Glaucoma
The retina is the inner delicate lining or the nerve layer of the eye which is crucial for vision
The retina is examined after dilating the eyes with eyedrops, the effect of these would cause blurring of near vision for approximately 4-5 hours.
Understanding Glaucoma: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Is a silent blinding irreversible disease where patients are often unaware or symptomless till it reaches the end stages.
It is a disease of the nerve of the eye (optic nerve) commonly associated with high eye pressure, characterized by progression.
These are baseline tests to monitor the progression of glaucoma:
1. Tonometry – measurement of intraocular pressure
2. Gonioscopy – to see the outflow passage of the fluid in the eye
3. Perimetry – charting points in the field of vision in each eye and provides good measure for following up a patient of glaucoma.
4. OCT Disc (RNFL) - To document the thickness of optic nerve and OCT GCL i.e Ganglion Cell layer to document the thickness ganglion cells in the centre of retina.
Treatment: Commonly is in the form of eyedrops to lower the eye pressure. These should not be discontinued without the treating doctor’s instructions. Annual tests to document progression of the disease is advisable.
Glaucoma Treatment:
1. Medical Treatment / Medications - Drops should not be discontinued.
2. Laser option - Laser Iridotomy is an option for narrow angle glaucoma to reduce the chances of acute angle can be measured.
3. Selective laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT).
4. Surgical treatment includes Trabeculoplasty and Glaucoma Valves Surgery.