Glaucoma represents a group of diseases with a characteristic feature the damage ofthe optic nerve, accompanied by visual disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide (>8,000,000 people worldwide). Early diagnosis and regular follow-up are therefore vital.
Intraocular pressure (IOP) is determined by the balance between production and excretion of aqueous humor. The aqueous humor is produced by the ciliary body, a structure in continuation of the iris, and through the pupil, flows from the posterior to the anterior chamber. Fromthereitexits the eye through three (3) pathways:
Iris: A small part of the aqueous outflows through the iris.
High intraocular pressure (IOP) is the main modifiable risk factor for glaucoma damage. However, with the latest data, it has no role in the definition of the disease, as it has been shown that any level of IOP can increase the risk of glaucoma, depending on the other characteristics of the eye.
There are several ways to classify glaucoma. For example, glaucoma can be congenital or acquired. Also, depending on the configuration of the angle of the anterior chamber, glaucoma can be of the open or closed angle type. Glaucoma is also classified as either primary or secondary, the latter being the result of some cause leading to an increase in intraocular pressure. (e.g. neovascular glaucoma, inflammatory glaucoma, etc.)
Our clinic provides the following services for the diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma:
In any case, the test is individualized, taking into account the medical history of the patients.
The goal of the available treatment options is to maintain visual function by reducing intraocular pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve and, by extension, the visual field.
The treatment of glaucoma is roughly divided into two (2) categories:
Our clinic has Nd-Yaglaserfor SLT and iridotomies.
