Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an extremely insidious and unfortunately incurable disease. When left untreated or neglected it can lead to total loss of sight.

It occurs as a result of increasing pressure in the eye. The pressure increases due to aqueous fluid accumulating in the eyeball, which is blocked from freely flowing out.

Unfortunately, we still do not know the exact causes of glaucoma. The chance of the disease developing increase, however, if you complain of frequent migraines, have cardiological problems or suffer from a chronic illness, i.e.arteriosclerosis and diabetes, and if you smoke. Another risk factor is being over 35 years old. It should be remembered, though, that the disease can appear at any age.

Glaucoma generally does not hurt, and does not cause any specific symptoms. The most common form is open-angle glaucoma, which accounts for 80% of cases. This for of the disease is exceedingly difficult to detect, as it displays no symptoms. Over the years, it destroys the fibres of the optic nerve, leading to increasing loss of the field of vision. The only symptom which should cause any worry is the deterioration in the acuity of vision. This, however, is unfortunately only noticeable in the final stage of the disease. In the case of the remaining 20% of patients, they suffer from closed-angle glaucoma. This is characterised by very high pressure inside the eye, accompanied by intense eye pain, headaches, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms constitute a severe attack of glaucoma, which requires immediate hospitalisation and intervention by a doctor.

Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be fully cured, and the devastation it causes cannot be reversed. The proper diagnosis can only prevent it from developing further. Usually eye-drops and regular check-ups are sufficient. But if the condition progresses despite these measures, surgical treatment becomes necessary.

The most common operations for treating glaucoma are trabeculectomy, sclerectomy and also seton surgery (Ex-press implants) and canaloplasty.

Take good care of your eyesight and don’t get caught by this deceptive disease.