Glaucoma is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss. The disease is often called “the silent thief of sight” because it may progress without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Several treatment options can help manage the condition and slow its progression.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is necessary for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve is commonly associated with increased pressure in the eye. There are multiple types of glaucoma, with the most common being open-angle and angle-closure. Open-angle glaucoma develops gradually, while the angle-closure type can occur suddenly and may cause a rapid increase in eye pressure, making it a medical emergency. The progression of the condition can lead to peripheral vision loss initially, but as the condition advances, central vision may also be affected.
What Are the Causes and Symptoms?
The primary cause of glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure. This occurs if the eye’s drainage system becomes blocked or does not function effectively, leading to fluid buildup inside the eye. Increased eye pressure is a significant risk, but it is worth noting that the condition may also develop in individuals with normal eye pressure.
Other potential contributing factors include:
- Age, with a higher prevalence in individuals over 40 years old
- Family history can increase susceptibility
- Medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
- Eye injuries or previous eye surgeries
- Chronic use of corticosteroid medications
Symptoms
Glaucoma symptoms can vary depending on the type and its progression. Open-angle glaucoma often develops gradually and may not present noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Over time, individuals may experience a loss of peripheral vision.
Angle-closure glaucoma, on the other hand, can occur suddenly and may present symptoms such as:
- Severe eye pain
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Seeing halos or rainbows
How Is It Treated?
There is no cure for glaucoma. A variety of treatments can manage and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment depends on the type, the severity of the condition, and the individual’s overall health.
Laser Treatments
This procedure uses a focused beam of light to improve fluid drainage or reduce fluid production in the eye. Trabeculoplasty improves the drainage system in open-angle glaucoma. Iridotomy creates a small opening in the iris to treat angle-closure glaucoma. Laser therapy is typically performed in an outpatient setting.
Surgery
Surgical interventions may be necessary for more advanced cases of glaucoma or if other treatments prove ineffective. Surgical options aim to enhance fluid drainage or create new drainage pathways to lower intraocular pressure. Trabeculectomy removes part of the eye’s drainage system to improve outflow. Glaucoma drainage devices involve implanting tiny tubes in the eye to help drain fluid. Though these procedures can be effective, they do carry risks. Recovery time may vary depending on the surgery.
When to Seek Professional Eye Care
Glaucoma is a progressive condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to protect vision. Regular comprehensive eye exams are recommended to detect early signs of glaucoma, especially for individuals at risk due to age, family history, or medical conditions. If you experience symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain, or halos around lights, seek evaluation from an eye care professional immediately. Sudden symptoms could indicate an acute form of glaucoma that requires urgent treatment.