Glaucoma is a chronic bilateral eye disease characterized by the progressive destruction of the optic nerve fibers that transmit information from the visual level to the brain. In the evolution of the disease, a restriction of the peripheral visual field appears and over time it can lead to total vision loss.

Why does the condition occur?

Glaucoma is determined in most cases by the increase in intraocular pressure, the tension of the ocular fluid being maintained at an optimal level by regulating its production and drainage. The factors that lead to the appearance of glaucoma are represented by:

• Family antecedents of the disease;
• Age over 60 years;
• Association of chronic diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases;
• Hypertension or arterial hypotension;
• Severe myopia or hypermetropia;
• Accidental or surgical eye trauma;
• Medication based on corticoids in the form of eye drops.

How does glaucoma manifest itself?

The disease can be asymptomatic for a large part of the evolution, the patient noting the decrease in peripheral visual acuity in the advanced stages of glaucoma. When they appear, the manifestations are perceived as blurred vision or the presence of halos around bright points in both eyes. Headache, eye pain, nausea and vomiting are less common and characterize a rapid evolution of the disease.

It is very important to know that any damage that occurs before the initiation of treatment is irreversible, and if it is not treated, the condition naturally progresses to blindness.

What are the diagnostic methods of glaucoma

The diagnosis of the condition is established by the ophthalmologist during a specialist consultation that includes:

• Tonometry (measurement of intraocular pressure);
• Examination of the optic nerve:
• Gonioscopy (examination of the drainage angle);
• Determination of the visual field;
• Pachymetry (determination of corneal thickness).

What is the treatment for glaucoma?

The treatment of the condition is not curative (it is a disease that cannot be cured) but it can help to keep the evolution of the disease under control by reducing the intraocular pressure with the help of:

• Ophthalmic solutions with prostaglandins, beta-blockers, alpha adrenergic antagonists;
• Oral drug treatment with preparations based on carbonic anhydrase;
• Laser surgery that corrects intraocular fluid drainage dysfunctions through iridotomy, trabeculoplasty, peripheral iridoplasty;
• Classic surgery for drainage and reconstruction of the intraocular fluid drainage channel.