Glaucoma: What Is It?

Glaucoma is a condition where the optic nerve is damaged due to factors such as increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Since the optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain, its damage (gradually) results in a loss of the visual field, and if left untreated, it can eventually lead to complete blindness.

What Causes Glaucoma?

In some cases, the cause of glaucoma is identifiable, such as eye trauma, certain eye surgeries, and angle-closure glaucoma. However, in many cases, glaucoma is an unknown disease, and various genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development.

What Are the Types of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma can be divided into two categories: open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. Normally, a transparent fluid circulates in the front of the eye; this fluid is produced inside the eye and drains out through the eye’s angle. If the angle of the eye is damaged or closed, this fluid cannot exit the eye, leading to increased intraocular pressure and the development of glaucoma.

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

A. Congenital Glaucoma: It appears with symptoms like corneal opacity, tearing, photophobia (fear of light), and enlargement of the eye. B. Open-Angle Glaucoma: In most cases, open-angle glaucoma (and also closed-angle glaucoma) is chronic, and the patient may not notice the presence of glaucoma until the disease has progressed significantly, causing disturbances in the visual field. C. Acute Closed-Angle Glaucoma: This condition manifests with acute symptoms like reduced vision, tearing, photophobia, seeing halos and rainbows around lights, nausea, and vomiting. In such cases, the patient must urgently visit an ophthalmologist for immediate treatment.

What Are the Treatments for Glaucoma?

Treatment can be divided into two main groups: medical and surgical.

In most cases, except for congenital glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma, treatment begins with eye drops. If glaucoma is not controlled with medical treatment, other treatments like laser therapy or surgery may be necessary.

Laser Therapy or Trabeculoplasty: Laser therapy helps the fluid drain from the eye. Many patients may still need to use medication even after laser treatment. Laser treatment is performed in the ophthalmology clinic. Studies show that laser surgery is very effective in lowering intraocular pressure.

Surgical Method: The goal of the surgery is to create a new opening to allow fluid to drain from the eye. Although an ophthalmologist can perform this surgery at any time, it is recommended to do so when medical treatments and laser surgery are not effective in controlling intraocular pressure.

Post-Surgery Care:

• Regular follow-up visits with the doctor are usually required after the surgery.
• There may be blurry vision immediately after the surgery, which typically improves within one to two weeks, but sometimes lasts up to six weeks.
• Tearing from the eye and sensations of burning and dryness (feeling of a foreign body in the eye) may occur for one to two weeks after the surgery.
• Pain can be managed with painkillers like acetaminophen.
• In some cases, stitches may need to be removed at the clinic.
• Avoid sleeping on the side of the operated eye or on your stomach.
• After surgery, avoid bending over for long periods or lifting heavy objects.
• Avoid intense exercise or heavy physical labor.
• After surgery, protect the eye from trauma using a plastic shield (at night for protection) or sunglasses (during the day to protect from bright sunlight).
• Wash and dry the plastic shield daily with soap and water before placing it on the eye.
• Do not rub your eye.
• Avoid coughing, sneezing, sudden head movements, or straining during bowel movements.
• Ask your doctor about the best time to shower, but you may wash the body except for the head and face immediately after surgery, as long as water does not get into the eye. Avoid trauma to the eye, head, and face. It is better to use baby shampoo and soap.
• You can pray with a dry stone (Tayammum) immediately after surgery, but avoid prostrating for one to several weeks post-surgery based on your doctor’s advice. Approach the forehead with your hand on the prayer rug.
• You may read, watch TV, and engage in normal activities that do not involve intense physical exertion.
• One week after surgery, flying by airplane or other means is allowed with the doctor’s approval.
• There is a risk of early or late inflammation and infection after surgery. Therefore, if you experience eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, reduced vision, or discharge from the eye, immediately consult your ophthalmologist.
• There are no special dietary restrictions for this condition or surgery. However, if you have any specific condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or ulcers before the surgery, continue with the same diet post-surgery.
• If you are using aspirin or blood thinners, ask your doctor when it is safe to restart them.

(Wishing you a speedy recovery)

Farvardin Specialized Surgery Center