Glaucoma

Glaucoma

Chronic eye disease, the main symptom of which is increased intraocular pressure. The nutrition of some eye tissues (lens, cornea) is provided by the circulation of intraocular fluid containing the necessary nutrients. This circulation is regulated so that a certain balance is maintained at all times between the amount of newly formed fluid entering the eyeball and the amount of fluid flowing out of the eye, which ensures constant intraocular pressure.

For various reasons, most often due to vascular and neurovascular disorders, the circulation of fluid in the eye is disrupted, its outflow worsens, which leads to the accumulation of intraocular fluid and an increase in intraocular pressure. A persistent increase in intraocular pressure significantly impairs the function of the eye. It can lead to the death of nerve endings in the retina of the eye, irreversible changes in the optic nerve and, as a result, to progressive deterioration of vision and even blindness.

Glaucoma develops mostly in adulthood and old age, after 45-55 years; less often in children - the so-called congenital glaucoma, and in young people - juvenile glaucoma.

One of the early signs of developing glaucoma is the appearance of iridescent rings around light sources when looking at them. The clarity of contours disappears when examining various objects. These phenomena usually develop first in one eye. Sometimes, more often in the morning, for 1-3 hours there is a feeling of pressure in the eye, in the temple and forehead on the side of the eye.

Treatment of glaucoma started early in development gives the best results. It includes a variety of methods of influencing both the diseased eye and the entire body. An individual treatment plan is drawn up for each patient, based on the results of a thorough examination.

The correct regimen plays a major role in the successful treatment of glaucoma. It is recommended to follow a sleep, nutrition, and physical activity schedule. It is necessary to exclude factors that contribute to an increase in intraocular pressure: overheating of the head, bending and straining, prolonged stay in the dark.

For glaucoma, proper nutrition is important, limiting salt, fats, spicy seasonings, and caffeine. Quitting smoking and alcohol is also recommended.

If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgery is performed to reduce intraocular pressure.

Prevention of glaucoma includes regular eye examinations after 40 years, identification of predisposed individuals, adherence to the correct regimen and diet. Timely treatment can prevent the development of the disease and blindness.