Abstract
This review article addresses the topic of glaucoma, a chronic eye disease that represents one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. The study focuses on three essential components for the effective management of glaucoma: early diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment, and long-term care. Early diagnosis is crucial to identify the disease before irreversible damage to the optic nerve occurs, emphasizing the importance of regular eye examinations and advanced imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT). The medical treatment of glaucoma involves a variety of medications to control intraocular pressure (IOP), with the need for individualized treatment choices and patient education programs to improve therapeutic adherence. In the field of surgical treatment, the evolution of surgical techniques includes minimally invasive approaches (MIGS), such as stent implants, which offer lower morbidity and faster recovery. Long-term care includes regular eye follow-up, patient education, disease progression assessment, and the management of additional risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes. In advanced cases, surgery may be necessary, requiring rigorous post-operative follow-up. In summary, by adopting a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach, it is possible to preserve vision and improve the quality of life of glaucoma patients throughout their lives.
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