Loading...
Loading...
InsuranceEventsGalleryDiseasesMedia Center
Patient ServicesBlogTestimonialsGlaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which is essential for clear vision, and can lead to vision loss or blindness. It is often linked to high pressure inside the eye, though it can occur even with normal eye pressure. Glaucoma can affect people of any age but is more common in older adults, and because it often develops slowly without early symptoms, vision changes may not be noticed until later stages.
The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type and stage of the condition.
●Often No Early Symptoms.
●Gradual Loss Of Side (Peripheral) Vision.
●Blurred Vision
●Eye Pain Or Pressure
●Headaches
●Halos Around Lights
●Sudden Vision Loss In Advanced Or Severe Cases
●Eye Redness.
●Nausea Or Vomiting.
Glaucoma can take different forms, each affecting the optic nerve in unique ways. Understanding these types helps identify the condition early and guide appropriate treatment.
Pen-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type. It develops slowly as the eye’s drainage system becomes less efficient, leading to gradual vision loss, often without early warning signs.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A sudden and serious form that occurs when the eye’s drainage angle closes quickly, causing a rapid rise in eye pressure. It can lead to severe eye pain and sudden vision loss and requires immediate medical care.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma: In this type, optic nerve damage happens even though eye pressure remains within the normal range. Reduced blood flow to the optic nerve may play a role.
Congenital Glaucoma: A rare condition present at birth, caused by improper development of the eye’s drainage system. It can lead to enlarged eyes, cloudiness, and sensitivity to light in infants.
Secondary Glaucoma: This form develops as a result of another problem, such as an eye injury, inflammation, diabetes, tumors, or long-term use of certain medications like steroids.
Glaucoma develops when the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. This damage is often linked to problems with eye pressure or other factors that affect the health of the optic nerve. Key causes include:
Increased Eye Pressure: When fluid in the eye doesn’t drain properly, pressure builds up, gradually damaging the optic nerve.
Poor Blood Flow To The Optic Nerve: Reduced circulation can deprive the optic nerve of essential nutrients, leading to weakening and injury.
Genetic Factors: A family history of glaucoma raises the likelihood of developing the condition, suggesting a hereditary component.
Eye Injury Or Trauma: Physical damage to the eye can disrupt normal fluid drainage, increasing pressure and risking optic nerve damage.
Eye Inflammation Or Infection: Conditions that inflame or infect the eye can interfere with fluid flow, contributing to elevated eye pressure.
Long-Term Steroid Use: Prolonged use of certain steroid medications can increase eye pressure over time.
Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease can increase susceptibility to glaucoma.
Regular eye exams are essential for early detection of glaucoma. A thorough screening typically includes:
⦁ Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside the eye.
⦁ Perimetry (Visual Field Test): Tests your side vision to see if any peripheral vision has been lost.
⦁ Gonioscopy: Examines the angle where fluid drains from your eye, helping identify the type of glaucoma.
⦁ Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed, cross-sectional images of the optic nerve and retinal layers to spot early changes.
⦁ Ophthalmoscopy (Fundoscopy): Lets the doctor look directly at your optic nerve to check for any damage.
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma. Knowing these risks helps with early detection and prevention.
⦁ Age: People over 60 are more prone to glaucoma, though it can occur at any age. Aging eyes are more vulnerable to optic nerve damage.
⦁ Family History: If someone in your family has glaucoma, your chances are higher, suggesting a genetic link.
⦁ Prolonged Steroid Use: Long-term steroid medications can elevate eye pressure, contributing to glaucoma risk.
⦁Eye Injuries Or Previous Eye Surgery: Damage or surgical procedures can interfere with fluid drainage, raising eye pressure.
⦁ Medical Conditions: Diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems can increase susceptibility to glaucoma.
⦁ Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are at greater risk for specific types of glaucoma, making regular screenings especially important.
⦁ High Eye Pressure (Ocular Hypertension): Elevated pressure in the eye can strain the optic nerve over time, even if vision seems normal.
⦁ Thin Corneas: People with thinner central corneal thickness may have a higher risk of developing glaucoma, as the eye is more sensitive to pressure changes.
Glaucoma can’t be fully cured, but early detection and treatment can protect vision. Treatment depends on the glaucoma type, eye pressure, nerve damage, and overall health, and includes several effective options.
Medications (Eye Drops or Oral Drugs): Eye drops are usually the first line of treatment. They work by lowering eye pressure either by reducing fluid production or helping fluid drain more effectively. Oral medications may also be prescribed in some cases. Regular use is essential, and doctors often tailor the type and timing to suit your lifestyle.
Laser Therapy: Laser procedures can improve drainage of eye fluid or reduce fluid production, helping to lower eye pressure. For example, laser trabeculoplasty is often used for open-angle glaucoma, while laser iridotomy is used for angle-closure glaucoma. These procedures are usually quick, outpatient treatments with minimal discomfort.
Surgery: When medications and laser therapy aren’t enough, surgical options can create a new drainage channel or improve fluid outflow to reduce eye pressure. Common surgeries include trabeculectomy and drainage implants. Surgery is more invasive but can be very effective in preventing further optic nerve damage.
Lifestyle And Monitoring: Although lifestyle changes cannot cure glaucoma, maintaining overall eye health can support treatment. This includes regular eye exams, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, exercising moderately, and avoiding smoking. Monitoring your vision and adhering to treatment plans is key to protecting your sight.
