Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that often creeps in without any warning signs. Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” it can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve, the crucial pathway that carries visual information from the eye to the brain.
This damage is typically caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye.
Types of Glaucoma
Open-Angle Glaucoma:
This is the most common type of glaucoma, marked by a slow and gradual increase in IOP due to poor drainage of aqueous humor. It often progresses without noticeable symptoms until late stages.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma:
In this type, the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked or closed, leading to a rapid increase in IOP. Symptoms, such as severe eye pain and blurred vision, are often sudden and require immediate medical attention.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma:
Even with normal IOP, some individuals can develop glaucoma due to other factors like poor blood flow to the optic nerve.
Secondary Glaucoma:
This type results from underlying conditions like trauma, diabetes, or certain medications.
Symptoms
Early-stage glaucoma typically shows no symptoms, which is why regular eye exams are essential. However, as the condition progresses, individuals may experience the following:
Medical
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing glaucoma involves several tests, including measuring IOP, assessing the optic nerve, and visual field testing. Once diagnosed, glaucoma is typically managed with one or a combination of the following treatments: