Glaucoma, causes, treatment and prevention

According to statistics, about 25 thousand new cases of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (glaucoma) are diagnosed annually in Ukraine.

Let's figure out why it is a common disease in our time.

What is glaucoma in general.

Glaucoma is a chronic progressive disease that affects the optic nerve with the development of specific optic neuropathy, accompanied by periodic or persistent increase in intraocular pressure.

The occurrence of the disease is pathogenesis.

In a healthy eye, there are certain structures, namely the optic nerve, which function "normally" at normal intraocular pressure.

The human body, unfortunately, does not work like a clock - as a result, intraocular pressure changes. During the day, intraocular pressure can fluctuate by 2-6 mm Hg.

With glaucoma, the circulation of fluid in the affected eye is disrupted, it accumulates, and the pressure begins to increase. Basically, increased intraocular pressure is a consequence of impaired fluid outflow in the anterior chamber of the eye (on the border of the cornea and sclera). The optic nerve and other structures of the eye are subjected to increased stress, the blood supply to the eye is disrupted. As a result, the optic nerve atrophies and visual signals stop reaching the brain.

Causes of glaucoma.

The main causes of glaucoma are genetic predisposition and high intraocular pressure. Glaucoma can occur at any age. (Most often after 40-45 years)

Symptoms of glaucoma.

A doctor can suspect glaucomatous optic neuropathy when the patient comes to the appointment with complaints of:

- Sharp deterioration of vision;

- Frequent headache;

- Narrowing of the visual field;

- Pain "inside" the eye;

- Rainbow images before the eyes;

- Long adaptation of the eye to changing lighting.

Glaucoma prevention.

Glaucoma prevention can be considered constant measurement of intraocular pressure. Today, this can be done not only at an ophthalmologist, opticians and clinics, but also at home. There are already modern portable tonometers that allow you to record information 24/7. For example, MC Dokos Medical provides the opportunity to rent a device for independent use by the patient, and the ophthalmologist himself can analyze the research data and determine possible treatment.

Glaucoma treatment.

Glaucoma treatment can be carried out in several ways:

- In the early stages, treatment is carried out with ophthalmic drops prescribed by a doctor;

- In case of complications/especially neglected cases, surgical intervention, namely eye microsurgery.