What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disorder that affects the optic nerve of the eye. If left untreated, it worsens over time and leads to vision loss. Glaucoma damage is frequently associated with an increase in intraocular pressure.
Regular eye exams can help physicians detect glaucoma early and begin treatment as soon as possible.
What Causes the Eye Pressure?
A healthy eye produces clear fluid that progressively drains from the eye. In those with glaucoma, the eye either has too much fluid too quickly or drains away too slowly. This usually causes an increase in eye pressure, which can lead to optic nerve injury and vision issues.
Types of Glaucoma
- Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma (COAG), Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) Open -Angle Glaucoma
All these terms refer to the same ailment, which happens to be the most prevalent form. You may not notice any signs of this disorder until you lose a substantial amount of eyesight.
- Symptoms appear slowly
- The initial indicator is frequently a loss of side vision.
- Acute Closed- or Narrow-Angle Glaucoma
People frequently describe this as “the worst eye ache of their lives.” Symptoms appear quickly:
- · Severe throbbing pain in the eyes
- · Redness of the eyes
- · Migraines (on the same side as the affected eye)
- · Vision that is hazy or foggy
- · Lights with halo effects
- · Pupil dilation
- · Vomiting and Nausea
This kind of glaucoma requires immediate medical attention. Consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
Damage to the optic nerve can occur within a few hours and, if not treated within 6 to 12 hours, can result in severe irreversible vision loss or blindness, as well as a permanently enlarged (dilated) pupil.
- Infants with Congenital Glaucoma
This is most common in newborns or in the first few years of your child’s life. Among the symptoms are:
- · Tearing, light sensitivity, and eyelid spasms
- · A bigger cornea as well as clouding of the typically clear cornea
- · Eye rubbing, squinting, or keeping the eyes closed for long periods.
- Secondary Glaucoma and Related Disorders
Symptoms vary depending on what is causing the pressure to increase. Uveitis is an inflammation of the interior of your eye that might cause you to see halos. Bright lights can cause eye strain, which doctors refer to as light sensitivity or photophobia.
Glaucoma symptoms can be concealed by eye injuries such as corneal edema, hemorrhage, or retinal detachment.
If a cataract is to blame, eyesight will deteriorate for some time.
Whether you have had an eye injury, an advanced cataract, or inflammation in your eyes, your eye doctor will examine you to see if you also have glaucoma.
Topical or systemic steroid usage is another prevalent cause of subsequent glaucoma.
Is There Anyway I Can Avoid Getting Glaucoma?
While there are no established measures to lower the risk of glaucoma, you can take actions to prevent co-morbid conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and AMD progression, all of which can contribute to overall eye health,”.
Among these are:
- · Early detection and treatment
- · Keeping a healthy weight
- · Maintaining physical activity
- · Controlling your blood pressure
· Smoking cessation