“Glaucoma” is a sight-threatening eye condition which is almost silent as the symptoms are so gradual that the patient may not notice a change in his vision until advanced stage. The most dangerous part is that blindness may occur, if the patient does not receive proper treatments. This condition is different from other eye conditions such as pterygium, pinguecula or cataract which are treatable whereas optic nerve damage from glaucoma can be permanent causing loss of sight.
Dr. Tanun Hirunpatrawong, Ophthalmologist of Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin shares that glaucoma is a slow progressive and most patients have no warning symptoms. However, some patients may develop acute symptoms such as eye pain along same side headache and impaired vision. Glaucoma can occur at any age but it is more common in older adults over 40. People who are at risk of this disease includes ones who have high pressure in their eyes, high degrees of short or long sight and ones with a history of glaucoma in the family. The risk factors also include diabetes, heart diseases, thyroid diseases, history of eye injuries or eye operations and prolonged use of steroid eye drops.
The key point in treating this glaucoma is early detection and treatments. Glaucoma is unexpectedly detected in general physical check-ups without any eye symptoms so it is advisable for everyone to have an annual physical check-ups.
From the graph of glaucoma progression, it shows progresses in various stages of glaucoma patients with optic nerve degeneration leading to impairment of the vision, and the worst case, blindness. An early detection of the disease helps to preserve the optic nerve and prevents the vision loss.
Dr. Tanun also shares that nowadays, glaucoma still cannot be cured but it can be controlled when the glaucoma is recognized early and treated continuously. The principle of treatment is to reduce the pressure in the eye balls by using eye drops along with laser surgery. The continuous follow-ups are also important to keep the conditions under control.
The eye examinations to detect glaucoma include examinations of visual acuity, degrees of eye sight, anterior chamber, retina and optic nerve. Additional examinations are needed for patients with risks such as gonioscopy which is 360 degree angle examinations, visual field analysis, optic nerve appearance by OCT (Ocular Coherence Tomography) and fundal photography to compare conditions along the course of treatment.
Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin has a team of eye specialists and well-equipped clinic with modern technologies to help the diagnosis and treatments for glaucoma. It is advisable to have regular eye check-up and especially for ones who are at risk of glaucoma. If you are above 40 years of age, you should have eye examinations for glaucoma and other eye diseases to detect the conditions as early as possible so the treatments can be started as soon as possible for the best outcome.
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Ophthalmic Clinic, Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin
Tel. 032-616-880 | Email: [email protected]
