Glaucoma damage is irreversible. However, medications and surgery can help prevent additional damage. Chronic angle-closure glaucoma nearly always necessitates the use of a laser or surgery to reopen the closed drainage angle. Most patients will also require eyedrop medication to assist in reducing their eye pressure.
Medication
Eyedrop medicine is used on a daily basis to assist in relieving eye pressure. Some people do this by lowering the amount of aqueous fluid produced by the eye. Others assist fluid flow better via the drainage angle, reducing pressure. Glaucoma drugs might help you preserve your vision, but they might potentially have harmful side effects as well. They also have the potential to interact with other medications. It is critical to provide all of your doctors with a list of all of the medications you use regularly. If you think you are experiencing glaucoma medication side effects, make an appointment with your ophthalmologist right away.
Always consult your ophthalmologist before changing or stopping your glaucoma medications. Ask your ophthalmologist if you should have your prescription refilled if you will run out of it.
Laser surgery
To treat chronic angle-closure glaucoma, there are two primary forms of laser surgery. They both help fluid drain from the eye by moving the iris away from the drainage angle. In most cases, these treatments are performed in an ophthalmologist’s clinic or an outpatient surgery center.
- Iridotomy. A laser is used by the ophthalmologist to make a tiny hole in the iris. This hole aids in the passage of fluid to the drainage angle.
- Iridoplasty. The iris is shrunk back away from the drainage angle using a laser by the ophthalmologist.
Surgery in the operating room
Some glaucoma surgeries are performed in a hospital operating room. These operations either reopen or build a new drainage path for the aqueous humor to exit the eye.
Cataract surgery.
Angle-closure glaucoma is caused when a person’s lens is big enough to push the iris up above the drainage angle. A cataract occurs when the lens becomes hazy as well. The lens can be removed and replaced with a thin, clear implant lens by your eye surgeon. This can help you lower your eye pressure by reopening the drainage angle.
Synechialysis.
The iris may become permanently stuck to the drainage angle if it has been blocking it for a long time. Synechia is the name for this link. It prevents moisture from draining from the eye. Your eye surgeon can break these connections and pull the iris away from the drainage angle with microscopic devices inside the eye. This may help to restore aqueous fluid flow out of the eye.
Trabeculectomy. A little flap in the sclera (white of your eye) is created by your eye surgeon. He or she will also produce a filtration bleb (a bubble that looks like a pocket) in the conjunctiva (the thin membrane that covers the inside of your eyelids and the white part of your eye). It is normally tucked underneath the top eyelid and is not visible. Fluid will be able to drain from the eye into the bleb through the flap. Fluid is absorbed by the tissue around your eye in the bleb, decreasing ocular pressure.
Drainage devices for glaucoma. A small drainage tube may be implanted in your eye by an ophthalmologist. It transports the fluid to a collection point (called a reservoir). This reservoir is created beneath the conjunctiva by your eye surgeon. The fluid is then absorbed by neighboring blood vessels, which lowers the pressure on the eyes.
Glaucoma Is a Silent Vision Thief
In the early phases of chronic angle-closure glaucoma, there are frequently no symptoms. In reality, half of those who have glaucoma are completely unaware of their condition. Regular eye exams can aid your ophthalmologist in detecting this condition before it causes vision loss. Your ophthalmologist can advise you on how frequently you should have your eyes examined.
Your Role in the Treatment for Chronic Angle-closure Glaucoma
It takes a collaborative effort from you and your doctor to successfully treat glaucoma. Treatment for chronic angle-closure glaucoma will be recommended by your ophthalmologist. It is your responsibility to adhere to your doctor’s recommendations.
About every three to six months, you should see your ophthalmologist. However, this may differ depending on your specific treatment requirements. Speak with your ophthalmologist if you have any concerns regarding your vision or therapy.
