Glaucoma Consultation KMN

Glaucoma treatment at KMN EyeCare: What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the eye's optic nerve. The optic nerve can be imagined as an electric cable that contains millions of wires, each wire carrying an image from the retina to the brain through the light-sensitive optic nerve. Changes or damage to the optic nerve thus affect vision.

Glaucoma is usually characterized by increased eye pressure as a result of an imbalance between fluid production inside the eye and excretion from the eye, or a buildup of fluid inside the eye. This could result in permanent optic nerve damage and peripheral vision loss, which can lead to blindness.

About 20% of glaucoma patients may experience normal eye pressure, which is known as “normal tension glaucoma.” Therefore, the diagnosis of glaucoma is not just based on eye pressure itself, but consists of the careful evaluation of the optic nerve and other eye structures. Eye pressure, circulation, and anatomy of the eye relate to damages that occur in glaucoma. Glaucoma diagnosis thus requires a dilated exam and other tests including visual field testing, nerve fiber layer analysis, optic nerve photography, examination of the trabecular meshwork with a special contact lens (gonioscopy), and corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry).

Glaucoma is the second leading cause for irreversible blindness in the world, after cataracts. Vision loss due to glaucoma cannot be reversed but can be managed. Glaucoma patients are generally unaware of any vision impairment until the disease is at an advanced stage. It is estimated that around 50% of glaucoma patients are unaware that they suffer from glaucoma. It is suggested that everyone over the age of 50 is screened for glaucoma.

Because the vision impairment caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, detection, diagnosis, and management must ideally be done as early as possible. For additional information, contact your ophthalmologist or visit KMN EyeCare.

Glaucoma testimonials at KMN EyeCare

At KMN EyeCare, our patients are our greatest priority. Below are our glaucoma patient testimonials:

“It started with a decrease in visual acuity, accompanied by severe dizziness and vomiting. A condition certainly affecting my performance as a dentist and lecturer. 
I met with a Glaucoma specialist doctor at KMN, who was quite knowledgeable treating my symptoms. 
It went very good and many of my colleagues and students asked where I had been treated, because they were amazed with the results of my treatment. Thank you KMN. Thank you Dr. Martin, SpM, for the high quality treatment I’ve received.”

Pricillia Priska Sianita

More testimonials

Glaucoma causes & symptoms: What causes glaucoma?

Glaucoma is caused by failure of the eye to keep an appropriate balance between the amount of fluid being produced inside the eye and the amount of the fluid that is drained out of the eye.

Eyes continuously produce a clear liquid called “aqueous humor.” The aqueous humor flows from the back chamber of the eye to the front chamber of the eye, which results in a pressure that shapes the eye and thus determines one’s vision. If there is any blockage of the flow or the flow can not be maintained, the liquid will begin to build up, increasing the pressure inside of the eye. Increasing pressure then pushes on the optic nerve, damaging it permanently. If the optic nerve suffers damage, the patient is diagnosed with glaucoma.

Glaucoma detection and diagnosis

In order to detect whether or not a patient has glaucoma, his or her ophthalmologist will ask some questions regarding risk factors, such as the patient’s:

  • aging process
  • family history of glaucoma
  • experience of severe shortsightedness or farsightedness
  • history of eye trauma
  • systemic disease or health problems, including diabetes or poor blood circulation.

Regular vision check-up is the best way to enable early glaucoma detection and avoid subsequent vision impairment. The following tools and examinations are used to detect glaucoma:

Tonometer

A tool to measure the intraocular pressure.

Pachymetry

A measurement of the thickness of the cornea, in which is relevant to obtaining an accurate eye pressure measurement.

Perimetry

A visual field test that can detect optic nerve damage. This test will measure the peripheral side of the vision. It will determine the missing areas in the visual field that are caused by damages that have occurred to the optic nerve.

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)

A non-invasive imaging test that takes cross-sectional pictures of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. OCT enables ophthalmologists to detect which stage the disease is at by allowing each of the retina’s distinctive layers to be seen, mapped, and measured. OCT can also measure and document damage to the optic nerve.

Optic Nerve Imaging

Detailed color images of the optic nerve to help document changes to your optic nerve over time.

Glaucoma symptoms

Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight“, as it is a gradual disease with unrecognizable symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage.

There are two types of glaucoma: Open Angle Glaucoma and Closed Angle Glaucoma.

Open angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma, caused by the imbalance of liquid production and its excretion from the eye. Closed angle glaucoma is caused by blockage of the liquid flow inside of the eye.

If the glaucoma is chronic in both types, there are no symptoms, yet the peripheral visual field loss would be gradual and lead to tunnel vision.

In acute closed angle glaucoma, the symptoms could be:

  • severe pain and headache
  • nausea
  • blurry vision
  • redness of the eye
  • halos around light

Open and closed angle glaucoma may be caused by other conditions such as inflammation, use of medications, trauma of the eye, cataract, or systemic diseases.

