Glaucoma – the silent killer of vision

You asked us about glaucoma, Dr. Aleksa Milić answers your questions.

1. Does glaucoma therapy have to be lifelong?

Glaucoma is a chronic progressive disease and therapy is used until the end of life.

2. Can glaucoma make you blind?

If glaucoma is not adequately treated, in its terminal stage glaucoma can lead to blindness.

3. Can glaucoma be operated on?

Yes, glaucoma can be operated on to reduce intraocular pressure.

4. Is glaucoma a curable disease?

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but the progression of the disease can be prevented with adequate therapy.

5. Is vision better after laser iridotomy?

No, laser iridotomy does not improve vision, but in patients who are candidates for laser iridotomy, it contributes to better control of intraocular pressure.

6. What are normal eye pressure values?

For the majority of the population, normal values of eye pressure are 10-21 mmHg.

7. What happens if he forgets to take his medication?

It is very important to use the therapy regularly, if the patient forgets to take the therapy, it is necessary to continue taking the therapy as prescribed by the doctor.

8. Can the laser penetrate the eye during iridotomy?

Laser iridotomy is a procedure in which a small opening is made in the iris with the power of a laser for a better flow of aqueous humor.

9. Does laser iridotomy hurt?

Laser iridotomy is performed under drip anesthesia, but slight pain or discomfort may be felt.

10. Is glaucoma hereditary?

Glaucoma can be hereditary in a certain percentage, so it is necessary to do ophthalmological examinations once a year if someone in your family has glaucoma.

12. Does cataract surgery help reduce eye pressure?

After cataract surgery, in most cases there is a slight drop in eye pressure.

13. At what age can glaucoma be detected?

Although glaucoma is predominantly a disease of the elderly population, it can be diagnosed at any age, even in the first days of life.

14. Can glaucoma occur because of some drugs that are used?

Certain systemic therapy can lead to a jump in intraocular pressure, most commonly corticosteroid therapy. Also, the application of topical corticosteroid therapy in the eye can lead to a jump in intraocular pressure in certain people.

15. Can I drive a car after laser iridotomy?

Immediately after laser iridotomy, the vision may be blurred, so it is not recommended to drive after the intervention.

16. Can iridotomy be done more than once in a lifetime?

If the openings made on the tendon are closed or the doctor judges that they are not large enough, the intervention can be repeated.

17. Does high blood pressure affect eye pressure?

Blood pressure values do not affect eye pressure, however people with lower blood pressure, people prone to variations in blood pressure, as well as those with poorer peripheral circulation may be more prone to developing glaucoma.