You may have undergone several tests before you are finally diagnosed with glaucoma. Your doctor may have conducted all or most of these tests:
Measurement of Intraocular pressure which is also termed as tonometry.
Visual field test
Checking for any damages rendered to the optic nerve
Pachymetry which is the measurement of corneal thickness.
Gonioscopy which refers to the measurement of drainage angle.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma:
Although the damage inflicted by glaucoma to your vision is irreversible however early diagnosis and regular follow-ups are promising. With these, you can delay and prevent further loss of vision. Early diagnosis is the major role player to how much of your vision can be saved.
The main aim behind the treatment of glaucoma is to lower intraocular pressure. Depending upon your specific condition your doctor may offer you eye drops, laser treatment or surgical treatment.
Eye drops:
The first option for treatment of glaucoma is the use of eye drops to reduce pressure in the eyes. These may include drugs from below-mentioned classes:
prostaglandins
Beta-blockers
Alpha-adrenergic agonists
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Miotic or cholinergic agents
Oral medicines:
If eye drops fail to reduce intraocular pressure oral medicines can also be prescribed. These are carbonic anhydrase inhibiting drugs.
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Surgery:
Several surgical procedures are in practice with the goal to reduce intraocular pressure. These aid by improving fluid drainage from the eye.
Laser Treatment:
This is an option for people suffering from open-angle glaucoma. This procedure including the use of a laser beam to unclog the congested channels. It may take a few weeks before you can see the full effects of this treatment.
Filtering Surgery:
Trabeculectomy is another surgical procedure for glaucoma treatment. In this method, the surgeon creates an opening in sclera and parts of trabecular meshwork is cleared. To book an appointment online with the best ophthalmologist in Karachi, or any other main city of Pakistan use marham.pk.
Electrocautery:
This is a minimally invasive procedure. It employs an electrocautery device called Trabecutome to remove tissue from trabecular meshwork.
Some Tips to Keep Intraocular Pressure Low:
Here are some tips following which you can avoid an increase in intraocular pressure.
- Make sure your diet is healthy. Although this does not guarantee prevention of damage by glaucoma it can help you in maintaining overall eye health.
- Exercise regularly. This keeps the intraocular pressure low. Talk to your doctor about which exercise plan is good for you.
- Avoid consumption of caffeinated beverages. High amounts of caffeine increase your intraocular pressure.
- Stay hydrated. Keep drinking small amounts of fluid regularly. Avoid drinking a quart or more of any liquid within a short time span. This can also elevate pressure inside your eye temporarily.
- Use of a wedge-shaped pillow which h keeps your head elevated at 20 degrees is helpful in reducing intraocular pressure.
Use only those eye drops and medicines which are prescribed by your doctor. Avoid putting herbal remedies and other products in your eyes. Also, use medicines according to your doctor’s advise. Take proper care of your eye health.
