About Glaucoma
Glaucoma, commonly known as "eye pressure", is damage to the optic nerve due to frequent increases in intraocular pressure. As a result, the field of view of a person gradually narrows. Glaucoma, an insidious disease that manifests itself in the last stages of the disease, can cause severe damage to the optic nerve that cannot be repaired if diagnosed late.
How does glaucoma (eye pressure) occur?
People with higher than normal eye pressure have a higher risk of developing glaucoma, but this does not mean that all people with high eye pressure can develop glaucoma. Glaucoma can develop for many reasons. A fluid called aqueous humor is produced inside the choroid of the eye. There is a balanced pressure that occurs when this produced fluid exits the eye. This pressure is a necessary condition for maintaining the integrity of the eye. When this fluid is not enough, it accumulates in the eye, causing an increase in pressure and damaging the optic nerves.
Who gets glaucoma?
Glaucoma may be related to genetics. People with a family history of glaucoma are at a higher risk of developing it. In other words, one or more genes may be defective and these individuals may become more susceptible to the disease.
People over the age of 40 have an increased risk of developing glaucoma.
Causes of glaucoma
Patients with diabetes and hypothyroidism (goiter) are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
Serious eye injuries can cause an increase in intraocular pressure. Other risk factors include retinal detachment, eye tumors, and eye inflammation such as chronic uveitis or iritis. Some eye surgeries can also trigger the development of secondary glaucoma.
The incidence of glaucoma has roughly doubled in myopia, which is commonly known as nearsightedness.
Long-term use of cortisone (in the form of drops, oral preparation or skin cream, etc.) can cause the development of secondary glaucoma.
For people with these characteristics, it is important to have regular eye examinations for early detection of damage to the optic nerve.
Symptoms of glaucoma
- Headaches that come on in the morning
- Occasionally blurred vision
- Luminous rings around lights at night
- Pain around the eyes when watching TV
What factors increase the risk of glaucoma?
- Having a family history of glaucoma (genetic predisposition)
- Age over 40
- Diabetes
- Severe anemia or shock
- High-low systemic blood pressure (body blood pressure)
- High myopia
- High hypermetropia
- Migraine
- Long-term cortisone treatment
- Eye injuries
- Racial factors
Since the risk of developing glaucoma in people with these characteristics is higher than usual, these people should have regular eye examinations for early detection of damage to the optic nerve.
Treatment of glaucoma
The main ways to treat glaucoma:
- Medical treatment
- Laser treatment
- Surgery
If despite medical or laser treatment, eye pressure does not decrease, and the disease continues to progress, in most cases, the treatment will be surgery.
What is the importance of early diagnosis of glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that is easily treatable if diagnosed early. In particular, it is very important for the success of the treatment that individuals with a family history of the disease undergo regular examinations.
What are the rules that a patient should follow when treating glaucoma?
Eye drops are often used during treatment. The drops used will help keep the disease under control as they lower eye pressure. Usually, start with one type of drop. The most important issue here is that the patient uses the prescribed drops at regular intervals. To understand the effectiveness of the drops, after using them for 2-3 weeks, the patient is again called for control to measure eye pressure. At this stage, the effectiveness of the drug is checked and treatment is continued with the same drug or other recommended drops. The patient should tell his doctor about the diseases, in case there are any other drugs that he takes.
Additional methods of examination and diagnosis of glaucoma
Measurement of eye pressure can be easily and quickly carried out as part of a general examination. During a comprehensive eye examination, it is imperative to examine the fundus and measurement of eye pressure. Thanks to these measurements, it is possible to determine whether a patient has a suspicion of glaucoma, even if there are no complaints. Glaucoma is based on the loss of the fibrous layer that forms the optic nerve. For this reason, people with signs of the disease need to have their retinal nerve fibers examined for damage. This uses a special light and photographic film techniques, as well as a computerized imaging method. Tests such as corneal thickness measurement and visual field test can be done to determine eye pressure.
Can be eye pressure cured completely?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can be controlled and the progression of the disease can be stopped. However, a person who is diagnosed with glaucoma should continue to have follow-up visits and continue treatment for the rest of their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be the normal eye pressure?
Measurement of eye pressure is an integral part of an ophthalmological examination. The measurement result can help if you suspect glaucoma. However, glaucoma is a disease that can develop insidiously. There may be the pressure that changes throughout the day, or measurements due to the thinness of the cornea may not clearly show the presence of the disease. Although the pressure below 20 mm Hg. Art. is usually considered normal when measuring eye pressure, it should not be forgotten that there are many types of glaucoma. There are many types of glaucoma such as pigmentary, neovascular, exfoliative, and congenital glaucoma. For this reason, in addition to measuring eye pressure, it is necessary to measure the thickness of the cornea and an examination of the optic nerve and retina.
How can be eye pressure cured?
Glaucoma is a disease that can lead to blindness if left untreated. Its treatment cannot correct nerve damage in the eye but can stop it from progressing and getting worse. The main goal of treatment is to ensure that the patient can see throughout his life.
What happens when eye pressure rises?
Increased eye pressure is one of the most dangerous conditions. As eye pressure rises, the field of vision narrows and can cause permanent damage. For this reason, it is very important to analyze the symptoms well and to be observed regularly to protect the health of the eyes.
What can not eat people with eye pressure?
As with any serious disease, excessive consumption of sugary and fatty foods also negatively affects eye health. In particular, in patients with glaucoma, excessive fluid intake at short intervals can increase eye pressure.
Does eye pressure appear in one eye?
Glaucoma is a disease that can occur in both eyes at the same time or in one eye.
At what value does eye pressure become dangerous?
Glaucoma occurs as a result of the accumulation of intraocular fluid in the eye, which provokes an increase in eye pressure. For an eye pressure of 9 mm Hg. Art. is the lower limit, and 22 mm Hg. Art. considered the upper limit.
Does eye pressure affect blood pressure?
Eye pressure and body blood pressure are two different diseases that are independent of each other. Although the problem is often associated with each other in the public, a person with eye pressure may not have blood pressure, and a person with blood pressure may not have eye pressure. However, since blood pressure is a disease that can affect every organ in general, it can negatively affect the eyes if it rises or falls. Therefore, patients with glaucoma must pay special attention to their body's blood pressure.
Does eye pressure cause headaches?
Severe headaches are one of the most common complaints of elevated eye pressure. However, it is wrong to associate every headache with glaucoma. For this reason, with prolonged complaints of headaches, the underlying cause should be investigated.
Does glaucoma cause eye pain?
Complaints and symptoms of glaucoma usually begin to appear in advanced stages. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of glaucoma. However, eye pain can occur due to glaucoma. It is recommended to be examined by an ophthalmologist for persistent eye pain. With regular eye examinations, it is necessary to measure eye pressure and examine the fundus.
Last update: 18.12.2022
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
*Page content is for informational purposes only. Consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment
