PUNTA CANA. Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve. It occurs when nerve fibers in the eye are lost. 50% of cases present with high intraocular pressure. Glaucoma can cause irreversible loss of peripheral vision and, in other cases, total loss of central vision.
In the Dominican Republic, glaucoma is the second cause of blindness in children due to a genetic risk factor. Anyone with a family history of glaucoma or blindness must undergo an annual ophthalmological examination.
Dr. Cristina Yermenos de Sella, specialized in Adult, Congenital, and Childhood Cataracts and Glaucoma, addresses the topic.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, not smoking, exercising, eating healthy, and having an annual examination by an ophthalmologist are the best forms of prevention to avoid glaucoma.
“Primary open-angle glaucoma has no definitive cure. The treatment is aimed at stopping the disease and preventing visual loss,” said Yermenos de Sella.
People over 40 years old, African Americans, individuals with high blood pressure, diabetics, migraine sufferers, and smokers are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, according to the specialist.
Glaucoma can be detected at various stages of life, from birth with congenital glaucoma to childhood and juvenile glaucoma. Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection.
Medical treatments involving eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure are the mainstay of glaucoma treatment. In severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary.
Various surgical techniques, from laser treatments to drainage surgeries, are available for treating glaucoma. Early intervention is crucial for preserving vision in glaucoma patients.