Glaucoma is a group of disorders in which one of the main treatable risk factor is high fluid pressure within the eye. All glaucoma disorders are characterized by progressive vision loss, caused by damage to the optic nerve. If a doctor discovers it early and the patient follows directions carefully, the damaging effects of glaucoma can be addressed.
Each time a nerve fiber is lost, the eye loses some ability to see. Usually, the glaucoma patient loses peripheral (side) vision first; eventually central vision can be lost. When vision is lost from glaucoma, it is irreversible and cannot be restored.
If you have glaucoma, doctor can keep the pressure within your eye to a normal level with careful treatment and follow-up. It is important to check your pressure regularly so that proper treatment can be advised. This way, you can prevent further loss of vision.
Although glaucoma is far more common in older individuals, it can strike at any age and can even affect babies. It is a disease that is present worldwide and remains an important cause of blindness.
In most instances, the cause of glaucoma is unknown. Although the genetic inheritance of glaucoma is still unclear, a family history of glaucoma increases one’s risk for developing this condition. Patients with age above 40 years, myopia, history of eye trauma or chronic steroid use are also at risk for developing glaucoma.
Screening
NCT, Applanation tonometry
Gonioscopy
OCT for nerve fibre Analysis
Humphry Visual fields analyser
Glaucoma Surgery