“Glaucoma” can happen… and can be cured, just need to treat it correctly
Unbelievably… “Glaucoma” is the leading cause of blindness among Thai people, even though glaucoma can actually be cured… as long as it is treated correctly and promptly. So!! If you don’t want to lose your vision for life… let’s check some initial symptoms to see if you are at risk of glaucoma?
“Glaucoma” is caused by…???
Although there are many factors that cause damage to the optic nerve head, an abnormally high “pressure level” causes increasing damage to the optic nerve head from the pressure. Patients gradually lose peripheral vision… and eventually become blind!!
Are you having “glaucoma”? Try to check by yourself
- Often have eye pain or headache and blurred vision after prolonged use of eyes
- Central vision is still normal, but peripheral vision gradually narrows
- Reduced depth perception, often bumping into objects
- Try covering one eye and observe if you can see normally?
If you have “glaucoma”… you must seek treatment immediately
- Medication treatment focuses on “lowering intraocular pressure” to prevent further damage to the optic nerve!! Patients need to regularly apply eye drops as prescribed and visit the doctor for follow-up evaluations
- Laser treatment is used when eye drops cannot control the condition. The type of laser used depends on the type and stage of glaucoma
- Surgical treatment is used when medication or laser treatment cannot control intraocular pressure. There are 2 types:
- Trabeculectomy is surgery to create a drainage pathway for aqueous humor to help lower intraocular pressure
- Aqueous shunt surgery is used if the first surgery is ineffective, by implanting a drainage tube to reduce intraocular pressure instead
Because patients often do not realize they have “glaucoma,” they may treat headaches or buy eye drops on their own, and by the time the correct treatment is given… the patient may already be blind!! It is best to have regular eye examinations with an ophthalmologist every year, especially for the elderly who are at higher risk of glaucoma.
