Glaucoma involves:
Optic Nerve Damage: Progressive damage to the optic nerve, usually caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP).
Fluid Buildup: Accumulation of aqueous humor due to impaired drainage from the eye.
Damage to Retinal Ganglion Cells: Loss of retinal ganglion cells responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain.
Visual Field Loss: Gradual peripheral vision loss leading to tunnel vision if untreated.
Complications: Untreated glaucoma can result in irreversible vision loss and blindness.
Clinical Evaluation
Symptoms: Assessment of symptoms such as gradual peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision, halos around lights, and eye pain.
Physical Examination: Examination findings may include elevated intraocular pressure, optic nerve changes, and visual field defects.
Diagnostic Tests: Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure, ophthalmoscopy to examine the optic nerve, and visual field testing.
Gradual loss of peripheral vision.
Tunnel vision in advanced stages.
Halos around lights.
Eye pain or discomfort.
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
Optic nerve changes visible during examination.
Treatment aims to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage:
Medications: Eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure (prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, alpha agonists).
Laser Therapy: Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) to improve drainage.
Surgical Interventions: Trabeculectomy, drainage implants, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS).
Regular Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring of intraocular pressure and optic nerve health.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoiding activities that increase intraocular pressure, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.