Glaucoma (Eye Pressure)

Also known as eye pressure, it is the condition where the internal pressure is higher than normal. This pressure is created by a fluid located in its front part and called eye fluid. This nourishes its front part and has a normal cycle. The fluid is produced, circulates in the eye, and is then expelled through a channel. Glaucoma generally occurs when this cycle is disrupted, especially when the fluid is not expelled correctly.

This condition causes the intensity inside to increase and damage the nerve over time. This wound leads to the slow death of nerve fibers and consequently to vision loss. It mostly starts with peripheral (side) vision and can lead to complete blindness if left untreated. This disease is painless and may not have obvious symptoms at the beginning, so regular examinations are very important.

Factors Causing Glaucoma Disease

• Age: The risk of experiencing this disease increases, especially in people aged 60 and over. For some specific types, the risk can also increase at younger ages.

• Race: Some races are at higher risk. For example, the risk of open-angle disorder is higher in people of African descent and Hispanics of Mexican descent.

• Family History: Eye disorder is more common in people with a family history. This indicates that genetic factors can play an important role in the development of the disease.

• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma damage. In addition, previous injuries or surgical interventions that can prevent the fluid inside the eye from flowing correctly can also increase the risk.

• High Intraocular Pressure: This problem (intraocular pressure) is one of the most important risk factors for damage. This generally occurs when the cycle in which a fluid called eye fluid, located in the front of the eye, is produced and expelled is disrupted.

• Thin Central Corneal Thickness: Thin corneas can increase the possibility of damaging the optic nerve even when the pressure is at normal levels.

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): People who are myopic (nearsighted) are more likely to develop this disease.

• Medications Used: Some medications, especially medications used for this, can increase the likelihood of experiencing problems with long-term use.

Glaucoma often does not show obvious symptoms and can lead to vision loss. Therefore, it is especially important for people with any of the risk factors above to have regular examinations.

Treatment Methods for Glaucoma Disease

• Eye drops are the first treatment option. These can work in various ways to lower the pressure. While some reduce the production of fluid, others increase its outflow. They must be used several times a day and require regular use to keep the pressure under control.

• Oral medications: If drops are not enough, doctors may sometimes prescribe oral medications (mostly called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors) that will help to lower it.

• Laser treatment can be used to allow the water inside to flow better. A type of laser application called trabeculoplasty lowers it by widening and opening the drainage channel. Iridotomy, another type of operation, allows the water to flow better by creating a small hole in the iris of the eye.

• Surgical intervention: If medications and laser surgery are not enough, a surgical procedure may be necessary. Various types of operations can be performed to allow it to flow better. In a procedure called trabeculectomy, an opening is created in the drainage channel. If it cannot be kept under control, a drainage device can be implanted.

• Minimally invasive surgery is known for being less invasive and having a lower risk of complications. MIGS can use various techniques to lower it, for example, it can create a microscopic channel or insert a small device that increases the outflow of water.

These treatment options are determined depending on the patient’s condition, the type of the disorder, the rate of progression of the disease, and the general health status of the patient. A procedure that is effective for one person may not be effective for another person. Therefore, the options are personalized according to the specific needs of the patient. The glaucoma method is long-term and requires regular examinations and compliance. Therefore, it is important for patients to understand their plans and follow these plans.