Glaucoma Treatment Methods

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39

Glaucoma belongs to the category of diseases that lead to irreversible consequences. If the disease is not treated, then a person can go blind without the possibility of restoring vision. In the presence of an ailment, intraocular pressure increases, which starts the process of destruction of retinal cells. As the volume of the retina shrinks, the optic nerve ceases to function, making transmission of visual signals to the brain impossible.

Researchers have never come to a consensus on why glaucoma occurs. Surgery, laser and medication do not always help. The disorders caused by this disease are irreparable, which means that you cannot get rid of them. That is why it is important to regularly visit an ophthalmologist to keep the development of the disease under control.

Forms of glaucoma

Open-angle. About 90% of patients suffer from this form. The disease is characterized by the fact that the drainage system of those suffering from it remains open. Only its functions are violated. As a result, the pressure in the eye gradually increases. The danger of open-angle glaucoma lies in the asymptomatic and imperceptible course, until suddenly at one moment it does not make itself felt. When this happens, the consequences are severe.

Closed-angle. The disease is accompanied by the accumulation of intraocular fluid. The drainage system is closed. This is because the iris overlaps the front corner of the camera. The process leads to an increase in pressure. This form is dangerous because it can cause:

sharp internal eye pain;
blurred vision;
redness, dilated pupil;
complete loss of vision.

Disease treatment methods

There are 3 ways that glaucoma is treated: operation (operative), the use of drugs (medication), the use of a laser (laser).

Medication. Implies treatment with eye drops. In the past, the following drugs were popular: Propine, Iopidine, and Phospholine iodide. Over time, their production and sale ceased due to a large number of all kinds of side effects. Currently, Tiloptic, Betoptic, Cosopt and a number of others are used to reduce pressure in the eye. Suitable ones are selected by an ophthalmologist.

Laser. With the help of special equipment, a specialist creates paths through which excess fluid leaves the eye, thereby reducing the pressure. The use of this method is allowed when the treatment with drops has no effect.

Surgical. When drops and a laser do not help, the last method that is used to treat glaucoma is surgery. It is performed by a specialist using appropriate instruments to interfere with the structure of the eye.

New technologies for the treatment of glaucoma

Previously they were used only in foreign clinics. Currently, they are also available on the territory of the post-Soviet countries, including Russia.

Laser iridectomy. This refers to a procedure in which a hole is formed in the peripheral iris. This makes it possible to equalize the pressure in the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye. The method is suitable for patients with a primary or secondary closed-angle form of the disease, as well as with a mixed one.

Trabeculectomy. The method is popular, however it has many side effects. It implies an operation in which part of the trabecular tissue is removed. This is done in order to create an additional pathway (from the anterior chamber to the conjunctiva) for the outflow of intraocular fluid.

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