GLAUCOMA TREATMENT

Health tips

Hello friends

In my last post we were paying attention to answering frequently asked questions on the topic 'Glaucoma ..what you need to know' click here to read. Today's post is a continuation and I will be starting with the question.

Can GLAUCOMA be cured ?

No. There is no cure for glaucoma . vision lost from the disease cannot be restored. That is why it is called the 'silent blinding disease'.

Can GLAUCOMA be treated ?

Yes. Immediately treatment for early stage, open - angle glaucoma can delay progression of the disease. That's why early diagnosis is very important. Glaucoma treatments include drugs (eye drops and tablets ), laser surgery (trabeculoplasty ), conventional surgery , or a combination of any of these . while these treatments may save remaining vision , they do not improve sight already lost from Glaucoma.

Drugs, in the form of eye drops or tablets or a combination , are the most common early treatment for glaucoma. Some medicines cause the eye to produce less fluid while some lower pressure in the eye by helping fluid drain from the eye.
Many drugs are available to treat glaucoma. If you have problems with one medicine , tell your eye care professional . Treatment with a different dose or a new drug may be possible . There are drops that are only used once daily. This helps with compliance. Some drugs also have fewer side effects. Discuss this with your eye doctor.

TREATMENT compliance

Because glaucoma often has no symptoms , people may be tempted to stop taking , or may forget to take , their medicine . you need to use the drops or pills as long as they help control your eye pressure. Regular use is very important. Make sure your eye care professional explains the dosage of the drugs and shows you how to put the drops into your eye.

Laser or regular surgery can be performed to help to manage the eye pressure especially if drugs fail to sufficiently control the eye pressure and or if vision is being threatened . your doctor may suggest this step at any time . In many cases , you need to still keep taking glaucoma drugs after this procedure.

What ARE some other FORMS of GLAUCOMA ?

OPEN-ANGLE Glaucoma is the most common form . some people have other types of the disease.

In LOW -TENSION or NORMAL -TENSION Glaucoma, optic nerve damage and narrowed side vision occur in people with normal eye pressure. Lowering eye pressure at least 30% through medicines will help slow the disease in some people . Glaucoma may worsen in others despite low pressures.

A comprehensive medical history is important in identifying other potential risk factors, such as low blood pressure , that contribute to low - TENSION Glaucoma . If no risk factors are identified , the treatment options for low - TENSION Glaucoma are the same as for open - angle glaucoma.

* In Angle - closure Glaucoma , the fluid at the front of the eye cannot reach the angle and leave the eye. The angle gets blocked by part of the iris. People with this type of glaucoma have a sudden increase in eye pressure. Symptoms include severe pain and nausea , as well as redness of the eye and blurred vision. If you have these symptoms , you need to seek treatment immediately . This is a medical emergency . If your doctor is unavailable , go to the nearest hospital or clinic . without treatment to improve the flow of fluid , the eye can become blind in a few as one or two days . Usually , prompt laser surgery and medicines can clear the blockage and protect sight .

*  In congenital Glaucoma , children are born with a defect in the angle of the eye that slows the normal drainage of fluid. These children usually have obvious symptoms , such as cloudy eyes , sensitivity to light , and excessive tearing . Conventional surgery typically is the suggested treatment , because medicines may have unknown effects in infants and be difficult to administer . surgery is safe and effective . if surgery is done promptly , these children usually have an excellent chance of having good vision.

* Secondary Glaucoma's can develop as complications of other medical conditions. These type of glaucoma's are sometimes associated with eye surgery or advanced cataracts , eye injuries , certain eye tumors , or uveitis ( eye inflammation ).

* Pigmentary Glaucoma .occurs when Pigment from the iris flakes off and blocks the mesh work , slowing fluid drainage . A severe form , called neo-vascular Glaucoma , is linked to diabetes.

*  corticosteroid drugs used to treat eye inflammations and other diseases can trigger Glaucoma in some people especially if they are abused for long periods of time .

What can be DONE if some VISION has already being lost from GLAUCOMA ?

If you have lost some sight from Glaucoma , ask your eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision . ask for a referral to a specialist in low vision .

Many organizations like the Nigeria optometric association (NOA) , The low vision society of Nigeria , The albino foundation (TAF) and some government agencies offer information about low vision counseling , training , and other special services for people with visual impairments .

What can I DO to protect my VISION ?

* If you are being treated for glaucoma , be sure to take your Glaucoma medicine every day. See your eye doctor regularly.

* You also can help protect the vision of family members and friends who may be at high risk for glaucoma especially everyone over age 50 , people with Diabetes and people with family history of glaucoma . Encourage them to regularly check their eye pressure and have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years.

" Remember: lowering eye pressure in Glaucoma's early stages slows progression of the disease and helps save vision .
 " You can protect yourself against vision loss by working in partnership with your eye care professional . ask questions and get the information you need to take care of yourself and family .

Today people take active role in their health care. Be active about your eye care .