Glaucoma. What is it and what can we do about it?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damages the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss or blindness, often due to increased pressure inside the eye. It’s characterised by damage to the optic nerve and can be treated with eye drops, oral medication, or surgery to reduce eye pressure.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of glaucoma:
What is glaucoma?
- Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain.
- This damage can lead to vision loss and, in some cases, blindness.
- Glaucoma is often associated with increased pressure inside the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP).
- The optic nerve damage is a consequence of increased fluid pressure in the eye.
- The condition is often called the “sneak thief of vision” because symptoms can be subtle and progress slowly.
Types of Glaucoma:
Open-angle glaucoma: The most common type, where fluid in the eye drains too slowly, leading to increased pressure.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: occurs when the angle between the iris and cornea is very narrow or closed causing a sudden buildup of pressure.
Symptoms:
- Many people with glaucoma, especially those with open-angle glaucoma, don’t experience symptoms in the early stages.
- Potential symptoms include:
- Loss of side vision (peripheral vision)
- Severe throbbing eye pain
- Eye redness
- Headaches
- Blurred or foggy vision
- Halos around lights
- Nausea and vomiting (in some cases)
- Sudden, unexpected vision problems
- Loss of side vision (peripheral vision)
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma symptoms can appear suddenly and include:
- Sudden, severe eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Seeing halos around lights
- Red eyes
- Sudden, unexpected vision problems, especially in poor lighting
- Sudden, severe eye pain
Diagnosis:
Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting glaucoma, especially for those at higher risk.
- Diagnosis is by a comprehensive eye exam where an ophthalmologist will assess the eye pressure, the optic nerve and the angle between the iris and cornea.
- During a comprehensive dilated eye exam, the doctor will:
- Check the eye pressure
- Check the optic nerve
- Check the visual fields
- Ask about medical history, family history, and current medication
- Check the eye pressure
Treatment:
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but early treatment can often prevent or slow down vision loss.
- Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to protect the optic nerve.
- Common treatments include:
- Eye drops to reduce fluid production or increase drainage
- Oral medications to lower eye pressure
- Laser therapy or drainage surgery to improve fluid drainage
- Eye drops to reduce fluid production or increase drainage
Risk Factors:
- Age: The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age, particularly after 60.
- Family history: Having a family history of glaucoma increases your risk.
