Glaucoma Examination and Treatment

If glaucoma is not detected early, treatment can become more difficult. According to a domestic study, about 24% of patients who visit the emergency room due to acute angle-closure glaucoma initially visit an internal medicine or neurology department rather than ophthalmology when symptoms appear. This indicates that many people mistake symptoms like headache and dizziness caused by increased eye pressure for other conditions. However, glaucoma is a serious eye disease that requires a precise examination by an ophthalmologist.

In ophthalmology, various methods are used to measure intraocular pressure and assess the optic nerve.

The fundus examination revealed optic disc edema, soft exudates, general arterial narrowing, arteriovenous nicking, and venous congestion in both eyes. / Source: Nature

Key examinations include:

- slit-lamp microscopy,

- gonioscopy,

- corneal thickness measurement,

- refraction tests,

- cycloplegic refraction test,

- optical coherence tomography (OCT).

The ultrasound examination of the left eye confirmed a thickened choroid and choroidal effusion. / Source: Nature

In particular, retinal OCT is essential for analyzing the optic nerve and retina in detail, which helps detect glaucoma in its early stages.

The core of glaucoma treatment is to lower intraocular pressure. This can be achieved with medications that reduce fluid production in the eye, or with laser treatments that improve fluid drainage. If these treatments do not show sufficient progress, surgery may be considered.

Managing intraocular pressure is crucial for preventing glaucoma and other eye diseases. Maintaining balanced eye pressure is especially important for people with chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes. Regular eye check-ups and lifestyle improvements are essential to keep eye pressure normal. Quitting smoking, adequate rest, and regular exercise can help manage eye pressure.

Just as you might undergo an annual comprehensive health check-up, a comprehensive eye exam is also essential. Be sure to schedule regular visits to an eye doctor for thorough examinations.