BSM Eye Clinic.
BSM Eye Clinic.
BSM Eye Clinic.
BSM Eye Clinic.
BSM Eye Clinic.
BSM Eye Clinic.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma: both eye pressure and the condition of the optic nerve need to be checked
About
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, is gradually damaged and the field of vision
narrows. Most people find it hard to notice on their own.
Because glaucoma often develops even when intraocular pressure is normal,
regular glaucoma screening and accurate diagnostic equipment are essential.
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My eyes tire easily and feel heavy.
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My surroundings feel a little more closed in each day.
BSM Eye Clinic
BSM Eye Clinic
BSM Eye Clinic
Causes of Glaucoma
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Elevated intraocular pressure
The most common cause is elevated intraocular pressure:
aqueous humor cannot drain properly,
and the optic nerve is gradually damaged. -
Normal-tension glaucoma
In normal-tension glaucoma, which is common among Koreans,
damage can occur even when intraocular pressure is normal, due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve
or structural weakness. -
High myopia, family history, steroid use
In high myopia, the optic nerve is weaker and more vulnerable
to pressure changes. A family history or
long-term steroid use also raises the risk of glaucoma. -
Systemic diseases
Systemic conditions such as low blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea
reduce blood flow to the optic nerve and can
accelerate glaucoma, so regular care is needed.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Glaucoma
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People with a family history
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People with recurrent uveitis
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People with circulatory disorders
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People aged 40 or older
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People with high myopia
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People who have had a serious eye injury
What Makes Glaucoma in Korea Different?
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Glaucoma is generally thought to be caused by high intraocular pressure,
but in Asia, including Korea, the prevalence of normal-tension glaucoma,
in which glaucomatous optic nerve damage progresses even though pressure is within the normal range (10–21 mmHg),
is overwhelmingly high.
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Global prevalence of
normal-tension glaucoma -
Prevalence among glaucoma cases in Korea
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma has almost no early symptoms, but
when intraocular pressure rises sharply or the disease progresses,
it sends the following signals.
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Eye pain
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Decreased vision
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Red eyes
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Severe headache
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Nausea and vomiting
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Chills
Main Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is broadly divided into primary open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma, depending on whether the drainage pathway for aqueous humor is open.
Other types include secondary glaucoma, caused by injury, steroid use or iritis,
and normal-tension glaucoma, in which the optic nerve is damaged even though pressure is within the normal range.
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1 Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
This is the most common form of glaucoma: the drainage outlet for aqueous humor is open, yet the optic nerve is gradually damaged.
Because early symptoms are subtle, diagnosis is often delayed, and as the disease progresses the field of vision can narrow as if looking through a tunnel.
2 Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
In this condition, the drainage outlet for aqueous humor becomes blocked and intraocular pressure spikes
suddenly. Symptoms such as severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting appear immediately. If left untreated, the optic nerve is damaged very quickly, so immediate emergency treatment is essential.
3 Normal-Tension and Secondary Glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma, in which the optic nerve is damaged even though
intraocular pressure is normal, is the most common type among Koreans.
Secondary glaucoma caused by injury or medication
can also cause progressive optic nerve damage regardless of pressure readings, so special care is needed.Glaucoma Treatment
Treatment for glaucoma depends on its type and cause, and on how far the patient’s condition has progressed.
Based on an accurate diagnosis by an ophthalmologist, the most suitable option is chosen from medication, laser treatment and surgery.
Treatment 01Medication
This is the most basic approach to treating glaucoma.
It stabilizes intraocular pressure by helping the eye’s internal fluid, aqueous humor, drain or by reducing its production.-
Tailored prescriptions Depending on the patient’s condition, various medications such as prostaglandin analogs and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
are prescribed alone or in combination. -
Highly effective Many excellent eye drops have been developed in recent years, and in many cases regular use of drops alone
successfully controls intraocular pressure without surgery.
Treatment 02Laser treatment
This is performed when medication alone cannot control intraocular pressure, or when side effects make eye drops difficult to use.
A laser is used to make fine adjustments to structures inside the eye to lower the pressure.- Widening the anterior chamber angle A laser is applied to the peripheral iris to contract the tissue and pull the iris backward, widening a narrowed anterior chamber angle so aqueous humor can drain smoothly.
- Selective use If the angle does not open sufficiently after iridotomy, or if angle closure persists due to conditions such as plateau iris, this may be performed selectively after assessing the structure and condition of the eye.
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