Glaucoma is an eye disease leading to damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision due to increased intraocular pressure. It is often called a “silent illness”, because in most cases the disease develops slowly and asymptomatically.
Older people are at increased risk, but regular medical examinations and timely treatment can help to avoid irreversible effects. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more options are available for treating glaucoma. In order to choose the right treatment course, it is necessary to determine what type of glaucoma the patient suffers, as well as the stage of the disease.
How is it developing?
Every adult should know what glaucoma is, the causes of its occurrence, methods of treatment and prevention. To understand how glaucoma develops, you should familiarize yourself with the structure of the eye. Between the iris and the cornea is a gap called the anterior chamber. It contains fluid that continuously circulates, nourishing the tissues of the eye. The fluid leaves the eye chamber at the point where the cornea connects to the iris, forming an angle. Reaching the corner, moisture penetrates into the spongy system of the drainage tubules, then into the bloodstream.
In some people, such circulation is impaired. The eyes produce too much moisture or the tubules in the corner are narrowed and fluid accumulates in the chamber. It creates a constant increased pressure. Without proper treatment, it causes damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of glaucoma are different, it all depends on its type. If the drainage angle is open, but the outflow of fluid is impaired, it is open-angle glaucoma. It is this type of people that suffer in 90% of cases. Its symptoms are difficult to detect because it develops very slowly over several years. Usually open-angle glaucoma is diagnosed when a significant decrease in vision has already occurred. Therefore, it is so important to regularly check up with a doctor.
Symptoms of open angle glaucoma:
- Peripheral vision impairment. At first, patients notice the appearance of dark spots with lateral vision. Ultimately, without treatment, peripheral vision disappears completely.
- Tunnel Vision When the peripheral vision decreases, a person begins to see only what is directly in front of him, as if peering into the light at the end of the tunnel.
- Blindness. The final stage of the disease is complete loss of vision.
Other forms
Although open-angle glaucoma is most common, there are other forms of the disease.
Angular closure glaucoma results from blocking the iris-corneal angle. In this case, the fluid cannot pass through the drainage channel, accumulates in the anterior chamber, and the pressure increases greatly. A possible cause may be inflammation of the iris or eye injury. Symptoms develop rapidly and it is important to have time to start treatment before complete loss of vision.
Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma:
- Nausea.
- Headache.
- Pain in the eyes.
- Blurred vision.
This type of glaucoma needs surgical intervention to open the drainage paths and reduce pressure. Surgeons usually correct the affected iris to ensure normal circulation.
Normal Pressure Glaucoma
Despite the previously indicated causes of the disease, sometimes damage to the optic nerves occurs against the background of normal pressure. The patient is almost uncomfortable until a significant visual impairment occurs. The cause of this disease is particularly sensitive optic nerves, which are prone to damage even under normal pressure. The main objective of the treatment of glaucoma of this type, as in the case of an open-angle form, is to maintain low eye pressure.
Secondary glaucoma
It can develop as a complication of other diseases, such as cataracts, trauma, inflammation, etc. Pigment form is a type of secondary glaucoma that occurs when a pigment from the iris peels off and blocks the tubules, slowing down fluid drainage. Another severe form called neovascular glaucoma is associated with diabetes. Corticosteroids used to treat eye inflammation and other diseases can also cause glaucoma in some people. Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and may include medication, laser, or conventional surgery.
Who is at risk?
Anyone and at any age has a chance to get glaucoma. However, there is a certain group of factors that increases the likelihood of developing a disease. These include:
- Elderly people over 60 years old. They are at great risk due to possible concomitant health problems that indirectly provoke the appearance of glaucoma.
- Eye injuries. They can lead to overlapping of the iris-corneal angle, even several years after the damage.
- Corneal thickness. Studies have shown that with a corneal thickness of 555 microns and high pressure, the development of glaucoma is 6 times more likely than with the same pressure and thickness of more than 580 microns.
- Diabetes and heart problems. They increase the chance of developing glaucoma, so it is necessary to conduct parallel treatment of two diseases.
