Essential Information About Glaucoma Risks and Treatments
Discover essential facts about glaucoma, including its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent permanent vision loss caused by optic nerve damage due to increased eye pressure. Understand how age, underlying health conditions, and fluid drainage issues contribute to this silent sight thief.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerves, potentially leading to permanent vision loss. It is among the top causes of blindness worldwide. Higher risk groups include African Americans over 40, Hispanics over 60, and individuals with a family history of the disease.
The condition arises when intraocular pressure increases, damaging the optic nerves responsible for transmitting visual signals to the brain. This pressure results from impaired fluid drainage in the anterior chamber, a space in the front of the eye.
In the anterior chamber, nourishing fluids circulate to maintain eye health. When drainage slows, fluid accumulates, raising intraocular pressure and damaging the optic nerves. This nerve damage impairs vision, and if untreated, leads to blindness. The optic nerves relay visual data, and damage causes irreversible vision loss.
Various factors cause glaucoma, often linked to increased eye pressure:
Impaired Drainage System
As people age, the eye's drainage capacity weakens, leading to fluid buildup and pressure increases.
Blocked Drainage Angle
The angle between the iris and cornea narrows with age due to lens growth, trapping fluid and elevating pressure.
Underlying Conditions
Eye injuries, abnormalities, certain medications, and post-surgical effects can contribute to the disease.
Reduced Blood Supply
Hardened arteries can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve, causing damage even if intraocular pressure stays normal.
Signs and Symptoms - Often silent in early stages, glaucoma shows no pain or warning signs initially. As it progresses, symptoms like blurred vision, eye pain, halos around lights, nausea, and vomiting may appear, especially in acute cases.
Approaches to Treatment - Treatment aims to lower intraocular pressure. Medications like eye drops are first-line options. If ineffective, laser surgery or conventional operations can create new drainage pathways or enhance fluid outflow, preventing further nerve damage and preserving vision.
