What Is Glaucoma?
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Overview
Glaucoma, commonly referred to as “eye pressure” or “ocular hypertension” by the general public, is a serious eye condition that can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss, including blindness, if left untreated.
Glaucoma typically affects both eyes and is more common in people over the age of 40. Early detection and proper treatment are critical, as the damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible—but vision loss can be prevented if caught early.
At MedicalPoint Hospital’s Ophthalmology Clinic, we emphasize routine eye exams for early detection, especially in high-risk individuals.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
You may be at higher risk for developing glaucoma if you have:
- A family history of glaucoma
- Diabetes
- High or low systemic blood pressure
- High levels of myopia (nearsightedness) or hypermetropia (farsightedness)
- History of eye trauma or surgery
- Migraine or chronic headaches
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
- Smoking habits
We strongly recommend annual glaucoma screenings for individuals in these risk groups, starting at age 40.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is most commonly associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)—the pressure inside the eye. The eye continuously produces a clear fluid (aqueous humor) that nourishes eye tissues. In glaucoma, this fluid does not drain properly, causing it to accumulate and raise IOP.
Increased IOP compresses the optic nerve, damaging its fibers. Normal IOP ranges from 12 to 20 mmHg, while in glaucoma patients, it often exceeds 22 mmHg.
However, not all cases fit this pattern:
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Some people develop optic nerve damage despite having normal eye pressure.
- Ocular Hypertension: Others have elevated eye pressure without nerve damage. These patients are monitored, and treatment is initiated only if damage is detected.
Each person’s optic nerve has a different tolerance to pressure, so individual assessment is essential.
Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is classified into several types. Each requires different diagnostic and treatment approaches:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
This is the most common form of glaucoma. It develops slowly and silently—often without any symptoms until advanced stages.
- Typically appears in older adults
- Gradual peripheral vision loss
- Caused by blocked drainage channels despite open angles
- Irreversible optic nerve damage
Early diagnosis is crucial, as lost vision cannot be restored.
- Angle-Closure (Narrow-Angle) Glaucoma
Occurs when the iris blocks the drainage angle in the eye, causing a sudden increase in IOP.
- More common in farsighted individuals with smaller eyes
- Symptoms include:
- Severe eye pain
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seeing rainbow-colored halos around lights
- Considered a medical emergency (Acute Glaucoma Attack)
Immediate treatment is required to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Congenital (Infantile) Glaucoma
Present at birth and caused by developmental abnormalities in the eye’s drainage system.
- Affects infants and young children
- Symptoms include:
- Enlarged eyes
- Cloudy cornea
- Excessive tearing
- Light sensitivity
- Requires urgent surgical intervention
How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed at MedicalPoint Hospital?
At Izmir University of Economics MedicalPoint Hospital, every adult eye examination includes routine eye pressure screening and optic nerve evaluation using advanced technology.
Our Diagnostic Methods Include:
- Tonometry (IOP measurement): Measures the pressure inside your eye.
- Pachymetry: Evaluates central corneal thickness, which affects IOP readings. Thicker corneas may result in falsely high readings; thinner corneas may result in underestimation.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Uses light waves to create high-resolution images of the optic nerve and retina, identifying early structural damage.
- Visual Field Test (Perimetry): Detects functional vision loss and blind spots, which are typical signs of glaucoma progression.
These tests are essential for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective monitoring of the disease.
Glaucoma Treatment Options at MedicalPoint Hospital
The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure and preserve vision. While lost vision cannot be restored, proper management can prevent further damage.
At MedicalPoint Hospital, our glaucoma specialists offer a full range of treatment options:
- Medication (Eye Drops)
- First-line treatment to reduce IOP
- May reduce fluid production or improve fluid drainage
- Requires lifelong use in most cases
- Patient compliance is critical
- Laser Treatment (SLT – Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)
- Improves fluid outflow from the eye
- Suitable for open-angle glaucoma
- Non-invasive, outpatient procedure
- May delay or reduce the need for medications
- Surgical Intervention
For cases unresponsive to medications or laser therapy, glaucoma surgery is considered:
- Trabeculectomy (implant-free): Creates a new drainage channel
- Tube shunt surgery (implanted): Diverts fluid using a tiny tube
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) may be an option for selected patients
All surgical procedures at MedicalPoint are performed using advanced microsurgical equipment in a sterile, patient-centered environment.
Why Choose MedicalPoint Hospital for Glaucoma Care?
At MedicalPoint Hospital, our Ophthalmology Department provides:
- Board-certified glaucoma specialists
- State-of-the-art diagnostic tools and imaging
- Personalized treatment plans
- Long-term disease management and education
- Compassionate patient support
Our multidisciplinary team works closely with patients to monitor progression and adjust treatment as needed, helping protect your most valuable sense—your vision.
Final Thoughts
Glaucoma is a silent thief of sight. Since it often progresses without symptoms, regular eye exams are essential, especially for those over 40 or with known risk factors. Early diagnosis, close monitoring, and effective treatment can protect your eyesight and maintain your quality of life.
At MedicalPoint Hospital, we’re committed to delivering world-class glaucoma care backed by technology, expertise, and trust.
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Ophthalmology
The Eye Center at MedicalPoint International Hospital offers comprehensive care and treatment for a wide range of eye-related diseases and conditions, spanning from common issues to cases requiring specialized expertise.
