Glaucoma: Protecting Your Vision From the Silent Thief
What is Glaucoma?
Causes of Glaucoma
Glaucoma can be linked to several causes and risk factors, including:
- Elevated Eye Pressure: Increased pressure inside the eye is the most common risk factor.
- Family History: A family history of glaucoma increases your risk.
- Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after 40.
Diabetic, Hyperopia, Myopia
- Eye Injuries: Past eye injuries can contribute to glaucoma development.
Types of Glaucoma
There are different types of Glaucoma:
- Open-angle Glaucoma or primary glaucoma. In this particular type, the angle between your cornea and iris is open and wide.
- Closed-angle Glaucoma where your iris and cornea have such a narrow-angle where they come into contact, resulting in a blockage of your eye’s drainage system.
- Congenital Glaucoma is caused by improper development of the drainage channel in your eyes before birth. This type is hereditary and occurs before the age of 2 years.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it typically progresses without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. However, common signs may include:
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Eye pain, redness, or headaches
Glaucoma Diagnosis
Glaucoma is usually picked up during a routine eye test, often before it causes any noticeable symptoms. Other tests are usually needed afterwards to diagnose and monitor the condition.
It’s important to have regular eye tests so problems such as glaucoma can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Early treatment can help stop your vision becoming severely affected.
You should have an eye test at least every 2 years. If you’re at a higher risk of glaucoma – for example, if you have a close relative with it – you may be advised to have more frequent tests.
You will get a complete eye exam, including Tonometry, OCT and Visual Field Test.
Tonometry is use to measure the pressure inside your eye.
OCT, cross sectional analysis of the shape and function of optic nerve and retinal layers.
Visual Field Test, to detect central and peripheral field.
What Are The Treatments For Glaucoma?
Once diagnosed, your condition can be managed and further vision loss prevented with treatments to reduce intraocular pressure.
Management of glaucoma includes non-surgical methods such as prescription eye drops and medications or laser treatment and surgery.
Depending on your case and the type of glaucoma, the doctor may recommend one of these treatment modalities or a combination:
- Conservative treatment with eye drops
- Peripheral iridotomy
- Trabeculectomy
- YAG laser surgery
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
- Micropulse CPC Laser
- Valve (shunt) implant
- Micro shunt (stent)
Ready to Safeguard Your Vision?
Dr. Ahmed El Khashab uses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to test your visual acuity and visual field, as well as your eye pressure. He will monitor you through regular eye examinations to map any changes in your eyesight and determine your risk of developing glaucoma.
To learn more about how glaucoma management can protect your vision, please reach out to us: