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The silent killer of the eye

Glaucoma is the killer disease of the eye. But thanks to advances in science and technology the treatment of glaucoma has become nearly 100 percent successful. This disease relates to Intra Ocular (eye) pressure. The normal intra ocular pressure is 10-20 mm of HG. When it goes beyond 20 mm of HG. It starts affecting the optic nerve. This effect can be very subtle and slow.

Glaucoma can be broadly classified in to three types. Congenital Glaucoma, which can affect even infants and young people is very rare. Primary Glaucoma usually affects adults above 50 years and is normally found in patients who have a family history of Glaucoma. A person who has a family history of the same should have his Intra ocular pressure checked every 6 months.

Secondary glaucoma ie., the third type is the result of some other eye diseases.

There is a type of glaucoma where the optic nerve can be affected even when the intra ocular pressure is within the normal range. This is called normal tension or low-tension glaucoma.

So any person above 40 years should always have his eyes and intra ocular pressure checked every two years.

A person with glaucoma should undergo regular follow-ups. Just applying the eye drops prescribed by the doctor is not enough. He should also have his intra ocular pressure checked every month and should undergo computerised field analysis every six months.

These days there are very accurate and standard means of measuring Intra Ocular pressure (Goldmann Tonometry). Again he/she should undergo computerised field analysis (which can detect the earliest changes affecting the optic, nerve due to glaucoma) every year.

The treatment of glaucoma has become very advanced and easier than before. Eye drops, laser treatment or surgery can treat glaucoma. The type of treatment depends upon the, type and severity of glaucoma.

Dr. M.L.V.Amalaraj

Dr. M.L.V.Amalaraj

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