Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can cause permanent vision loss if not treated properly. It’s one of the leading causes of blindness around the world, but with early detection and treatment, you can manage it and protect your sight.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, which sends visual information from your eye to your brain. It is often linked to increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). This pressure can damage the optic nerve over time, leading to vision loss if not addressed.
There are two main types of glaucoma:
- Open-angle glaucoma: The most common type, where the drainage system in the eye becomes less efficient, leading to increased pressure gradually.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: A more urgent form, where the angle between the iris and cornea narrows and blocks fluid from draining, causing a sudden increase in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of glaucoma isn’t fully understood, several factors may contribute to it:
- High Eye Pressure: Increased fluid inside the eye causes pressure to rise, which can damage the optic nerve.
- Age: People over 40 are more likely to develop glaucoma.
- Family History: If your family members have glaucoma, you’re at a higher risk.
- Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease can increase the risk.
- Eye Injuries or Surgeries: Past injuries or surgeries can also raise the risk of glaucoma.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
The tricky part about glaucoma is that in its early stages, it usually has no symptoms. That’s why regular eye exams are so important. As glaucoma progresses, you may notice:
- Loss of Peripheral Vision: You may lose side vision, making it hard to see things out of the corner of your eyes.
- Tunnel Vision: In more advanced stages, you may only see straight ahead, like looking through a tunnel.
- Eye Pain and Redness: With angle-closure glaucoma, you may experience sudden, severe eye pain, redness, nausea, and vomiting.
- Blurred Vision: This can be a sign that the pressure in your eye is increasing.
If you notice any of these symptoms, see an eye doctor immediately.
Diagnosing Glaucoma
We offer thorough eye exams to diagnose glaucoma. Some of the tests include:
- Measuring Intraocular Pressure (IOP): This is the primary test to check if your eye pressure is too high.
- Optic Nerve Examination: To look for any signs of damage to the optic nerve.
- Visual Field Test: To detect any loss of peripheral vision.
- Gonioscopy: This test looks at the drainage angle of your eye to check for blockages.
Treatment Options
While glaucoma can’t be cured, it can be managed with the right treatment. The goal is to reduce eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment options include:
- Eye Medications: The most common treatment, these can lower eye pressure by reducing fluid production or improving fluid drainage.
- Laser Treatment: Laser procedures can help improve the drainage of fluid in the eye, lowering pressure.
- Laser Trabeculoplasty: A procedure to treat open-angle glaucoma.
- Laser Iridotomy: For angle-closure glaucoma, creating a small hole in the iris to allow fluid to drain more effectively.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery is needed to create a new drainage channel for the eye fluid.
Preventing and Managing Glaucoma
While you can’t always prevent glaucoma, there are things you can do to manage it and protect your vision:
- Regular Eye Exams: Especially if you’re over 40 or have a family history of glaucoma, regular eye exams can catch glaucoma early, before significant damage is done.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: If you’re diagnosed with glaucoma, it’s important to take your medications as prescribed and attend follow-up appointments.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking can help maintain your eye health.
- Know the Signs: Be aware of changes in your vision and seek treatment right away if you notice any symptoms.
Glaucoma is a serious but manageable condition. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent vision loss and protect your quality of life. At Sri Bhaskara Eye & Dental Clinics, we offer the latest diagnostic tools and treatments to manage glaucoma effectively. If you’re at risk, or if you’re experiencing changes in your vision, don’t wait—schedule an eye exam today.
Contact us at Sri Bhaskara Eye & Dental Clinics to book an appointment and take the first step in safeguarding your vision!
