Q & A

• Q What are the causes of glaucoma?

  Glaucoma can be classified into primary (idiopathic) and secondary types. The most common form is primary glaucoma, where the exact cause is unknown. There is a genetic component to glaucoma, so individuals with a family history of the condition should undergo regular screenings. Additionally, people with myopia (nearsightedness) and diabetes are at higher risk of developing glaucoma. It can also occur as a complication of conditions like uveitis (inflammation of the uvea).

• Q What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

  In most cases, glaucoma does not cause noticeable symptoms until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Many people are diagnosed during routine eye exams or health check-ups. However, acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause a sudden increase in intraocular pressure, leading to severe symptoms such as intense eye pain, headaches, and blurred vision.

• Q How can glaucoma be detected early?

  Early detection of glaucoma can be achieved through routine intraocular pressure (IOP) and fundus examinations at an eye clinic. If glaucoma is suspected based on these initial tests, further comprehensive diagnostic tests will be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

• Q What is glaucoma and is it fully curable?

  Glaucoma is a progressive optic nerve disease that results in damage to the optic nerve and leads to narrowing of the visual field. Currently, there is no treatment that can reverse the damage done to the optic nerve, so a complete cure is not available. The best approach is early diagnosis and using eye drops to slow the progression of the disease.

• Q Is surgery not possible for glaucoma?

  Surgery for glaucoma is performed when adequate intraocular pressure (IOP) control cannot be achieved with medications or laser treatments. The goal of glaucoma surgery is to lower IOP, not to restore damaged optic nerves. Therefore, it is considered a final step in the treatment of glaucoma.

• Q Is laser treatment effective for glaucoma?

  Laser treatments for glaucoma include laser iridotomy and laser trabeculoplasty. Laser iridotomy is used for acute angle-closure glaucoma, where a laser is used to create an opening in the iris to lower intraocular pressure. Laser trabeculoplasty, on the other hand, involves using a laser to target the trabecular meshwork to increase aqueous outflow and reduce intraocular pressure.
  
  While laser trabeculoplasty can be effective, it is often used when medications alone are insufficient, or if the patient cannot use medications, such as during pregnancy. It is generally considered less effective than medication and may lose effectiveness over time, which is why it is not always the first-line treatment.

• Q What can I do to ensure that glaucoma does not worsen?

  To prevent glaucoma from worsening, the most important steps are:
  Regular Monitoring: Ensure regular eye exams, including intraocular pressure checks, optic nerve evaluations, and visual field tests.
  Medication Adherence: Use prescribed glaucoma medications as directed and on schedule.
  Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can impact eye pressure. Engage in regular aerobic exercises like swimming and running, which can be beneficial.
  Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet to support overall eye health.

• Q How can I prevent glaucoma?

  To prevent glaucoma, it is important to engage in regular aerobic exercise and consume green and yellow vegetables. Exercises that involve hanging upside down are not recommended, and you should ensure that your necktie is not too tight. Consuming more than three cups of coffee a day is not advisable, and excessive alcohol intake should be avoided. Additionally, you should quit smoking.