INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE (GLAUCOMA)

Abstract

Glaucoma is one of the most common eye diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a leading cause of blindness, and its prevalence increases with age. Statistically, elevated intraocular pressure is equally common among men and women, with a significant rise after the age of 40. The most common symptoms include blurred vision, eye pain, redness, and reduced peripheral vision.Globally, glaucoma ranks as the second leading cause of blindness.
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss, most commonly associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, and its damage can result in permanent vision loss, typically starting from the periphery and progressing toward the central vision if untreated.
A patient's normal intraocular pressure should be between 10-20 mmHg, higher than 21.22 mmHg results in a phenomenon called ocular hypertension, and intraocular pressure lower than 5 mmHg results in ocular hypotension. The measurement of intraocular pressure (eye pressure) is nowadays very easily performed with the help of a tonometer. Thanks to technology, the tonometer does not come into contact with the eye, and the measurement is characterized by high accuracy.
Timely detection and diagnosis of glaucoma are crucial for prevention and halting its progression. Great importance should be placed on the cooperation between the primary care physician and the ophthalmologist for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Of special importance is the correct and timely treatment of patients with glaucoma, primarily for the purpose of preserving visual acuity and quality of life.
The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle 90%, where there are usually no symptoms.