Glaucoma: Forms & treatment options (Surgery & Laser) in Turkey

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an insidious eye disease that progressively damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending images to the brain. This deterioration leads to vision loss, often unnoticed at first. Peripheral vision is gradually reduced, then central vision may be affected. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness.

Glaucoma treatments aim to lower intraocular pressure and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment options for glaucoma are varied and may include eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment or surgery.

Our team of ophthalmologists will help you choose the treatment that is best for you based on the progression of your disease and your individual characteristics.

Causes of glaucoma

Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by progressive loss of optic nerve fibers, often associated with elevated intraocular pressure. This increase in pressure is due to an imbalance between the production and removal of aqueous humor at the iridocorneal angle.

The pathogenic mechanisms are diverse and may include genetic, hemodynamic, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative factors. The best known risk factors are advanced age, family history, myopia, hypertension, diabetes, and certain medications (corticosteroids).

Different forms of glaucoma

Glaucoma comes in a variety of forms, each with its own characteristics and requiring a tailored treatment approach. Our eye surgeons in Turkey are experienced in treating all types of glaucoma.

• Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common form and is characterized by a progressive obstruction of the outflow of aqueous humor, leading to a slow and often asymptomatic increase in intraocular pressure.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is associated with a sudden blockage of the drainage angle. It causes a rapid rise in eye pressure and can lead to acute vision loss if not treated promptly.
• Congenital glaucoma: This condition occurs at birth and results from abnormal development of the eye's drainage system. Symptoms often include sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and enlargement of the eye.
• Secondary glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is associated with another underlying condition, such as diabetes, eye trauma, advanced cataracts, or the use of certain medications or steroids.

Benefit from accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment at our partner clinics in Turkey, known for their excellence and attractive prices.

Glaucoma treatment in Turkey

Glaucoma, a silent eye disease, is treated in Turkey with an individualized approach aimed at reducing the pressure inside the eye. While this is essential to slow the progression of optic nerve damage, it does not always guarantee a complete cessation of the disease.

Treatment options

Several therapeutic approaches are available to reduce intraocular pressure:

• Medication: Eye drops or tablets are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment to reduce the production of aqueous humor (the fluid that fills the eye) or to facilitate its drainage.
• Laser: Laser treatment is a less invasive alternative. Various techniques are available, such as trabeculoplasty (which improves aqueous outflow) or iridotomy (which creates an opening in the iris to facilitate aqueous circulation).
• Surgery: If other treatments are not enough, surgery may be needed. This involves creating new drainage channels for the aqueous humor.

Choice of treatment

The choice of treatment depends on several factors:

• Type of glaucoma: open-angle, closed-angle, etc.
• Stage of the disease.
• Age of the patient.
• The presence of other eye diseases.

However, whatever treatment is chosen, regular follow-up visits to the ophthalmologist are essential to adjust treatment if necessary and to detect any progression of the disease.