I do to prepare for glaucoma surgery?
Before surgery, it's important to follow your ophthalmologist's instructions, which may include stopping certain medications and using preoperative eye drops to prepare your eye. It's also crucial to discuss any additional health conditions you may have to ensure a safe procedure and recovery.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Initially, open-angle glaucoma has no symptoms. It does not cause pain, and vision remains normal.
Without treatment, people with glaucoma slowly lose their side (peripheral) vision. It's as if they are seeing through a tunnel. Over time, central (straight ahead) vision can also decrease until it is lost completely. Glaucoma can develop in one eye or both.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Undergoing frequent, routine eye exams is the best way to detect glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist will check the eye's drainage angle (gonioscopy), evaluate the optic nerve (ophthalmoscopy, OCT), measure eye pressure (tonometry), and check the visual field of each eye (computerized perimetry). The information gathered from these exams is compared periodically to determine if glaucoma damage has progressed over time. Regular checkups play a crucial role in the early detection of glaucoma.
Can glaucoma be treated?
Yes. Prompt treatment in the early stages of open-angle glaucoma can slow the progression of the disease. That's why it's so important to diagnose glaucoma early.
Treatment for glaucoma includes medication, laser surgery (trabeculoplasty), conventional surgery, or a combination of these methods. While these treatments can protect your remaining vision, they cannot restore vision already lost to glaucoma.
Frequently asked questions about glaucoma
Why doesn't the patient realize that they are losing their vision?
In glaucoma, vision loss begins in the peripheral area of the visual field, which we are less dependent on, and occurs slowly and progressively. These are the reasons why the patient is unaware of the deterioration in their vision.
From what age can it appear?
Glaucoma is generally a disease that appears after the age of 40. The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age; however, there are subtypes of glaucoma that appear at younger ages.
What causes optic nerve damage in glaucoma?
Increased intraocular pressure is the primary factor involved in optic nerve damage, although other factors exist. This increased pressure occurs due to difficulty in the drainage of the fluid that nourishes the inside of the eyeball, called the aqueous humor.
Is having elevated intraocular pressure synonymous with having glaucoma?
Not everyone with high intraocular pressure develops glaucoma. Furthermore, it takes time for this increased pressure to cause nerve damage. However, having high pressure increases the risk of nerve damage.
What is normal intraocular pressure?
It is generally considered to be elevated when it is above 21 mmHg.
How can I tell if I have glaucoma?
You should see your ophthalmologist to have your intraocular pressure checked annually starting at age 40. If you have a family history of glaucoma, you should have your eyes checked before that age.
Are there hereditary factors?
Having first-degree relatives who suffer from glaucoma increases the risk of developing this disease, but it does not mean that it will develop in all cases.
Does glaucoma cure itself after surgery?
No. Glaucoma is a chronic disease that causes irreversible vision loss. The purpose of surgery is to reduce intraocular pressure to slow vision loss caused by optic nerve damage, but it does not restore lost optic nerve fibers.
