More about Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage your optic nerve. The optic nerve supplies visual information to your brain from your eyes. Glaucoma is usually, but not always, the result of abnormally high pressure inside your eye. Over time, the increased pressure can erode your optic nerve tissue, which may lead to vision loss or even blindness. If it’s caught early, you may be able to prevent additional vision loss. What Causes Glaucoma? The back of your eye continuously makes a clear fluid called aqueous humor. As this fluid is made, it fills the front part of your eye. Then, it leaves your eye through channels in your cornea and iris. If these channels are blocked or partially obstructed, the natural pressure in your eye, which is called the intraocular pressure (IOP), may increase. As your IOP increases, your optic nerve may become damaged. As damage to your nerve progresses, you may begin losing sight in your eye.

Types

Five major types of glaucoma exist. These are: Open-Angle (Chronic) Glaucoma – Open-angle, or chronic, glaucoma has no signs or symptoms except gradual vision loss. This loss may be so slow that your vision can suffer irreparable damage before any other signs become apparent. According the National Eye Institute (NEI)Trusted Source, this is the most common type of glaucoma. Angle-Closure (Acute) Glaucoma – If the flow of your aqueous humor fluid is suddenly blocked, the rapid buildup of fluid may cause a severe, quick, and painful increase in pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma is an emergency situation. You should call your doctor immediately if you begin experiencing symptoms, such as severe pain, nausea, and blurred vision. Congenital Glaucoma – Children born with congenital glaucoma have a defect in the angle of their eye, which slows or prevents normal fluid drainage. Congenital glaucoma usually presents with symptoms, such as cloudy eyes, excessive tearing, or sensitivity to light. Congenital glaucoma can run in families. Secondary Glaucoma – Secondary glaucoma is often a side effect of injury or another eye condition, such as cataracts or eye tumors. Medicines, such as corticosteroids, may also cause this type of glaucoma. Rarely, eye surgery can cause secondary glaucoma.

Symptoms

The most common type of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma. It has no signs or symptoms except gradual vision loss. For that reason, it’s important that you go to yearly comprehensive eye exams so your ophthalmologist, or eye specialist, can monitor any changes in your vision. Acute-angle closure glaucoma, which is also known as narrow-angle glaucoma, is a medical emergency. See your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: Severe eye pain; Nausea; Vomiting; Redness in your eye; Sudden vision disturbances; Seeing colored rings around lights; Sudden blurred vision

Treatments

Not all cases of glaucoma can be prevented, but there are steps you can take to prevent your glaucoma from worsening. Glaucoma treatment is most effective when given early. Experts agree that the best preventive step for glaucoma is to get frequent eye care and eye screenings, especially if you have diabetes. You can prevent glaucoma by exercising regularly and safely, which reduces eye pressure. It’s also important to wear protective eye gear when working with power tools or playing sports that may cause injury to your eyes.