(Concern) Glaucoma in my 40s... What are the treatment options?

 

I am a woman in my 40s this year.

It's been a while since I met a friend, and after hearing their story, I realized there isn't a single place that doesn't hurt anywhere.

Last year, I had stomach cancer surgery, have a lump in my neck, and am also managing glaucoma.

Not only that friend, but also another friend was diagnosed through a health checkup and was managing glaucoma.

I was puzzled because I had never had an eye health checkup before. I thought glaucoma was a disease that only occurs with age.

It's my friend's story... and there are two of them. It doesn't feel like someone else's story, so I suddenly became worried.

It's good to maintain intraocular pressure; I heard they only manage by applying eye drops...

 

I am curious if there are others managing it in different ways.

 

Additionally, I would like to share the information I found about glaucoma.

 

 

Causes of glaucoma

1. Increased intracranial pressure

 

Increased intraocular pressure often occurs due to an imbalance between aqueous humor production and drainage, and is a major risk factor for most types of glaucoma. If left untreated, it can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss.

 

2. Primary open-angle glaucoma

 

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma and generally occurs when the eye's drainage angle gradually becomes blocked, leading to increased intraocular pressure. The exact cause of this type of glaucoma is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve both genetic and environmental factors.

 

3. Closed-angle glaucoma

 

Closed-angle glaucoma occurs when the eye's drainage angle suddenly becomes blocked, causing a rapid increase in intraocular pressure. This can be triggered by various factors, including a shallow anterior chamber, age-related changes, or certain medications.

 

4. Normal-tension glaucoma

 

Normal-tension glaucoma is characterized by optic nerve damage and visual field loss despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range. The exact cause of this type of glaucoma is not fully understood, but factors such as decreased blood flow to the optic nerve or increased sensitivity of the optic nerve to damage may contribute.

 

5. Secondary glaucoma

 

Secondary glaucoma refers to glaucoma that occurs as a result of other underlying conditions such as trauma, inflammation, certain medications, or other eye disorders. These conditions can interfere with the normal drainage of fluid from the eye, leading to increased intraocular pressure.

 

6. Congenital Glaucoma

 

Congenital glaucoma is a rare form of glaucoma that occurs in infants and young children. It is generally caused by abnormalities in the eye's drainage system, which prevent proper fluid outflow and lead to increased intraocular pressure.

 

7. Pigmentary glaucoma

 

Pigmentary glaucoma is a type of glaucoma that occurs when pigment granules from the iris accumulate in the eye's drainage channels, obstructing the normal flow of fluid and increasing intraocular pressure. This type of glaucoma often affects young adults.

 

Symptoms of glaucoma

 

1. Increased intraocular pressure

 

Increased intraocular pressure is a characteristic symptom of glaucoma. However, in the early stages, noticeable symptoms may not appear. Regular eye examinations and intraocular pressure measurements are very important for early detection.

 

2. Gradual loss of peripheral vision

 

One of the main symptoms of glaucoma is the gradual loss of peripheral vision. This loss typically begins in the side vision and, if left untreated, progresses over time. Individuals may have difficulty seeing objects to the side or experience a narrowing of their visual field.

 

3. Blurred or hazy vision

 

Blurred or hazy vision can occur in patients with glaucoma. Vision may appear blurry, making it difficult to see details or clear images.

 

4. Eye pain or discomfort

 

In some cases, glaucoma patients may experience eye pain or discomfort. This can manifest as pain around the eyes, a feeling of pressure, or headaches.

 

5. Halo or rainbow-colored ring

 

A halo or rainbow-colored ring around lights may be a symptom of glaucoma. These visual disturbances can occur especially in low-light conditions or when viewing bright lights.

 

Management and Treatment of Glaucoma

 

1. Medications to lower intraocular pressure

 

Medications such as eye drops or oral drugs are commonly prescribed to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma. These medications work by either reducing the production of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow from the eye.

 

2. Laser therapy

 

Laser therapies such as Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) or Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) are non-invasive procedures used in the treatment of glaucoma. SLT helps improve fluid drainage in the eye, while LPI creates a small hole in the iris to enhance fluid flow and reduce intraocular pressure.

 

3. Surgical Procedure

 

Surgical intervention may be necessary for patients with progressive or uncontrolled glaucoma. Procedures such as trabeculectomy, which creates a new drainage channel, or tube shunt surgery, which involves implanting a small tube to redirect fluid, can effectively lower intraocular pressure.

 

4. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

 

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small implants or stents to improve fluid drainage from the eye and lower intraocular pressure. MIGS procedures offer a less invasive alternative to traditional glaucoma surgery.

 

5. Lifestyle modification and supportive therapy

 

There is no known cure for glaucoma, but certain lifestyle modifications can help manage the condition and slow its progression. These include maintaining regular eye exams, adhering to prescribed medications, protecting the eyes from injury, managing other health conditions, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits.

 

 

 

We looked into the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.

 

I also think I should have an eye exam soon to check for glaucoma.

I will post a review again once I do it.

I think I might be using my phone and watching TV too much, so I'm trying to do it in moderation.

Please share any other stories you have.

Thank you for reading.