The Cambodian Ophthalmological Society (COS) works towards providing quality eye care as well as providing eye health education to the general public. Here you will find information on common eye conditions and general information you will find useful in taking care of your eyes.
Glaucoma is a group of eye disease in which the pressure of fluid within the eye gradually increase to a level not tolerated by the sensitive tissue of the eye. The optic nerve, which carries visual images to the brain, is susceptible to damage from glaucoma. Such damage is irreparable, resulting in permanent loss of vision and complete blindness. Rarely, a weakly structure optic nerve or poor blood circulation in the back of the eye can also cause glaucoma-like damage to the optic nerve, even if eye pressures are normal.
There is a fluid filled chamber in front of the eye called the anterior chamber. In is filled with aqueous humour, which bathes and nourishes the tissue of the eye. For reasons yet unknown, if the drainage of this fluid out of the eye is restricted, pressure builds up within the eye.
Unless this pressure is controlled by appropriate treatment, it causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve and other parts of the eye and causes a permanent loss of vision.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in blindness in India. Based on various population sample studies, about 3 percent of the general populations have some from of glaucoma.
Most types of glaucoma can cause significant visual loss without any symptoms. Until advanced, vision stays normal and there is no pain redness of the eye. Hence, a periodical eye check-up of all individuals is desirable to exclude the possibility of glaucoma. How ever, if glaucoma progresses without adequate treatment, the following symptoms may occur in some individual.
A simple test with a device called the tonometer measures pressure with in the eye. This is performed after applying local anaesthetic eye drops that numb the eye. It does not cause pain or irritation. This is test alone cannot detect all glaucoma. The back of the eye should be inspected to view the optic nerve after dilating the pupils. Side vision may also be examined by a computer-associated, simple test called perimetry (visual field examination).
Glaucoma cannot be cured. The loss of vision that already exists cannot be recovered. Hoe ever, appropriate treatment and regular follow-up on preserve residual vision from further damage.
Earlier the diagnosis better is the chances of arresting the progression of glaucoma.
Medicines: Several drugs are available to reduce fluid formation within the eye or promote their drainage from the eye. For most people with glaucoma, regular use of medications will control the increase fluid pressure. How ever, in some, drug may stop working after a period of time.
In these situations, the ophthalmologist cam help by adding or changing medication or by choosing another type of treatment: laser or surgical methods. Periodical eye examinations are therefore essential to ensure that the medication are working.
In some type of glaucoma, called angle closure glaucoma, laser treatment is used to reduce eye pressure. This is a simple out-patient procedure, which uses a strong beam of light to relieve the fluid pressure.
In open angle type glaucoma, laser treatment is applied only if various medications fail to control the fluid pressure. Medications need to be continued regularly even after laser treatment. Laser treatment has very minimal complications, but is effect in reducing the eye pressure may wear off over time.
In some persons with glaucoma, medical or treatment is insufficient to arrest glaucoma and surgery is indicated. But this treatment option has its risks and limitations and is reserved as treatment of last resort. Even after surgical treatment, individuals with glaucoma should continue periodical check-up by an ophthalmologist, or ensure adequate control of eye pressures.