All the discomfort in the glaucoma treatment with drops, especially in patients with Dry Eye, is something usual. One of the problems we see most frequently in patients affected by Glaucoma and with drop treatment are those derived from eye irritation.
Many patients complain that they do not tolerate the drops or that "since they started treatment they have gotten worse." This situation must be treated, so that the patient does not abandon the glaucoma treatment and to protect the conjunctiva, essential in case of surgery, to improve the chances of success.
Diagnosis of glaucoma
If we take into account that glaucoma, in most cases does not cause discomfort, when it is detected, generally by chance in a general check-up, in addition to the scare that we give the patient, when establishing the treatment, if we cause discomfort that was not previously they had, the less we are generating a situation of uncertainty.
Importance of treatment in glaucoma
From the medical point of view, it is important to explain to the patient that Glaucoma is a disease that, if not treated correctly, can cause blindness and that is why it is important that they apply the drops that we have administered.
The patient must be convinced of the need for treatment, otherwise the use of drops is often abandoned with the risk that it entails.
In addition to being "tough" with our patients, it is no less true that we can soften the discomfort.
Ocular discomfort derived from glaucoma treatment
Unfortunately, in most medical treatments, and in this case, the drops we use to control Glaucoma, are products that alter the ocular surface, reduce tear secretion (Beta blockers) or even have a certain inflammatory factor (prostaglandin derivatives).
The effects of treatment of glaucoma and dry eye are aggravated when we do not have these drugs in single doses, that is, they come in jars with preservatives which further aid tissue deterioration. If on top of that it is a patient with little or poor quality tears, such as those suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome, even worse.
How to reduce discomfort in the treatment of glaucoma
Faced with this, today we have a series of measures that can partially alleviate these discomforts and, with this, make the medical treatment of Glaucoma more bearable.
The first thing to do is a study of the patient's ocular surface. Based on the result of this study, we will visualize how affected the patient's ocular surface is and decide on a solution taking into account the current state of the eye's surface.
Ocular surface in good condition
To reduce the discomfort caused by glaucoma drop treatment and if the surface allows it, we decided to start treatment using artificial tears. The secret is not to use any tears.
All the most indicated drops they will be those that incorporate lubricants and factors that nourish the tissues such as sodium hyaluronidate, to prevent the deterioration of the conjunctiva.
Ocular surface in moderate condition
In cases where there is already a certain deterioration of the ocular surface and where the pinkish appearance of the conjunctiva and cornea is appreciated when instilling a vital dye that stains the affected areas, it will be necessary to improve the state of the tissues and, in addition to the tears artificial, it will be convenient to use drugs derived from blood plasma.
The realization of this drug is done with a blood draw and after a routine analysis to check its good condition. Later we prepare a eye drops with autologous serum, rich in growth factors and anti-inflammatory substances that help improve the ocular surface.
Ocular surface in poor condition
The solution to the discomfort caused by the treatment of glaucoma with drops, if we see that the ocular surface is very affected and that it already suffers from a picture of lacrimal insufficiency of severe dry eye, we can even consider not administering drops and propose the glaucoma surgery as a first option.
Nowadays, the trauma caused by the glaucoma surgery, shortening the time of recuperación and with a high degree of efficiency.
How to improve discomfort caused by glaucoma treatment
All the drops made from the patient's own blood It is a novel treatment, but with enough years of experience and publications that have demonstrated its efficacy, it is simple and is the ideal complement for these glaucomatous patients who require long-term treatments.
El autologous serum it is easy to prepare, inexpensive, and represents one of the greatest advances in tissue protection in recent years. It requires control by the ophthalmologist in routine glaucoma visits and is harmless to the patient since it is prepared from their own body.
The results are very good and it allows a better tolerance of the antiglaucomatous drops. Its protective role of the tissues also prevents the deterioration of the conjunctiva, one of the main factors when it comes to explaining the failure of surgery in those patients who used drops for a long period of time and who at a certain moment decided operate.
We know that the failure of these surgeries is associated with the changes that appear in the conjunctiva due to the irritative action of the drops. Patients treated with autologous serum present less irritation and the prognosis for success in surgery is much higher.
Our advice
The message we want to convey is that those patients who suffer from Glaucoma and are subjected to a treatment of drops, should consult their ophthalmologist about ocular protection factors, especially when they suffer from a dry eye syndrome, lack of tears or irritation. eyes with the drops. It's better to prevent than to cure.
En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada we are experts in the treatment of medical and surgical glaucoma. If you suffer from this condition do not hesitate to come see us.
