What if you start losing your vision without even realising it? That’s the case with millions of people living with glaucoma. Often known as the “silent thief of sight,” it is a condition that quietly damages the optic nerves, which eventually leads to vision loss and complete blindness over time.
The most alarming part of glaucoma is that the disorder is present without any typical symptoms. Hence, it is important to seek a glaucoma specialist, especially for those who are at a higher risk, to prevent complications and difficulty in treatment.
In this blog, we will break down everything related to glaucoma—what it is, types, troublesome signs, causes, risk factors, and preventive measures.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that slowly damages the optic nerve—the part of the eye that is responsible for transmitting visual signals to the brain. It is mainly caused by increased pressure inside the eye, known as the intraocular pressure (IOP). However, it can also affect individuals with a normal IOP range.
According to reports, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness around the world. The disorder is progressive and painless, resulting in delayed diagnosis until it reaches the advanced stage, where vision loss occurs.
Fortunately, many types of glaucoma are treatable, especially when diagnosed early. Moreover, with proper management, it is possible to delay the progression of reduced eyesight.
Types of Glaucoma
Knowing the type of glaucoma you have is the key to getting an accurate evaluation and treatment from a glaucoma specialist.
There are many different types of glaucoma, but the condition mainly falls under the following categories.
- Primary open-angle glaucoma: Open angle is formed between the inside of the sclera and the outer edge of the iris, which allows the fluid to drain properly. In primary open-angle glaucoma, the angle remains open, due to which drainage becomes less efficient, leading to a gradual buildup of pressure.
- Primary angle closure glaucoma: The condition happens when the drainage angle of the eye becomes completely blocked, which results in a sudden rise in eye pressure.
- Secondary glaucoma: This is a type of glaucoma where there is an increase in eye pressure due to conditions such as eye injuries, uveitis, inflammation, and the use of steroids.
- Congenital glaucoma: It is a rare type that is present at birth or develops in early childhood due to abnormal development of the eye’s drainage system.
- Normal tension glaucoma: Here, the optic nerve gets damaged despite having normal or low intraocular pressure levels.
- Pigmentary glaucoma: This type is characterised by the release of pigment granules from the iris, which gradually blocks the eye’s drainage system, leading to elevated pressure.
What are the Warning Signs?
Glaucoma in the early stage is asymptomatic, meaning patients do not experience any troublesome or noticeable symptoms. Some of the common problems that are indicators of the condition are as follows:
- Double or blurry vision
- Eye pain and redness
- Intense headache
- Vomiting or nausea
- Diminished peripheral vision
- Coloured halos surrounding lights
As these symptoms are often attributed to other eye disorders like refractive errors and eye fatigue, patients overlook them, which results in a delay. Hence, to avoid any kind of visual impairment, consult a glaucoma specialist for early intervention.
Causes of Glaucoma
The primary cause of glaucoma is damage to the optic nerves, which occurs due to elevated intraocular pressure. However, there are other factors that contribute to its development.
- Overproduction of aqueous humour
- Poor drainage of this fluid
- Underlying medical conditions like diabetes, high pressure, and heart disorders
- Genetic mutations
- Structural abnormalities
- Physical injury to the eye
- Corneal thickness
What are the Risk Factors of Glaucoma?
Certain people are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma. Take a look at the following risk factors, which will help you take preventive actions.
- People over 60 years of age
- Having a first-degree relative with glaucoma
- Severe refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Prolonged use of steroid medications
- Neglected cataract
- Eye inflammation, trauma, and injury
- Thin corneas
- Medical issues such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypotension, and hypothyroidism
Ways to Prevent Vision Loss From Glaucoma
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent glaucoma, here are the steps you can take to prevent diminished eyesight
- Get regular eye examinations to assess your optic nerve health, eye pressure, and vision fluid at intervals.
- Know your family history and, if required, opt for frequent screenings.
- Wear protective eyewear, especially during sports, working with any tools, or any activity that can injure the eye.
- Protect your eyes from UV rays.
- Exercise regularly at a moderate pace
- Include foods in your diet that are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3s.
- Control your underlying conditions.
Conclusion
Glaucoma can be silent; however, it is not unbeatable. With proper awareness and timely treatment from an experienced glaucoma specialist at Susrut Eye Foundation and Research Centre, it is possible to manage the condition.
Susrut is a reputed eye hospital with a team of specialists to provide comprehensive eye care services, thereby ensuring that each patient receives the best care.