Glaucoma (Eye Pressure)
Glaucoma is a disease characterized by optic nerve damage, mostly manifested by an increase in intraocular pressure, causing optic nerve head and visual field changes (partial loss or blindness). It is one of the most important preventable causes of blindness in the eye. It affects approximately 2% of individuals over the age of 40 and 10% of individuals over the age of 80 in the world.
Causes of glaucoma: Intraocular fluid that nourishes the eye is produced in the eye. When this fluid function is completed, it is thrown out through the excretory channels. Mechanical obstructions in this excretory duct cause intraocular fluid to accumulate in the eye and increase intraocular pressure. Increased intraocular pressure also causes optic nerve damage and therefore glaucoma. However, in some people, although the cause is not known exactly, optic nerve damage may occur even though the intraocular pressure is normal.
People with a family history of glaucoma, those over the age of forty, those with high intraocular pressure, those with eye trauma and surgery, those with thin corneas, those with high blood pressure and heart disease, and those who use cortisone medication are at risk for glaucoma.
Symptoms and diagnosis of glaucoma: Increased intraocular pressure causes blurred and light rings, severe headache and eye pain. Since the damage to the optic nerve caused by high intraocular pressure is irreversible, early diagnosis is very important to have regular eye examinations.
Glaucoma treatment: The use of drugs that reduce intraocular fluid production and/or increase fluid discharge from the channels is beneficial in the treatment of glaucoma. For this, eye drops with these effects are preferred. In some cases, laser treatments are preferred to open new channels that assist the excretory channels. Another option is surgery.
