Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition that can cause progressive damage to the optic nerve. It is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can narrow the field of vision and lead to permanent vision loss over time.
Since glaucoma often causes no symptoms for a long time, regular eye exams are especially important. The earlier the condition is detected, the more likely it is that its progression can be slowed or stabilized.
Common symptoms
- Often no noticeable symptoms for a long time
- Restrictions of the visual field
- Poor vision in everyday life
- Difficulty finding one's bearings
- Deteriorating vision in advanced stages
- Rarely, acute symptoms such as pain, redness, or nausea
Glaucoma
Possible causes
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Family history
- Advancing age
- Severe nearsightedness
- Circulatory disorders
- Diabetes or other systemic diseases
- Previous eye injuries or eye surgeries
Diagnosis and Treatment
An eye exam can help detect glaucoma at an early stage. During the exam, the doctor assesses, among other things, intraocular pressure, the optic nerve, the nerve fiber layer, and the visual field.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the glaucoma. The goal is to lower intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve. Eye drops are often used. Depending on the situation, laser treatments or surgical procedures may also be appropriate.
Laser Treatments and Surgical Procedures for Glaucoma
In the case of glaucoma, the focus is on protecting the optic nerve. If eye drops do not lower intraocular pressure sufficiently or are not well tolerated, laser treatments or surgical procedures may be appropriate.
The goal is to reduce intraocular pressure and slow the progression of the disease. The appropriate treatment depends on the type of glaucoma, the level of intraocular pressure, the condition of the optic nerve, and the individual’s specific situation.
Possible methods
- Laser treatment to improve aqueous humor outflow
- Laser treatment for narrow-angle glaucoma
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery
- Traditional pressure-reducing surgeries
- Combined procedures, such as cataract surgery
- Regular follow-up visits
Potential benefits
- Lowering intraocular pressure
- Relief for the optic nerve
- Slowing the progression of the disease
- A supplement or alternative to eye drops
- Personalized treatment
After treatment
Regular follow-up visits are important after laser treatment or surgery. During these visits, your intraocular pressure, optic nerve, and healing progress are checked. Laser and surgical procedures cannot reverse glaucoma, but they can help preserve your remaining vision for as long as possible.
What you can do yourself
- Have regular eye exams
- Use the eye drops exactly as directed
- Meet check-up appointments reliably
- Have changes in your vision checked out early on
- Have risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure checked by a doctor
- Discuss your family history with your eye doctor
When is an evaluation recommended?
It is particularly important to get your eyes checked if there is a family history of glaucoma, if you have risk factors, or if you notice any changes in your vision. Even if you have no symptoms, regular checkups are recommended once you reach a certain age.
Glaucoma is incurable, but it can often be effectively managed. Early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and regular follow-up visits are crucial.
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Common Eye Problems and Conditions
Our eyes are put under a lot of strain every day. Symptoms such as dry, red, or tired eyes, blurred vision, pain, or a sudden decline in vision should be taken seriously and evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Many eye conditions can now be detected early and treated effectively—timely diagnosis is key.
Preventive Care & Eye Exams – Regular Checkups and Early Detection
Regular eye exams help detect changes in the eye at an early stage—often before symptoms become noticeable. Conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts, in particular, often develop gradually.
Poor eyesight
Refractive errors are among the most common reasons for visiting an ophthalmologist. They occur when light is not focused precisely on the retina. Depending on the type of refractive error, vision may be blurry up close, far away, or in both ranges. The most common types include:
- Nearsightedness / Myopia: Clear up close, blurry at a distance
- Farsightedness / Hyperopia: Distance vision is usually better, while near vision is blurry
- Astigmatism: distorted or blurry vision
- Presbyopia: difficulty reading and seeing up close starting around age 40
Refractive errors can usually be corrected effectively with glasses, contact lenses, or other methods.
Dry eyes
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions and is caused by insufficient lubrication of the eye’s surface. Thanks to simple and effective treatment approaches, most patients can find relief quickly. Treating dry eye is an important part of our work, and we always tailor our care to the individual needs of each patient.
Vision problems & sudden vision loss
Vision problems can have many causes—ranging from harmless, temporary issues to serious eye conditions. In particular, a sudden decline in vision should always be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, as prompt treatment is crucial in some cases.
Cataracts
Cataracts, medically known as cataracts, are a natural ageing process that causes the natural lens of the eye to become cloudy. This clouding can impair vision and requires expert assessment and surgical treatment.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that affects the optic nerve. It is often caused by increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve over time and lead to loss of vision if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent potential blindness.
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration refers to a group of diseases that affect the macula - a crucial area of the retina that is responsible for central vision.
This region allows us to see fine details such as letters when reading, faces, colors and more. The most common form is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can occur in dry and wet forms.
In addition, certain factors such as diabetes, circulatory disorders of the retina or severe short-sightedness can increase the risk of macular diseases.
Corneal diseases
Corneal diseases affect the clear front layer of the eye and can significantly impair vision.
Common forms include:
- Keratitis: inflammation of the cornea, often accompanied by redness, pain, and blurred vision
- Keratoconus: Thinning and deformation of the cornea
- Corneal dystrophies: mostly genetically caused opacities
- Changes associated with dry eye: superficial damage caused by insufficient lubrication
- Age-related changes: for example, corneal guttata or Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy
An accurate diagnosis is important for determining the appropriate treatment and preserving vision as much as possible.
Eyelid Disorders
Eyelid disorders include various types of inflammation, deformities, and changes in the eyelids. These include styes, chalazia, blepharitis, contact allergies, drooping eyelids, ptosis, eyelid deformities, and benign or malignant changes in the eyelids.
Retinal laser
Retinal laser treatment is used to specifically treat pathological changes in the retina—such as retinal holes, retinal tears, or vascular changes associated with diabetes. The goal is to stabilize the retina, prevent further damage, and preserve vision as much as possible.
YAG capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification
After cataract surgery, vision may gradually deteriorate again. A common cause is what is known as a secondary cataract. This occurs when the posterior lens capsule—which remains in the eye after surgery and helps stabilize the artificial lens—becomes cloudy.
Dr. med. (I) Avraham Dishy
FMH specialist in ophthalmology and eye surgery
Ophthalmologic offer
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