Green Cataract (glaucoma) Screening

Glaucoma, also known as "green star," is a serious eye condition and one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. At Újbuda Medical Center, we place a strong emphasis on the early detection and effective treatment of this progressive disease. Utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and the latest therapeutic methods, our goal is to prevent vision loss caused by glaucoma and help maintain the quality of life for our patients.

In cases of glaucoma, increased internal eye pressure damages the optic nerve, eventually leading to vision loss if not addressed in time. Our ophthalmology department follows personalized examination protocols to create the most suitable treatment plan for each patient. Újbuda Medical Center is committed to providing the highest level of eye care, from glaucoma screening and diagnosis to effective treatment.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma, or scientifically known as "glaucoma," is a complex eye condition primarily caused by abnormal increases in intraocular pressure (internal eye pressure). Several risk factors contribute to its development, understanding which is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.

Increased intraocular pressure occurs when the eye's natural fluid, called aqueous humor, does not flow properly through the eye’s internal drainage system. Normally, this fluid is continuously produced and drained through a filtration system in the front part of the eye. When this process is blocked, fluid builds up, leading to a rise in pressure, which damages the optic nerve and ultimately affects vision.

Key Risk Factors for Developing Glaucoma:

• Genetic predisposition: Family history significantly increases the risk of glaucoma, especially if close relatives have been affected.

• High eye pressure: Elevated intraocular pressure is the most well-known risk factor and directly damages the optic nerve.

• Previous eye injuries: Accidents or eye surgeries that affect the internal structure of the eye can also trigger glaucoma.

• Age: The risk of glaucoma increases with age, especially after 60.

• Other health conditions: Systemic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease also heighten the likelihood of developing glaucoma.

• Long-term steroid use: Studies have shown that steroid medications, particularly when used locally (e.g., in eye drops), can raise eye pressure and increase glaucoma risk.

At Újbuda Medical Center, we prioritize early detection and prevention of glaucoma. With regular eye examinations and modern diagnostic techniques, we ensure that our patients receive the best treatment to preserve their vision and quality of life.

When is a Glaucoma Screening Recommended?

The timing of glaucoma screenings is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. At Újbuda Medical Center, we recommend that individuals with certain risk factors pay close attention to the need for regular ophthalmic check-ups.

A glaucoma screening is advised in the following cases:

• Age: Regular eye exams are recommended for everyone, but especially after age 40. The risk of glaucoma increases with age, making annual screenings essential for those over 60, and biannual exams for individuals between 40 and 60.

• Family history: If glaucoma runs in your family, early screening is particularly important since genetic predisposition significantly raises the chance of developing the disease.

• Other health conditions: Individuals managing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or those on long-term steroid therapy should also undergo more frequent eye exams.

• Previous eye problems or injuries: Those who have experienced severe eye trauma or undergone eye surgery are at higher risk of developing glaucoma.

• High eye pressure: If you've had high eye pressure in the past, it’s recommended to have your eye pressure checked annually to detect glaucoma early.

Glaucoma often remains undetected in its early stages, as it may present few or no symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preserving vision and slowing the progression of the disease. Regular ophthalmic exams, including visual field tests, eye pressure measurements, and fundus examinations, help detect glaucoma early and allow for a tailored treatment plan.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

One of the most distinctive features of glaucoma is that it often remains invisible in the early stages, as it produces almost no symptoms. This makes regular eye exams particularly important because, without timely detection, the disease can lead to severe vision impairment. At Újbuda Medical Center, we focus on early diagnosis to prevent the disease from advancing.

Common symptoms of glaucoma may include:

• Blurred vision: Gradual deterioration of vision quality, often described as affecting just one eye. This symptom may initially be mild but can lead to significant vision loss in advanced stages.

• Peripheral vision loss: Partial or complete loss of the visual field, often described by patients as “tunnel vision,” meaning peripheral vision is reduced while central vision remains sharp.

• Difficulty with night vision: Glaucoma patients frequently report difficulties seeing in low-light conditions, particularly when driving at night or in dark environments.

• Eye redness: Red eyes, which may not be painful, but can indicate increased internal pressure.

• Eye pain: Pain within the eye due to rising internal pressure, which can be either constant or intermittent. This symptom often appears in more advanced stages of the disease.

• Light sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light, especially bright sunlight or artificial lighting.

• Halos around lights: Seeing rainbow-like circles around light sources, caused by changes in the eye’s optical properties due to increased pressure.

Why Early Detection is Important

Early detection of glaucoma is essential for successful treatment. Since the disease can be asymptomatic in its early stages, regular eye exams are critical, particularly for those with the risk factors mentioned above. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before irreversible damage occurs to the vision. At Újbuda Medical Center, our modern diagnostic tools and skilled doctors ensure that glaucoma is detected and treated as early and effectively as possible.

Symptoms of an Acute Glaucoma Attack

An acute glaucoma attack, or acute angle-closure glaucoma, is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. This attack represents the most severe manifestation of the disease, and if left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness.

The typical symptoms of an acute glaucoma attack include:

• Sharp, often unbearable eye pain: This symptom begins suddenly and can be so intense that the patient cannot tolerate it. The pain often radiates to other parts of the head, particularly the forehead and temples.

• Sudden vision deterioration: During an attack, the patient may experience significant vision loss, starting with blurriness that quickly worsens due to the drastic increase in internal eye pressure.

• Severe headache: Accompanying the eye pain is a pounding headache, often one of the earliest signs of an attack.

• Nausea and vomiting: Intense eye and head pain is frequently accompanied by nausea and vomiting, adding to the patient’s suffering and the severity of the condition.

• Rainbow halos around lights: Patients often report seeing rainbow-colored halos around light sources, caused by the increased pressure inside the eye.

Why Is This Condition an Emergency?

An acute glaucoma attack is considered an emergency because the sudden and extreme rise in internal eye pressure can quickly and irreversibly damage the optic nerve. Immediate medical intervention is required to reduce the pressure, usually through medication, intravenous injections, or, in severe cases, emergency surgery.

Glaucoma Screening in Budapest

Újbuda Medical Center in Budapest offers advanced glaucoma screening services, which are crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, making early detection and treatment critical. Our expert team, equipped with cutting-edge technology, provides high-quality eye care to protect the vision of our patients.

Since glaucoma often shows no symptoms in its early stages, regular screenings help identify the disease before significant vision loss occurs.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear! Book an appointment for an ophthalmology consultation online, or call our central line at +36 1 550 7 550, where our helpful staff will assist you in scheduling an appointment.