GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness.

Although anyone can develop glaucoma.

The population at risk include:

Blacks over age 40;

High refractive error (Myopia);

People with a family history of glaucoma;

People with high blood pressure.

Forms of Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma: occurs when the fluid (aqueous in the anterior chamber of the eye) is blocked from leaving the eye through the angle. This is an ocular emergency as the increase in intra ocular pressure is sudden.

Open-angle glaucoma: which is the most common form.

Low-tension or normal-tension glaucoma: this occurs when despite normal eye pressure, optic nerve damage and peripheral vision narrowing still occurs.

Congenital glaucoma: children are born with a defect in the angle hence normal drainage of the fluid is slowed.

Secondary glaucoma: this can arise as a result of other medical conditions such as from poorly controlled diabetes and high blood pressure, poorly managed trauma to the eyes, and wrong use of some medications.

Glaucoma Symptoms

Most forms of glaucoma start without any symptoms until significant loss of vision occurs hence the name “the silent thief of sight”. However, with Angle–closure glaucoma one may experience blurry vision, halos around light and sudden intense pain in the eyes.

Screening and diagnosis of glaucoma

Glaucoma can be detected during routine eye examination where the following tests are carried out.
Ophthalmoscopy is an internal examination of the eye using an ophthalmoscope.
Tonometry is the measurement of pressure inside the eye by using a Tonometer. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test.
Visual field test: This test measures peripheral (side) vision. It helps your eye care professional tell if you have lost peripheral vision, a sign of glaucoma.
Pachymetry is the measurement of the thickness of your cornea.

Treatments

Depending on the form of glaucoma and the degree of damage already done your Eye Doctor would advice you on the best line of treatment to follow. Glaucoma treatments include medicines, laser trabeculoplasty, conventional surgery, or a combination of any of these. While these treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma.

Prevention                                                                              

It is best to prevent vision loss from glaucoma as vision lost cannot be restored. The key to prevention of glaucoma is early detection.

It's World Glaucoma Day today.

Visit any Metro Eye Clinic Practice Center today for a Free Glaucoma Screening, and enjoy
FREE COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMINATION

Lagos Practice Center pmikoyi@metroeyesng.com:
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Ibadan Practice Centers pmibadan@metroeyesng.com:
4, Oluyole Way (Favos Road), Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State | 07042834174
1, Irepodun Close, Ososami Junction, Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo State | 07044468099