Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). This damage can lead to gradual vision loss and, if untreated, permanent blindness. Glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular eye exams are important for early detection and treatment. There are several types of glaucoma, with the most common being open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Treatment may include medications, laser therapy, or surgery to lower eye pressure and prevent further damage.

Types of Glaucoma

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Open Angle Glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma, characterized by a gradual clogging of the eye's drainage canals, leading to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Despite the drainage angle between the iris and cornea remaining open, the trabecular meshwork (the eye’s drainage system) becomes less efficient over time. This results in a slow buildup of pressure that can damage the optic nerve, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when access to the tiny drainage channels, known as the trabecular meshwork, becomes blocked which then causes a rise in pressure in the eye. This can happen suddenly in which case it can be a painful "attack of glaucoma" but more often has periodic rises in pressure which are painless.

Treatment

Once glaucoma has been diagnosed, treatment should begin as soon as possible to help minimize the risk of permanent vision loss. There is no cure for most glaucoma’s, so treatment focuses on minimizing further damage. Treatment for each individual case depends on the type and severity of the glaucoma. Some of the treatment methods for glaucoma are:

Medication

Eye drops or oral medication may be used to either reduce fluid production inside the eye or to help drain from within the eye.

Laser Surgery

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI), Argon Laser Iridoplasty, and Trans Scleral Diode Laser (TSD) are laser procedures that aim to either increase the outflow of fluid from the eye, open access to the drainage system of the eye or decrease fluid production within the eye.

Surgery

MIGS and Glaucoma Drainage Devices are used to lower the pressure in the eye.