Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve of the eye is damaged. It is usually caused by excessively high pressure inside the eye, although this is not always the case.
Aqueous humor, the fluid inside the eyes normally drains out of the eye through a mesh-like channel. If these channels become completely or partially obstructed, the natural pressure in the eyes, known as intraocular pressure (IOP) may increase.
This increasing pressure can destroy the optic nerve tissue over time, resulting in vision loss or blindness. A person may be able to prevent further loss of eyesight if it’s caught early.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. It primarily affects individuals over the age of 40, but it can also affect young adults, children, and even infants.
What are the risk factors for developing glaucoma?
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African American, Irish, Russian, Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit, or Scandinavian descent
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>40 years of age
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Family history of glaucoma
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Short sightedness or long-sightedness
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Poor vision
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Diabetes mellitus
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Use of steroid medications such as prednisone
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Use of certain medications for bladder control or seizures, or some over-the-counter cold remedies
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Injury to the eyes
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Corneas that are thinner than normal
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Hypertension, heart diseases, Sickle cell anemia
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High eye pressure
What Are the Types of Glaucoma?
The two major types of glaucoma are:
Open-Angle (Chronic) Glaucoma
This usually has no signs or symptoms except gradual vision loss. This loss may be so slow that a person’s vision can suffer irreparable damage before any other signs become apparent. This is the most common type of glaucoma.
Angle-Closure (Acute) Glaucoma
If the flow of aqueous humor fluid in the eye is suddenly blocked, the rapid buildup of fluid may cause a severe, quick, and painful increase in pressure. This is an emergency situation. You should call your doctor immediately if you begin experiencing symptoms such as severe pain, nausea, and blurred vision.
Less common types of glaucoma include:
Normal Tension Glaucoma
This is when there are blind spots in a person’s vision or the optic nerve is damaged, even though the eye pressure is within the average range. Some experts say it’s a form of open-angle glaucoma.
Congenital Glaucoma
Children born with congenital glaucoma have a defect in the angle of their eye, which slows or prevents normal fluid drainage. Congenital glaucoma usually presents with symptoms, such as cloudy eyes, excessive tearing, or sensitivity to light. Congenital glaucoma can run in families.
Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma is often a side effect of injury or another eye condition, such as cataracts, diabetes or eye tumors. Medications such as corticosteroids, may also cause this type of glaucoma. Rarely, eye surgery can cause secondary glaucoma.
Pigmentary glaucoma
In pigmentary glaucoma, tiny bits of pigment from the iris-which is the colored part of the eye, get into the fluid inside the eye and clog the drainage canals.
What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
The most common type of glaucoma which is primary open-angle glaucoma has no signs or symptoms except the gradual loss of side or peripheral vision. This is why glaucoma is often called the "sneak thief of vision".
As a result, it's important to schedule yearly comprehensive eye exams so that your ophthalmologist can monitor any changes in your eyesight.
Acute-angle closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. If you experience any of the following symptoms, see your doctor immediately:
Diagnosis
Your doctor will review your medical history and conduct a comprehensive eye examination and tests which would include:
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Measuring intraocular pressure (tonometry)
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Testing for optic nerve damage with a dilated eye examination and imaging tests
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Checking for areas of vision loss (visual field test)
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Measuring corneal thickness (pachymetry)
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Inspecting the drainage angle (gonioscopy)
Prevention
These self-care steps can help you identify glaucoma in its early stages, which is important for preventing loss of vision or slowing its progress.
Get regular dilated eye examinations: Glaucoma can be detected early on in the course of a comprehensive eye checkup, before it causes significant damage. If you're under 40 years old, you should have a comprehensive eye exam every five to ten years; every two to four years if you're 40 to 54 years old; every one to three years if you're 55 to 64 years old; and every one to two years if you're over 65. If you're at risk for glaucoma, you'll need to get your eyes checked more frequently. Enquire with your doctor about the best screening schedule for you.
Be aware of your family's history of eye problems: Glaucoma is a disease that runs in families. If you're at a higher risk, you may need to be screened more frequently.
Exercise safely: Regular, moderate exercise may help prevent glaucoma by reducing eye pressure. Consult your doctor about an exercise routine that is right for you.
Use prescription eyedrops on a regular basis: Glaucoma eyedrops can dramatically lower the risk of glaucoma developing from increased eye pressure. Even if you don't have any symptoms, eyedrops prescribed by your doctor must be used on a regular basis to be effective.
Wear eye protection: Glaucoma can develop as a result of serious eye damage. When using power tools or participating in enclosed court high-speed racquet sports, wear eye protection.
Kindly consult with one of our specialists on the Doctorcare247app if you have concerns about your eye health.