Glaucoma may also be found in infants at the time of birth.

Symptoms of glaucoma at birth include enlargement of the eye, bulging eyes, hazy corneas, and sensitivity to light.

Glaucoma treatment & management

To date, there is no proven method to reverse vision impairment caused by glaucoma. However, most cases of glaucoma can be managed, which is critical consider that, if glaucoma is left untreated, it can lead to permanent blindness.Glaucoma is mainly treated by lowering the eye pressure to a stage where it stops the optic nerve damage. Glaucoma management can be achieved through a number of methods including eye drops, laser, or surgery.

Eyedrops as glaucoma treatment

Glaucoma eyedrops are often the first choice in managing eye pressure in glaucoma patients. For most glaucoma patients, the use of glaucoma eyedrops can be very effective in controlling the eye pressure. Once diagnosed with glaucoma, the use of glaucoma eyedrops are for continuous usage throughout one’s lifetime. Glaucoma eye drops have several classifications with different active chemical ingredient that can help in reducing eye pressure. For example, there are eyedrops that contain only one certain active chemical ingredient, while others contain a combination of two active ingredients. Some side effects of glaucoma eyedrops include red eye, swollen eyelids, discomfort, eyelash growth, darkening of the eyelids or changes in breathing. Your eye doctor at KMN EyeCare will help to decide with eyedrops suits you best. Consult your eye doctor if you are experiencing any of the mentioned side effects.

Laser as glaucoma treatment

Laser treatment in glaucoma is used mainly in angle closure glaucoma. This laser is called “iridotomy,” which creates a small opening on the iris so as to widen the angles. There is also a laser treatment called “iridoplasty”, which stretches the iris to open the angles and reduce pressure.

Laser treatment can also be used to treat open angle glaucoma, with is known as trabeculoplasty. This improves the drainage angle.

Laser treatment is of the same purpose when used in closed or open glaucoma treatment – to enhance the outflow of fluid from the eye, thus reducing eye pressure.

Complications in laser treatment for glaucoma are mild and include inflammation, mild eye pressure spikes, and glare.

Glaucoma surgery

When glaucoma eyedrops and laser treatment fail to reduce eye pressure, glaucoma surgery is the next option. Glaucoma surgery aims to create a new drainage channel for the aqueous fluid to leave the eye, thus reducing eye pressure.

There are two types of glaucoma surgery:

 

Trabeculectomy

The trabeculectomy procedure is done by making a small flap on the sclera (white area of the eye), while a hole is made under the flap to create a new channel where aqueous fluid can exit the eye. Eye pressure is relieved because aqueous fluid can now flow from the hole through the flap and be collected outside of the eye.

 

Glaucoma drainage device

This procedure uses a tiny plastic tube with a plate as a reservoir. The tube connects the inside of the eye to halfway back around the eye, where the aqueous will be collected in a plate. With this tube, there is a permanent pathway for the aqueous fluid to flow, reducing the buildup and the pressure it causes.

Your doctor at KMN EyeCare will consult you in regards to which glaucoma treatment best suits your eye condition.

Successful glaucoma management depends on great team work between the patient and the eye doctor. The patient’s compliance with the glaucoma treatment plan as established by the eye doctor is key to effective glaucoma management.

This information is for general use only. For further detail, contact your ophthalmologist or visit KMN EyeCare. KMN EyeCare glaucoma doctors will conduct a comprehensive glaucoma exam and provide best expert medical advice.

Find your doctor

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Ari Djatikusumo
DR. Dr. Ari Djatikusumo

After completing his retinal fellowship in Japan and Singapore, Dr. Ari returned to Indonesia and worked as faculty at the University of Indonesia’s Medical School. He then joined KMN EyeCare to strengthen our retina unit.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Annette
Dr. Annette Mariza

After graduating from University of Indonesia Medical School in 2004, Dr. Annette began her career in the Cilandak Naval Hospital and Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and joined KMN EyeCare in 2005.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Arief
Dr. Arief Wildan

Dr. Arief joined KMN EyeCare in Semarang in 2010 and completed his retinal fellowship in Thailand between 2012 – 2013.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Bondan
Dr. Bondan Harmani

After completing his ophthalmology residency, Dr. Bondan joined the Faculty of Ophthalmology at the University of Indonesia Medical School, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Danang
Dr. Danang Dwinaryono

Dr. Danang joined the team at KMN EyeCare after completing his ophthalmology residency at the University of Gadjah Mada Medical School in 2013.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Eko Karim
Dr. Eko Firdianto Karim

Dr. Eko joined KMN EyeCare’s retina unit. He has expertise in medical and surgical retina treatment.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Emil Sjahreza
Dr. Emil F. Sjahreza

After graduating from the University Indonesia Medical School, Dr. Emil practiced at KMN EyeCare in Semarang between 2010 and 2012. He then completed his fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the Sydney Eye Hospital where he was involved in 1,105 cases of vitreoretinal surgery.

