Glaucoma – is a chronic eye disease that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve. It is most commonly associated with increased intraocular pressure but may also develop when intraocular pressure is within the normal range. A distinctive feature of glaucoma is that it often causes almost no symptoms in its early stages, while vision changes that have already occurred cannot always be reversed.
This is why it is important to detect the condition as early as possible and begin treatment promptly. Lviv Medical Center provides comprehensive glaucoma diagnostics, ongoing monitoring, selection of medication therapy, and, when necessary, laser or surgical treatment. This helps control the progression of the disease and preserve vision for as long as possible.
Do you suspect glaucoma, or has it been a long time since your eye pressure was checked?
Schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist at Lviv Medical Center—early diagnosis helps preserve your vision.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve is gradually damaged. Impaired transmission of visual information from the eye to the brain can lead to narrowing of the visual field, the appearance of “blind spots,” and, without timely treatment, irreversible vision loss.
The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to reduce and stabilize intraocular pressure at a level that is safe for the individual patient. Normal values may vary, so the treatment strategy is always selected individually, taking into account the condition of the optic nerve, the visual field, and the course of the disease.
What causes it?
Glaucoma may develop due to several factors. One of the most common causes is impaired drainage of intraocular fluid, which increases intraocular pressure and gradually damages the optic nerve.
Elevated intraocular pressure
Elevated intraocular pressure is one of the main risk factors for glaucoma. Because a person often does not notice such changes, regular tonometry and preventive eye examinations are important.
Hereditary predisposition
If glaucoma has been diagnosed in close relatives, the risk of developing the condition is higher. In this case, regular examinations by an ophthalmologist and monitoring of intraocular pressure are recommended.
Age over 40
The likelihood of developing glaucoma gradually increases with age. After the age of 40, intraocular pressure, the condition of the optic nerve, and the visual field should be checked regularly, even in the absence of symptoms.
Comorbidities
The risk of glaucoma may be higher in people with diabetes, vascular diseases, high myopia, previous eye injuries, or a history of ophthalmic surgery. In such cases, regular monitoring by an ophthalmologist is particularly important.
Symptoms and manifestations
Open-angle glaucoma
This is the most common form of glaucoma. It usually progresses slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms for a long time. The visual field may gradually narrow. Measurement of intraocular pressure, examination of the optic nerve, OCT, and perimetry are important for early detection.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
It may develop suddenly and be accompanied by severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision, rainbow-colored halos around light sources, and sometimes nausea. This condition requires urgent assessment by an ophthalmologist.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
With this form of the disease, optic nerve damage occurs even when intraocular pressure is within the normal range. Optic nerve OCT, visual field testing, and regular follow-up over time are particularly important for diagnosis.
Who needs glaucoma treatment?
Glaucoma treatment is necessary for patients with a confirmed diagnosis, as well as for people at high risk of disease progression. You should also consult an ophthalmologist if an examination reveals elevated intraocular pressure, changes in the optic nerve, or visual field defects.
You should see an ophthalmologist if you experience:
Diagnostic testing before glaucoma treatment in Stryi
Intraocular pressure measurement
Fundus examination
Optic nerve OCT
Perimetry
Gonioscopy
Glaucoma treatment methods at LMC in Stryi
Medication treatment
Prostaglandin analogues
Beta-blockers
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Combination medications
Laser treatment
Selective laser trabeculoplasty
Laser iridotomy
When might laser treatment be needed?
Surgical treatment
Endotrabeculectomy
EX-PRESS shunt implantation
Sinus Trabeculectomy
Do not delay a consultation if you have already been diagnosed with glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure
An ophthalmologist can help select the appropriate treatment method—eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery—depending on your condition.
How is glaucoma treated in Stryi?
- Ophthalmologist consultation
- Intraocular pressure measurement
- Optic nerve examination
- OCT, perimetry, and other tests as indicated
- Selection of the treatment method
- Monitoring treatment effectiveness
- Regular follow-up monitoring
Stages of glaucoma
Early stage
Advanced stage
Late stage
Terminal stage
Cost of glaucoma treatment
The cost of treatment depends on the form of the disease, the extent of diagnostic testing, and the selected treatment method.
Benefits of treatment at Stryi Medical Center
At Stryi Medical Center, glaucoma diagnosis and treatment are provided by ophthalmologists experienced in managing patients with chronic eye conditions. The approach includes a comprehensive assessment of the optic nerve, monitoring of intraocular pressure, and ongoing observation of the course of the disease.
Comprehensive diagnosis of eye diseases
personalized treatment selection
medical, laser, and surgical treatment
ongoing patient monitoring
experienced ophthalmologists
the ability to monitor coexisting eye conditions
Frequently asked questions
Can this disease be cured completely?
Glaucoma is a chronic disease that requires ongoing monitoring. Modern treatment can lower intraocular pressure, slow disease progression, and preserve visual function for as long as possible.
Will vision be restored after therapy?
Vision changes caused by damage to the optic nerve are usually irreversible. Therefore, the main goal of glaucoma treatment is to preserve existing vision and prevent further deterioration.
What are the first symptoms of glaucoma?
In its early stages, glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms. Over time, narrowing of the visual field, blurred vision, rainbow-colored halos around light sources, or eye discomfort may occur. This is why regular preventive examinations are important.
How often should intraocular pressure be checked?
After the age of 40, it is advisable to have intraocular pressure checked during regular ophthalmology examinations. If there is a hereditary predisposition, diabetes, high myopia, or an existing glaucoma diagnosis, the doctor determines the examination schedule individually.
Can surgery be avoided?
In many cases, glaucoma treatment begins with medication or laser procedures. Surgery is considered when other methods do not provide adequate control of intraocular pressure or when the disease continues to progress.
Is the Surgery Painful?
Glaucoma surgery is performed under anesthesia, minimizing pain during the procedure. Temporary discomfort may occur after surgery; the doctor will explain what to expect before treatment.
How much does glaucoma surgery cost in Lviv?
The cost of surgery depends on the type of surgical procedure, whether a drainage system needs to be implanted, and the extent of preoperative diagnostics. You can view the current price in the clinic’s price list or confirm it during your consultation.
Which specialist treats this condition?
Glaucoma is diagnosed and treated by an ophthalmologist. If the patient requires surgery, an ophthalmic surgeon becomes involved in their care.
Do I need to use eye drops after surgery?
After surgery, the doctor may prescribe eye drops for a certain period. In some cases, medications to control intraocular pressure may continue to be necessary. The treatment regimen is determined individually.
What happens if you decline treatment?
Without treatment, glaucoma can gradually damage the optic nerve and lead to irreversible narrowing and loss of the visual field. Regular monitoring of intraocular pressure and timely treatment help slow the progression of the disease.
Glaucoma can develop without symptoms for a long time, but its effects are irreversible
Schedule a diagnostic examination and consultation with an ophthalmologist at Lviv Medical Center to assess risks promptly and select the appropriate treatment.
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Vitreoretinal surgery
- Removal of a Subluxated Crystalline Lens
- Closed vitrectomy
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
- Vision diagnostics
- Examination before laser vision correction
- Pachymetry
- Tonometry
- Retinal coagulation
- Keratoconus Treatment
- Laser vision correction
- Cataract treatment
- Artificial Lens (IOL) Implantation
- Phakic lens implantation
- Pterygium Treatment