CHRONİC GLAUCOMA

Chronic glauma is a painless eye condition in which the pressure in the eye is higher than normal and as a result the optic nerve at the back of the eye becomes damaged.It develops gradually and if left untreated can eventually lead to blindness.It is a condition which affects both eyes,but one eye is usually afectted earlier and more severely than the other.

Glaucoma tends to run in families so your brothers and sisters should be checked for the disease.When your children reach 35-40 years of age they too should be examined.

Glaucoma is a chronic disease.This means that in general it cannot be cured but it can be controlled to a large extent.

Causes

(i)           Aging

(ii)          Steroids

(iii)        Inherited

Signs and Symptoms

(i)           Bumping into things due to reduced peripheral vision.

Investigations

(i)           Visual field tests to assess the degree of peripheral and central vision loss.These tests are used to detect the disease and follow its progress.

(ii)          Examination using an instrument to see the back of the eye to assess the degree of damage.

(iii)        Measurement of the pressure within the eye.Admission to hospital may be necessary for phasing.This means staying in for about 24 hours and having the pressures measured at frequent intervals to see whether there is a rise of eye pressure at different times of the day.

Treatment

Glaucoma can be treated effectively in most cases.Since patients’ eyes vary,the type of treatment will also vary from patient to patient and you wil be told which is the most suitable for you.

(i)           Eye drops to reduce the pressure within the eye.You may be asked to use them two or more times a day and it is ESSENTIAL that you follow the instructions you have been given.It is best to put them in tipping the head back or when lying down.Pull down your lower lid and instil one drop into the pocket formed.If you have difficulty ask someone else to help you.

DO NOT GO WITHOUT THEM.

Each bottle of drops stays fresh for about one month.After four weeks or so you should get a new supply.It is never correct to stop using the drops because they are just over a month old.You should carry on using them and obtain a fresh supply from your doctor as soon possible.

If you spill or lose your drops you should not wait until your next visit to the Eye Department to get a fresh supply,but replace them immediately through your doctor.

(ii)          Tablets as short term treatment to reduce the pressure within the eye.These tablets may cause a ‘tingling’ sensation in the fingers and toes and patients may want to pass urine more frequently.

(iii)        Laser treatment to improve the drainage of fluid from the eye.

(iv)        Surgery to improve the drainage of fluid from under the eye.This is done under a local anaesthetic as an in-patient.

Loss of sight cannot be restored but treatment is aimed at preserving what sight is left.If you fail to follow the treatment then your eyesight may become worse-much worse!

I f you have any queries about your treatment which are not covered by this leaflet please ask any member of the medical or nursing staff.