Can You Stop Glaucoma From Progressing?
What causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. This is usually caused by a build-up of fluid in the front part of the eye, resulting in an increase of pressure inside the eye. If glaucoma isn’t diagnosed and treated early, this can lead to a loss of vision.
However, there are a number of ways that you can prevent glaucoma or stop it from getting worse. The best place to start is by getting an eye exam with an Ophthalmologist. Herts Eye Surgeon’s Mr. Venki Sundaram is a trusted and experienced Consultant Ophthalmologist who can discuss your conditions and the next steps in a consultation.
Can you prevent Glaucoma?
Although glaucoma cannot be cured, you can slow its progression. This is an eye condition that usually develops slowly, meaning it can be difficult to determine when you might have it before it develops into a visual impairment. To avoid this, regular comprehensive eye exams are important to diagnose glaucoma early and keep it under control.
Treatments for Glaucoma
Glaucoma is usually treated by lowering pressure in the eye with prescribed medication or laser treatment. Surgical procedures are also an option in certain cases.
Glaucoma Laser Treatment
This type of treatment can be recommended if eye drops aren’t managing your glaucoma. The procedures involve a focused laser being carefully aimed at part of your eye to manage any fluid building up inside it. There are three main types of laser treatment:
- Peripheral Iridotomy
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty
- Cyclodiode laser
iStent Eye Drainage Surgery
Suitable for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma or ocular hypertension, iStent eye drainage surgery is usually performed at the end of cataract surgery. The iStent is a tiny eye drainage device inserted into the drainage system inside the front of the eye and is the world’s smallest human implant. This type of surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and is ideal for those who have difficulty or discomfort from using eye drops.
However, it is important to acknowledge that all of these treatments can only preserve the remaining vision; they don’t improve or restore vision that has already been lost due to glaucoma. Nevertheless, these procedures are highly effective and recommended by many ophthalmologists.
Herts Eye Surgeon Services and Surgery
Mr. Venki Sundaram is a trusted and experienced Consultant Ophthalmologist. If you would like to find out more about this procedure, get in touch today and visit one of our Hertfordshire clinics in Harpenden, Luton and Bushey.