Glaucoma
Glaucoma (Eye Pressure): Early Diagnosis for Protecting Vision
Glaucoma, commonly known as eye pressure disease, is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide. Often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma may progress slowly without noticeable symptoms until significant optic nerve damage has already occurred.
At Özel Sistem Eye Medical Center, glaucoma diagnosis and management are performed using advanced ophthalmic imaging technologies, comprehensive visual field analysis, and individualized treatment planning focused on preserving long-term visual function.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain.
In many cases, this damage is associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), although glaucoma may also occur in patients with normal eye pressure levels.
Without proper treatment, glaucoma may lead to progressive peripheral vision loss and, eventually, permanent blindness.
How Does Glaucoma Develop?
Inside the eye, a clear fluid called aqueous humor is continuously produced and drained through specialized channels.
When the drainage system becomes impaired, intraocular pressure may increase and place stress on the optic nerve fibers. Over time, this pressure-related damage causes irreversible loss of visual field.
Because early glaucoma often develops without pain or obvious symptoms, regular eye examinations are essential for early detection.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Several factors may increase the risk of glaucoma, including:
- Elevated intraocular pressure
- Age over 40
- Family history of glaucoma
- Thin corneal structure
- High myopia or hyperopia
- Diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- Long-term corticosteroid use
- Previous eye trauma
Common Symptoms
Open-Angle Glaucoma
The most common form usually progresses slowly and painlessly.
Symptoms may include:
- Gradual peripheral vision loss
- Blind spots in the visual field
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This less common but urgent form may cause sudden symptoms such as:
- Severe eye pain
- Sudden blurred vision
- Eye redness
- Halos around lights
- Headache, nausea, or vomiting
Acute angle-closure glaucoma requires immediate medical attention.
Types of Glaucoma
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma
- Congenital Glaucoma
- Secondary Glaucoma related to other ocular conditions or medications
How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
Comprehensive glaucoma evaluation may include:
- Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry)
- Corneal thickness analysis (pachymetry)
- Optic nerve examination
- Gonioscopy
- Visual field testing
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) imaging of optic nerve fibers
Glaucoma Treatment Options
Medical Treatment
Prescription eye drops are commonly used to reduce intraocular pressure.
Laser Treatment
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) may improve fluid outflow in selected patients.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical options may include:
- Trabeculectomy
- Tube shunt implantation
- MIGS (Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) procedures
When Should You Consult an Ophthalmologist?
Routine glaucoma screening is strongly recommended for adults over 40 years of age.
Immediate evaluation is necessary if you experience:
- Sudden severe eye pain
- Sudden blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Persistent eye redness
- Nausea associated with eye symptoms
At Özel Sistem Eye Medical Center, our experienced ophthalmology team provides comprehensive glaucoma diagnosis, modern treatment options, and long-term follow-up strategies focused on protecting vision and preserving quality of life.