To diagnose glaucoma, your doctor will first check the pressure within your eye. They may perform a series of tests to measure your pressure, including gonioscopy, which involves placing a lens on your eye. This test will help determine whether the drainage angle is open or closed, as well as if any damage has occurred. A second test, known as pachymetry, will measure the thickness of your cornea. While symptoms of glaucoma can mimic other medical conditions, they can be treated with medication.
A comprehensive history and physical exam are often the first steps in diagnosing open-angle glaucoma (OAG). People with the disease often lose their peripheral vision and experience tunnel vision. As the disease progresses, both eyes may lose vision. Vision loss is typically noticeable once about 40 percent of optic nerve fibers are damaged. If you suspect that you may have this disease, you should schedule a consultation with an opthalmologist. Useful reference.
Treatment for open-angle glaucoma generally focuses on lowering the pressure in the eye. This can be accomplished with eye drops, surgery, or laser therapy. The goal is to lower the intraocular pressure by 20 to 40 percent. Eye drops are often used as the first-line treatment. If these methods fail, your doctor may prescribe systemic medications.
Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical condition characterized by a narrow-angle between the iris and lens. Angle-closure can be caused by a variety of mechanisms. These can include pupil block, a plateau iris, and lens-induced angle closure. Angle-closure is usually diagnosed in the initial stage when the iris and lens have reversible contact. Patients with this condition are also usually free of acquired adhesions or evidence of damage to the optic nerve.
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the angle between the iris and the anterior chamber is blocked, which prevents fluid from draining from the eye. As a result, the pressure in the eye can suddenly increase. This halt to drainage can damage the optic nerve and result in blindness. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your vision.
Normal-tension glaucoma is a chronic condition that affects the eyes. While the disease progresses slowly, it can be detected early by a routine eye exam. During this exam, your eye doctor will review your medical history, check your eye pressure, dilate your pupils, and check for defects in the optic nerve. In addition, different tests may be performed to assess the pressure and thickness of the cornea.
Patients with NTG require regular follow-up visits to determine whether the disease is progressing or if any of the treatments are causing side effects. These appointments are generally scheduled every three to six months. However, if you achieve good control of the disease, you may be able to space your follow-up visits farther apart. Find more info.
Pigmentary glaucoma is a condition in which the eye fluids build up and damage the optic nerve. Symptoms of this condition include changes in central vision and visual acuity. Another common sign is the presence of halos around lights. Treatment for this condition can slow the progression of the disease but cannot reverse the damage. It can be detected during an annual eye exam by an ophthalmologist. The drainage angle and intraocular pressure of the eye can be examined to check for signs of this disease.
Although pigmentary glaucoma is not as common as other forms of primary open-angle glaucoma, specialists see cases of this condition on a regular basis. This condition is often difficult to detect early, so early treatment is essential. Treatment can improve quality of life and preserve remaining vision in people with pigmentary glaucoma.
