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:
Causes of Glaucoma
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:
The symptoms of Closed Angle Glaucoma are:
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:
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
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Few Major Hospitals for Treatment of Cataract are
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