What is the treatment approach for glaucoma?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mother-in-law just had an eye examination, and the doctor said she has glaucoma and needs to start treatment. I am quite worried, as I do not know much about this condition.

Can you explain what glaucoma is?
What are the typical symptoms and impacts on vision if left untreated?
The doctor prescribed her some eye drops. Is that the standard treatment approach?

I want to understand more about what my mother-in-law is facing and how her vision may be affected going forward, despite the treatment. Any insights you can provide on managing glaucoma would help put my mind at ease.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

With all types of glaucoma (a condition that damages the optic nerve), the nerve connecting the eye to the brain is damaged, usually due to high eye pressure.

Angle-closure is defined as the apposition of the iris to the trabecular meshwork, which results in increased intraocular pressure (IOP). In acute angle closure (AAC), the process occurs suddenly with a dramatic onset of symptoms, including blurred vision, red eye, pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. The sudden and severe IOP elevation can quickly damage the optic nerve, resulting in acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG).

A glaucoma suspect is an individual with one or more risk factors that may lead to glaucoma, but this individual does not have definite glaucomatous optic nerve damage or a visual field defect. A great overlap can exist between findings in patients with early glaucoma and those who are glaucoma suspects without the disease.

The mechanisms that cause glaucoma are not fully understood. In most clinical cases, a painless elevation of IOP occurs, which can lead to progressive optic nerve damage and visual field loss.

Perform visual field examinations every six to 12 months. If a new visual field defect is suspected, the test should be repeated.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.