Not easy to understand what is glaucoma ! The ophthalmologist talks about it when the eye pressure increases, because it is the main sign that allows you to think about it. But glaucoma is mainly a degeneration of the optic nerve. This one, which sends the light to the brain, is indeed nibbled away little by little by the excess tension in the eye. Result, after ten to fifteen years if nothing is done, a reduction, then a total loss of sight. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in France when that could change.
A systematic examination in consultation
Having a person with glaucoma in your close family multiplies by 5 or 10 the risk to be reached oneself. The probability also increases in the event of high myopia and if one is of Caribbean origin. Nevertheless, everyone has an interest in getting tested. If you went to the ophthalmologist recently, they must have measured the pressure inside the eye. Because this is part of the basic examinations during a consultation, even if you come to be prescribed glasses. For this, a small breath of air is sent to the eye.
In case of a high number, the specialist goes further by analyzing the optic nerve using a specific imaging technique (OTC) and checking your visual field. It is only if this is reduced that treatment is necessary. “As we do not know how to regenerate the optic nerve and the grafts are experimental, the treatment consists in lowering the ocular tension”, explains Pr Philippe Denis, head of the ophthalmology department at the Croix Rousse hospital (Lyon) . In 80% of cases, this involves the instillation of drops in the eye. “Eye drops have made progress: they contain fewer preservatives, and they can be combined in the same bottle, which makes it possible to reduce the number of drops”, underlines Professor Florent Apter, head of the ophthalmology department at the University Hospital of Grenoble.
Protect the optic nerve
However, some people can’t stand eye drops or, after a while, they no longer lower blood pressure enough, which makes it necessary to proceed differently. We can then use the laser. The treatment involves making a small hole to allow excess fluid to come out of the eye. Surgery is the other solution, usually under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. But combining the two is possible. With one goal: to reduce tension to protect the optic nerve.
Numbers
600,000 people are being treated for glaucoma.
400,000 are affected without knowing it.
New: ultrasound treatment
It uses a ring that is put on the eye (EyeOP1). This sends an ultrasound beam capable of coagulating part of the gland (ciliary body) which produces the liquid circulating inside the eye. This results in a reduction in the quantity of liquid, and therefore in the tension that it generates. Recently available in some hospitals, and for some patients only, this new treatment appears to be very well tolerated. It represents an alternative to surgery, but it is also used when the results of the intervention have not been sufficient.
>> To read also:
Glaucoma: the examinations that make it possible to diagnose it
Glaucoma: a new culprit identified
Glaucoma: soon a contact lens that heals
Glaucoma: why should you think about screening?
Self-monitoring of the eyes: signs not to be taken lightly
