Understanding Glaucoma: Early Signs, Causes, and Prevention Strategies

Glaucoma, the silent thief of vision, affects the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and blindness. It also affects individuals of any age. Although glaucoma is primarily associated with increased pressure, it is not the only cause. This blog clearly explains glaucoma, its signs and symptoms, its causes, and its prevention.  

Glaucoma causes:

Glaucoma causes optic nerve damage, leading to blind spot development and increased eye pressure. The eyes secrete a fluid that flows between spaces in the eye layers. A tiny passage between the iris and the cornea drains the fluid. Disturbance in the drainage of this fluid leads to fluid accumulation in the eye, which leads to increased pressure. The optic nerve is made of tiny nerve fibers that die, eventually leading to the development of blind spots and, ultimately, blindness.  

Glaucoma causes and types vary based on how fluid pressure increases. They are:  

• Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type, in which an open drainage angle between the iris and cornea increases eye pressure.  
• Acute-angle closure glaucoma occurs suddenly due to swelling of the iris layer in the eye, narrowing the fluid drainage passage and increasing the eye pressure.  
• Normal-tension glaucoma occurs due to fatty deposits in the eye's blood vessels, which damage circulation and the optic nerve.  
• Pigmentary glaucoma is another kind in which granules strip off from the iris, blocking fluid drainage and increasing eye pressure.  
• A family history of glaucoma, old age, medical conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, and severe sight issues increase the risk of having glaucoma.  

Glaucoma signs and symptoms:

• Open-angle glaucoma does not exhibit any symptoms in its starting stage. However, as the condition progresses, patchy blind spots may develop in peripheral vision and central vision may also be affected.  
• Acute-angle closure glaucoma symptoms include severe headache, eye pain and redness, blurred vision, and visualizing colored rings on seeing lights.  
• Norma tension glaucoma also shows no symptoms in its early stage except gradual blurring of vision and loss of peripheral vision as it progresses.  
• Pigmentary glaucoma symptoms include visualizing halos around lights, blurring vision with exertion, and gradually losing peripheral vision.  

Glaucoma Diagnosis:

An eye doctor or an ophthalmologist diagnoses glaucoma. They will prescribe various tests such as:

• Tonometry – to measure the eye pressure  
• Dilated eye examination – to see the optic nerve damage  
• Visual field tests – to identify the loss of vision  
• Pachymetry – to measure corneal thickness  
• Gonioscopy – to see the drainage angle  
• Imaging tests – to see the optic nerve damage  

Glaucoma treatment:  

Glaucoma is an irreversible eye disease, meaning eye damage cannot return to normal. Early detection is the key to glaucoma treatment. The main aim of treatment is to reduce the pressure in the eye by using eye drops, medications, surgery, or a combination of these.  

• Prescription Eyedrops reduce eye pressure by improving fluid drainage and secretion.  
• Prescription eyedrops vary based on the amount of pressure, as sometimes more than one type is prescribed for glaucoma treatment.  
• Eye drops may be associated with side effects that can be controlled by reducing the drugs' absorption into the bloodstream.  
• Pressing the corners of the eyes after taking eye drops, closing the eyes after putting the drops, and wiping off excessive medicine reduces absorption.  
• Oral medicines are given for glaucoma treatment if eye drops are not sufficient.  
• Surgical options such as trabeculoplasty, trabeculectomy, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery improve drainage, open the fluid to drain, and reduce pressure in the eyes.  

Glaucoma prevention:

If identified soon, glaucoma prevention can help to slow the disease progression and prevent vision loss. 

• Go for regular eye checkups and get glaucoma screening done, which helps in early diagnosis and glaucoma prevention.
• Frequent glaucoma screening is advised if an individual has a family history.  
• Wearing protective eyewear prevents eye injuries that help prevent glaucoma.  
• Prescription eye drops to control glaucoma progression.  

Conclusion

Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by optic nerve damage and increased fluid pressure. It can develop suddenly, but regular checkups can prevent it. Fortis Hospital has experienced ophthalmologists who specialize in glaucoma management. Fortis also has advanced technology that can help improve patient outcomes in early diagnosis and management.