Question 1

Overview of Glaucoma (Ocular Hypertension)

Accepted Answer

Glaucoma is a silent eye disease caused by damage to the optic nerve. It often develops without symptoms, gradually narrowing vision and, if untreated, may lead to irreversible blindness. It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide after cataracts.

Most patients do not notice changes until advanced stages, when symptoms may include blurred vision, eye pain, halos around lights, headaches, or sudden vision loss. Because the optic nerve can be damaged every day without warning, regular eye exams after age 45 are essential. These should include not only pressure measurement but also OCT scans to detect nerve cell loss early.

While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be effectively controlled with timely diagnosis and the right treatment — helping to preserve vision and prevent blindness.

Question 2

What Is Glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve — the “information highway” between the eye and the brain. In most cases, it’s caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) when the eye’s natural fluid does not drain properly. Over time, this pressure damages nerve cells, leading to gradual vision loss and, if untreated, permanent blindness.

Question 3

Causes & Risk Factors

Accepted Answer

Several factors increase the risk of glaucoma:
 • High eye pressure (IOP) – the most common cause.
 • Age 40+ – risk rises significantly after midlife.
 • Family history of glaucoma.
 • Health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or migraines.
 • Eye anatomy – thin corneas or high myopia.
 • Steroid use (long-term).
 • Previous eye trauma.

Question 4

Types of Glaucoma

Accepted Answer

• Open-Angle Glaucoma – most common; develops slowly, often without early symptoms.
 • Angle-Closure Glaucoma – less common, but sudden and painful; a medical emergency.
 • Normal-Tension Glaucoma – nerve damage occurs even with normal pressure.
 • Congenital Glaucoma – rare, present at birth.

Question 5

Symptoms to Watch For

Accepted Answer

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it develops without warning. Symptoms may include:
 • Gradual loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision).
 • Blurred or foggy vision, halos around lights.
 • Eye pain, headaches, or difficulty adapting to low light.
 • In acute cases: sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, redness, nausea, and vomiting.

Question 6

Diagnosis

Accepted Answer

Early detection is key. Comprehensive eye exams after age 40 should include:
 • Tonometry (eye pressure test).
 • OCT scan (optic nerve imaging).
 • Visual field test (checks side vision).
 • Gonioscopy (examines eye drainage angle).

Question 7

Glaucoma Treatment Options in Turkey

Accepted Answer

While glaucoma cannot be cured, treatment can control eye pressure and protect your vision. Options include:
 • Eye Drops – reduce fluid production or improve drainage.
 • Laser Therapy – improves fluid outflow and lowers pressure.
 • Glaucoma Surgery – when other methods aren’t enough:
    • Trabeculectomy – creates a new drainage channel.
    • Drainage devices (shunts) – implants to redirect fluid.
    • MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) – modern, faster-recovery techniques, often combined with cataract surgery.

Question 8

Recovery & Aftercare

Accepted Answer

Glaucoma management is lifelong. After surgery, patients may need several weeks to recover and must:
 • Use prescribed drops regularly.
 • Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or eye pressure.
 • Wear sunglasses outdoors.
 • Attend all follow-up appointments.

Question 9

Does high eye pressure always mean I have glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

High Intraocular Pressure vs. Glaucoma: The Key DistinctionNo, high intraocular pressure (IOP) alone does not automatically mean you have glaucoma. Many people have elevated eye pressure without any damage to their optic nerve. This condition is called ocular hypertension. However, having high IOP significantly increases your risk, and your eye doctor will likely recommend close monitoring and, in some cases, preventive treatment to lower the pressure and prevent glaucoma from developing.

Question 10

Can vision loss from glaucoma be restored?

Accepted Answer

Irreversible Damage: Why Early Detection is CriticalUnfortunately, vision loss caused by optic nerve damage from glaucoma is irreversible. Once the nerve fibers are destroyed, they cannot be regenerated. The primary goal of treatment is to halt or slow down the progression of the disease and prevent further loss of vision, not to restore what has already been lost. This is why early detection is so important.

Question 11

Is glaucoma a hereditary disease?

Accepted Answer

Glaucoma and Genetics: Understanding Your Family HistoryYes, a family history of glaucoma is a major risk factor. If a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has the disease, your risk is significantly higher. It is strongly recommended that individuals with a family history of glaucoma begin regular comprehensive eye exams at an earlier age.

Question 12

Can I get glaucoma if my eye pressure is normal?

Accepted Answer

Normal-Tension Glaucoma: A Puzzling ConditionYes, this is a real possibility and is known as normal-tension glaucoma. In these cases, optic nerve damage and vision loss occur even though the intraocular pressure is within the statistically normal range. The causes are not fully understood but may be related to poor blood flow to the optic nerve or a sensitive nerve structure. Diagnosis requires a detailed examination of the optic nerve and visual field.

Question 13

How often should I get an eye exam to check for glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

Regular Eye Exams: Your Best Defense Against GlaucomaFor individuals with no risk factors, a baseline comprehensive eye exam is recommended at age 40. After that, your doctor will advise you on the frequency of follow-up exams. If you have risk factors such as a family history, diabetes, or a history of high eye pressure, your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings, sometimes annually.

Question 14

Are glaucoma eye drops safe to use long-term?

Accepted Answer

Long-Term Medication: The Cornerstone of Glaucoma ManagementGlaucoma eye drops are generally safe for long-term use and are the most common method of controlling the disease. However, like all medications, they can have side effects. Your doctor will work with you to find the most effective and well-tolerated drops. It is crucial to use them exactly as prescribed and not to stop without consulting your doctor, as this could lead to a rapid increase in eye pressure.

Question 15

Can I prevent glaucoma from occurring?

Accepted Answer

Prevention vs. Early Detection: A Proactive ApproachThere is no definitive way to prevent glaucoma from occurring, especially if you have a genetic predisposition. However, early detection is the next best thing. Regular comprehensive eye exams, including a detailed check of your optic nerve and eye pressure, are your best defense. Diagnosing the disease early allows for prompt treatment, which can prevent or significantly delay vision loss.

Question 16

How is glaucoma different from cataracts?

Accepted Answer

Glaucoma vs. Cataracts: Two Different Eye ConditionsGlaucoma and cataracts are two distinct eye conditions. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, often caused by high eye pressure, leading to irreversible vision loss. A cataract is the clouding of the eye's natural lens, which causes blurry vision that can often be corrected with surgery to replace the lens. While both can affect vision, they target different parts of the eye and require different treatments.

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