Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

A group of eye conditions that can cause damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending the visual information to the brain. This damage occurs due to increased pressure inside the eye, which can lead to a gradual loss of vision.

2 types of glaucoma

  1. Open-angle glaucoma: this is the most common type of glaucoma. It develops slowly over time and is often associated with a gradual buildup of pressure inside the eye. There are normally no noticeable symptoms until there is significant vision loss.

  2. Angle-closure glaucoma: this is less common, but it occurs when there is a sudden blockage of the drainage angle in the eye (think of a kink in a water hose) that can lead up to a rapid increase of pressure inside of the eye. Symptoms of acute angle-closure can be sudden eye pain, headache, blurred vision, and even nausea and vomiting.

symptoms can include

  • vision loss

  • tunnel vision

  • halos and blurry vision

  • eye pain

  • redness and increased sensitivity to light

  • nausea and vomiting

who might be at risk?

Glaucoma can affect people of all ages, but some may be at a higher risk of developing the condition.

The primary risk factors include:

  • Age: glaucoma becomes more common as we age and the risk increases significantly after the age of 40.

  • Family History: if there is a history of glaucoma in your family, your risk at developing it is higher.

  • Increased Intraocular Pressure: elevated eye pressure is a significant risk factor for glaucoma.

  • Medical Conditions: certain medical conditions can increase your risk of glaucoma. These include diabetes and high blood pressure.

  • Eye Anatomy: the shape and structure of the eye can also influence the risk of glaucoma. Eyes with shallow anterior chambers, where the drainage angle is narrow, are more susceptible to angle-closure glaucoma.

  • Previous Eye Injuries or Surgeries

Treatments

  1. Prescription Eye Drops

  2. Oral Medications

  3. Laser Therapy

    • Laser Trabeculoplasty: this used a laser to improve the drainage of the aqueous humor.

    • Laser Iridotomy: this is used to treat angle-closure glaucoma, creating a small hole in the iris.

  4. Surgical Procedures

    • Glaucoma Drainage Devices: small implants are in the eye to facilitate the drainage, then lowering the eye pressure.

  5. Combination Therapy

    • This will be a combination of multiple different treatments to achieve better pressure control.

It is important for patients to follow their treatment plan consistently and attend regular follow-up appointments. Glaucoma is a chronic condition and the goal of treatment is to prevent further vision loss.

Arpita Bhasin