What is Glaucoma?

Have you ever heard of the term “glaucoma”? It is a common eye disease that affects millions of people around the world. In this blog post, we will discuss what glaucoma is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. We will also discuss why it is important to have an annual eye check-up to detect glaucoma early.

Glaucoma is An Eye Disease

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is usually caused by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), the pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can cause a gradual loss of vision, starting with peripheral vision, and eventually leading to blindness if left untreated.

Types of Glaucoma:

There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma.

1. Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma, accounting for about 90% of all cases. It is caused by a slow and progressive blockage of the drainage canals in the eye, which causes the IOP to gradually increase.
2. Angle-closure glaucoma: This is a less common type of glaucoma, but it is more severe. It occurs when the iris (the colored part of the eye) blocks the drainage canals in the eye, causing a sudden and severe increase in IOP.

Symptoms of Glaucoma:

In the early stages, glaucoma may not cause any symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may occur:

1. Loss of peripheral vision: This is often the first sign of glaucoma, and it can go unnoticed for a long time.
2. Tunnel vision: This occurs when the field of vision becomes narrower and narrower.
3. Blurred vision: This can occur when the optic nerve is damaged.
4. Halos around lights: This can be a sign of angle-closure glaucoma.
5. Eye pain or redness: This can also be a sign of angle-closure glaucoma.

Causes of Glaucoma:

The exact cause of glaucoma is not known, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The following factors may increase your risk of developing glaucoma:

1. Age: Glaucoma is more common in people over the age of 60.
2. Family history: If you have a family history of glaucoma, you are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
3. Race: Glaucoma is more common in African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians.
4. Medical conditions: People with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.

Diagnosis of Glaucoma:

The only way to diagnose glaucoma is through a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, the eye doctor will measure your IOP, examine the optic nerve, and perform a visual field test. If glaucoma is suspected, the doctor may also perform additional tests, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or gonioscopy, to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Glaucoma:

The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower the IOP [Intraocular Pressure] and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. The following treatments may be recommended:

1. Eye drops: These can help lower the IOP by either reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eye or by improving the flow of fluid out of the eye.
2. Oral medications: These can also be used to lower the IOP.
3. Laser therapy: This can be used to improve the flow of fluid out of the eye, so that the pressure inside the eyeball can be stabilised.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Glaucoma is a serious eye condition, as it will slowly turn into blindness if left untreated. Patient’s vision who had been affected by glaucoma mentioned that their quality of life dropped drastically. Vision loss can affect your physical health by increasing your risk of falls and your quality of life, and it can also have a big impact on your mental health. Loss of vision has been linked to loneliness, social isolation, and feelings of worry, anxiety, and fear.