Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition and a leading cause of blindness for adults in their 60s and 70s. Today, approximately 80 million people across the world suffer from glaucoma. This condition is also called the silent thief of sight, as it shows no symptoms in the early stages. If you would like to know more about glaucoma, you can learn about its causes, symptoms and treatments by reading our guide.

What is a Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions where the optic nerve, which is responsible for transferring visual information from the retina to the brain, is damaged. Mostly, the damage is associated with high pressure and extra fluid build-up in the eye. Unfortunately, glaucoma causes vision loss and in severe cases, even blindness, if it is left untreated. Most people with glaucoma don’t realize they have this condition. It affects people at any age, but usually it is much more common in people over the age of 60. Sadly, there is no cure for glaucoma. However, early diagnosis and treatment can eliminate the risk of blindness and help to control the damage and reduce vision loss. Therefore, undergoing regular eye examinations is crucial.

Types of Glaucoma

The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type and degree of the damage. Since glaucoma develops slowly over time, getting a comprehensive eye examination is the only way to detect it. The main types of glaucoma are:

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

It is the most common type of glaucoma. When the eye fails to drain fluid, eye pressure builds which results in damaging the optic nerve. It tends to develop gradually and shows no symptoms in the early stages. However, without treatment, it can lead to serious vision loss.

• Closed-Angle Glaucoma

Closed-angle glaucoma, or acute angle closure glaucoma, happens due to a rapid high pressure in the eye as the drainage angle is blocked. It is less common and symptoms such as severe eye pain, redness, blurry vision, halos, headaches and nausea are observed.

• Normal Tension Glaucoma

Sometimes, glaucoma occurs even when the eye pressure is normal. Yet, people with normal tension glaucoma also suffer from optic nerve damage.

• Secondary Glaucoma

It occurs as a result of a side-effect of specific medications, another eye condition, or an eye injury.

• Congenital Glaucoma

It is also known as childhood glaucoma, as it is present from birth. This a rare type of glaucoma caused by an abnormality of the eye and its symptoms include cloudiness of the cornea, sensitivity to light and larger eyes.

• Pigmentary Glaucoma

This type of glaucoma occurs when the pigment from the iris rubs off. People with pigmentary glaucoma experience blurry vision and see halos, especially during physical activities.

Glaucoma Treatments

After a comprehensive dilated eye exam, if you have glaucoma, it is important to start treatment immediately. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reverse the vision loss caused by glaucoma, but effective treatment can stop further damage and preserve eyesight. There are different types of treatment, depending on the type and degree of glaucoma.

• Medication

It is the most common treatment for glaucoma. Prescription eye drops are used to reduce eye pressure.

• Laser Treatment

When medications are not effective, laser treatment is used to reduce the pressure in the eye and improve fluid drainage.

• Surgery

Some cases require surgery. While trabeculoplasty is performed for people with open-angle glaucoma, iridotomy is performed for people who suffer from closed-angle glaucoma.

Glaucoma Surgery Prices in Turkey

The prices of glaucoma treatments vary depending on the type of procedure performed. Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for health tourism. For most people in European countries, glaucoma surgery in Turkey is much more affordable. If you wish to know about glaucoma surgery prices, all you have to do is to contact us.