Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease of the major nerve of vision, called the optic nerve. The optic nerve receives light from the retina and transmits impulses to the brain that we perceive as vision. Glaucoma is characterized by a particular pattern of progressive damage to the optic nerve that generally begins with a subtle loss of side vision (peripheral vision). If glaucoma is not diagnosed and treated, it can progress to loss of central vision and blindness.
Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). Generally, it is this elevated eye pressure that leads to damage of the eye (optic) nerve. In some cases, glaucoma may occur in the presence of normal eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is believed to be caused by poor regulation of blood flow to the optic nerve.
Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, pills, laser surgery, eye operations, or a combination of methods. The whole purpose of treatment is to prevent further loss of vision. LOSS OF VISION IN GLAUCOMA IS IRREVERSIBLE. Bringing the pressure under control will not restore lost vision, but only prevent further vision from being lost. Keeping the intraocular pressure under control is the key to preventing loss of vision from glaucoma. New approaches are being developed for the treatment of low-tension glaucoma.
Laser surgery has been used as treatment for a wide variety of glaucomas. The ability of light to penetrate the transparent structures of the eye (cornea and lens) allows it to have its desired affect on the targeted tissue. This is different from most other sites in the body, where penetration of light is blocked by the skin or thick outer tissues. Numerous different types of lasers are used in eye surgery for various purposes. These include argon, krypton, neodymium-YAG, diode, and excimer lasers.
