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DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
DIAGNOSING GLAUCOMA:
A variety of diagnostic
tools which aid in determining glaucoma are:
Tonometer -
to measure pressure in the eye, either in a contact ( indentation/applanation
tonometer ) or non contact form (pneumotonometry)
Visual field test
- to check your field of
vision
Ophthalmoscopy -
Using this instrument, we can directly look through the
pupil at the optic nerve. Its color and appearance can indicate
whether or not damage from glaucoma is present and how extensive
it is.
TREATING GLAUCOMA :
Medications:
Can be treated with eye drops, tablets, laser surgery, eye
operation, or a combination of methods. All drugs can be
grouped together by how they work. The list below includes
all the different types of drugs approved for use in the
treatment of this condition.
Always consult your doctor if
you have any questions or concerns about the medication
you have been prescribed
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Drug
Type
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Drug Type
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| Alpha-2 Agonists(Brimonidine) |
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Improves the aqueous outflow and decreases
the rate of fluid production. |
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| Beta Blockers(Timolol, Betaxolol) |
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Produces a fall in pressure by suppressing
production of aqueous humor |
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| Carbonic anhydrase Inhibitors (Acetazolamide) |
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Produces a fall in pressure by suppressing
production of aqueous humor |
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| Prostaglandin Analogues(Latanoprost) |
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Increases the aqueous outflow from the
eye |
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| Sympathomimetics(dipivefrin) |
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Decrease intraocular pressure by increasing
the outflow of fluid. May be used in conjunction with
a miotic |
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| MIOTICS (Pilocarpine) |
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Produces miosis ( constriction) of pupil
and improves aqueous outflow |
Laser
Surgery: Intermediate step between drugs and traditional
surgery. Most commonly used lasers are Argon, Yag and Diode.
Traditional
surgery: Most common of these operations is called
a trabeculectomy where the surgeon removes a small section
of the trabecular meshwork- the eye’s drain, thus allowing
the aqueous humor to drain more easily. This procedure is
usually done under local anesthesia as a day care procedure
or with a brief hospital stay. It can done alone or in combination
with cataract operation if required.
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