Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to increased intraocular pressure. Therefore, there is no black fluid in the eye, but since increased intraocular pressure can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve by exerting pressure to it and eventually cause blindness, this name has been given to this condition.

It is usually between 12 and 20 mmHg, though its natural value may be different among different individuals.

Unfortunately, increased intraocular pressure is gradual in most cases and does not develop any symptoms to be noticed by the person in its early development. On the other hand, since it gradually involves the environment and field of vision and the central region of the patient remains unaffected up to the advanced stages, the patient does not understand the loss of their vision, and when they notice it, they have usually lost 90% of their scope of vision.

Glaucoma develops due to different reasons. A type of it is observed in children which is called congenital glaucoma. Its symptoms include discharge, severe photosensitivity, severe spasm and closure of eyelids even in typical light. Thereafter, the cornea of the child's online usually enlarges. Therefore, as soon each of the above-mentioned symptoms was observed, the patient should refer to an ophthalmologist as quickly as possible. Another type of glaucoma or black fluid is observed in adults, which develops either acute or chronic form. The acute form manifests itself with a sudden decline in vision, severe pain around the eyes and forehead, and vomiting, and thus its symptoms develop very soon. Therefore, acute glaucoma is diagnosed very fast and easily.

Other reasons of glaucoma include trauma to the eye. Those who have been traumatized in their eyes are predisposed to developing this condition. Therefore, after any strike to the eyes, they should be examined in terms of ocular pressure. Thereafter, they should also be followed up and re-examined again. The reason is that glaucoma may manifest itself even in a long time.

By undergoing periodic ophthalmology examinations and being tested in terms of ocular pressure, the philologist can diagnose glaucoma and initiate the treatment as soon as possible. It is recommended that those above 40 years of age, individuals with a familial history of glaucoma, and the individuals who have experienced trauma to the eyes refer to ophthalmologist for controlling and measuring the ocular pressure once every one or two years.

This disease is categorized as acute and chronic. In the chronic type, which covers most patients, unfortunately there is no initial sign, and as mentioned earlier in far more advanced stages the person notices it. At this stage, the physician might be able to only preserve the remaining vision, and cannot do anything for the vision lost. That second type of disease is acute whereby the ocular pressure increases dramatically. In this state, the person experiences redness and heaviness of the eyes, as well as nausea. The patient should refer to ophthalmologist as quickly as possible in order to be diagnosed and treated.

Given its type and intensity, glaucoma has different treatments, though in the first place in most cases pharmacotherapy suffices. Note that the patient should consume the drugs regularly and constantly (for ever), and there is no definite cure for the patient by drugs. In some cases, according to diagnosis made by the physician, the patient should undergo surgery.

A special device is used for measuring the intraocular pressure. Furthermore, to investigate damage to division and the extent of progress of glaucoma, a device called "perimetry" (field of vision) is used.
Currently, in Persian Eye clinic, the latest diagnostic technology for glaucoma including Humphrey advanced perimetry is available.

If the disease is diagnosed early and the patient consumes their drugs regularly and timely, the disease prognosis is good.