Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve. This nerve sends messages from the eye to the brain. When it gets damaged, vision is affected. If not treated, it can cause blindness. It happens when there is too much pressure inside the eye. Many people do not notice it at first. It develops slowly. Early detection is important. Regular eye check-ups help in finding it early.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects millions of people. It mostly happens in older adults. But younger people can get it too. It is one of the main causes of blindness. Pressure builds up inside the eye. This puts stress on the optic nerve. If the pressure stays high for a long time, the nerve gets damaged. Once vision is lost, it cannot be restored. But treatment can help slow it down.
Glaucoma Symptoms
In the early stages, there are no symptoms. Many people do not know they have glaucoma. It is often called the “silent thief of sight.” As it gets worse, symptoms start to appear. Some common symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Loss of side vision
- Seeing rainbow colours around lights
- Eye pain
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting (in severe cases)
If any of these symptoms appear, a doctor should be seen. Early treatment helps protect vision.
Glaucoma Causes
Glaucoma happens when pressure inside the eye becomes too high. The eye makes a fluid called aqueous humour. This fluid flows out through a tiny drain. If the drain gets blocked, the fluid cannot leave. This causes pressure to build up. The optic nerve gets damaged over time.
Some people have a higher risk. These factors increase the chance of getting glaucoma:
- Age over 60
- Family history of glaucoma
- High eye pressure
- Thin corneas
- Diabetes
- Long-term use of steroids
- Previous eye injury
People with these risks should get regular eye check-ups.
Types of Glaucoma
There are different types of glaucoma. Each type affects the eye in a different way. Some develop quickly. Others take years to show symptoms.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
This is the most common type. It happens slowly over time. The drainage system of the eye does not work well. Fluid builds up, and pressure increases. Vision loss happens gradually. Many people do not notice it until a lot of vision is lost. Regular eye exams help detect it early.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This type happens suddenly. The drainage system gets blocked completely. Pressure rises quickly. Severe pain, nausea, and vision loss can happen. It is a medical emergency. Treatment should be given immediately to prevent blindness.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
In this type, optic nerve damage happens even when eye pressure is normal. The exact cause is unknown. It may be due to poor blood flow to the optic nerve. Regular check-ups help detect it early.
Congenital Glaucoma
Some babies are born with glaucoma. It happens when the drainage system does not develop properly. Symptoms include cloudy eyes, excessive tearing, and light sensitivity. Surgery is often needed to correct it.
How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
Eye doctors check for glaucoma using different tests. A complete eye exam is done. Some of the tests include:
- Tonometry: Measures eye pressure.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the optic nerve for damage.
- Perimetry: Checks for vision loss.
- Pachymetry: Measures cornea thickness.
- Gonioscopy: Looks at the drainage system of the eye.
These tests help in early detection. People over 40 should have regular eye exams. Those with a family history should start even earlier.
Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma cannot be cured. But it can be managed. Treatment helps slow vision loss. The main goal is to lower eye pressure.
Eye Drops
Most people with glaucoma use eye drops. These help reduce eye pressure. Some work by decreasing fluid production. Others help fluid drain better. Eye drops must be used every day. Missing doses can make the condition worse.
Medications
Some people need pills along with eye drops. These help reduce fluid production. They should be taken as prescribed. Side effects may include fatigue and upset stomach.
Laser Treatment
Laser surgery can help improve drainage. It is a quick procedure. It is done in the doctor’s office. It does not cure glaucoma, but it helps control eye pressure.
Surgery
If other treatments do not work, surgery may be needed. The doctor creates a new drainage channel for the fluid. Surgery can help lower pressure for a long time. But regular follow-ups are needed.
Preventing Glaucoma
Glaucoma cannot always be prevented. But some steps help lower the risk.
- Regular Eye Exams: Early detection is key.
- Protecting Eyes: Wear safety glasses to prevent injuries.
- Eating Healthy: Green leafy vegetables, fish, and nuts support eye health.
- Exercise: Helps improve blood flow to the eyes.
- Avoiding Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of eye diseases.
Living with Glaucoma
People with glaucoma can still live a normal life. Early treatment makes a big difference. Some changes can help make daily life easier. Using bright lights when reading helps. Marking important items with large labels is useful. Special glasses and magnifiers help improve vision.
Support groups are also helpful. Talking to others with glaucoma gives emotional support. Family members should also learn about the disease. They can help remind about medications and doctor visits.
Glaucoma Myths and Facts
There are many myths about glaucoma. Knowing the facts helps in better care.
- Myth: Glaucoma only affects old people.
- Fact: It can happen at any age. Even babies can have it.
- Myth: There are warning signs before vision loss.
- Fact: Most people do not notice it until it is advanced.
- Myth: It is not serious if there is no pain.
- Fact: Many types of glaucoma do not cause pain. But they still damage vision.
- Myth: Eye drops are enough to control it.
- Fact: Some people need more than just eye drops. Laser treatment or surgery may be needed.
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease. It does not always show symptoms early. Many people do not know they have it. But it can cause permanent vision loss. Regular eye check-ups help detect it early.
Treatment is available. Eye drops, medications, laser therapy, and surgery help manage it. Following the doctor’s advice is important. Skipping treatment can make the condition worse.
Protecting eye health is necessary. Eating healthy, exercising, and wearing protective glasses help. Family members should also get their eyes checked. If there is a family history of glaucoma, the risk is higher.
Vision is precious. Taking care of the eyes should be a priority. Regular check-ups can save eyesight. If there are any concerns about vision, a doctor should be seen. Early action makes all the difference.