Glaucoma (Eye Pressure): Early Diagnosis and Effective Treatment Against the “Silent Thief of Sight”!

Glaucoma, also commonly known as “eye pressure” or “black water disease,” is a chronic eye disease that usually leads to damage to the optic nerve (the nerve that transmits visual information to the brain) and progressive vision loss as a result of increased intraocular pressure. Its most dangerous aspect is that it usually gives no symptoms in the early stages and slowly steals vision like a “silent thief.” Therefore, regular eye examinations are vital for the early diagnosis of glaucoma and to prevent permanent vision loss. Although there is no definitive cure for glaucoma, with current medical, laser, and surgical treatment methods, intraocular pressure can be controlled, the progression of optic nerve damage can be slowed or stopped, and remaining vision can be preserved. Estebox Istanbul, with Turkey’s deep expertise in eye diseases and advanced technology centers, offers you reliable consultancy and guidance services for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and lifelong follow-up for a serious eye condition like glaucoma.

What is Glaucoma? How Does This “Silent Danger” Inside Our Eye Form?

Inside our eye, there is a fluid (aqueous humor) that is continuously produced and drained, helping to maintain the eye’s shape and nourishment. When the balance between the production and drainage of this fluid is disrupted, meaning the fluid cannot drain quickly enough, the intraocular pressure (IOP) rises above normal. High intraocular pressure exerts pressure on the optic nerve fibers located at the back of the eye, causing these fibers to become damaged and die over time. As optic nerve damage progresses, loss of peripheral (side) vision begins first, and if the disease is not treated, this loss can also affect central vision, leading to permanent blindness.

Are There Different Types of Glaucoma?

The most common type of glaucoma is Open-Angle Glaucoma. In this type, the drainage channels (trabecular meshwork) where the fluid drains become clogged over time, and the pressure gradually rises. It is usually painless and shows no early symptoms.

Other types of glaucoma include Angle-Closure Glaucoma (characterized by a sudden and severe rise in pressure, pain, nausea, and vision loss due to the sudden narrowing or closure of the drainage angle – an emergency condition), Normal-Tension Glaucoma (optic nerve damage develops despite intraocular pressure being within normal limits), Congenital Glaucoma (rarely seen in babies), and Secondary Glaucomas (developing as a result of another eye disease, trauma, medication use, or a systemic disease).

Who is at Risk for Glaucoma? Be Alert Against the “Silent Thief”!

Although glaucoma can occur in anyone, some factors increase the risk:

• Advanced Age: The risk increases after the age of 40 and becomes more pronounced over 60.
• Family History: The risk is higher in individuals with a family history of glaucoma.
• High Intraocular Pressure: Although not every high eye pressure means glaucoma, it is an important risk factor.
• Myopia (Especially High Degree): Nearsightedness.
• Diabetes:
• Long-term Corticosteroid Use: (Drops, pills, or injections).
• Eye Trauma: Previous blows to the eye.
• Thin Corneal Thickness:
• Being of African or Hispanic Descent:

If you have one or more of these risk factors, it is very important not to neglect regular eye examinations.

How is Glaucoma Diagnosed? Early Diagnosis Saves Lives!

Since glaucoma usually progresses without symptoms, early diagnosis is only possible with regular and comprehensive eye examinations. Your ophthalmologist may perform the following tests if glaucoma is suspected or during a routine examination:

• Intraocular Pressure Measurement (Tonometry):
• Optic Nerve Head Examination (Fundoscopy/Ophthalmoscopy): The condition of the optic nerve is evaluated by looking at the back of the eye.
• Visual Field Test (Perimetry): Determines whether there is peripheral vision loss and its degree.
• Corneal Thickness Measurement (Pachymetry): Important as it can affect intraocular pressure measurement.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A very valuable imaging method for detecting early damage, which analyzes the thickness of the optic nerve fiber layer and the structure of the nerve head in detail.
• Gonioscopy: Performed to evaluate whether the drainage angle where the fluid drains is open or closed.

Fighting Glaucoma: Modern Treatment Strategies to Preserve Vision

The main goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower intraocular pressure to stop or slow the progression of optic nerve damage and thus preserve remaining vision. Vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be recovered, so early diagnosis and treatment are vital.

Main Treatment Methods:

1. Medical Treatment (Eye Drops): The most frequently used initial treatment method. Various eye drops are used that reduce the production of intraocular fluid or increase its outflow. These drops may need to be used regularly and for life.
2. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): A painless and repeatable laser method applied in open-angle glaucoma to facilitate easier fluid drainage by opening blockages in the drainage channels (trabecular meshwork).
3. Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT): Works by a mechanism similar to SLT.
4. Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI): Performed especially in angle-closure glaucoma or in eyes with narrow angles, to allow free fluid flow by creating a small hole in the iris (the colored part of the eye).
5. Surgical Treatment (Glaucoma Surgeries): Surgical interventions may be necessary to lower intraocular pressure when drug and laser treatments are insufficient or unsuitable.
6. Trabeculectomy: The most common glaucoma surgery. A new drainage channel is created in the white part of the eye (sclera) to allow fluid to flow out of the eye.
7. Glaucoma Drainage Devices (Seton/Tube Implants): Surgeries where fluid is directed out of the eye with the help of a small tube and a plate implanted in the eye. They are generally preferred in more complex glaucoma cases or when trabeculectomy has failed.
8. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Newer surgical techniques that are performed through smaller incisions, are less invasive, and generally offer a faster recovery time.

