What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a long-term condition that causes progressive damage to the nerve cells of the eye (optic neuropathy). It is typically followed by a progressive reduction in the field of vision and a rise in intraocular pressure.

At what age does glaucoma begin to develop, and what causes it?

The main cause of glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure, which can be caused by: anatomical features of the eye, injuries, or other chronic diseases. Since the number of retinal ganglion cells frequently starts to decline before the visual field does, it is imperative that patients 50 years of age and older have their intraocular pressure evaluated every year and have optical coherence tomography of the fundus performed. which only this study—optical coherence tomography—can ascertain.

Which symptoms should a patient look out for in order to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible?

It is common for glaucoma to be detected at an advanced stage given that it is an extremely deceptive illness that causes almost no complaints in its early stages.

Patients may report experiencing flashes in their range of vision. There is no pain associated with glaucoma in its early stages! Only in the most late stages of glaucoma, when intraocular pressure is extremely high and vision is severely compromised, do patients experience discomfort. After 50 years of age, individuals with chronic conditions and close relatives with glaucoma must undergo yearly scheduled ophthalmological tests. those frequently mistakenly believe that eye pain is a sign of elevated intraocular pressure.

What is the current method and duration of glaucoma treatment?

Protecting nerve cells and controlling intraocular pressure are the two main objectives of glaucoma treatment. Eye drops are always prescribed as the first step in glaucoma treatment, and depending on how well they work, additional laser or surgical procedures are chosen.

Although there are drops that enhance nerve cell feeding, drops that control intraocular pressure continue to play a major role. These drops are divided into two groups, one reduces the production of aqueous humor, the other ensures better drainage of the produced fluid. Patients take these drops constantly, often, throughout their lives.

When drops are unable to control high intraocular pressure, we turn to laser therapy. If this fails to lower the intraocular pressure to the desired level, surgery is then scheduled.

What are the outcomes of glaucoma laser therapy?

Patients frequently neglect to apply the recommended quantity of drops, which causes uncontrollable variations in intraocular pressure and ultimately harms the eye's nerve cells.

 Therapeutic eye lasers, which assist us in reaching target intraocular pressure, have been created in recent years to treat these issues. Utilizing the most recent SLT laser at the National Center of Surgery enhances intraocular fluid outflow. The prognosis for maintaining vision is better after this treatment, and the patient and the doctor are both more at ease.

We frequently prescribe fewer drops, which greatly simplifies patients' daily schedules.

What is the preparation method?

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, is painless, and the patient does not experience any discomfort.

When is surgery for glaucoma carried out?

When the intraocular pressure is too high and the laser/drop combination is no longer adequate, a decision to operate is made. Does the procedure have any contraindications? Recent years have seen a substantial improvement in this operation's approach, including the introduction of drainage devices and smaller incisions, which have enhanced the procedure's efficacy and decreased the possibility of problems.

After the procedure, is it required to take drops continuously?

Following the procedure, the quantity of drops is typically minimized; the choice is decided on an individual basis following an evaluation of the eye's overall health.

What is the duration of the rehabilitation period?

The patient has no specific restrictions following laser therapy for glaucoma, but they are prescribed anti-inflammatory drops for a few days.

Following anti-glaucoma surgery, the patient must take the recommended drops consistently for the duration of the 2-4 week recovery phase.

Is glaucoma surgery funded?

Anti-glaucomatous interventions are funded by the universal healthcare program

and also by private insurance companies.

What kind of equipment is used to treat patients?

The most recent Zeiss Visulas Green laser system, which can be used for all kinds of angio glaucomatous laser treatments is used at the National Center of Surgery for glaucoma laser therapy.It differs in that the region of treatment is much expanded and the beam is split into dozens of pieces rather than treating a single place with a single shot. This type of therapy is distinguished by its high efficiency.

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Address: Dighomi, Chachava, Tbilisi №7

Wish you health!