Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, and it affects millions of people worldwide. It is a group of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often caused by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), the pressure within the eye.

Medical tourism platforms like Medditour can help save our vision from Glaucoma by connecting us to international hospitals and facilitators to obtain quality care immediately at affordable cost.

In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of glaucoma and how medical tourism can help it.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type of glaucoma and the stage of the disease. In the early stages, glaucoma may not have any noticeable symptoms, which is why it is often called the “silent thief of sight.” However, as the disease progresses, patients may experience,

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision: This is the most common symptom of glaucoma. As the disease progresses, the patient’s field of vision gradually narrows, and they may develop blind spots in their peripheral vision.
• Blurred vision: Patients may experience blurred or hazy vision, particularly in the early morning or late evening.
• Halos around lights: Patients may see halos or rainbows around lights, particularly at night.
• Eye pain or headache: Patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma may experience severe eye pain, headache, and nausea.

Bright Focus Foundation states that Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States and the world.

Diagnosis for Glaucoma

The diagnosis of glaucoma involves a comprehensive eye exam, including several tests to measure the IOP, evaluate the optic nerve, and assess the patient’s visual field. The most common tests used to diagnose glaucoma include,

• Tonometry: This test measures the IOP using a special instrument called a tonometer. A high IOP reading may indicate glaucoma.
• Ophthalmoscopy: This test allows the doctor to examine the optic nerve using a special instrument called an ophthalmoscope. If the optic nerve appears damaged or cupped, it may indicate glaucoma.
• Visual field test: This test measures the patient’s peripheral vision by asking them to look at a screen and press a button when they see a flashing light. A pattern of missed spots may indicate glaucoma.
• Gonioscopy: This test uses a special lens to examine the drainage angle of the eye, which can help determine the type of glaucoma.

Treatments for Glaucoma

The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower the IOP and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Some of the treatment options for glaucoma are as follows.

• Eye drops: Medications in the form of eye drops are the most common treatment for glaucoma. These drops work by reducing the production of fluid in the eye or increasing the drainage of fluid from the eye.

• Laser therapy: Laser trabeculoplasty is a type of laser therapy that is often used to treat open-angle glaucoma. This procedure involves using a laser to improve the drainage of fluid from the eye.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgery like trabeculectomy may be necessary to lower the IOP and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

How does medical tourism help in treating glaucoma?

Glaucoma patients may also benefit from medical tourism, as they can get access to specialized treatments like laser treatments and surgery in medical tourism destinations like India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Dubai, etc. at international quality and affordable cost compared to the cost in their home country. National Eye Institute states that more than 2.7 million Americans over age 40 have glaucoma that indicates the need for medical tourism to avoid waiting time unnecessarily.

Medical tourism companies like Medditour also provide opportunities for the patients with glaucoma to combine their vacation along with the treatment so that they can venture different tourist places, cuisines, culture, and what not, after the treatment.

In conclusion, glaucoma is an eye disorder that causes damage to the optic nerve, thereby acts as a thief to our vision. To save our vision, we need to take specialized treatments depending upon our doctor’s advice. Medical tourism would be a good choice for patients to receive their treatments at affordable pricing.