Glaucoma is a major irreversible cause of loss of vision for millions of people across the globe, manifesting itself without symptoms for long periods. Mumbai’s fast-paced economic development leaves little time for preventive healthcare, making knowledge of modern glaucoma treatment of great importance. This guide discusses the essence of modern glaucoma tests and the need for consulting eye doctors for glaucoma to preserve vision.
What is glaucoma, and how does it affect people?
“Glaucoma” is the term used for a group of conditions that result in damage to the optic nerve, usually from increased eye pressure. There are a number of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve from elevated pressure in the eye and are referred to as glaucoma. This condition is referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” as it goes unnoticed for years, and must be caught with early testing to prevent vision loss.
The condition occurs differently for each patient, with primary open-angle glaucoma being the most common, present in over 74% of those with glaucoma. This form of acne develops over time, owing to the deterioration of the eye drainage system. This causes damage to the optic nerve. There is also a dangerous variant called angle-closure glaucoma, which is characterized by the sudden blockage of the drainage angle. This is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
Holistic Glaucoma Diagnostic Techniques
Glaucoma specialists in Mumbai use a variety of diagnostic techniques to evaluate your condition. One of the techniques, tonometry, is considered the gold standard for diagnosis and measures intraocular pressure with the applanation technique. Testing for visual field loss is a peripheral vision loss test referred to as the Humphrey field test, which is the standard for monitoring open-angle glaucoma. A field loss composed of a defect of 50% of nerve cells is partially present. Gonioscopy is used to inspect the junction of the cornea and the iris, while gonioscopy measures the thickness of the cornea. The cornea thickness is thinner than normal, which signals a higher glaucoma risk. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is used to track the optic nerve and retina with very detailed cross-sectional images, and allows for the monitoring of structural damage to the optic nerve and retina, which can affect the function of vision and accurate monitoring for eye care practitioners.
Modern Approaches for Glaucoma Treatment
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Medications
For the majority of glaucoma cases, medical management is the most appropriate first step. Prescription-strength eye drops work on either reducing the production of eye fluids or improving the drainage of the fluids. In a meta-analysis of several studies, most participants showed the intraocular pressure to be lower, most significantly when taking prostaglandins or non-selective beta-blockers.
These glaucoma drops are also the most effective, which is why many glaucoma treatment specialists in Mumbai recommend prostaglandin analogs as a first-line therapy. They are also the most effective drops for increasing the drainage of aqueous humor via the uveoscleral pathway. Most patients achieve a significant intraocular pressure reduction as a result. Geographic recommendations for glaucoma treatment in Europe also state that treatment should be initiated with monotherapy to lessen the likelihood of side effects.
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Laser Modalities
Treating glaucoma has been fundamentally transformed by SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty). SLT uses low-energy laser beams to stimulate the eye’s drainage system to increase outflow of eye fluid, but unlike previous laser systems, SLT does not cause permanent damage to the eye’s tissue. This new system has the ability to be used repeatedly, unlike previous systems, which offer the clinician the needed flexibility.
Micropulse laser therapy also brings about a new technology – laser energy is delivered in clinically controlled, short bursts that greatly reduce tissue damage while lowering intraocular pressure. This technique is a great advantage in patients who have advanced disease or in patients who are unable to have older, conventional laser treatments more than a few times.
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Operational Procedures
When glaucoma has not responded to medications or laser therapy, surgical approaches are needed. The oldest of these approaches, trabeculectomy, is also the most established. It works by creating a new drainage pathway, which is done by making a small opening in the eye’s sclera so that a collection space can be created to drain eye fluid.
Devices designed for glaucoma drainage, such as shunts and small reservoirs, provide further options for complex and challenging surgeries. Ahmed valve implantation and Preserflo Microshunt are some of the most novel technologies that expand further options for glaucoma surgeries.
Conclusion
Glaucoma will never be optimally managed without active, continuous clinical eye care to prevent permanent loss of vision from the disease. Understanding the glaucoma treatment options and collaborating with appreciated eye doctors for glaucoma will ensure vision preservation for Mumbai inhabitants. Modern times allow for medicine to be effective through medical management, laser treatment, or surgery, as long as it is done in a timely manner and there is diligent follow-up. To ensure vision preservation for many, book a comprehensive glaucoma test with glaucoma specialty doctors in Mumbai.