Glaucoma (eye pressure): Glaucoma, popularly known as eye pressure, is a common eye disease that affects millions of people. The pressure inside the eye increases due to the inability to discharge the intraocular fluid, which is secreted inside the eye and is necessary for the nutrition of the eye. It is usually unnoticeable by the patient and has an insidious course. Increased intraocular pressure affects the vision cells
and nerve fibers in the retina and optic nerve, causing visual field loss and even complete blindness.
The important reason why it is a frightening disease is:
1 It has an insidious course and the patient has no complaints.
2 The damage caused is irreparable. Visual field losses detected at the diagnosis stage are irreversible.
The aim of the treatment is to preserve the remaining visual function.
Who Gets Glaucoma?
People with higher than normal intraocular pressure have a higher risk of developing glaucoma; However, it does not mean that everyone with high intraocular
pressure may have glaucoma.
The risk of glaucoma increases in people over the age of 40.
It is likely to occur in people with a family history of glaucoma. In diabetic patients, it can be seen in central retinal vein branch
occlusions.
Serious eye injuries may cause increased intraocular pressure. Other risk factors; retinal detachment, eye tumors and eye inflammations such as chronic uveitis or iritis. Some eye surgeries (cataract surgery, retinal detachment surgery) may also trigger the development of secondary glaucoma. Generally, the frequency of glaucoma in myopes (inability to see clearly in the distance) has increased approximately twofold. High
hyperopia, migraine, long-term cortisone use, hypertension and hypotension are also factors that increase the risk of glaucoma. People with these characteristics must be checked for eye pressure at frequent
intervals.
Glaucoma is insidious. Because it has a progressive course and has symptoms that patients cannot notice, people over the age of 40 and those with the diseases I wrote above should definitely have their eye pressure checked once a year. Early diagnosis and treatment is very important in glaucoma. Since the damage caused is irreparable, visual field losses detected during the diagnosis stage are irreversible. That's why It is necessary to prevent damage to the optic nerve and retinal nerve cells by starting treatment early.
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