What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a silent thief of sight—one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. This progressive eye disease damages the optic nerve due to increased intraocular pressure, leading to gradual vision loss. The most alarming part? It often creeps in without noticeable symptoms until significant damage is done.

Understanding glaucoma, its causes, symptoms, and prevention methods can help safeguard your vision.

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. While some people may experience gradual vision changes, others may notice sudden and severe symptoms. Below are the warning signs:

1. Loss of Vision

One of the most significant indicators of glaucoma is glaucoma vision deterioration, where blind spots appear in peripheral or central vision.

2. Blurry Vision

Blurred or hazy vision is an early warning sign, especially in angle-closure glaucoma where the pressure spikes suddenly.

3. Persistent Headache

High intraocular pressure can lead to intense headaches, often accompanied by eye pain.

4. Eye Redness

Redness in the eye is another symptom of glaucoma disease, indicating increased intraocular pressure or inflammation.

5. Stomach Upset, Nausea, and Vomiting

In acute cases, sudden pressure spikes can lead to nausea and vomiting, often misattributed to other conditions.

6. Pain in the Eye

Discomfort or severe pain in the eye may indicate phacolytic glaucoma or phacomorphic glaucoma, where lens changes obstruct normal fluid drainage.

7. Early Presbyopia

Difficulty focusing on nearby objects may suggest early onset of eye disorders linked to glaucoma.

Causes of Glaucoma

Several factors contribute to glaucoma. While some are hereditary, others arise due to lifestyle and medical conditions. Glaucoma Causes Included:

1. Build-up of Aqueous Humor Inside the Eye

The eye maintains internal pressure by producing and draining aqueous humor. A blockage in this drainage system can lead to excessive pressure.

2. Genetic Reasons

Family history significantly increases the risk of developing glaucoma symptoms over time.

3. Birth Defects

Congenital defects in the eye’s drainage system can cause childhood glaucoma.

4. Blunt or Chemical Injury

Trauma or exposure to harmful chemicals can disrupt the normal flow of fluids inside the eye.

5. Acute Eye Infection

Certain infections cause inflammation and scarring, leading to glaucoma disease.

6. Blockage by Blood Vessels Inside the Eye

Poor circulation can cause vessel blockages, increasing the risk of glaucoma vision loss.

7. Inflammatory Conditions

Autoimmune diseases like uveitis can trigger secondary glaucoma.

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is not a one-size-fits-all disease. It manifests in different forms, each requiring specific treatments.

Congenital Glaucoma

Present at birth due to improper development of the eye’s drainage system.

Lens Induced Glaucoma

Occurs when changes in the lens obstruct normal fluid drainage, leading to phacolytic glaucoma or phacomorphic glaucoma.

Malignant Glaucoma

A rare but severe form that can occur post-surgery, leading to rapid vision loss.

Secondary Glaucoma

Caused by medical conditions like diabetes, trauma, or prolonged use of steroids.

Open Angle Glaucoma

The most common form, where pressure builds up gradually over time without early symptoms.

Closed Angle Glaucoma

A sudden increase in eye pressure due to blocked drainage, requiring immediate medical attention.

Glaucoma Risk Factors

Are you at risk? Identifying these factors can help with early detection and prevention.

1. Are You Over 60 Years of Age?

Age is a significant risk factor, as the drainage system naturally weakens over time.

2. Have High Internal Eye Pressure?

Elevated intraocular pressure is a primary contributor to glaucoma.

3. Have a Family Member Diagnosed with Glaucoma?

A strong genetic link exists, making family history a key risk factor.

4. Have Certain Medical Conditions?

Diabetes, hypertension, and anemia increase glaucoma susceptibility.

5. Have Thin Corneas?

Thin corneas lead to inaccurate pressure readings, masking high intraocular pressure.

6. Have Extreme Nearsightedness or Farsightedness?

Severe refractive errors alter the eye’s anatomy, increasing glaucoma risk.

7. Have Had Eye Injuries or Surgeries?

Trauma and surgical procedures can alter fluid dynamics inside the eye.

