|
|
|
Glaucoma prevalence among Dravidians is comparatively high as Compared to the
Aryans.
Our Glaucoma Clinic we treat – * Primary Glaucomas which is mainly hereditary.
Congenital Glaucoma.
Secondary Glaucoma due to
Trauma.
Implant.
Diabetic.
Retinal Vascular Disorders.
Hypermature Disorders.
In our Glaucoma Clinic we have advanced diagnostic equipments like :
Non Contact Tonometer, GDX,FDT,Automated Perimetery, Blue and Yellow Fields,
OCT, Optic Disc Imaging |
|
Definition Definition
Glaucoma is a group of disorders in which the pressure of fluid within the eye gradually increases to a level that irreversibly damages the sensitive
tissues of the eye, most notably the optic nerve which transmits visual images
to the brain.
Cause
Anterior chamber is the fluid (aqueous humour) filled front portion of the eye. It the drainage of this fluid from the anterior chamber is restricted,
pressure builds up within the eye causing irreversible damage to the optic nerve
thereby causing a permanent loss of vision.
Individuals over the age of 40 as well as person with myopia, diabetes, or a
family history of glaucoma are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma.
Individuals who have sustained eye trauma or use corticosteroids are also at an
increased risk.
Symptoms
Most glaucomas remain asymptomatic until advanced stage. Hence periodical check up, especially for those at risk, is necessary to detect glaucoma early.
Some individuals, especially if there is a rapid build up of eye pressures, may
experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Pain around the eyes when coming out from darkness (e.g., as soon as the person comes out of a theatre).
Coloured halo rings seen around bulbs, especially during mornings and nights.
Frequent change of reading glasses, headaches, pain and redness of the eyes.
Reduced vision in dim illumination and during nights.
Gradual decrease of side vision.
Blurring of vision.
Detection
The three basic tests in the detection of glaucoma are:
Checking the pressure inside the eye.
Inspection of the optic nerve after dilating the pupils.
Testing the side vision by a computer assisted test called perimetry (visual field examination).
Treatment
Glaucoma cannot be cured. Appropriate treatment and regular follow-up can preserve residual vision from further damage.
Several drugs are available to reduce fluid formation within the Eye or promote their drainage from the eye. For most glaucoma patients, regular use of
medications will suffice to control the pressure inside the eys. However, if the
pressure control is not satisfactory other modalities like laser o surgery may
have to be resorted to.
In some type of glaucomas, laser treatment is used to reduce eye pressure. This is a simple outpatient procedure.
In individuals where medical or laser treatment is insufficient to arrest glaucoma, surgery is indicated. This treatment option has its risks and
limitations and is reserved as treatment of last resort.
Remember
Glaucoma cannot be cured, only controlled.
Vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be recovered.
Early detection and treatment of glaucoma, before it causes significant visual loss, is the ideal way to control the disease.
It is essential that persons above the age of 40 have their eyes examined periodically to detect glaucoma early.
Glaucoma is not an infections disease, but may be hereditary. So, if any one in the family has glaucoma, it is advisable that the rest of the family
members have their eyes examined, periodically.
Once diagnosed as having glaucoma, the patient should be committed foe lifelong treatment and periodical eye check-up.
Drugs prescribed should be regularly used at specified time, to ensure round-the-clock pressure control. Medications may cause few undesired effect, the
patient must approach the ophthalmologist immediately for alternate treatment. |
|