Understanding and Treating Glaucoma
Normal Angle
The eye produces a fluid called aqueous humor. It is
produced in the ciliary body and flows through the pupil and into the trabecular
meshwork. This fluid creates a pressure in the eye which helps maintain the
eye's shape and normal function.
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and leads to permanent
loss of vision
Diagnosing Glaucoma
Topometer measures
pressure inside the eye
Ophthalmoscopy allows the eye doctor to view the optic nerve for damage.
Symptoms of Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Symptoms
.Severe eye pain
.Headaches
.Nausea, vomiting
.Mid-dilated pupil
.Eye red and irritated
.Blurred Vision
.Halos around lights
The angle between the iris and the
cornea narrows or closes, obstructing the drainage
of aqueous humor
Open-Angle
Glaucoma
Symptoms
Usually, you are not aware of anything until the visual field is severely
damaged
The angle is open, but fluid drainage is
impaired.
Treatment for Primary
Open-Angle
Glaucoma with Medication
Treatment may include eyedrops and/or
pills
To Instill an Eyedrop
-
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Wash your hands thoroughly.
Sit down, lean back, tilt your head
back, and look up toward your forehead.
With the index finger of one hand, pull
down the lower eyelid to make a pocket for the drop.
Hold the bottle over the eye between
the thumb and index finger of the other hand and invert it with the tip
pointed down at a slight angle.
Carefully squeeze the bottle to release
a single drop into your eyes. Follow your doctor's directions exactly for
the number of drops to use.
After administering eyedrops, you may
want to close your eyes for a few minute to help distribute the medicine
evenly.
Sometimes
eyedrops may drip down the tear duct into the throat. If this is bothersome,
you can try applying pressure with your index finger to the inner corner of
your eye for a few seconds after you've used the eyedrops.
