Normally, there is a constantly produced fluid (aqueous humor) in the eye that nourishes the intraocular formations. This fluid is also continuously removed from the eye through excretory channels. Glaucoma occurs due to blockage in these channels. The blockage may be structural or triggered by other eye diseases. Due to the insufficient drainage of intraocular fluid, the pressure inside the eye increases, and the increased intraocular pressure disrupts the nutrition of the optic nerve cells. The optic nerve cells are damaged by increasing pressure and slowly die. Initially, a narrowing of the visual field occurs (it can be compared to looking through binoculars), and if the disease is not controlled, complete vision loss occurs over time.
Why is glaucoma a dangerous disease?
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Glaucoma It is an insidious disease that is usually difficult to notice by the patient.
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It can be transmitted genetically
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The damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible
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Blindness due to glaucoma cannot be treated.
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Glaucoma may be progressive despite close and careful follow-up.
Who gets glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that is seen in millions of people around the world and can occur in anyone. However, some factors may increase the risk of developing the disease. It is seen in 2% of people over the age of 40 and in 10% of people over the age of 60. Glaucoma can occur in anyone and at any age. However, people over the age of 40, people with a family history of glaucoma, people with diabetes, hypertension, and immunological diseases are in the group where glaucoma is more common.
What should I do if there is Glaucoma in my family?
Some types of glaucoma are inherited. People with a family history of glaucoma are at 8 times higher risk of developing this disease than normal. If you have a close relative with glaucoma, it is a good idea to visit an ophthalmologist. Your doctor will tell you your risk and frequency of control after examination.
How is glaucoma treated?
The primary treatment of glaucoma is medical. In other words, your doctor controls your eye pressure by lowering it with drops. tries to get under it.D Depending on the situation, the number of medications may be increased up to 3. In some types of glaucoma, laser treatment may be required before medication. In cases of glaucoma that do not respond to medication or laser treatment, the last treatment option is surgery. Depending on the patient's condition, surgical treatment may also be recommended without resorting to medication or laser. Glaucoma surgery called Trabeculectomy eliminates the patient's need for medication and lowers eye pressure.
What is trabeculectomy surgery?
Trabeculectomy is essentially a surgery to ensure the flow of intraocular fluid from the area where it is trapped to another cavity of the eye. Instead of the intraocular fluid being trapped and increasing the eye pressure, it escapes to another cavity and is absorbed without causing pressure. This causes a decrease in intraocular pressure without medication.
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