Glaucoma is a disease that, if left untreated, can cause the optic nerve of the eye that is affected to become permanently damaged. The problem is getting worse over time. Most cases of this condition are brought on by increased pressure within the eye. Glaucoma is a condition that is often hereditary, meaning that it can be passed down from one generation to the other. Symptoms of the sickness do not typically manifest themselves until a far later stage in the disease’s progression.
An increase in intraocular pressure, also known as the pressure within the eye, is one of the potential causes of injury to the optic nerve, which is the nerve that transmits visual data from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma can lead to irreparable vision loss or blindness if the damage worsens over a few short years.
Glaucoma is a disease that can be treated with the use of both medication and surgical procedures.
Eye drops such as Careprost are typically administered to treat this illness.
Careprost is effective because it lowers the excessive pressure in your eyes.
You should discuss the usage of Careprost with your physician, and you should only use it if it has been prescribed to you.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and learn more about Glaucoma and its treatment.
Glaucoma and its causes
As was previously said, Glaucoma is a cluster of eye conditions that affect the eyes and lead to optic nerve damage. Taking care of one’s optic nerves is indispensable to keeping one’s eyes and vision in good condition. Most of the time, the cause of this damage is abnormally high pressure inside your eye.
Below is a list of the five most prevalent kinds of Glaucoma:
- Angle-closure Glaucoma: If the outflow of Aqueous Humor fluid suddenly stops (as can happen in angle-closure Glaucoma), the pressure inside your eye can quickly and painfully rise. Angle-closure Glaucoma is a severe health problem that needs immediate attention.
- Open-angle Glaucoma: It is the most common form of the disease. Wide-angle Glaucoma is another name your doctor may use to describe this condition. Even though the drainage structure in your eye, known as the trabecular meshwork, seems to be operating normally, the fluid is not draining as it should be.
- Secondary Glaucoma: Glaucoma that develops as a secondary complication of primary eye disease or damage, such as cataracts or eye tumors, is called secondary Glaucoma. Medications like corticosteroids have also been linked to this form of Glaucoma.
- Pigmentary Glaucoma: Microscopic particles of pigment from the iris (the colored region of the eye) enter the fluid within the eye, causing the drainage canals to become blocked and leading to the development of this kind of Glaucoma.
- Normal-tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage can occur in people with normal intraocular pressure, a condition known as “normal-tension Glaucoma.” There is no clear explanation for this. This Glaucoma may be brought on by oversensitivity or inadequate blood flow to the optic nerve.
Causes
It is not always feasible to pinpoint what causes a rise in the pressure within your eye because there are several potential triggers. On the other hand, medical experts believe that any one of the following causes, or a combination of them, could play a role in the disease:
- Drainage in your eye that’s been inhibited
- Eye dilating eye drops
- Drugs, including corticosteroids
- Elevated blood pressure
- Inadequate blood flow to the optic nerve
Treatment
The damage done to the eye by Glaucoma is permanent and cannot be undone. On the other hand, treatment with medications and surgical intervention can help avoid further damage. Your eye doctor may use more than one of these ways to treat your Glaucoma based on the disease’s advancement.
Medications
Daily eyedrop medicine is usually effective in treating Glaucoma.
If your ocular pressure is too high, your doctor may suggest a medication like Careprost.
By boosting the outflow of intraocular fluid into the bloodstream, Careprost relieves the eye of its normal pressure.
Apply the prescribed amount of eye drops, such as Careprost, precisely as directed.
Surgery
Suppose your intraocular pressure is high because a channel is clogged or slow. In that case, your doctor may recommend surgery to drain fluid or remove the tissues producing the additional fluid. This will be done if your IOP is high.
Unlike other types of Glaucoma, angle-closure Glaucoma requires a unique approach to treatment. Rapid treatment of this form of Glaucoma is urgently needed to alleviate the severe pressure in the eyes. Commonly, drugs like Careprost are tried first to widen the angle, but this is only sometimes successful. Another option is Laser Peripheral Iridotomy, which uses a laser to remove the iris. This procedure creates microscopic openings in the iris, speeding up fluid flow.
Conclusion
Damage to the optic nerve, and even blindness, is a potential complication of Glaucoma.
Angle-closure Glaucoma and open-angle Glaucoma are two of the most common forms of the disease.
Medication, surgery, or a hybrid of the two may be used to treat the problem.
To alleviate the strain on your eyes, your doctor may prescribe anti-Glaucoma eye drops such as Careprost.
There are severe forms of Glaucoma that can lead to irreversible blindness. Getting treatment for it is a must.
