Article Reviewed By: Dr. Shradha Goel
Table of Contents
What is Glaucoma?
Causes and risk factors:
Symptoms and Early Detection of Glaucoma:
Diagnosis of Glaucoma:
Treatment Options for Glaucoma:
Living with Glaucoma:
Get the Premium care for Glaucoma at Arohi Eye Hospital :
We all must have heard of glaucoma. It is a serious eye condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure. This silent thief of sight often shows no symptoms until the collateral damage has been done, and that is why it is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, affecting over 70 million people.
Although many people might have heard the name, it is crucial to understand it so that we can stop it before it causes more damage and causes us to lose our vision.
In this article, we’ll talk about the essential facts about, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. By raising awareness about it, we can encourage protective eye health management and prevent the devastating impact of this disease.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma, an often misunderstood eye condition, can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Its symptoms are generally missed until the advanced stage. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is essential for good vision. This damage is often due to abnormally high intraocular pressure in the eye.
There are different types of glaucoma :
- Open-angle glaucoma:
This is the most common type, in which the drainage angle in the eye remains open, but the fluid doesn’t drain properly.
- Angle-closure glaucoma:
In this type, the drainage angle gets blocked, and these blockages cause sudden increases in eye pressure.
- Normal-tension Glaucoma:
Even when normal eye pressure is within the normal range, it can damage the optic nerve.
If it is not treated, it can lead to irreversible vision loss and blindness. The condition typically affects peripheral vision first and progresses silently, often without symptoms, until significant damage has occurred. Regular eye exams from an ophthalmologist in Mumbai are crucial for early detection and management to prevent severe vision impairment.
Causes and risk factors:
The primary cause of glaucoma is the build-up of intracranial pressure (IOP) due to inadequate drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid in the eyes. This increased pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. Other potential causes include eye injuries, severe eye infections, blocked blood vessels, and inflammatory conditions.
Key risk factors for glaucoma include:
- Age: People over 60 are at higher risk.
- Family History: A family history of glaucoma increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
- Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are more susceptible to certain types of glaucoma.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease can elevate the risk.
- Other Factors: Prolonged use of corticosteroids, severe myopia, and previous eye injuries can also increase risk.
Early detection and regular eye exams are crucial for managing and preventing glaucoma-related vision loss.
Symptoms and Early Detection of Glaucoma:
Glaucoma is known as the silent thief of eyes because it often progresses slowly and silently. Even without any strong symptoms, some common symptoms can include loss of peripheral vision, seeing halos around lights, and experiencing eye pain. Some people will also encounter blurry vision and redness in the eye.
Early detection of glaucoma is crucial as it can prevent severe vision loss. Since the disease can progress without noticeable symptoms, regular monitoring is vital to catch it early. Timely treatment can help manage the condition and prevent it from getting worse.
So, when it comes to early detection, regular eye exams are quite necessary. Specifically, they are necessary for people who are at higher risk, like individuals over 60, those who have a family history of it, or people who have certain medical conditions like diabetes. You can get your eyes checked by a glaucoma specialist in Mumbai to detect early signs of it and allow you to get prompt treatment and better outcomes in maintaining eye health.
Diagnosis of Glaucoma:
To diagnose it there are several types of tests are used:
- Tonometry:
Measures the pressure inside the eye ( intraocular pressure). High pressure is a risk factor for it.
- Ophthalmoscopy:
This procedure examines the optic nerve for damage. The doctor uses drops to dilate the pupil and a special lens to inspect the nerve.
- Visual Field Test:
This test assesses peripheral (side) vision and helps detect vision loss, a common sign of glaucoma.
What to Expect During a Glaucoma Examination:
During a glaucoma exam, patients may expect to have their eye pressure checked using a tonometer, their pupils dilated for ophthalmoscopy, and their vision field examined. The exams are usually harmless, although they may demand patience. Dilation eye drops may produce temporary blurry vision and light sensitivity. Regular check-ups are critical for early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma:
There are different types of treatment options available,
- Medications:
Glaucoma is commonly treated with drugs, especially eye drops. These drops lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by either reducing fluid production in the eye or boosting fluid outflow. Prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, and alpha agonists are among the most common. When eye drops are inadequate, oral drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may be recommended.
- Laser Treatment:
Laser therapies, including eye trabeculoplasty, are successful at decreasing IOP. Trabeculoplasty employs a laser to enhance fluid outflow from the eye. Another alternative is laser iridotomy, which makes a small hole in the iris to increase fluid flow. These procedures are usually rapid and less invasive.
- Surgery:
When medicines and laser treatments fail to provide results, surgical options are explored. Trabeculectomy entails constructing a new drainage conduit for the ocular fluid. Drainage implants, also known as shunts, are microscopic devices that assist fluid drain from the eye. These operations are intended to avoid additional vision loss by dramatically decreasing IOP. You can find the best eye surgeon in Mumbai as they provide you with the best care that is tailored according to your needs.
Living with Glaucoma:
Living with glaucoma requires diligent management through consistent adherence to treatment plans and regular eye check-ups. Lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking, can support overall eye health. Support from family, friends, and support groups can provide emotional and practical assistance, making it easier to cope with the condition. Preventative measures, including wearing protective eyewear and managing other health conditions like diabetes, are essential for maintaining optimal eye health.
Get the Premium care for Glaucoma at Arohi Eye Hospital :
In conclusion, the article highlighted the importance of understanding and preventing glaucoma. Regular eye exams are crucial for the early detection and management of this condition. We encourage everyone to prioritize their eye health and consult their healthcare provider regularly. Share this article to raise awareness about glaucoma and ensure you stay informed and proactive about your eye care. Taking these steps can help maintain good vision and overall well-being.
For premium glaucoma care, Arohi Eye Hospital is dedicated to providing you with the highest standard of medical excellence. Our team of experienced ophthalmologists utilizes cutting-edge technology to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. Trust us to safeguard your vision with personalized and compassionate care.
Book your appointment today to take the first step towards better eye health.
Dr. Shradha Goel
Dr. Shradha Goel, Chief Surgeon at Arohi Eye Hospital, is a renowned Phaco-LASIK surgeon with over 10,000 surgeries to her credit. She earned her MBBS from Grant Medical College, Mumbai, and a Master’s in Ophthalmology from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. As a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. Goel specialises in LASIK, refractive errors, and cataract treatments.