Glaucoma is a disease of the eyes that leads to the damage of the optic nerve, and worsens over time. Glaucoma occurs as a result of the buildup of pressure in the eyes. This disease can be inherited, and might also develop later in life. The elevated intraocular pressure compresses the optic nerve. The function of the optic nerve is to transmit signals to the brain. However, the compression of the nerve can lead to the blindness, which might not be reversible. Majority of people affected by glaucoma do not present with any signs and symptoms in the early stage of the disease. Only an optician can identify the disease. This is why it’s important to undergo regular checkup, to prevent the complication of glaucoma. There are two main types of glaucoma. These are open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. Open-Angle glaucoma takes time to develop, and it’s not associated with pain. In addition, the patient may experience a deterioration of their peripheral vision, and central vision that might lead to total blindness if not well managed. On the other hand, closed-angle glaucoma also presents gradually. However, it can also present with an abrupt onset. Some of the symptoms of this condition include blurred vision, eye discomfort, redness of the eye, mid-dilated pupil and so on. Some of the risk factors of glaucoma include family history, increased intra-ocular pressure, hypertension and so on: the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. This is because the progression of the disease can be reduced with proper management. Physicians do give medication, surgery and so on. The main aim of treatment is to reduce the intra-ocular pressure. Studies have shown that glaucoma is more prominent in old people. Researchers are working on ways to make use of shockwaves for the treatment of this disease.
Early Warning Signs Of Glaucoma
- Eye discomfort: Individuals affected with glaucoma may experience pain in the eyes. This pain might be dull or sharp. This might also present as a generalized pain in the eyes.
- Halos: This is one of the most initial symptoms of glaucoma. Patients tend to see halos around lights. This usually occurs at night times, especially when looking at streetlights, or the light from oncoming vehicles.
- Increased pressure in the eyes: The increase in the intraocular pressure is one of the initial symptoms of glaucoma. Glaucoma mainly occurs as a result of the raised pressure in the ocular cavity.
- Redness of the eyes: Persons affected with glaucoma do present with redness of the eyes. This tends to persist for a long time. You should consult a physician immediately if you notice such development.
- Loss of vision: People affected with glaucoma do have a deterioration in their vision. This might affect one eye, or the two. You should consult your physician if you notice a blind spot in your field of vision before it gets worse.
What Are the Types of Glaucoma?
There are various types of glaucoma. Below are some of the common ones;
- Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most prominent type of glaucoma. It occurs when the trabecular meshwork is fully or partially blocked. This would lead to the buildup of pressure in the eyes. The raised intraocular pressure would lead to the compression of the optic nerve, which would eventually lead to the loss of vision. The affected person might not notice the deterioration of vision until it becomes too late.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: This is the type of glaucoma that happens when the iris pushes out to obstruct the drainage angle formed by the iris and cornea. Just like open-angle glaucoma, this also raises the pressure in angle-closure This disease can have either a sudden or gradual onset.
- Normal-tension glaucoma: This is the type of glaucoma in which the optic nerve gets damaged, although the intraocular pressure is normal. The exact cause of this disease isn’t known yet. However, some reasons behind this have been suggested. As an illustration, it has been suggested that the reduction in the supply of blood to the optic nerve can lead to the development of this disease. In addition, the buildup of plaques in the artery could also lead to this condition.
- Congenital glaucoma: This is a condition that happens in children. This usually develops from birth, or shortly after birth.
What Are the Risk Factors Of Glaucoma?
There are many factors that could lead to the development of glaucoma. Some of these factors include the following;
- Age: Studies have shown that glaucoma is more common in people that are above the age of 60.
- Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups are more prone to having glaucoma as compared to others. For example, people from East Asia have increased chances of developing angle-closure glaucoma, because of their shallower anterior chamber depths.
- Family history: People that have relatives affected by glaucoma have a high risk of also developing the disease.
- Eye conditions: People with severe eye conditions such as extreme myopia and hypermetropia are more prone to developing glaucoma.
- Eye injury: People with a previous eye injury, or that have undergone a type of eye surgery also have a high risk of developing the disease.
- Chronic use of medications: People that have used eye medications such as corticosteroid eye drops have a high probability of developing glaucoma
- Other diseases: Persons with medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and so on, are also prone to developing glaucoma.
How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
Physicians diagnose this disease by evaluating the signs and symptoms of the patient. In addition, they also measure the intraocular pressure of the patient. Other tests they might carry out include testing for damages of the optic nerve, checking for blind spots in the visual field, and measuring the thickness of the corneal.
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
Open-angle glaucoma can be treated by using eye drops. Laser surgery can also be used for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. Conventional surgeries are used for the treatment of those with congenital glaucoma.
References
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Karl, M. (2013). The potential of stem cell research for the treatment of neuronal damage in glaucoma. Cell and Tissue Research, 353(2), pp.311-325.
Li, Y., Li, D., Ying, X., Khaw, P. and Raisman, G. (2015). An energy theory of glaucoma. Glia, 63(9), pp.1537-1552.
