Doctor Le Thi Thanh Hai, from the High-Tech Eye Center, Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, stated that Minh's vision in both eyes was 9/10, but specialized examination revealed high intraocular pressure of 24 mmHg (normal range 11-21 mmHg).

Minh has suffered from allergic conjunctivitis since he was 16, a chronic condition for which he regularly used corticosteroid eye drops.

Doctor Hai examining Minh's eyes with a slit lamp. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common condition where the conjunctiva (membrane covering the white of the eye) becomes inflamed due to contact with allergens like dust mites, pollen, or pet dander, causing itching, swelling, and redness in one or both eyes. Doctor Hai suspects that Minh's prolonged or excessive use of corticosteroid-containing medication may have caused the increased intraocular pressure.

In-depth eye examination showed no damage to Minh's visual field or optic nerve, indicating that pressure-lowering medication was not yet necessary. Doctors prescribed non-corticosteroid anti-allergy medication combined with artificial tears.

Minh also underwent a clinical immunology consultation, which identified an allergy to house dust mites. Doctors advised him to limit exposure to allergens, maintain a clean living environment, consider using an air purifier, wear glasses outdoors, and rinse his eyes daily with physiological saline.

After two weeks, symptoms significantly reduced, and intraocular pressure returned to 18 mmHg.

Increased intraocular pressure, also known as glaucoma, is a condition where pressure inside the eye rises due to impaired aqueous humor circulation. The disease often has no symptoms in its early stages but can cause optic nerve damage, visual field narrowing, and even lead to blindness if not treated promptly.

Doctors advise against self-medicating with corticosteroid eye drops or intraocular pressure-lowering drugs. Individuals experiencing persistent redness, itching, or eye irritation should seek specialized medical attention for proper examination and treatment.

Ngoc Kim Tham

*Character's name has been changed