What is Glaucoma? What are it’s causes?
Glaucoma
is a group of diseases of the optic nerve involving
loss of retinal ganglion cells in a characteristic
pattern of optic neuropathy. Although raised intraocular
pressure is a significant risk factor for developing
glaucoma, there is no set threshold for intraocular
pressure that causes glaucoma. One person may develop
nerve damage at a relatively low pressure, while another
person may have high eye pressures for years and yet
never develop damage. Untreated glaucoma leads to
permanent damage of the optic nerve and resultant
visual field loss, which can progress to blindness.
What happens to a patient with Glaucoma?
One
of the most common cases is the primary open angle
glaucoma (POAG) causes mainly by the natural aging
of the eye. Asymptomatic, can be detected only by
the appropriate exam. It is very important for treatment
that the problem be discovered in the beginning of
the condition.
Congenital
glaucoma or buphthalmos is a rare genetic disease
affecting infants. Newborns present with enlarged
globes and clouded corneas. It is thought that reduced
trabecular permeability is the cause of increased
intraocular pressure. Surgery is the treatment.
Another
type, acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) is characterized
by an acute rise in the intraocular pressure. Acute
angle-closure glaucoma can cause pain and reduced
visual acuity (blurred vision), and may lead to irreversible
visual loss within a short time. This is an ocular
emergency requiring immediate treatment. Many people
with glaucoma experience halos around bright lights
as well as the loss of sight characterized by the
disease.
Does Glaucoma have correction?
Yes.
Ocular intra-ocular tension or glaucoma can be detected by
painless clinical exams such as the tonometry, ophthalmoscopy,
biomicroscopy, perimetry and gonioscopy.
The precocious diagnosis is inestimable for the successful
treatment of Glaucoma, this is one of the reasons
for the necessity of periodic ophthalmic exams.
What are the possible treatments for glaucoma?
Glaucoma
and intra-ocular tension are chronic diseases, which,
while do not have any definite cure, are possible
to control and currently to avoid compromising the
patient’s life.
The
patient must receive assiduous reatment. The therapy
choice is based on the type and stage of the disease.
In most cases, it might be necessary laser correction
or a surgical procedure.
The
best prevention of Glaucoma’s effects is to
periodically perform ophthalmic exams. For the normal
population over 40 are recommended an ocular check-up
every two years. The carrier of systemic diseases,
such as diabetes, such as atherosclerosis or anemia
should do an annual control.
Diagnosis and Treatment in the Hospital de
Olhos de Minas Gerais
Innumerable patients have already benefit from the
available treatment and ca, today, relish in the comfort
of a vision with quality. If interested in either
setting an appointment or even know more about the
subject through our educational videos or 3D animations
– contact us: +55 (31) 3289.2030 or secretaria@holhos.com.br.
