What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a collection of eye disorders that cause harm to the optic nerve, which is essential for proper vision. This disorder is frequently caused by extremely high ocular pressure. Glaucoma is among the leading reasons for loss of vision in individuals above the age of 60. However, it may happen at any age.
Many types of glaucoma have no symptoms. Because the damage is so slow, you may not detect a difference in vision until the problem has advanced. Since glaucoma vision loss cannot be restored, it is critical to have frequent eye exams that involve measures of your eye strain so that a diagnosis can be made and proper treatment may be provided. If glaucoma is discovered soon, vision impairment can be slowed or prevented. You will probably need treatment for the majority of your life if you suffer from the condition.
The fluids in your eye, known as aqueous humour, normally exit through a mesh-like canal. The liquid accumulates if this route becomes clogged or if the eye produces too much fluid. Experts are not sure of what causes the obstruction. It can, however, be inherited. A physical or chemical injury to the eye, a serious eye infection, clogged blood vessels inside your eye, and inflammatory disorders can also be frequent causes of glaucoma. Eye surgery to treat so other eyesight problems might also trigger it. It normally affects both eyes. However, one may be affected more severely than the other.
There are five major types of Glaucoma, out of which Open-Angle Glaucoma and Angle-Closure Glaucoma are the most common in patients.
- OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA
Apart from progressive loss of vision, open-angle, or chronic glaucoma has no signs. This decline could be so gradual that permanent harm to your eyesight occurs before any other symptoms appear. This is the most frequent kind of glaucoma, as determined by the National Eye Institute.
- ANGLE-CLOSURE GLAUCOMA
If the circulation of the aqueous humour fluid is abruptly interrupted, the fast accumulation of fluid may produce a significant, unexpected, and painful rise in pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. If you start suffering symptoms like extreme pain, nausea, or impaired vision, you should immediately contact your specialist.
- CONGENITAL GLAUCOMA
Congenital glaucoma is caused by an abnormality in the angle of the eye, which delays or stops proper fluid outflow. Congenital glaucoma typically manifests as indications such as clouded eyes, frequent tearing, or light intolerance. Congenital glaucoma can be inherited.
- SECONDARY GLAUCOMA
Secondary glaucoma is frequently caused by an accident or other eye ailments, such as cataracts or eye tumours. Corticosteroids, for example, can also induce this form of glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma can occur in rare cases as a result of eye treatment.
- NORMAL TENSION GLAUCOMA
In certain circumstances, individuals who do not have high eye strain acquire optic nerve injury. The reason behind this is unknown. Hypersensitivity or a lack of blood circulation to your optic nerve may play a role in this kind of glaucoma.
What is LASIK?
LASIK is a form of corrective treatment. A laser is employed in this type of eye treatment to correct visual difficulties caused by refractive defects. Light rays must pass through the cornea and lens for you to see properly. The structure of your cornea or lens prevents light from bending correctly when you have refractive defects. When light is not properly directed on the retina, your sight becomes blurry.
Your doctor will use a laser to modify the structure of your cornea during LASIK. This laser eye treatment enhances the focus of light rays on the retina. Myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism are all treated by LASIK.
The purpose of LASIK is to enhance your vision by correcting your optical defect. LASIK eye treatment may eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. In certain circumstances, it may be possible to do without them entirely. LASIK is comparable to PRK and LASEK, two additional surgical corrective procedures. All reflect advancements in the surgical treatment of refractive defects of eyesight over radial keratotomy. A phakic intraocular lens is an option for people with moderate to severe myopia or thin corneas that cannot be cured with LASIK or PRK. However, in recent years, the treatment appears to be a diminishing option for many.
Before LASIK, you must have a complete eye check with your eye specialist. Throughout this initial consultation, your doctor will assess the structure and thickness of your cornea, the size of your pupil, and any refractive defects such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and other eye diseases. Your doctor may also examine your eyes to see how moist they are and offer a preventative medication to lessen your chance of having dry eyes following surgery.
The optimal LASIK candidate has to be at least 18 years old. Not having an autoimmune illness, which can make healing following surgery harder. You must not be pregnant or nursing. Because increased hormone levels throughout pregnancy might alter the form of your eyes, it is best to postpone treatment till your hormone levels are back to normal. Have healthy eyes, with no record of cataracts, chronic dry eye, or glaucoma.
Can Glaucoma be fixed with LASIK Surgery?
In most situations, glaucoma is treated with a laser operation. However, LASIK surgery should be undertaken only when glaucoma has been stabilised and treated with alternative techniques.
Anyone who has a high IOP or is susceptible to glaucoma may be ineligible for LASIK. They may, however, be able to be addressed with other operations such as LASEK, PRK, or P-IOL. The truth is that every operation has hazards, which is why we recommend other natural remedies for anybody dealing with glaucoma. Proper eye exams are essential for detecting glaucoma early and preventing irreversible vision loss. Once vision is lost, it is very hard to regain.
Can you get LASIK if you have Glaucoma?
If you are having LASIK, inform your optometrist or ophthalmologist if you or a member of your family has a background of glaucoma so that particular measures may be taken prior, throughout, and after treatment.
Although glaucoma is uncommon as a result of LASIK, the steroid eye drops administered after the procedure to treat irritation may raise eye pressure and hence your odds of getting a transitory rise in tension while on the medication.
