A visual condition marked by optic nerve damage, associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), can lead to progressive and irreversible vision loss. It is one of the leading causes of blindness affecting people, particularly at age 60 and older.
Glaucoma develops gradually, without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, earning it the title “the silent thief of sight.” As the condition progresses, it can result in peripheral vision loss, and if left untreated, leads to blindness.
Types of Glaucoma
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type, results from partial blockage in the eye’s drainage angle, leading to increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage, causing vision loss.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: It also known as closed-angle or narrow-angle glaucoma, occurs when eye drainage channels are completely blocked, causing sudden high intraocular pressure. It is a medical emergency needing immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: It results in optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure. Its exact cause is not fully understood, but factors like reduced blood flow and heightened optic nerve pressure sensitivity might contribute.
Recognizing Contributing factors
- Age
- Family History
- Higher prevalence of glaucoma and are at increased risk of developing the condition.
- Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease with an increased risk of glaucoma.
- Eye conditions such as eye injuries, and previous eye surgery can increase the risk of glaucoma.
Diagnosis
- Measurement of Intraocular Pressure
- Evaluation of the Optic Nerve
- Visual Field Testing
Treatment
It aims to slow the progression of the disease and preserve remaining vision.
- Medication
- Laser Therapy
- Surgery
Glaucoma is a serious eye problem where your vision gradually gets worse, often without you realizing it until it is too late. It is crucial to have regular eye check-ups to catch it early. While there is no cure, treatments like medicine, laser therapy, and surgery can help control it. More research and awareness are needed to improve how we diagnose and treat glaucoma, protecting people’s eyesight and quality of life.
