It would help everyone to learn more about glaucoma, an eye condition that affects many people worldwide. Glaucoma can affect anyone, not just older people. And it can cause blindness if you do not treat it. 

Common Causes of Glaucoma

Intraocular pressure (IOP), which is high pressure in the eye, is the leading cause of glaucoma. The eye produces a clear fluid called aqueous humor. This fluid fills the front part of the eye and drains out through a small opening called the drainage angle. It helps nourish and protect the eye.

The drainage angle can become blocked or narrowed, preventing the fluid from flowing out normally. This causes it to build up inside the eye, increasing the pressure. High pressure can damage the optic nerve over time, leading to vision loss.

You may also have a higher chance of getting glaucoma from other factors, like:
 

• Age: Older people (over 60) have a higher chance of getting it.
   

• Family history: It can run in families, especially if a close relative has it.
   

• Race: It is more common and severe in people of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent.
   

• Medical conditions: Medical professionals associate it with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or thyroid problems.
   

• Eye conditions: Glaucoma can stem from eye injuries, infections, inflammation, tumors, or surgery.
   

• Medications: Glaucoma can be a side effect of some medications, such as steroids or antidepressants.

Types of Glaucoma

Open-angle Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type. It develops slowly as the drainage angle becomes less effective at draining the fluid. Initially, there might be no pain or noticeable changes in vision. This type can remain undetected for years until significant optic nerve damage has occurred.

Angle-closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris completely blocks the drainage angle. It can happen suddenly (acute attack) or gradually (chronic angle-closure glaucoma). An acute attack causes severe symptoms such as pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, distorted vision, and halos around lights. It is an emergency that needs immediate treatment. Without treatment, it can make you blind. 

Glaucoma Symptoms

You may not have any symptoms from glaucoma until you lose a significant part of your vision. That is why you should have regular eye exams to check for glaucoma signs before it is too late.

Some of the common symptoms of glaucoma include:
 

• Loss of peripheral vision (side vision).
   

• Poor vision in low-light or dark conditions.
   

• Difficulty adjusting to bright light.
   

• Blurred or distorted vision.
   

• Trouble focusing on near or far objects.
   

• Seeing spots or floaters.
   

• Eye redness or irritation.
   

• Eye pain or pressure.
   

• Headache.
   

• Nausea or vomiting.

Diagnosis

A thorough eye exam by an eye doctor is necessary to diagnose glaucoma. This exam involves various tests, such as measuring eye pressure and examining the optic nerve. It also involves testing peripheral vision, measuring corneal thickness, and assessing the drainage angle. You will not feel any discomfort from these tests. They will help your eye doctor determine whether you have glaucoma and how severe it is.

Treatment Options

Glaucoma has no cure, but treatment can prevent or slow vision loss. The primary objective is to lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve. Treatment options include eye drops, oral medications, laser surgery, and conventional surgery. Your glaucoma type and stage and how you react to the treatment determine what kind of treatment you need and how often you get it. 

Conclusion

Glaucoma is a prevalent eye disease that can lead to blindness if left untreated. It can affect individuals of all ages, emphasizing the importance of awareness and proactive measures. It is vital to get your eyes checked regularly to catch it early and to stick to the treatment plan to prevent vision loss.

For more on glaucoma, visit Eye Center of Virginia at our Williamsburg, Virginia office. Call (757) 919-3500 to schedule an appointment today.