glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
glaucoma is caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye, a chronic eye disease. The high pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, which carries visual data from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma is a progressive neurological condition that affects the optic nerve and is associated with this increase in intraocular pressure. If it does not If left untreated, this disease can lead to permanent impairment of the visual field, starting with peripheral vision, and possibly leading to blindness. Different types of glaucoma exist, among which the most common are chronic open-angle glaucoma. and acute angle-closure glaucoma.
What are the early signs and symptoms of glaucoma ?
In most cases, chronic open-angle glaucoma has initial symptoms that are often absent or very weak. This type of glaucoma develops slowly and discreetly, without any pain or discomfort being felt by the person. Loss of visual field and damage to the optic nerve occurs gradually, first in the periphery, then towards the center.
As for acute angle-closure glaucoma, the symptoms appear abruptly and seriously. The individual then experiences intense and sudden pain in the eye, accompanied by severe eye redness, decreased visual acuity, bright halos, nausea and vomiting. It is essential to treat this quickly. type of acute glaucoma to avoid irreversible damage to vision.
How is a glaucoma screening carried out ?
Detecting glaucoma requires several crucial steps. First, intraocular pressure is measured, because excessive pressure is often linked to glaucoma. The back of the eye and the optic disc are then examined by the ophthalmologist to identify typical signs of lesions associated with glaucoma. We also perform a gonioscopy, which allows us to observe the angle between the iris and the cornea, to identify the type of glaucoma. Finally, a visual field analysis is carried out in order to create a map of the field of vision of each eye and identify possible areas that are less clearly visible. It is essential to carry out a complete screening in order to detect glaucoma early and to monitor its evolution to adapt the treatment accordingly.
How does glaucoma affect vision ?
Peripheral vision is primarily affected by glaucoma, which gradually narrows the visual field, resulting in tubular vision and colored halos around light sources. The progression of the disease can lead to loss of visual acuity, loss of contrast sensitivity and blindness of areas. Symptoms may not be noticeable because the brain compensates for loss of vision. However, if left untreated, glaucoma can lead to total vision by progressively affecting the optic nerve.
Can glaucoma be prevented ?
Early detection and the adoption of good lifestyle habits can prevent and slow the development of glaucoma. It is advisable to regularly consult an ophthalmologist, particularly if you have risk factors. Glaucoma can also be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, protecting your eyes, limiting certain substances, and engaging in moderate physical activity. A balanced diet, containing fruits and vegetables, also helps reduce the dangers. The application of these measures makes it possible to delay the emergence and progression of this eye disease.
What are the possible complications of untreated glaucoma ?
Untreated glaucoma can cause significant vision problems. These include a gradual loss of visual field, which begins with peripheral vision and can lead to total blindness. Visual acuity decreases as the disease progresses and vision becomes blurred. Damage to the optic nerve is permanent and can lead to total loss of vision. Early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma are therefore essential to prevent these serious complications and preserve visual health.
Are there any natural or alternative treatments for glaucoma ?
It is possible to use natural and alternative treatments in addition to traditional glaucoma treatment. Using herbs such as bilberry, ginkgo biloba and coleus forskohlii, as well as supplements such as magnesium and vitamin C, herbal medicine can help improve eye circulation and maintain eye health. It is also possible to use complementary methods, such as depurative herbal teas to restore balance to the nervous system. However, it is essential to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist in order to follow up regularly and receive adequate treatment, because these natural treatments should not replace the usual medical recommendations for glaucoma.
Drug treatments
Medications used for glaucoma aim to reduce intraocular pressure by reducing the production of aqueous humor or promoting its evacuation from the eye. It is common to use eye drops administered directly into the eye. It is also possible to prescribe oral medications, such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It is possible to use these drugs alone or in combination with other approaches to regulate intraocular pressure and preserve vision.
Surgical treatments
When drug treatments and laser procedures fail to effectively regulate intraocular pressure, surgical treatments for glaucoma are more invasive options. Trabeculectomy and deep sclerectomy are common surgical procedures that create a new outflow pathway for aqueous humor. MIGS implants, such as XEN, Preserflo and iStent, offer less invasive solutions to improve drainage of aqueous humor. In advanced glaucoma situations, it is possible to consider surgical interventions such as cyclo-weakening, micropulsed diode laser and Ahmed valve installation. The objective of these surgical interventions is to reduce intraocular pressure more sustainably and to preserve the patient's vision.