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Glaucoma

Overview

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is crucial for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60.

Types of Glaucoma
  • Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the most common type. It happens gradually as the eye does not drain fluid as well as it should. This leads to increased eye pressure, which can damage the optic nerve.
  • Angle-Closure Glaucoma This type occurs when the drainage angle in the eye becomes blocked. It can cause a sudden increase in eye pressure and is considered a medical emergency.
  • Normal-Tension Glaucoma: In this type, optic nerve damage occurs even though the eye pressure is not very high.
  • Secondary Glaucoma: This type results from another eye condition, injury, or medication.
  • Congenital Glaucoma: This is a rare form that occurs in babies due to incorrect development of the eye's drainage canals before birth.

Symptoms Of Glaucoma

Open-Angle Glaucoma: No symptoms in early stages. Gradually, patchy blind spots in peripheral vision.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Severe eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, halos around lights, eye redness.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma: No symptoms in early stages. Gradually, blurred vision.

Congenital Glaucoma: Large eyes, excessive tearing, cloudiness of the cornea, sensitivity to light.

Detection Methods & Treatment Options

    Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting glaucoma early. Tests may include:

  • Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside your eye.
  • Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the shape and color of the optic nerve.
  • Perimetry: Tests your field of vision.
  • Gonioscopy: Inspects the drainage angle.
  • Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of your cornea.
  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Takes images of the optic nerve fibers.
Treatments

    While glaucoma damage cannot be reversed, treatment can slow or prevent further vision loss. Treatment options include:

  • Medication: Eye drops or pills to reduce eye pressure.
  • Laser Therapy: Trabeculoplasty to improve drainage.
  • Surgery: Procedures like trabeculectomy or drainage implants to help fluid drain from the eye.