Understanding Glaucoma: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Glaucoma is an eye disorder that damages the optic nerve. It usually occurs when excessive fluid accumulates in the front part of the eye making it difficult to see. This excessive fluid increases the intraocular pressure (IOP), damaging the optic nerve. It is the leading cause of blindness in people above 60 years, but early detection and treatment can prevent it.

The disease is also called the “Silent thief of sight” since it has no symptoms in its early stages and has already caused damage when it becomes apparent. In addition, the damage caused by the disease is irreversible, so early detection and timely intervention are significant.

Types of Glaucoma

There are two major types of Glaucoma:

Open-Angle Glaucoma

It is the most common type of Glaucoma. The aqueous humour discharge from the eye is abnormal, resulting in excessive fluid accumulation and increased intraocular eye pressure. It is asymptomatic and does not show signs until the vision loss occurs.

Even people with normal eye pressure can develop open-angle glaucoma. Such people are at a high risk of developing the disease and should consult an eye specialist as soon as possible to combat its progression.

Closed-Angle Glaucoma

Angle-closure or narrow-angle glaucoma occurs when the iris is very close to the eye drainage. This situation leads to the blockage of eye drainage obstructing the flow of aqueous humor, resulting in increased intraocular pressure. The attack is sudden and an immediate medical intervention is needed to handle the situation. This condition can take away your vision.

Though the attack is silent, some symptoms can be seen before the attack including severe headaches, eye pain, a halo around the lights, nausea, and blurry vision. The problem arises slowly, but it can progress quickly and have an immediate effect.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

People infected with the disease show no symptoms until they experience vision loss and consult an ophthalmologist. A routine eye check-up is the only source to identify open-angle glaucoma in the early stage and keep a check on its progression.

The angle-closure glaucoma has the following symptoms:

• Severe headache
• Blur vision
• Halo or rings around the objects
• Nausea (Sensation of vomit)
• Eye pain due to an increase in IOP
• Red eyes

What Causes Glaucoma?

The optic nerve is located in the posterior part of your eye and sends signals to the brain, allowing you to see the object. This nerve is composed of tiny, delicate nerve cells. When the pressure in the front of the eye rises due to irregular drainage of eye fluid, the optic nerve gets damaged, resulting in blurred or dim vision. Most people are unaware of the damage because it occurs so slowly.

However, some people also develop the disease with normal eye pressure and are at a high risk of irreversible vision loss. Such people should visit for regular eye checkups with specialists.

Risk Factors

The disease can infect anyone but some classes of people are at high risk of developing the disease. These are as follows:

• Having a thin cornea
• Are prone to high pressure in the eye
• Age more than 60 years
• Having nearsighted
• Under medication such as corticosteroid
• Having a family history of glaucoma
• Undergone an eye surgery
• Met with a severe eye injury
• Frequent smoking

In addition to this, some health conditions are also responsible for developing the disease such as:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Eye Tumour
• Heart Disease

Conclusion

The vision loss that occurs due to glaucoma is irreversible, however, with early detection and proper treatment the progression can be restricted. Some of the prominent treatments for glaucoma include the use of eye drops, tablets, eye surgery and laser treatment. MM Joshi Eye Institute, Hubli, is one of the leading eye speciality hospitals equipped with the latest technology and a team of super specialist doctors who can discover the disease in the early stage and reduce its impact with the appropriate intervention.