Glaucoma । What is Glaucoma?

 What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma

In this disease the optic nerve gets damaged. The optic nerve is important because it connects the eye to the brain. Vision loss can also occur if it persists for a long time. This damage is usually caused by high pressure inside the
eye, which is also known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Increased pressure inside the eye can damage the optic nerve, which can lead to loss of vision. The condition is often called the "silent thief
of sight"
because it can cause permanent vision loss without any noticeable
symptoms
until it's too late.

What Causes of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma Causes

The
exact cause of glaucoma is not known, but there are several factors
that can increase your risk of developing the disease. These include:

• Age:  Often people above the age of 60 are at an increased risk of contracting the disease.
• Genetics: Sometimes people get this disease on the basis of heredity, that is, if the parents have this disease, then it is possible that the child will also get it.
• Medical conditions:
  Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and
  heart disease can increase your risk of developing glaucoma.
• Eye injuries: If you have had an eye injury in the past, you are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma.
  

Symptoms of Glaucoma

In
the early stages, glaucoma may not have any symptoms. As the disease
progresses, however, you may start to notice changes in your vision.
These changes may include:

• Blurred vision
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Halos around lights
• Difficulty adjusting to dark rooms
• Tunnel vision in advanced stages

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnosing Glaucoma

Diagnosing Glaucoma

To diagnose glaucoma, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam, which may include the following tests:

• Tonometry: This test measures the pressure inside your eye.
• Ophthalmoscopy: This test allows your eye doctor to examine the optic nerve for signs of damage.
• Visual field test: In this test, the doctor measures the patient's peripheral vision.
• Gonioscopy: This test examines the drainage angle between the cornea and iris.

If your eye doctor suspects that you have glaucoma, they may perform additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Treating Glaucoma

Treating Glaucoma

While
there is no cure for glaucoma, there are several treatments available
that can help manage the disease and prevent further vision loss. The
most common treatments for glaucoma include:

• Eye drops: Eye drops can be used to lower IOP and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
• Oral medication: In some cases, oral medication may be used to lower IOP.
• Laser therapy: Laser therapy can be used to open the drainage system inside the eye and lower IOP(intraocular pressure).
• Surgery: If other treatments are not effective, surgery may be necessary to lower IOP(intraocular pressure).

Who Is at Risk of Glaucoma?

Some people are more at risk of developing glaucoma than others. Age is one of the most significant risk factors for glaucoma. As you get older, your risk of developing the disease increases. Often people above the age of 60 are at an increased risk of contracting the disease.

Glaucoma disease also happens on the basis of heredity. It is essential to tell your eye doctor if anyone in your family has had glaucoma so that they can monitor your eyes more closely.

Other risk factors for glaucoma include high blood pressure, diabetes, and nearsightedness. If you have any of these conditions, you may be at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Additionally, if you have had an eye injury, you may be at an increased risk of developing glaucoma.

Certain medications can also increase your risk of developing glaucoma. If you are taking steroid medications, you should speak to your doctor about the potential risks of developing glaucoma. Steroids can increase the pressure in the eye, which increases the risk of glaucoma.

It is also essential to note that some ethnic groups are more at risk of developing glaucoma than others. African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians. Additionally, people with African ancestry are more likely to develop a severe form of glaucoma called primary open-angle glaucoma.

What Are the Types of Glaucoma?

There are several types of glaucoma, and each has its own characteristics and treatment options.

(1) Open-angle glaucoma: 

This is the most common type of glaucoma, affecting around 90% of people with the disease. In open-angle glaucoma, the eye's drainage system becomes less efficient over time, causing a buildup of pressure that damages the optic nerve. As the disease progresses, the vision of the eyes becomes blurred and if untreated, the patient may lose his sight. Treatment usually involves eye drops or other medications to lower eye pressure, and sometimes surgery.

(2) Angle-closure glaucoma: 

This occurs when water cannot drain out of the eyes and then there is a sudden increase in pressure in the eyes, causing eye pain and loss of vision.  Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage. Treatment is also possible with eye drops and laser surgery etc.

(3) Normal-tension glaucoma: 

The exact cause of normal-tension glaucoma is unknown, but it's thought that poor blood flow to the optic nerve may play a role. Symptoms are similar to open-angle glaucoma, but treatment involves lowering eye pressure even further than usual, often with eye drops.

(4) Congenital glaucoma: 

This is the form of glaucoma that is present at birth based on heredity and tends to develop during childhood.  It's caused by an abnormality in the eye's drainage system, which prevents fluid from draining properly and leads to increased eye pressure. Symptoms include enlarged eyes, cloudy corneas, and excessive tearing. Surgery is usually required to correct the drainage problem and lower eye pressure.

(5) Secondary glaucoma: 

This type of glaucoma is caused by other eye conditions or diseases, such as eye injuries, inflammation, or tumors. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause, but may include eye drops, surgery, or treatment of the underlying condition.

Preventing Glaucoma

Preventing Glaucoma

Preventing
glaucoma may not always be possible, but there are steps you can take
to lower your risk of developing the disease. In a way, regular eye examination is necessary, because it is also done on the basis of heredity. It can be controlled by adopting regular exercise and balanced diet etc. Protecting your
eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses and protecting your eyes from
injury are also important steps to take. While there is no quaranteed
way to prevent glaucoma, taking these steps can help reduce your risk
and keep your eyes healthy.