Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye, which can damage the optic nerve, the nerve responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage can result in permanent vision loss if not addressed promptly. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, but with early intervention, its progression can often be slowed or prevented.

Types of Glaucoma

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma:

  • The most common form of glaucoma, where the drainage channels in the eye become gradually clogged over time, leading to increased eye pressure.

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma:

  • Occurs when the iris is very close to the drainage angle in the eye, which can suddenly become blocked, causing a rapid increase in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

• Normal-Tension Glaucoma:

  • In this type, optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure levels. The exact cause is not well understood, but it may involve reduced blood flow to the optic nerve.

• Secondary Glaucoma:

  • Caused by other medical conditions or medications, such as eye injuries, inflammation, or steroid use.

• Congenital Glaucoma:

  • A rare form that occurs in infants due to developmental abnormalities in the eye’s drainage system.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can develop without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. However, some potential symptoms include:

• Gradual Loss of Peripheral Vision: Often unnoticed until the disease has progressed significantly.
• Tunnel Vision: In advanced stages, patients may experience a narrowing of their field of vision.
• Severe Eye Pain and Headache: Particularly in cases of acute angle-closure glaucoma.
• Halos Around Lights: Seeing halos or rainbow-colored circles around lights.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Can accompany acute glaucoma attacks.

Causes and Risk Factors

Glaucoma can be caused by various factors, including:

• Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP): The most significant risk factor, though glaucoma can occur with normal IOP.
• Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after 60.
• Family History: A strong genetic component; having relatives with glaucoma increases your risk.
• Ethnic Background: Higher prevalence in African American, Hispanic, and Asian populations.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease may increase the risk.

Diagnosis of Glaucoma

A comprehensive eye examination is crucial for diagnosing glaucoma. Our eye care professionals will perform several tests, including:

• Tonometry: Measures the intraocular pressure.
• Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the optic nerve for damage.
• Perimetry: Tests the visual field to detect areas of vision loss.
• Gonioscopy: Examines the drainage angle in the eye to differentiate between open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed images of the optic nerve and retina to detect damage.