Glaucoma Diagnosis
Given that increased eye pressure is not the only factor provoking the occurrence of an ailment, a number of different tests are carried out for the correct diagnosis:
- Tonometry allows you to measure eye pressure. Normally, its value should be in the range of 12-22 mm. Hg. Art. Tonometry should be performed at every visit to the optometrist. Pressure measurement using the Maklakov contact method is as follows: an anesthetic, usually Lidocaine, is dripped into the eyes, then weights are applied to the cornea of the patient, coated with a special coloring compound. Do the same with the second eye. Then the weights are leaned against alcohol-soaked paper and the result of the analysis is determined by the diameter of the prints. The patient is instilled with a disinfectant.
- Ophthalmoscopy is necessary to check the optic nerve. The patient is in a dark room, and the doctor uses a special tool with a light bulb. This procedure helps assess the condition of the inner membranes of the eye, the color and condition of the optic nerve, etc.
- Gonioscopy is performed in case of complaints of poor eyesight, even if the pressure is within normal limits. This test measures the degree of angle between the cornea and iris to detect the type of glaucoma.
- The perimeter test is carried out by a device with flashing lights. A man looks straight ahead and indicates which of the light indicators he sees. The test determines the "map" of vision, highlights blind spots.
Eye Glaucoma Treatment
There is no cure for glaucoma, and complete loss of vision cannot be restored. Early treatment at an early stage can delay the progression of the disease. That is why timely diagnosis is very important.
Glaucoma treatment may include medication, laser trabeculoplasty, conventional surgery, or a combination of these methods. Treatment can save the remaining vision, but it will not help restore the damaged nerve. If the patient is completely blind due to glaucoma, surgery will not help.
Medications
Medicines in the form of eye drops or pills are the most common way to stop the course of the disease. Some medicines make the eyes release less fluid. Others lower the pressure by slightly expanding the drainage tubules and allowing moisture to circulate. Before starting treatment for glaucoma, older people should inform their optometrist about all medications used, as eye drops may not be compatible with other medications.
Taking drops several times a day, as a rule, does not bring any inconvenience. However, in some cases, medications can cause headaches or other side effects (such as burning and red eyes).
Laser trabeculoplasty
Treatment of glaucoma with surgery is considered a necessary measure if the disease progresses rapidly. Laser trabeculoplasty helps flush fluid from the eyes. The doctor can suggest this step at any stage of treatment. After this procedure, the use of drops does not stop.
Before surgery, the eyes are instilled with a local anesthetic. The patient sits facing the laser machine, and the doctor sets up a special lens. A high-intensity ray of light directed at the lens is reflected on the retina inside the eye. The patient can see flashes of bright green or red light. The laser makes several evenly spaced microburns that stretch the drainage holes in the mesh structure. This procedure allows fluid to drain better. Like any surgery, laser surgery can cause side effects. After the operation, the doctor prescribes drops for disinfection of the cornea. The procedure for laser treatment of glaucoma is performed on an outpatient basis. Then a few more visits to the doctor will be required to control eye pressure.
If glaucoma has affected both eyes, the operation is performed alternately, first on one, then on the other, with a break from a few days to 2 weeks. During this period, the patient may feel tingling, photosensitivity and slight blurred vision.
Despite the simplicity and painlessness, laser treatment for glaucoma is not always effective. Approximately 12% of patients require reoperation after several years.
Conventional surgery
During the surgery, the doctor works manually, making a hole for the outflow of fluid from the eye. Usually, surgery is prescribed when medications and laser treatment for glaucoma have not helped lower the pressure. In addition, such a procedure is used when the reason for the deterioration of vision in the closure of the iris-horn angle.
The operation is performed in an eye clinic or hospital. Before the surgical treatment of glaucoma, the doctor makes injections around the eyes for anesthesia. A small piece of tissue is removed to create a new channel for fluid draining from the chamber.
Within a few weeks after surgery, the patient should use drops to prevent infection and inflammation. As with laser treatment for glaucoma, a routine operation is performed first on one eye. The subsequent break can last 3-6 weeks. The effectiveness of the procedure is 60-80%, but this percentage decreases with the surgical treatment of glaucoma in the elderly. With age, the likelihood of chronic diseases that will exacerbate dystrophic processes is high. In 50% of cases, such patients will need to repeat the procedure within 2-5 years.
