‍Glaucoma - All You Need To Know

Have you ever heard of the term "silent thief of sight"? This is a term often used to describe glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can damage your vision if left untreated. But what exactly is glaucoma, and how does it affect your eyes?

‍

Glaucoma is essentially damage to the optic nerve, the important cable that transmits visual information from your eye to your brain. This damage is often caused by a buildup of fluid pressure inside your eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). The fluid inside the eye helps it maintain its shape and function properly. However, if too much fluid builds up, it can put pressure on the delicate optic nerve. Over time, this pressure can damage the nerve fibers, leading to vision loss.

‍

While high IOP is a major risk factor for glaucoma, it's important to note that not everyone with high pressure will develop the disease. Conversely, some people with glaucoma may have normal eye pressure. This is why regular eye exams are recommended for everyone.

‍

Symptoms of Glaucoma

As we mentioned earlier, glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of sight" because it can steal your vision gradually, often without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. This is why regular eye exams are recommended for everyone. During these exams, your ophthalmologist (eye doctor) will measure your intraocular pressure (IOP) and check for any signs of nerve damage.

‍

Here are some common symptoms of glaucoma to be aware of, but remember, these symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly:

• Peripheral vision loss: This is one of the earliest signs of glaucoma. You might start to miss things on the sides of your field of vision, as if you're looking through a tunnel.

‍

• Tunnel vision: In advanced glaucoma, your central vision may also start to deteriorate, making your field of view progressively narrower, much like looking through a long, narrow tunnel.

‍

• Eye pain (acute glaucoma): While not typical of chronic glaucoma, sudden and severe eye pain is a symptom of acute angle-closure glaucoma, a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

‍

• Redness (not always present): While some people with glaucoma may experience redness in the eye, it's not a universal symptom. The absence of redness shouldn't lull you into a false sense of security.

‍

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially sudden vision changes or severe eye pain, your should see your eye doctor right away.

‍

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma isn't just one disease; it's an umbrella term for a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve. While they all share the potential for vision loss, the underlying causes and how they affect your vision can differ. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

‍

1. Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most prevalent form of glaucoma, affecting millions of people globally.  If your eye has a drainage system to remove excess fluid and maintain healthy IOP. In open-angle glaucoma, this drainage system becomes clogged or sluggish, similar to a slow drain.  Over time, this gradual buildup of pressure can damage the optic nerve, causing peripheral vision loss that worsens slowly.  

‍

2. Acute angle-closure glaucoma: Unlike open-angle glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. Here, the drainage system becomes completely blocked, causing a rapid rise in IOP. This sudden pressure spike can be excruciatingly painful and lead to severe vision loss within hours if left untreated. Symptoms include intense eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.

‍

3. Other types of glaucoma: While less common, there are other forms of glaucoma with varying causes. Congenital glaucoma affects infants and young children due to developmental problems with the drainage system. Neovascular glaucoma can develop in people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, where abnormal blood vessels grow in the eye and obstruct drainage.

‍

Causes of Glaucoma (Etiology)

As we've discussed, glaucoma is often linked to damage caused by high intraocular pressure (IOP), the fluid pressure inside your eye.  In a healthy eye, the fluid maintains its shape and function with a balanced pressure range, typically between 12 and 22 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). However, when this pressure rises above the normal range for your eye, it can put undue stress on the delicate optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss.

‍

It's important to remember that high IOP isn't the sole cause of glaucoma. Here are some other risk factors:

• Age: As we age, our body's natural processes can slow down, and the drainage system in the eye is no exception. This increased risk with age is why regular eye exams are recommended for people over 40.
• Family history: Glaucoma can have a hereditary component. If you have close relatives with glaucoma, you're at a higher risk of developing it yourself.

‍

• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and severe nearsightedness, can increase your risk of glaucoma.

‍

• Ethnicity: African Americans and Hispanics are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to Caucasians.

‍

• Eye injuries: Past injuries to the eye can damage the drainage system and contribute to glaucoma.

‍

While high IOP and these risk factors can increase your chances of developing glaucoma, it's not always a straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. Some people may have high IOP without developing glaucoma, and some with glaucoma may have normal eye pressure. This highlights the importance of comprehensive eye exams to assess your individual risk factors and monitor your eye health.

Diagnosis and Testing for Glaucoma

Since glaucoma can be so stealthy in its early stages, it has to be detected early to preserve your vision.

One of the most important tests is measuring your intraocular pressure (IOP), the fluid pressure inside your eye. Remember, high IOP is a major risk factor for glaucoma, but it's not the only cause.  The doctor uses a tonometer to painlessly measure the IOP.

But eye pressure tests alone aren't enough to definitively diagnose glaucoma.  Here are some other diagnostic tools the doctor might use:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT scan): This advanced imaging technology creates a detailed cross-sectional picture of the back of your eye, including the optic nerve.  This allows the doctor to assess the health and thickness of the optic nerve, identifying any signs of damage caused by glaucoma.

