Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in people older than 60. It happens over time without showing early symptoms; hence, it is nicknamed "the silent thief of vision". If glaucoma is not treated immediately and properly, it can result in permanent blindness. Iran can offer affordable and effective glaucoma treatment to medical tourists from all around the world.
The vision loss due to glaucoma is irreversible and the only way to prevent or diagnose it is by regular visits to the doctor. Appropriate treatment should be carried out immediately to slow down or stop its progress without delay.
Normally, a meshwork drainage system drains out the fluid produced in the eye. Glaucoma is the condition in which the drainage system is clogged and unable to remove excess fluid. The accumulated fluid can lead to abnormal pressure in the eye and can possibly damage the optic nerve. Optic nerve is the cord that transmits image and plays a vital role in our ability to see. In some cases, the person's optic nerve is so sensitive that it can be damaged even with normal eye pressure.
Although glaucoma can happen at any age, it mostly occurs in older adults. Ethical roots or hereditary factors are considered risk factors as well. In most cases, symptoms do not occur and when they do, it is usually after some extent of vision loss. Therefore, we suggest that you visit an ophthalmologist at least once a year; particularly if you have a family history of glaucoma.
Glaucoma has several types with various symptoms, effects, and best possible treatments. There are three main types of glaucoma:
Glaucoma can be treated using medications, surgery, medical procedures or a combination of them. Sometimes medications are adequate; in other cases, they are followed by surgical procedures. It is important to note that these treatments can slow down the development of glaucoma; they are not, however, considered a cure for the condition. You are to entrust your doctor in the course of fighting glaucoma and consult with specialists to figure which method is best for you.
The doctor uses medications such as eye drops or pills to treat glaucoma. Typically, medications are prescribed initially prior to switching to other forms of treatment to help lower the eye pressure. These medications may result in severe side effects such as high blood pressure or rapid heartbeat. In addition, anti-glaucoma medications can interfere with the medications you already take. Therefore, although medications can be effective for slowing down the process, they might not work for everyone. Some doctors suggest other alternatives to treat glaucoma.
laser trabeculoplasty treatment uses laser beams to treat the trabecular meshwork and streamline the process of draining out excess fluid. It is a highly effective procedure, particularly for open-angle glaucoma. Laser surgery treatment for glaucoma is less invasive than other surgical procedures.
Laser surgery can be done at the doctor's office or an outpatient clinic. The process takes about 2-3 hours while your eyes are numb but experiencing a slight sting is normal too. After the surgery, you may experience a little soreness or blurry sight. You can continue your daily activities in a few hours after the procedure. The results can be observed in a few weeks.
Two main types of Laser trabeculoplasty to modify the trabecular meshwork include:
When medications are followed by severe side effects; and laser surgery procedures are not considered effective, your doctor might decide to go with more invasive surgical procedures:
Iran is home to many famous ophthalmologists who carry out numerous glaucoma treatment surgeries annually. If you are considering to team up with proficient doctors in the battle against glaucoma, Iran has many things to offer. read more to find out what you need to do before getting the surgery done in Iran.
Iran's medical services are highly qualified as well as exceedingly affordable.Average glaucoma costs in various countries including Iran are:
UK: $1800India: $1250 Iran: $900
UK: $2,548 India: $2000 Iran: $1000
It is suggested that glaucoma patients avoid sun exposure and smoking as much as possible. As for the foods that need to be avoided, patients should reduce their caffeine intake and foods that might lead to high blood pressure.
Eye drops, pills, and other medication are generally followed by mild to severe side effects. Every individual could experience different side effects. they include:
Glaucoma treatment surgeries are generally very successful and severe side effects rarely occur. Still, this type of treatment is a surgical procedure and as with any other type of surgery, some potential side effects are inevitable.
Furthermore, with the constant development in glaucoma treatments, any risk or sever side effect can be prevented. In addition to that, people who are in the initial stage of glaucoma condition can benefit from more recent types of surgery called MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery). The techniques used in these procedures are much safer than those of traditional surgeries. However, not everyone could be qualified to undergo more modern surgeries. Your ophthalmologist will perform an evaluation and you can find out if MIGS is the right choice for you.
Although many would link glaucoma to blindness, it is not always the case. Only 5% of those who are diagnosed with glaucoma will end up blind. However, some visual impairment is typical in about 10% of the patients.
Medications are normally for life. You should apply the eye drops and take the necessary pills for a very long time.
Your family history definitely plays an important role. When someone is diagnosed with glaucoma, the doctor suggests that other members of the family get checked as well. Generally, African-Americans and Hispanic people are more likely to develop glaucoma.
You can undergo LASIK surgery if you have glaucoma but you should certainly consult with your doctor concerning the situation.
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