Did You Know?
Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” because there are few to no symptoms, and it causes irreversible damage before there is any noticeable vision loss.
Glaucoma is a general term that is used to refer to a group of eye diseases in which the eye’s optic nerve is damaged. Glaucoma is progressive, irreversible vision loss that is typically associated with high intraocular pressure (IOP), inside the eye. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. There is no cure for glaucoma, and it is frequently called “a thief in the night” or the “silent thief of sight”. As much as 40% of your peripheral vision can be lost before you notice significant changes in your sight. Regular eye exams can increase your chances of an early diagnosis of glaucoma.
Open-angle glaucoma, also known as primary open-angle glaucoma and is the most prevalent type of glaucoma. The “open-angle” indicates there are no clear signs of blockage in the drainage angle.
Angle-closure glaucoma, also known as acute or narrow-angle glaucoma which is less common and results from a sudden blockage of the eye’s drainage system, leading to very high eye pressure. This can result in very rapid loss of vision, pain, and possibly nausea and vomiting. This type of glaucoma requires immediate medical attention.
Medication
Your doctor may treat your glaucoma through prescription eye drops. These medications control your eye pressure by either reducing the amount of aqueous humor your eye produces or by improving the flow through the trabecular meshwork.
Eye drops must be used every day and may have side effects such as:
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
Some patients may not tolerate the prescription medications or may opt to lessen their dependence on daily drops with selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). This in-office procedure using laser therapy makes tiny burns in the trabecular meshwork to stimulate more efficient flow of aqueous fluid through the drainage angle.
Laser Iridotomy
Laser iridotomy treats closed-angle glaucoma by creating a small hole, about the size of a pinhole, in the top of the iris. This creates a new passageway to improve the flow of aqueous fluid through the drainage angle. Your ophthalmologist can often perform this procedure in the office.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS has become a commonly used abbreviation in the glaucoma world. It stands for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. While MIGS procedures offer promising benefits, they may not be suitable for all glaucoma patients. The suitability of MIGS depends on various factors, including the type and severity of glaucoma, the patient’s overall eye health, eye pressure, and specific medical considerations. It’s crucial to consult an experienced ophthalmologist who can assess individual cases and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. Your ophthalmologist performs this procedure in an operating room.
Drainage Implant
For more complicated forms of glaucoma, your surgeon may implant a drainage device. He or she stitches the implant on the outside of the sclera, the white part of your eye, where it serves as an artificial drainage device. The eye channels fluid to the implant, where the fluid can be absorbed into the body instead of building up in the eye. Your ophthalmologist performs this procedure in an operating room.