• Visual field test:  This test helps map your peripheral vision, the area you see on the sides without moving your eyes. During the test, you'll be seated comfortably and asked to respond to lights appearing in different areas of your field of vision.  This helps your doctor identify any blind spots or areas of vision loss that could be indicative of glaucoma.

‍

Treatment For Glaucoma

The good news about glaucoma is that even though it's a chronic condition, there are effective treatments available to manage it and prevent vision loss. The primary goal of these treatments is to lower your intraocular pressure (IOP) and protect your precious optic nerve.

Here's a breakdown of the different treatment options your doctor might consider:

• Medications (anti-glaucoma drugs): These come in various forms, usually as eye drops, and work in different ways to lower IOP. Some medications decrease the production of fluid inside the eye, while others improve drainage. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for your specific situation.

‍

• Laser surgery: If medications aren't enough to control your IOP, minimally invasive laser procedures might be an option. These procedures use laser beams to create tiny openings in the drainage channels of the eye, allowing excess fluid to flow out and reduce pressure. There are different types of laser surgeries, each with its own benefits and considerations. Your doctor will discuss the most suitable option for you.

‍

• Glaucoma surgery:  In some cases, if medications and laser surgery aren't effective, traditional surgical procedures might be necessary. These procedures create a new drainage channel in the eye to bypass the blocked system and lower IOP.  Trabeculectomy is one example of such surgery.  Glaucoma surgery is usually considered a last resort due to its more invasive nature.

‍

Can Glaucoma Be Cured?

By now, you understand that glaucoma steals your sight. But the question you might be wondering is: can it be cured entirely?

The truth is, glaucoma is a chronic condition, meaning it's a long-term condition that can't be completely reversed. However, that doesn't mean you have to live in fear. If detected early and properly treated, glaucoma can be effectively managed, significantly reducing the risk of vision loss.

‍

Living with Glaucoma

Millions of people worldwide live fulfilling lives while managing glaucoma. The key to successful management lies in becoming an active participant in your eye health.

Here are some key strategies to live well with glaucoma:

• Follow your doctor's prescribed treatment plan.  Whether it involves using eye drops consistently, undergoing scheduled laser procedures, or adhering to post-surgical care, sticking to the plan is crucial for controlling your IOP and protecting your vision.

‍

• Don't skip those regular eye exams! These appointments allow your ophthalmologist to monitor your IOP, assess the effectiveness of your treatment, and detect any potential changes in your eye health early on.

‍

• Live a healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and engaging in regular exercise can all contribute to your well-being and potentially reduce your risk of glaucoma progression.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Question: Is cataract the same as glaucoma?

Answer: Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can cause blurry or dimmed vision. Glaucoma, on the other hand, damages the optic nerve due to increased pressure inside the eye, leading to gradual peripheral vision loss and potentially complete vision loss if left untreated.

‍

2. Question: Are there natural treatments for glaucoma?

Answer: There's currently no scientific evidence to support the use of natural remedies as a cure or replacement for traditional glaucoma treatment. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise might contribute to body health and potentially reduce the risk of glaucoma progression. Ensure to discuss any dietary changes or supplements with your ophthalmologist before adding them into your routine.

‍

3. Question: What causes high eye pressure?

Answer: Several factors can contribute to high eye pressure, the main risk factor for glaucoma. These include:

• Blocked drainage channels: If the channels responsible for draining fluid from the eye become blocked, it can lead to a buildup of pressure.
• Increased fluid production: Sometimes, the eye produces more fluid than it can drain effectively, causing pressure to rise.
• Certain medical conditions: Diabetes and severe nearsightedness can increase your risk of developing high IOP.

‍

4. Question: How much does glaucoma surgery cost?

Answer: The cost of glaucoma surgery can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of surgery performed, your geographic location, and your insurance coverage. It's best to discuss the potential costs with your ophthalmologist to get a clearer picture.  

‍

Conclusion

Don't wait for symptoms to appear before seeking professional help. Glaucoma is asymptomatic, and by the time you notice vision changes, it might be more challenging to manage. Schedule regular eye exams with your ophthalmologist, especially if you're at a higher risk due to age, family history, or other health conditions.

If you need any medications, use Pharmarun. We will not only deliver quality medications to your doorstep anywhere in Nigeria but also allow you to set up regular deliveries, picking when you want them. ‍

Pharmarun provides free access to pharmacists, doctor consultations, lab test booking, and helps you take care of your loved ones, no matter where you are in the world. You can also get delivery when you order via the Pharmarun Wallet. Click here to get started.

With the Pharmarun web app, you can also check your Body mass index (BMI), Ovulation etc for free. Click here to get started.Pharmarun is the simple solution you need to live a healthy life. Click here to get started with Pharmarun.