What Is Glaucoma (Eye Pressure)? Symptoms and Treatment

Glaucoma, commonly known as "eye pressure," is a serious eye disorder that can lead to permanent vision loss. Anadolu Health Center's Eye Diseases Specialist, Op. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz, states that glaucoma often does not present early symptoms and can only be detected during a comprehensive eye examination. He explains, “Being over 40 years old, having a family history of glaucoma, having a refractive error in the eyes, being of African or Asian descent, having diabetes, hypertension, high intraocular pressure, corticosteroid use, trauma, a thin corneal structure, migraines, and circulatory disorders are all risk factors for glaucoma.” Here are some insights provided by Eye Diseases Specialist Op. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz regarding glaucoma...

Glaucoma (Eye Pressure) often arises from higher-than-normal pressure within the eye, but sometimes glaucoma can occur even when the intraocular pressure is normal. Most types of glaucoma typically do not cause pain, and patients do not experience any symptoms until vision loss occurs. Regular eye examinations are the only way to detect glaucoma before permanent vision loss happens. However, a less common type of glaucoma, called acute angle-closure glaucoma, can cause sudden, often severe blurry vision, halos around lights, eye pain, nausea, and vomiting. If these symptoms are observed, urgent eye examination is necessary.

The Aim of Glaucoma (Eye Pressure) Treatment Is to Stop the Progression of the Disease

The treatment for glaucoma (eye pressure) varies depending on the patient's condition. Essentially, we can discuss medication therapy, laser treatment, and surgical intervention. Sometimes, a combination of these methods may be used together. The goal of glaucoma treatment is to halt the progression of the disease, which can lead to vision loss. The treatment will not restore any existing vision loss. In some cases, progression may be inevitable despite treatment.

Surgical Treatment for Glaucoma (Eye Pressure) May Be Implemented in Some Patients

Medication therapy (eye drops) is the most common form of treatment for glaucoma. The aim here is to lower the high intraocular pressure to prevent damage to the optic nerve and further narrowing of the visual field, thereby stopping vision loss. Using eye drops requires adherence and consistency. Therefore, patients should be educated to fully understand the importance and seriousness of their treatment. Laser treatment is applied in some types of glaucoma. In cases where medication therapy is insufficient or in glaucoma patients who show progression despite medication, early surgical intervention may be considered for certain patients.

Last Updated Date: 21 February 2024

Publication Date: 21 February 2024

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