Glaucoma is a sight threatening disease that affects millions of patients. It is a disease that progressively damages the optic nerve and causes blindness. Damage from Glaucoma is irreversible. This is why early diagnosis and treatment is important.
How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
There are many forms of Glaucoma. The most common form is Open Angle Glaucoma. Open Angle glaucoma does not cause any symptoms so it goes undetected until advanced stages. The only way to diagnose this by a comprehensive examination including a dilated examination of the optic nerves. If glaucoma is suspected, further tests including Visual field testing, Ocular Coherence Tomography (Laser Scan of optic nerve), Pachymetry and gonioscopy may be performed to assess the severity of the disease. These tests may be repeated to monitor the progression of the disease.
Narrow angle and Angle Closure Glaucoma is less common but it can cause rapid damage to the optic nerves. In this particular form of glaucoma, the pressure in the eye can rise very rapidly causing pain and blurring of vision. Prompt treatment with Laser is needed to help alleviate the elevated pressure. In patients that are detected to have narrow angles, a Laser Iridotomy is often performed to prevent angle closure glaucoma. A comprehensive examination is needed detect Narrow angle Glaucoma.
Is the eye pressure elevated in Glaucoma?
The eye pressure can be elevated in Glaucoma; however, you can have normal pressures and still develop Glaucoma. In fact, most patients with Glaucoma tend not to have elevated pressures. This is why a simple puff of air test cannot adequately rule out Glaucoma. A detailed ocular examination is needed to evaluate for Glaucoma.
How is Glaucoma Treated?
Fortunately there are many treatment options for glaucoma. With early detection, glaucoma can be treated with Eye drops or in office laser treatment. In more advanced cases, a variety of surgical options are also available. Since most glaucoma does not cause symptoms it is important to have a comprehensive examinations to detect his disease early.
Additional information about Glaucoma can be found on the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Please visit https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma
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