The choice of treatment is determined individually by the ophthalmologist based on the type and stage of glaucoma, the patient’s target intraocular pressure, age, general health condition, and lifestyle. Glaucoma is a chronic disease that requires lifelong follow-up and treatment.

Life After Glaucoma Treatment: Regular Follow-up and Conscious Care

It is very important for patients undergoing glaucoma treatment to be careful throughout their lives and to cooperate with their doctors to preserve their vision:

• Regular Use of Medications: If you are receiving eye drop treatment, it is vital to use your drops regularly and without interruption, as prescribed by your doctor.
• Regular Ophthalmologist Check-ups: Regular checks of your intraocular pressure, optic nerve, and visual field (usually every 3-6 months, sometimes more often) are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment and updating the treatment plan if necessary.
• Lifestyle Recommendations: General health recommendations such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking are also beneficial for glaucoma patients.
• Other Health Problems and Medications: If you have other health problems or are starting a new medication, be sure to inform your ophthalmologist, as some conditions or medications can affect intraocular pressure.

Why Turkey for Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment? Secure Your Vision Health with Estebox Istanbul!

Turkey has experienced ophthalmologists specializing in this field and eye hospitals and clinics with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies (OCT, visual field devices, modern lasers, and surgical equipment) that provide world-class services in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of chronic and progressive eye diseases like glaucoma. Istanbul stands out with internationally renowned centers where a multidisciplinary approach is adopted in glaucoma treatment, and patient education and long-term follow-up are prioritized.

As Estebox Istanbul, we are aware of the seriousness of glaucoma, also known as the “silent thief of sight,” and we are here to provide you with the most accurate information in this challenging process and to ensure you reach reliable ophthalmologists and centers specializing in this field. We work with ophthalmologists with deep experience and up-to-date knowledge in glaucoma diagnosis and treatment, JCI-accredited, fully equipped eye hospitals and clinics with all necessary diagnostic and therapeutic infrastructure for glaucoma. From the detailed eye examination and diagnosis process, the creation of your personalized treatment plan (medication, laser, or surgery), your travel, accommodation, and hospital arrangements in Turkey, to your long-term post-treatment follow-up process, we are with you every step of the way. Our aim is to transform your glaucoma treatment experience in Turkey into a safe, comfortable, and effective process that will protect your vision health.

Glaucoma Treatment Prices in Istanbul: A Valuable Step to Protecting Your Vision

The cost of glaucoma treatment varies depending on many factors such as the type and stage of the disease, the type of treatment method to be applied (lifelong medication use, laser sessions, surgical operation), the technique and materials to be used if surgery is required, the doctor’s experience and expertise, the standards of the hospital or clinic where the treatment will be performed, detailed pre-operative examinations, and the scope of long-term follow-up services offered after the operation. Since glaucoma is a chronic disease, the cost of treatment can often be spread over a long period.

However, the costs of glaucoma diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up services in Turkey, even when advanced technology-requiring laser and surgical treatments are included, are generally more competitive and accessible compared to similar quality healthcare services in many European countries and the United States. This means you can access these vital treatments to protect your vision with a more affordable budget without compromising on quality, safety, and expertise. Estebox Istanbul organizes a detailed pre-assessment and expert doctor consultation to offer you a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation, type, and stage of glaucoma, and transparent information about the associated costs. Please do not hesitate to contact us to get clear information about the cost of your glaucoma treatment and to benefit from our free consultation service.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma (Eye Pressure)

Q: Can glaucoma be completely cured? Does vision loss come back?

A: Unfortunately, vision lost due to glaucoma (optic nerve damage) cannot be recovered. The main goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower intraocular pressure to preserve existing vision and to stop or slow the progression of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis is vital. Glaucoma is a chronic disease and requires lifelong follow-up.

Q: If my eye pressure is within normal limits, does that mean I don’t have a risk of glaucoma?

A: Although high intraocular pressure is an important risk factor, in a type called “Normal-Tension Glaucoma,” optic nerve damage and vision loss can develop even though the intraocular pressure is within normal limits. Therefore, only measuring eye pressure is not sufficient for glaucoma diagnosis; other evaluations such as optic nerve examination and visual field testing are also necessary.

Q: Will I have to use glaucoma drops for life?

A: In most cases, glaucoma drops are used regularly for life to keep intraocular pressure under control. However, in some patients, the need for drops may decrease or be eliminated after laser treatment or surgical intervention. Your ophthalmologist will make this decision.

Q: Will my vision improve immediately after glaucoma surgery?

A: The main purpose of glaucoma surgery is not to improve vision but to preserve existing vision and stop the progression of the disease. There may be temporary blurring of vision in the early post-operative period. When the intraocular pressure drops to the target level and the eye heals, your existing vision level will be preserved.

Q: If there is glaucoma in my family, what is my risk of getting glaucoma?

A: A family history of glaucoma significantly increases the risk of developing glaucoma. If your first-degree relatives (mother, father, sibling) have glaucoma, it is very important for you to have regular eye examinations for early diagnosis screening.