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What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a set of conditions that exhibit the gradual loss of vision that have common features including damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits light signals from the retina to the brain, where they are translated into images.
When one has glaucoma, the eye’s drainage system becomes clogged so that the intraocular fluid cannot drain. When the fluid increases, it causes pressure to build inside the eye and this pressure damages the sensitive optic nerve and results in vision loss.
How can one detect glaucoma?
Glaucoma tends to become noticeable in one eye first but in most cases eventually occurs in both eyes. As a result, there are gradual vision changes ensuing in sight loss. Commonly, peripheral vision is affected first, so the vision change is not initially apparent. Over time, one’s central vision will also be affected. Symptoms of glaucoma include hazy vision, eye and head pain, nausea or vomiting, the appearance of rainbow-colored circles around bright lights or sudden sight loss.
How is glaucoma treated at BHMG?
As with any eye condition, the treatment for glaucoma depends on its severity. However, damage to the optic nerve is permanent and treatment will only help to prevent further deterioration of the optic nerve. Patients might have the option of being treated by medication, surgery, or both. If your doctor suggests that medical treatment is an option, it generally means that open-angle and low-tension glaucoma is present. In this situation, it is vital that medication be taken on a daily basis. Another option to treat the drain is laser surgery (selective laser trabeculoplasty) or in more severe cases, operative surgery is performed to decrease the pressure of fluid on the eye.
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