Dr. Hadi Prakoso

After completing his residency in ophthalmology in 1989, Dr. Hadi performed government service in Bali for 18 months, then worked as a lecturer at the Faculty of Ophthalmology at the University of Indonesia Medical School between 1992 - 2001. He began practicing at JEC in 1993 and joined KMN EyeCare in 2004.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Henry
Dr. Henry Warouw

Dr. Henry joined KMN EyeCare in Semarang after graduating from the University of Gadjah Mada Medical School in 2010.

Dr. Sudarmadji
Dr. Ira Sudarmadji

Dr. Ira joined KMN EyeCare since its inception in 2004 and continues to practice in cataract, oculoplasty, and LASIK treatment.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Barliana
Dr. Julie Dewi Barliana, M Biomed

Dr. Julie earned her ophthalmologist degree from the University of Indonesia Medical School, as she also previously completed General Practitioner and Master of Biomedicine at the same university.

Dr. Kevin

Dr. Kevin joined KMN EyeCare in 2020 after completing his Ophthalmology Specialist at Sam Ratulangi Manado University.

Dr. Maria Magdalena Purba

Dr. Maria joined KMN EyeCare in 2020 after completing her Ophthalmology Specialist at University of Indonesia.

KMN EyeCare- Dr. Martin Sondak
Dr. Martin Sondak

Dr. Martin immediately joined the team at KMN EyeCare after graduating from the University of Sam Ratulangi Medical School in 2010.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Maya E. Suwandono
Dr. Maya E. Suwandono

Dr. Maya joined the KMN EyeCare team after graduating from the University of Indonesia Medical School in 2010. She performs LASIK, glaucoma and cataract surgeries.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Rasoebala
Dr. R. Viktor Rasoebala

After graduating from his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Indonesia, Dr. Viktor joined KMN EyeCare in 2005.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Ricky
Dr. Ricky E. Rooroh

After graduating from the University of Sam Ratulangi Medical School in 2002, Dr. Ricky underwent several fellowships before joining the team at KMN EyeCare in 2004.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Rien
Dr. Rien Widyasari

After graduating from the University of Indonesia Medical School in 2012, Dr. Rien immediately joined KMN EyeCare.

Dr. Rifna Lutfiamida
Dr. Rifna Lutfiamida

After graduating from the University of Indonesia Medical School in 2003, Dr. Rifna joined KMN EyeCare in 2004 and has expertise in inflammations and infections, cataract, and LASIK treatment.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Rini Hersetyati
Dr. Rini Hersetyati

After graduating from the University of Gadjah Mada Medical School in 2000, Dr. Rini completed additional training at the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and the Jakarta Eye Center (JEC) before finally joining the team at KMN EyeCare in 2004.

Dr. S.M.I. Supit

Dr. Supit graduated from the Universitätsklinikum der Goethe Medical School in Germany in 1981 and also completed his specialization in ophthalmology in 1986.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Sjakon
Dr. Sjakon G. Tahija

After completing his retinal fellowship at the Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Australia in 1994, Dr. Tahija returned to Indonesia and practiced as a Vitreoretinal Consultant at Jakarta Eye Center before establishing his own chain of ophthalmology clinics, KMN EyeCare, in 2004.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Soeharnila
Dr. Soeharnila

After completing her specialization in ophthalmology and several fellowships, Dr. Nila immediately joined KMN EyeCare since its inception in 2004. Dr. Nila has expertise in corneal transplants.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Tri Wijayanti
Dr. Triwijayanti

After completing her ophthalmology residency at the University of Indonesia 2013 and several fellowship in retina, Dr. Tri joined KMN EyeCare in 2019.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Upik
Dr. Upik Mahna Dewi

After graduating as an ophthalmology specialist from the University of Gadjah Mada Medical School in 2003, Dr. Upik practiced at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital for one year before joining KMN EyeCare in 2005.

Dr. Vinsensius G. Budiman

After completing his ophthalmology residency at the University of Sam Ratulangi Medical School, Dr. Vinsen practiced at Medistra Hospital and joined the team at KMN EyeCare in 2004.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Wijarso
Dr. Widowati S. Wijarso

After completing her residency in ophthalmology at the University of Indonesia, Dr. Widowati (Dr. Ike) continued a fellowship in glaucoma at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, USA.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Wulan
Dr. Wulan Aprianti

After completing her ophthalmology residency at the University of Indonesia Medical School 2012, Dr. Wulan worked at the Royal Progress Hospital for one year before joining KMN EyeCare in 2013.

KMN EyeCare - Dr. Yulinda Soemiatno
Dr. Yulinda I. Soemiatno

After graduating from the Padjadjaran University Medical School, Dr. Yulinda underwent a postgraduate internship in the field of pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus.

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