OP · DR · HAKAN ÖZKAN

Glaucoma Monitoring and Treatment

Early detection of elevated intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage, medical therapy, laser, and surgical options.

Glaucoma is known as the silent thief of sight. It typically arises when elevated intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve over time. Because symptoms appear only at a late stage, an annual eye-pressure check is recommended for everyone over 40.

Risk Groups

  • A family history of glaucoma
  • High myopia or hyperopia
  • Anyone over 40
  • Long-term corticosteroid users
  • Patients with diabetes and hypertension

Monitoring and Treatment

Treatment is staged according to disease severity:

  1. Medication (eye drops) — the first line of pressure control
  2. SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) — an effective alternative that reduces dependence on drops
  3. Surgical treatments — trabeculectomy and micro-stent (MIGS) options in advanced cases

Regular visual-field testing (perimetry) and OCT-based nerve-fiber tracking are how we judge whether treatment is sufficient.

— FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a normal eye pressure?
The generally accepted range for intraocular pressure is 10-21 mmHg. That figure alone is not conclusive: some patients have optic nerve damage despite a normal reading, while others have raised pressure without damage. Pressure is therefore assessed alongside visual-field testing and OCT.
Can glaucoma treatment restore lost vision?
No. Visual field lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered. The aim of treatment is to preserve remaining vision and halt further damage, which is why early detection matters so much.
Is eye-drop treatment lifelong?
For most patients treatment is long term and depends on consistent daily use; missed doses allow pressure to rise again. After laser or surgery some patients need fewer drops, depending on the type and course of the disease.

— Related reading

Last updated:

Medically reviewed: · Op. Dr. Hakan Özkan

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Dünya Göz Hastanesi Bağcılar

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