Published in August 12th, 2010
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Glaucoma is an ocular condition that causes tunnel vision and eventual blindness through the damage of the optic nerve. Many indicators show that increased pressure or hypertension of the fluids within the eye are an indicator of glaucoma, but there are can be other causes, as well; therefore, early testing for the condition is essential. The sad fact is that the majority of glaucoma sufferers have no symptoms at all until they start losing sight. There is no technique for the prevention of glaucoma, nor is there a cure. However, there are available treatments to slow the optical nerve damage and gradual blindness that come with glaucoma.
Listed below are a few of the treatments available for the symptoms of glaucoma.
First, there are medications that can combat the symptoms of glaucoma and slow the nerve damage. These are most commonly given in the form of eye drops or ointments. Prostaglandin analogues such as latanoprost or travoprost are drugs that lower pressure in the eye by increasing the drainage of the fluid. Beta-blockers such as carteolol or betaxolol work by reducing the amount of fluid the eye actually produces. Miotics work by tightening the muscles within the eye and opening up the fluid flow. Other drugs that perform various functions for reducing the ocular fluid pressure are Carbonic Anhydrase inhibitors and Alpha andrenergic agonists.
Surgical procedures can be discussed as a method of reducing hypertension in the eye. Canaloplasty is a procedure where a catheter is placed into the white part of the eye and used to create a new drain into the main channel of the eye. Trabeculectomy is a procedure where a drainage cut is made in the mesh of the eye to allow for simple drainage from that spot. There are also implant surgeries that put in a variety of shunts and tubes to aid drainage on a permanent basis.
There are a variety of laser surgical procedures available to either aid fluid drainage or reduce fluid production in the aqueous humour of the eye. Laser trabeculoplasty is a procedure to increase fluid outflow. Using this method, the trabecular meshwork of the eye is perforated with 50 to 100 tiny holes to open the outflow network. A selective trabecular laser surgery which targets only specific sections of the eye is also available. A peripheral iridotomy creates a tiny hole in the iris of the eye which equalizes the pressure on either side of it and promotes even drainage.
Laser cyclophotocoagulation is used in severe glaucoma cases and applies lasers to eliminate some of the areas of the eye that actually produce the fluid. With less fluid being produced, pressure is lowered.
Once you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, be sure to stay in close contact with your eye doctor and follow his/her treatment plan to the letter. With your doctor, you will be able to come up with a plan of action that works best to reduce the optical damage caused by glaucoma and keep your eyes functioning well for years to come.
Roger Ubik has extensive experience in the eye care industry in Austin, TX and is passionate about informing consumers. There are many glaucoma specialists available. Finding the right provider
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