8. Taking Corticosteroids for a Long Time?

Prolonged steroid use can trigger secondary glaucoma.

How to Prevent Glaucoma

While glaucoma cannot be completely prevented, early detection and lifestyle changes can slow its progression.

1. Have Eye Checkups Often

Routine exams help detect glaucoma symptoms before irreversible damage occurs.

2. Be Aware of Your Family’s Medical History

If glaucoma runs in your family, regular screenings are essential.

3. Keep Fit and Eat Healthy

A diet rich in leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants promotes eye health.

4. Protect Your Eyes While Performing Tasks That Could Cause Injuries

Wearing protective eyewear during sports or hazardous activities prevents trauma-induced glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a serious but manageable condition if diagnosed early. Prioritizing regular eye exams, understanding risk factors, and taking preventive measures can help protect your sight. If you experience any glaucoma symptoms, consult an eye specialist immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Glaucoma

How common is glaucoma disease?

Glaucoma is a common eye disease that leads to the damage of the optic nerve. This damage to the optic nerve, which transmits information from the eyes to the brain, results in vision loss. If not treated properly, visual loss may be temporary or permanent. A change in the eye’s internal fluid pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), is the most common cause of Glaucoma.

Glaucoma affects around 70 million individuals globally. In 2020, glaucoma disease will affect over 80 million individuals worldwide, with the number anticipated to rise to over 111 million by 2040. Glaucoma is the main cause of irreversible blindness, accounting for 12.3% of all blindness worldwide.

What is the difference between an open angle and closed angle glaucoma?

Below we have given an insight into both these two types of glaucoma:

Open angle glaucoma: The most prevalent type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma. It has no symptoms at first; however, side (peripheral) vision is lost at some time, and without treatment, a person can become completely blind.
Closed angle glaucoma: Angle-closure glaucoma, also known as closed angle glaucoma, is a less prevalent kind of glaucoma. It happens when the drainage system in the eye gets fully obstructed, causing the pressure inside the eye to rapidly rise.

Can hereditary be one of the glaucoma causes?

Glaucoma can be inherited in some cases, and many experts around the world are researching genes and their effects on the disease. Glaucoma is not always hereditary, and the circumstances that lead to the beginning of the illness are yet to be fully understood.

What is considered as normal intraocular pressure?

The measurement of eye pressure is in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). The typical range for eye pressure is 12-22 mm Hg, while pressures more than 22 mm Hg are considered abnormal. Glaucoma is not caused by high eye pressure alone. It is, nonetheless, a considerable risk factor. Individuals with high eye pressure should get comprehensive eye exams by an eye care specialist on a regular basis to screen for signs of glaucoma.

Is there a glaucoma cure?

Unfortunately, there is no glaucoma cure, and the vision loss resulted due to it is irreversible. If someone suffers from open-angle glaucoma, it has to be monitored for the rest of their life.

However, it is possible to slow down or stop additional vision loss using the medication, laser treatment, and surgery. The most important thing to remember here is that the first step in preserving your vision is to get a diagnosis. So, never ignore it if you experience any discomfort in your vision.

What's the difference between glaucoma and ocular hypertension?

When the classic optic nerve and vision alterations occur, glaucoma disease is diagnosed, usually with raised eye pressure but rarely with normal pressure. Ocular hypertension occurs when the intraocular pressure is higher than usual, but the person does not display indications of glaucoma.

What does 'tunnel vision' mean?

If not treated adequately in the early stages of glaucoma disease, it can severely affect the peripheral vision, leading to a condition known as ‘tunnel vision. Tunnel vision eliminates your ‘side vision,’ limiting your field of view to images in your central vision or straight ahead.

How does glaucoma disease get diagnosed?

If you feel that you are experiencing any glaucoma symptoms, it can be detected during a full dilated eye examination. The examination is straightforward and painless: your doctor will dilate (widen) your pupil with eye drops before checking your eyes for glaucoma and other eye issues.

A visual field test is included in the exam to examine your side vision. People with a family history of glaucoma should have their eye pressure and optic nerves tested frequently since they are at a higher risk of developing the condition.

Do not ignore eye trouble!

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