Glaucoma Treatment in Abu Dhabi

What is Glaucoma?

It is a condition where increased pressure in the eyes can damage the delicate structures of the optic nerve of the eye, potentially leading to serious complications and vision loss.

Common Symptoms

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision
• Blurred vision, especially in low light or at night
• Headaches
• Halos around lights
• It can be asymptomatic and diagnosed through eye screening

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Types

The types vary based on the mechanism and cause.

Open-Angle Glaucoma: The drainage angle of the eye is open, but fluid drainage is impaired due to factors such as:

• Increased fluid production.
• Presence of cells or particles (often due to intraocular inflammation).

This results in a gradual increase in eye pressure, which can lead to glaucoma. It can be managed with medications, laser treatment and minimally invasive surgical interventions with good outcomes.

Closed-Angle Glaucoma: The drainage angle of the eye is blocked or closed. This is an emergency, and symptoms include:

• Sudden, severe eye pain.
• Redness of the eye.
• Blurry vision.
• Nausea and gastric upset.
• It requires immediate medical attention.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma: It occurs despite normal eye pressure; patients may still experience glaucoma damage. Common in individuals with:

• A family history.
• Japanese descent (more prevalent in this population).
• Certain heart problems, such as abnormal heart rhythm and low blood pressure.

Causes

Primary Glaucoma

• The exact cause is unknown.
• Congenital Glaucoma: This can occur in children born with cloudy cornea and hypersensitivity to light. It may cause abnormally large eyeball with big corneal diameter.
• Environmental Factors: These may also play a role in the development of primary glaucoma.

Secondary Glaucoma

• This type is caused by other underlying conditions or factors, such as:
  • Uveitic Glaucoma: Caused by inflammation of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye), which can block the drainage system and increase eye pressure.
  • Certain medications, particularly corticosteroids.
  • Eye tumors.
  • Eye injuries.

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Diagnosis

The diagnosis depends on a thorough eye examination by a doctor. This includes several tests to assess the eye’s condition and determine the severity of the condition:

• Slit Lamp Examination: Allows the doctor to examine the front structures of the eye, including the cornea, lens, drainage angle. and optic disc
• Visual Acuity Test: Measures how well you can see at various distances.
• Visual Field Test: Assesses the range of vision and helps detect areas of vision loss that might indicate the condition.
• Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure (IOP) to determine if it is elevated, which is a key risk factor for glaucoma.

In some cases, if necessary, the doctor may also request further imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI to investigate the underlying cause or to assess the optic nerve in more detail.

When should I see a specialist?

You should consult an eye specialist in the following situations:

• If you have a family history: Having a family history increases your risk, making regular eye exams and screenings with an eye specialist is important.
• Risk factors: These include being over 40 or having a history of eye injuries. An eye specialist can assess your risk and guide preventive care.
• If you’re experiencing symptoms: Symptoms such as eye pain, redness, or vision loss should prompt immediate consultation with a specialist.
• To monitor glaucoma and its treatments: It’s important to regularly track your condition and medications. Follow-up appointments with an ophthalmologist are essential to assess the effectiveness of your treatments. If needed, the doctor can explore alternative treatment options.

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Treatment

• Medications (Eye Drops):
  • Prostaglandine analogues ( e.g; Xalatan . Travatan. Lumigan)
  • Alpha-adrenergic agonists (e.g., Iopidine, Alphagan P,)
  • Beta blockers (e.g., Betoptic, Betimol, Timoptic)
  • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., Trusopt, Azopt)

These medications help lower eye pressure by reducing fluid production within the eye or by increasing fluid outflow of the eye. Medication should be taken only after doctor consultation.

• Laser Treatment:
  • Laser therapy is used to improve fluid drainage from the eye.
  • Different types of laser treatments are available, depending on the specific type of glaucoma.
  • Side effects may include redness discomfort, or corneal dryness, but these usually heal quickly after treatment.

• Surgery (If Medications and Laser Do Not Work):
  • Trabeculectomy: This procedure creates a small opening to allow fluid to drain and reduce eye pressure.
  • Glaucoma Implant Surgery: A small tube is implanted to facilitate fluid drainage, lowering eye pressure.
  • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): A newer, less risky surgical option for mild glaucoma, offering quicker recovery.

Surgery aims to control and prevent further vision loss, but it cannot reverse any existing damage. Consult your eye doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your specific condition.

Benefits of Treatment

• Vision Preservation: Reduction of elevated eye pressure, lowering the risk of vision loss.
• Pain Relief: Alleviation of persistent eye discomfort and pain.
• Headache Reduction: Decrease in pressure that can lead to frequent headaches.
• Reduced Medication Dependence: Improved control of eye pressure, reducing the need for ongoing medications.
• Lower Surgery Risk: Effective treatment minimizing the likelihood of future surgical intervention.

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Why Choose Reem Hospital?

At Reem Hospital, we combine expert eye care with state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive optical care and the best treatment for glaucoma ensuring to restore your quality vision.

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