Information about Glaucoma that you should know

Glaucoma is mainly divided into 3 types:

1. Pinguecula and pterygium (open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma): which are the deterioration of the eye's tissue.
2. Cataract (congenital and acquired cataract): which is the deterioration of the eye's glass lens.
3. Glaucoma: which is the deterioration of the optic nerve fibers.

1. Pinguecula and Pterygium

Pinguecula is a yellowish-white bump that resembles a small clear jelly located on the conjunctiva near the iris. It is commonly found near the head of the eye but can also be found near the tail. It is caused by chronic eye irritation from dust, sun, wind, or smoke. Pterygium is the thickening of the conjunctiva that appears as a blood vessel and thick tissue growing from the conjunctiva to the cornea or iris. It is also caused by chronic eye irritation and is commonly found near the head of the eye.

2. Cataract

Cataract is a condition where the eye's lens becomes cloudy, which affects vision. Normally, the lens is clear and focuses light on the retina. When cataracts form, they cause vision to become blurry and can cause eye strain. There are two types of cataracts, congenital cataracts that are present at birth and acquired cataracts that develop later in life. Causes of cataracts include genetic factors and environmental factors such as exposure to UV light and some medications.

3. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a slow deterioration of the optic nerve that can cause a gradual loss of peripheral vision and eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. The cause of glaucoma is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, increased eye pressure, and poor blood flow to the optic nerve. Some medications and eye injuries can also cause glaucoma.

Risk factors for developing glaucoma include:

• Elevated intraocular pressure above the normal range (20-21 mmHg)
• Age over 60 years
• Abnormalities in the circulatory system, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, which can impair blood flow to the optic nerve
• Diabetes
• Myopia

Treatment and care:

1. For those with pinguecula and pterygium, wearing sunglasses and avoiding factors that cause eye irritation, such as dust, sunlight, wind, smoke, or any other irritants, can help reduce inflammation and prevent further damage. Eye drops may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation and pressure, and artificial tears may be used as needed. In severe cases where the iris obstructs the drainage angle, surgery may be needed to remove it.

2. For cataract, avoiding factors that increase the risk of progression, particularly exposure to sunlight, and being cautious with medication use can help slow its development. Glasses may be prescribed to correct vision changes, and certain eye drops may be effective in delaying or preventing the onset of cataract, although their effectiveness is not fully established by studies.

In cases where the cataracts are severe, it is necessary to use surgical treatment. Currently, the popular method is to dissolve the existing cataracts and replace them with artificial lenses. This will allow patients to see clearly as they did before.

3. Treatment for glaucoma depends on the type of glaucoma that is the cause. Some types may not show symptoms at all, and they can only be detected through examination. Therefore, those who suspect that they are at risk, such as having a family history of glaucoma, having a chronic illness, taking certain medications regularly, having had an eye injury before, having had chronic eye infections, or having had eye surgery, should consult an ophthalmologist for proper advice and examination.

General standards for treating glaucoma include:

• Using eye drops to lower eye pressure to an appropriate level depending on the severity of the disease and the abnormality of the optic nerve.
• Considering surgery in cases where the patient cannot control eye pressure with eye drops.
• Using lasers for patients with closed-angle glaucoma (not for all patients). However, no single method of treating glaucoma can cure the disease completely, and sometimes multiple methods may be necessary to control the disease and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Patients should understand and cooperate in using medications and attending follow-up appointments, and have realistic expectations regarding the purpose of treatment.

Signs of eye issues:

Some types of eye problems have symptoms that can be observed externally, but some do not show symptoms initially. Therefore, observing any abnormality in the eyes, such as irritation, inflammation, pain, or blurriness, can help alert us in the early stages. It is recommended to promptly get checked and receive treatment, and it is not recommended to buy eye drops for personal use. Annual eye checkups can be beneficial, especially for those at risk or in old age.

Prevention and risk management:

1. Identify who is in the high-risk group and whether we are part of that group.

2. Consult a doctor before using any medication and be aware of the possible side effects.

3. Wear sunglasses regularly when outdoors.

4. Regularly check the eyes according to age standards to detect potential diseases before symptoms appear.

5. Observe any abnormalities and seek medical attention promptly. Do not buy and use eye drops without a doctor's prescription.