Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a chronic disease in which the optic nerve is affected. This occurs in most cases due to excessive intraocular pressure. Even if the intraocular pressure is normal and correct, excavation or damage to the optic nerve can still be detected. This type of glaucoma is called normal-tension glaucoma.
If glaucoma is not treated, it will lead to visual field loss. Often this is not noticed by the patient himself until it is too late. Therefore, it is important to have regular checkups with the ophthalmologist.

There are several examination methods that are combined to detect glaucoma. First, the intraocular pressure is measured. If this measurement indicates a value that is too high, a visual field examination will also be done and abnormalities of the optic nerve are examined. The latter examination is done by using an OCT scan. This scan is the most reliable examination, as the other examinations depend on the patient.

Glaucoma can be divided into two groups: acute glaucoma and chronic glaucoma.

In acute glaucoma, there is a sharp increase in intraocular pressure in a short period of time because the drainage of the fluid present in the front part of the eye is suddenly blocked. The eye hurts, becomes red and the vision decreases; this may be accompanied by nausea. When this happens, you should go to the hospital immediately, otherwise you may go blind.
At a general check-up the ophthalmologist can determine if the anterior chamber of the eye is narrowed. In this case, preventive iridotomy laser treatment will be performed.

Chronic glaucoma is a more insidious variant that is often not noticed until the visual field has become drastically smaller. This can be treated with eye drops, with laser treatment (SLT) or a combination of both.

Both iridotomy laser treatment and SLT laser treatment are done during a consultation and take only a few minutes.

If even these treatments are insufficient, glaucoma surgery may be performed. At the final stage, one has tunnel vision and may no longer drive a car (for example).
Treatments for chronic glaucoma cannot improve vision or increase the field of vision. They only ensure that the current situation remains stable.