|
The diagnosis of glaucoma is made by
tonometry, which measures the pressure of the fluid inside the eye (the
'intra-ocular pressure'). Another way of diagnosing glaucoma is by
studying the appearance of the inside of the eye using a special torch
called the ophthalmoscope, or by evaluating the vision using special
charts.
The medical treatments of glaucoma
involves different kinds of eye drops. This includes drops to slow down
the production of fluid inside the eye or to unblock its drainage.
Examples of these are:
- beta blocker drops to reduce the
amount of fluid (though these are not suitable for those who have
asthma or heart failure)
- adrenaline drops, which improve
the flow of fluid by opening the drainage canal
- pilocarpine drops, which improve
the flow of fluid by opening the drainage canal
- prostaglandin analogues and
carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, newer drugs used in association with
the above
About half of those who have glaucoma
need to take more than one type of eye drop and sometimes it may be
difficult to distinguish between the different bottles. Luckily, there
are special preparations of drops which contain two of the necessary
ingredients together in a single eye drop to save the trouble of having
to remember to use all the necessary drops.
Surgery for glaucoma is performed
either by using lasers or by conventional methods:
- Laser surgery, called laser
trabeculoplasty, involves drilling about 50-100 holes inside the eye
to help drain the fluid, but drop may still be needed after the
operation. More than half of the patients develop the symptoms again
within two years of the operation.
- Conventional surgery is similar,
creating a small hole in the eye using a suitable scalpel
These Glaucoma treatments may correct
the pressure of the fluid but can't reverse the existing damage to the
optic nerve.
Get your Bodybuilding Supplements at discounted price
|