¿What is glaucoma?
It is the damage of the optic nerve fibers causing progressive loss of visual field and blindness, if not treated. The cause is unknown; however, intraocular pressure is affected when the anatomic eye drainage is affected.
¿What are the risk factors for developing Glaucoma?
¿How is Glaucoma detected?
Periodic exams with your ophthalmologist are the best way to detect Glaucoma promptly.
Some of the tests performed during your visit:
Optic nerve injury can worsen during pregnancy, high blood pressure, and smoking.
¿What is the Treatment for Glaucoma?
The damage is irreversible; however, it can be interrupted with pharmacological treatment. Surgery will also improve the drainage flow of the aqueous humor, and in some types of glaucoma, laser surgery (YAG) is an option. Once the treatment has started, a periodic evaluation by your doctor and a series of visual field tests are necessary to modify the treatment.
It is critical the regular use of your medicine, and if there is any indication of decreased eyesight or pain, contact your ophthalmologist.
The most common type generally occurs in adults. There may be an increase in intraocular pressure causing damage to the optic nerve. This variety of glaucoma causes a loss of progressive vision and can be painless; this is important because the patient does not realize the problem until advanced stages.
It occurs when the angle of the eye (drainage system) is completely obstructed and is manifested through intense eye discomfort, headache, nausea, vomit, and blurred vision.
The increase in intraocular pressure lowers the oxygen to the optic nerve, progressively damaging it, thus decreasing the visual field until vision is completely lost. It is important to detect glaucoma at an early stage to start adequate treatment and avoid irreversible damage to the optic nerve.
