Migraine and glaucoma? | Glaucoma FAQ | /

SLT laser

SLT laser is a form of "cold laser" that does not burn the trabecular meshwork - rather it stimulates it to enhance drainage of fluid out of the eye. The results are modestly impressive - 5 year results indicate a 20-30% drop in eye pressure. It is a treatment that can be repeated, and surgery to control pressure can be delayed or postponed indefinitely as a result.

Latest items

Glaucoma news

Memantine is a new drug for glaucoma, that has undergone extensive trials to establish its effectiveness. Disappointingly, it has not demonstrated the benefits expected, and plans to release this medication in the UK are therefore on hold.

News

Migraine and glaucoma?

Written by Web master
Wednesday, 12 May 2004
Is migraine connected with glaucoma? Migraine is often associated with a form of glaucoma called normal pressure glaucoma. Visual symptoms experienced in migraine include zig zag lines, and headache. A patient drew their experience of visual symptoms and this is shown below: migraine glaucoma image Migraine is very common phenomenon and most of those with migraine do not ever develop glaucoma, but those with normal pressure glaucoma very often have a history of migraine. Often migraine may have occurred only many years previously. Migraine is a condition affecting blood vessels. It is believed that spasm of blood vessels in the optic nerve can affect perfusion (ie the ready flow of blood into the nerve) and therefore this increases the risk of developing glaucoma in some patients. Various factors increase the risk of developing a migraine, including diet. The following have been associated with migraine: cheese chocolate alcohol, particularly red wine orange juice (rarely) Other factors include "stress".
Last Updated ( Sunday, 16 November 2008 )

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Medication

Medications for glaucoma

Glaucoma medications are constantly improving and new agents combine prosta drugs and beta blockers. This improves 'compliance' ie how well the medication is taken, as many patients forget to take drops.

Iridotomy

Latest news

Laser iridotomy is performed to reduce the risk of or to treat primary angle closure ("narrow angle glaucoma"). This type of glaucoma can be associated with longsightedness, and may run in the family, as with other types of glaucoma. Iridotomy is a safe procedure, and prevent angle closure in most cases, but does not eliminate the risk. Sometimes cataract surgery is preferred as a primary option.

Types

Appointments

There are over a hundred types of glaucoma. Most commonly, in the UK, patients have Primary Open Angle Glaucoma ("POAG"). Most types of glaucoma are treated the same. Some variants progress at different rates, but most types progress slowly but surely (ie lead to visual field loss) without treatment. Another common type is Normal Pressure Glaucoma. This tends to be more slowly progressive. Secondary glaucomas are rare (less than 5%), as is congenital glaucoma.