Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy that affects the optic nerve. The condition is often associated with high intraocular pressure, but that is not the only indicator for diagnosis.
The disease includes a series of symptoms whose direct consequence is the degeneration of sensitive eye tissues, retinal nerve fibres, and especially the optic nerve that transmits information to the brain. In most cases this condition is the result of increased intraocular pressure.
Patients over 40 years old.
Patients affected by myopia magna, diabetes or with family history of glaucoma.
Long-term steroids users.
Patients of African descent, especially older than 35. Patients with previous eye trauma.
Glaucoma is a condition that develops gradually and is usually diagnosed in advanced phases, since in its most frequent forms it lacks symptomatology.
In some cases a sudden increase of ocular pressure may lead to the following symptoms:
DETECTION/
PREVENTION
Three basic testings for the detection of glaucoma include:
LASER
TREATMENTS
GLAUCOMA
SURGERY
The basis of this treatment is the same as in YAG Laser Iridotomy, which is communicating the anterior and posterior parts of the eye to facilitate the drainage of aqueous humour. The difference between the two procedures is that iridectomy involves a surgical resectioning of the iris peripheral area, which is performed in the OR. This method is an alternative for cases where iridotomy proves impracticable or insufficient.
This procedure represents the newest development in glaucoma surgery nowadays. This surgery is recommended for patients with slight-moderate ocular hypertension as an adjuvant that could reduce or even replace topical treatment, since chronic use of eye drops has uncomfortable secondary effects such as eye dryness. This treatment does not only improve ocular pressure but also increases the patient’s life quality.
These surgery methods intend to create a passage from the anterior to the exterior chamber of the eye to drain aqueous humour.
The use of these devices is limited to cases of advanced glaucoma in which other procedures have failed or are impracticable.
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ASKED QUESTIONS
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No. Both terms refer to different concepts. Blood pressure depends on our cardiovascular system whereas ocular pressure depends on the capability of our eyes to filter their liquid content.
Pain caused by high intraocular pressure will depend on the chronic or acute nature of this condition. In cases of chronic high pressure the eye is “used” to this condition and generally patients do not experience any pain. In an acute increase of ocular pressure pain is a common symptom.
However, in most cases of glaucoma high intraocular pressure is chronic, without sharp increase and patients do not present any symptoms. In such cases high ocular pressure is detected during routine eye examinations.
Both standards are accepted, air-measured pressure is less exact and approximate values are used.
Not necessarily. Ocular pressure over the average limit does not always imply an eye condition, on the other hand ocular pressure levels considered “normal” for most individuals are sufficient for the development or advance of glaucoma in certain patients.
High ocular pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma and an accurate examination by an ophthalmologist is the best way to determine whether or not therapeutic intervention is required.
It certainly is. Genetic load has a significant influence on the development of glaucoma and those patients with a family history of this disease should have close ophthalmological monitoring.
Although certain types of glaucoma have an early onset, even at birth, the highest incidence of glaucoma is at 40 or older. Yearly eye examinations are recommended to rule out any possible pathologies.
Not always. Surgery will only be necessary in cases where high intraocular pressure cannot be controlled with medication or when patients are intolerant to it.
That will depend on the specific case. If optimal pressure levels for each patient are achieved with surgery it may be possible to reduce or discontinue their use. It is often necessary to combine both treatments (eye drops and surgery) to achieved adequate levels of intraocular pressure.
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