Glaucoma

Glaucoma Treatment & Diagnostics in Sadashiv Peth, Pune

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition where the optic nerves get damaged and healthy optic nerves are important for good vision. This generally occurs when there is too much pressure in your eye. It is one of the most common conditions for loss of vision for people over 60. Although this condition can affect people of any age, it is common in older adults over the age of 60. This disorder is usually not accompanied by any symptoms so it gets difficult to detect it. So, the condition progresses to an advanced stage and one doesn’t even notice it.

Symptoms

• You may notice blind spots in peripheral or central vision
• One of the symptoms of an advanced stage is tunnel vision
• Severe headache
• Pain in your eyes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• You may notice halos around your eyes
• Redness of the eyes

Causes

As of now, there is no exact reason as to why people suffer from this condition, but it occurs when the optic nerves get damaged. Sometimes, the fluid that flows on the inside of the eye known as the aqueous humor, gets contained. The fluid should normally drain through the tissue, but when the drainage system doesn’t function properly, increasing the pressure on the eyes. There are four main types of glaucoma and they are;

Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma where the drainage angle in the trabecular meshwork gets blocked partially. This enhances the pressure on the eyes, damaging the optic nerves. Since it occurs slowly over time, people don’t realize it till the vision loss.

Angle-closure glaucoma: Here, the iris pushes forward or blocks the drain angle. Hence, the fluid will not be able to flow as it is supposed to and puts high pressure on the eyes. This occurs suddenly and is considered to be a medical emergency.

Normal-tension glaucoma: In this condition, despite the eye pressure being normal, the optic nerve still becomes damaged. The reason for this is unknown.

Pigmentary glaucoma: The pigment granules present in the iris get built up in one’s drainage systems that will either slow down or block glaucoma. Even simple activities, such as jogging can displace the pigments.

It is also possible that infants and children experience this condition because of the blockage in the drainage system or it can also be due to another medical condition.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will first take a look at your medical history and do an eye exam. Some tests may also be performed, which include;

• Measuring the pressure of the eyes
• With either imaging tests or a dilated eye exam, optic nerve damage can be detected
• Checking for vision loss
• Checking drainage angle

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Pune

Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment

Treatment

The damage cannot be reversed. However, proper treatment and regular checkups, can help slow or at least prevent loss of vision. To treat the condition, your doctor will lower the pressure that’s caused on the eye. Other treatment options include eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment, or surgery.

Home Remedies

• Consuming a healthy diet is exceptionally important as it will prevent the condition from worsening further. Several vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A, C, and E.
• When it comes to exercising, avoid intense workouts and anything that can elevate the pressure on the eyes.
• Don’t consume too much caffeine.
• Consume plenty of fluids regularly.
• Always sleep with your head elevated, about 20 degrees.
• Take the medicines prescribed by your doctor regularly.
• You can take herbal medicines, such as bilberry extracts after consulting with your doctor, as it helps with the condition.
• Stress can worsen the condition, therefore, it is important to keep your calm.