An operation to treat glaucoma is most productive if the patient has not had any surgical interventions, such as cataract treatment. In some cases, the vision decreases after the procedure. Conventional surgery can cause side effects, including rapidly developing cataracts, corneal problems, inflammation, or eye infection. When fluid accumulates in the back chamber, a person sees shadows and dark dots.
Glaucoma Prevention
Since the disease often develops with age, the best prevention is regular check-ups with an optometrist. People over 45-50 years old should visit a doctor at least 2 times a year, even in the absence of health complaints. Among the factors that increase eye pressure, overfatigue is distinguished. The treatment of glaucoma in older people is more effective if they observe the alternation of work and rest, do not allow increased eye strain. It should not be read in the dusk and is in front of the TV or computer for more than 3 hours a day. Bright light is dangerous for the eyes, so it is worth wearing glasses with tinted glasses in the summer and snowy winter. Frequent visits to cinemas are also not recommended.
Incorrect position of the head can provoke an influx of fluid into the anterior chamber of the eye, so you cannot tilt or tilt the head, for example, when working with small parts. In addition, the increased fluid content in the body can lead to increased moisture, so you should limit yourself to a few glasses of water per day. Strong drinks and energy provoke narrowing of blood vessels, which affects vision. It is not recommended to eat foods with a lot of salt and spices.
Special care should be taken to protect the eyes from injury and damage. During construction work, always use safety glasses, because the cause of secondary glaucoma is often an injury to the organs of vision.
Therapeutic exercises for the eyes
A useful and affordable way to treat, prevent glaucoma is massage and gymnastics. In order to accelerate the outflow of moisture from the ophthalmic chamber, you can massage the upper eyelid with light pressing circular movements several times a day. Head and neck massage will be equally effective to improve blood flow.
Exercise for eye health reduces tension in the eye muscles and restores the vascular system. Gymnastics should be carried out 1 time per day for about 5-10 minutes in the following sequence:
- Close your eyes for a couple of minutes and try to relax and bring your breathing back to normal.
- Select a point at a considerable distance, stop looking at it, and then transfer it to the tip of the nose. Consistently look at the far and near points at least 10 times.
- “Draw” with a glance in the air, first eight, and then the infinity sign 5 times, first in one, then in the other direction.
- Keeping your head straight, look up, then down at least 10 times.
Traditional methods of treating glaucoma
Decoctions from various herbs help reduce eye pressure, have anti-inflammatory properties, and also contain vitamins that help to remove excess fluid from the body.
According to numerous reviews, the treatment of glaucoma in the complex significantly increase the chances of preserving vision.
Recipe 1: You need to take 2-3 tbsp. tablespoons of corn stigmas and insist them in a glass of boiling water for 2 hours. Take a tablespoon 30 minutes before meals. Acts as a diuretic, removes fluid.
Recipe 2: Mix a few chopped leaves of birch, elderberry and horsetail. Insist a teaspoon of the collection for about an hour in a glass of boiling water. Drink a quarter cup in the morning before meals. The course should last from 1 to 3 months. The composition is used to improve blood circulation.
Recipe 3: Chamomile has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Eyes should be washed with strained infusion of room temperature. For its preparation take 1 tbsp. spoon of chamomile flowers and pour 200 ml of boiling water. Allow to brew in a sealed container for about an hour.
Recipe 4: To strengthen the optic nerves, tincture of arnica is used, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. 3-5 drops of tincture are added to a teaspoon and drunk 2 times a day before meals. The course should not last more than 4 months.
Of course, alternative treatment for glaucoma cannot completely replace the standard.
Constant monitoring of one’s own health and regular visits to the optometrist is the best way to maintain vision, especially in adulthood. Glaucoma is an insidious disease that often goes away without symptoms. If a person is at risk or there have been cases of this disease in the family, you need to follow the tips for the prevention, treatment of glaucoma and the causes.