Eye Center
2nd Floor Podium Bldg.
Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM – 12:00 NN
Eye Center Reception – (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 local 6252
Eye and Vision Institute Clinic – (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 local 6253
PATIENT SERVICES
Glaucoma Treatment Provider in the Philippines
The Medical City provides cutting-edge glaucoma surgery in the Philippines. What truly sets us apart is that commitment extends beyond glaucoma treatments in the Philippines; we also prioritize patient education and support, empowering individuals with glaucoma to manage their condition and maintain optimal eye health.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition that can lead to vision loss and blindness. It occurs when the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged by increased pressure in the eyeball. In some cases, glaucoma may have no symptoms until it's advanced enough to cause permanent damage to your vision. If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible blindness. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and is most often seen in people over the age of 60.
What are the Risk Factors?
Risk factors for glaucoma include age, race, family history, and certain health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Other risks can include eye injuries, long-term steroid use, or a history of eye surgery. People with thinner corneas are also at an increased risk of developing glaucoma.
How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
To diagnose glaucoma, your doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, your doctor may measure your intraocular pressure (IOP) and test your peripheral vision. They may also use imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to help detect signs of damage to the optic nerve. Once diagnosed, regular follow-up exams are necessary to keep an eye on your condition and make sure it doesn’t progress.
What are the Complications of Glaucoma?
Complications of glaucoma may include loss of vision and blindness if left untreated. You should talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have regarding treatment options and the potential risks.
What are the Treatment Options for Glaucoma?
Treatment options for glaucoma include medications, laser surgery, or conventional surgery. Medications such as eye drops can help reduce intraocular pressure by improving fluid outflow from the eyeball. Laser surgery can be used to create a new drainage channel in the eye, while conventional glaucoma surgery in the Philippines is more invasive and involves creating an artificial drainage system.
What Preventive Measures Can Be Taken?
There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing glaucoma, such as having regular comprehensive eye exams, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking. For those at higher risk for glaucoma—such as individuals over the age of 40 or those with a family history of the disease—it is important to get regular eye exams to catch any signs of glaucoma early.
It’s also important to protect your eyes from injury since this can increase your risk of developing glaucoma. Wear protective eyewear when participating in sports or activities that could lead to an eye injury and make sure to wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays.
Can Glaucoma Be Prevented?
Although there is no way to prevent glaucoma completely, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Regular eye exams and taking preventive measures—such as wearing protective eyewear, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking—can help lower your chances of developing the condition. In addition, if you have glaucoma or are at an increased risk for developing it, it’s important to get regular follow-up exams to make sure the condition does not progress. Early detection and treatment are key to preserving your vision.
How Will Glaucoma Affect My Life?
If left untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent damage to your vision and lead to blindness. It’s important to take all steps necessary to reduce your risk of developing the condition and to seek treatment as soon as possible if you are diagnosed. Your doctor can guide you on how to best manage your condition so that it does not progress and cause further damage to your vision. With proper management, you can still lead a full life even with glaucoma.
What are the Causes of Glaucoma?
The exact cause of glaucoma is not known, but it can occur when the intraocular pressure in the eye increases and causes damage to the optic nerve. This increased pressure may be caused by a blockage in the drainage channels of the eye, or an increase in fluid production in the eye. In some cases, a genetic predisposition may increase your risk of developing the condition.
Cataracts and Glaucoma: How are They Related?
Although cataracts and glaucoma are two separate eye conditions, there is a link between them. People with glaucoma may be at an increased risk for developing cataracts as well, especially if their condition is not managed properly.
What are the Types of Glaucoma?
There are two main types of glaucoma—primary open angle and angle closure. Primary open-angle glaucoma occurs when the drainage channels become blocked, while angle closure glaucoma is caused by a narrowing of the eye’s drainage angles. Other types of glaucoma include normal tension, congenital, steroid-induced, and neovascular glaucoma.
It’s important to consult your doctor if you have any symptoms of glaucoma or think that you may be at risk for developing the condition. With early detection and treatment, many people with glaucoma can preserve their vision and lead a full life.
How Effective is the Surgery?
Surgery is an effective option for those seeking glaucoma treatment in the Philippines. Depending on the type of glaucoma, your doctor may recommend medication, laser surgery, or conventional surgery to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Surgery can be successful in treating mild to moderate cases of glaucoma, but it may not be suitable for all cases. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for your individual situation.