Glaucoma, also known as Karasu, is one of the most important causes of blindness that occurs as a result of higher than normal eye pressure.
There are several types of glaucoma. Although we sometimes encounter serious congenital high eye pressure, the most common one we encounter is Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. This type of glaucoma usually occurs in middle age and above.
High eye pressure does not usually cause any symptoms unless it is extremely high, but starting from the peripheral images, the visual field gradually narrows and eventually disappears in the central vision.
For early diagnosis of glaucoma, which is an insidious disease, eye pressure must be measured and, if necessary, analysis of the optic nerve with Visual Fieldand/or optical tomography examination called OCT should be done.
When evaluating high eye pressure for glaucoma, corneal thickness must also be measured. Just as thick-skinned oranges feel harder than thin-skinned ones, if the corneal thickness is higher than normal, eye pressure can be evaluated as high, and if the cornea is thinner than normal, it can be evaluated as low. In addition to our charts that evaluate this, we also have devices that automatically show the correct value.
In the treatment of glaucoma, we prescribe drops that lower eye pressure. If eye pressure drops are not sufficient to reduce eye pressure and/or if damage occurs to the visual field or OCT or if existing damage progresses, we perform glaucoma surgery to preserve vision.
Nowadays, it is possible to protect the eye and vision for life with eye blood pressure drops. However, patients must drip these drops regularly every day and throughout life, as recommended by the doctor. Because the effects of these drops generally last for 12 to 24 hours, depending on the type. Vision loss and even blindness are inevitable in patients who do not care about using drops or frequently neglect them.
Patients should consult their doctor if they have any hesitation. I wish you healthy, clear-minded beautiful days.
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