Glaucoma
The optic nerve can be damaged by a group of diseases known as Glaucoma. This nerve is the main nerve to the eye and transmits electric impulses to the brain. Damage to the Optic nerve occurs when there is an elevated pressure of the Aqueous Humor, the fluid found in the eye. Over a period of time, the patient would notice gradual changes in vision and eventually lead to a total loss of vision.
Kinds of Glaucoma:
There are many kinds of glaucoma, the most common being Open-Angle Glaucoma and Closed-Angle Glaucoma.
Open Angle Glaucoma: This is found in almost 90% of all glaucoma cases and is also known as primary open-angle glaucoma and chronic glaucoma. This is caused when the trabecular meshwork gets blocked, hence not allowing the fluid to get to the normal drainage canals. The fluid build-up happens slowly.
Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is found in 9% of all glaucoma cases and is also known as acute glaucoma or angle closure glaucoma. This condition occurs when the opening between the Cornea and the Iris narrows down. In this case, the fluid cannot get to the trabecular meshwork and the drainage channels. This results in rapid build up of fluid along with increase in intraocular pressure.�
The other kinds of Glaucoma that occur in 1% of the cases include:
- normal tension glaucoma: The optic nerve gets damaged even when the intraocular pressure is consistently in the normal range
- congenital glaucoma: Incomplete or incorrect development of the drainage canals of the eye during the prenatal period
- childhood glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma in infancy, childhood or adolescence
- secondary glaucoma: occurs as a result of eye injury, inflammation or tumor or in advanced cases of cataracts or diabetes
Causes of Glaucoma
- Family history of Glaucoma
- Age of the person
- Medical conditions like Diabetes, Crohn’s Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Myopia and High Blood Pressure
- Use of topical Steroid
- Previous eye injuries
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Open Angle Glaucoma, also known as the "sneak thief" of sight, has no early warning signs or symptoms. However, as the disease progresses the following symptoms may be seen:
- Tiny blind spots appear at the edges of the visual field (peripheral or side vision) that slowly get larger and spread
- Blurred vision
- Appearance of colored halos around lights
- Adjustment problems on entering a dark room
- Repeated difficulties that new eyeglass prescriptions do not help
- Peripheral (side) vision is decreasing
The symptoms of Closed Angle Glaucoma are:
- Severely blurred vision
- Severe eye and head pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Appearance of rainbow-colored halos around bright lights
- Rapid loss of vision
Nearly all glaucoma can be treated successfully with topical medications (applied directly to the eyes, such as eye drops or eye ointments) or oral medications which can be taken by mouth.
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. This happens due to the fogging of the lens. The lens of the eye is responsible and helps the eye to focus onto objects located at different distances from the eye. If required the lens is also capable of changing its shape also. Over a period of time, the lens loses its transparency turning opaque. When it does so, the medical condition is known as a Cataract.
Because of this, light will not be able to reach to the retina causing vision to diminish and eventually result in blindness. Senile cataract develop in people over 50 years of age and is the most common form of cataract, where the lens loses its transparency because of damage to its fibers. This is because lens fibers are not replaced throughout life but instead new layers are added continuously. Ultraviolet light, free radicals and oxidizing agents have been connected to age related cataract formation.
Symptoms
The main symptom is gradual loss of vision. Colors may look dimmer and poor night vision is frequent. Cataracts do not cause itching, tearing or headaches.
Treatment
In order to extract cataracts through smaller incisions, Phacoemulsification ("phaco") was developed. This is now the most preferred technique for cataract extraction. An ultrasound or laser probe is used to break the lens apart without harming the capsule. These fragments are then aspirated out of the eye. A foldable intraocular lens (IOL) is then introduced through the 3mm incision. Once inside the eye, the lens unfolds to take position inside the capsule. No sutures are needed, as the incision is self-sealing.
Advantages:
- Small incision (3mm): Sutures are not needed due to the very small incision (it is self-sealing). This reduces the risk of astigmatism and foreign body sensation after surgery. It also eliminates fluctuations in intraocular pressure during surgery, which in turn reduces risk of hemorrhage.
- Local anesthesia with anesthetic eye drops
- Faster recovery
- Eye structures are not disturbed and remain intact
Phacoemulsification procedure has risks as associated with any surgery. Severe complications are extremely rare.
Procedure
An operating microscope will be used for this procedure. The face of the patient will be covered with sterile drapes. A device is used to help keep the eyelids open. It is mandatory that there is no movement of the eye during the procedure. Usually the operating microscope's light is a good reference point. The sound of the phacoemulsifier, humming similar to that of a hair trimmer will be heard during usage. Cold water will be poured over the eyes to keep them properly hydrated.
Recovery
Avoid squeezing or rubbing the eyes the first couple of days after surgery. There will be some foreign body sensation, similar to having an eyelash in your eye. No bandages are required so the patient walks out of the operating room by his own means even though vision will be blurred for a couple of days. Eye drops will be prescribed for 2 to 3 weeks. Normal activity can be performed two weeks after surgery.
The other Ophthalmology�Procedures are
- Canalicular Tear Repair
- Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)
- Lamellar Keratoplasty�� etc
Thailand,�Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey�and�India�are the most cost effective locations that offer up to almost 80% savings in comparison to the US.
SurgeryPlanet facilitates a plethora of services to the medical treatment traveler also which includes, a hassle free and discounted travel option, a welcome hand at the airport on arrival, travel in an air-conditioned car, round the clock service & support. Your medical evaluation is pre arranged with the least of waiting time. Once your assessment is complete and found medically fit, the procedure is immediately scheduled without a waiting period. Please read thru our Services and Testimonials to understand and select your best options.
Few Major Hospitals for Treatment of Cataract are
Wockhardt Hospitals
Apollo Hospitals
Max Healthcare
Piyavate Hospital
Sunway Medical Centre
Florence Nightingale Hospital
