|
|
Glaucoma Clinic
|
Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve sustains
damage due to compression caused by raised pressure
inside the eye, leading to decrease in the field of
vision and finally loss of vision It is a hereditary
disorder, occurring commonly among family members.
|
|
|
Progressive
increase in optic cup size
|
Types of glaucoma
-
Chronic simple glaucoma occurs in old age. It is the
most common type, where the loss of vision in gradual
and painless. Chronic headache, frequent change of reading
glasses, and decrease in the side vision, with normal
central vision may be present. Myopes are more prone
to glaucomatous damage.
-
Acute Congestive glaucoma occurs in small eyes (Hypermetropes)
with narrow angles. Sudden increase of pressure in the
eye causing blurring of vision accompanied by severe
pain, nausea and vomiting can occur in this type. This
is an acute angle closure attack. Before or in between
attacks patient would see coloured haloes around an
artificial light and feel dull pain around the eye after
being in the dark room like cinema theatre.
-
Secondary glaucoma is caused by conditions such as injuries,
bleeding, inflammations, eye operations etc.,
-
Congenital glaucoma is present since birth.
-
Developmental glaucoma occurs due to developmental problems,
in younger people.
|
|
|
Progressive
field loss in glaucoma
|
How can glaucoma be diagnosed?
-
Routine annual measurement of intra-ocular pressure
for all people above the age of 40 years and for people
with family history of glaucoma annually above 35 years
using Schiotz and / or Applanation tonometer is essential
to diagnose glaucoma, early.
-
Fundus examination using slit lamp and 90 D ens is essential
to find out the amount of cupping and damage to the
optic disc.
-
Gonioscopy would decide the type of glaucoma and narrow
angle glaucoma would need laser treatment. (Nd YAG laser
peripheral iridotomy), to prevent angle closure attacks.
-
Field testing is essential to find out the extent of
damage and for follow up.
Treatment
|
|
