Glaucoma
What is it?
Glaucoma is a progressive disease that results in a degeneration of the nerve fibers in the optic nerve. Pressure in the eye produces this loss of vision. The eye is like a balloon. It is filled with fluid which is produced behind the iris or colored part of your eye. The fluid drains where the colored part of the eye meets the white part. This area is called the trabecula meshwork. Some people produce too much fluid. Others have a narrow angle and the fluid does not drain fast enough. In both cases, an increase in pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve which causes a loss of vision. Peripheral vision is usually the first to be affected. This is often not noticeable until it is too late. Glaucoma has been called the sneak thief of vision.
Current Treatment:
- Various types of eye drops are used to lower the pressure.
- Surgery can create a new way for the fluid to drain.
- A laser can open the trabecula or make a hole in the iris to allow the fluid to pass through it instead of through the pupil, its normal path.
- If vision is impaired, low vision therapy can be very helpful.
Future Treatment:
- Specific Laser Trabeculoplasty is a new laser treatment that can produce a decrease in intraocular pressure.
- Genetic testing is now available for glaucoma.
- Many new treatment options will be available soon. Aminoguanidine was very helpful in lowering intraocular pressure in animal studies.
- Stem cell research will be helpful in the future.