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GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is often referred to as the silent thief of sight, being one of the primary contributors to irreversible blindness around the globe. This eye condition causes damage to the optic nerve, typically due to a rise in intraocular pressure, resulting in a gradual decline in vision. What's most concerning is that it usually develops without obvious symptoms, allowing significant damage to occur before it is noticed.

By learning more about glaucoma, including its causes, signs, and preventive measures, you can take steps to protect your eyesight.

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
  • Loss of Vision: Blind spots in the peripheral or central vision, a key sign of glaucoma.
  • Blurry Vision: Early warning of angle-closure glaucoma, where sudden spikes in eye pressure cause hazy vision.
  • Persistent Headache: Intense headaches often accompanied by eye pain due to high intraocular pressure.
  • Eye Redness: Red eyes, indicating increased intraocular pressure or inflammation, a symptom of glaucoma.
  • Stomach Upset, Nausea, and Vomiting: Acute pressure spikes can lead to nausea and vomiting, often mistaken for other issues.
  • Pain in the Eye: Severe eye pain or discomfort, particularly in conditions like phacolytic or phacomorphic glaucoma.
  • Early Presbyopia: Difficulty focusing on nearby objects, possibly indicating early glaucoma-related eye disorders.

TYPES OF GLAUCOMA

Congenital Glaucoma

It is present from birth, caused by the improper development of the eye’s drainage system.

Lens Induced Glaucoma

This happens when changes in the lens block the normal fluid drainage, resulting in phacolytic or phacomorphic glaucoma.

Malignant Glaucoma

A rare yet serious type that may develop after surgery, causing sudden and rapid vision loss.

Secondary Glaucoma

Triggered by underlying health issues such as diabetes, eye injuries, or long-term steroid use.

Open Angle Glaucoma

This is the most common type, with pressure slowly increasing over time and showing no early warning signs.

Closed Angle Glaucoma

A rapid rise in eye pressure caused by blocked drainage, which demands urgent medical care.

Frequently Asked Question about Glaucoma

  • How common is glaucoma disease?

    Glaucoma is a common eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which carries signals from the eyes to the brain. This damage can lead to vision loss, which may be temporary or permanent if not treated. The main cause of glaucoma is increased pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP).

    Glaucoma affects about 70 million people worldwide. In 2020, over 80 million people had the disease, and this number is expected to rise to more than 111 million by 2040. It is the leading cause of permanent blindness, responsible for 12.3% of all blindness globally.

  • What is the difference between an open angle and closed angle glaucoma?

    This is the most common form of glaucoma. It usually develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Over time, it leads to a gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision. If left untreated, it can eventually result in complete blindness.

    Also called angle-closure glaucoma, this type is less common. It occurs when the eye's drainage system becomes completely blocked, leading to a sudden and sharp increase in intraocular pressure.

  • Can hereditary be one of the glaucoma causes?

    In some cases, glaucoma can be passed down through families, and researchers worldwide are studying the role of genes in the disease. However, glaucoma is not always hereditary, and the exact factors that trigger its onset are still not completely understood.

  • What is considered as normal intraocular pressure?

    Eye pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). Normal eye pressure usually falls between 12 and 22 mm Hg. Readings above 22 mm Hg are considered higher than normal. Although high eye pressure alone doesn’t cause glaucoma, it is a significant risk factor. People with elevated eye pressure should have regular, thorough eye exams by an eye care professional to monitor for early signs of glaucoma.

  • What does 'tunnel vision' mean?

    If glaucoma is not properly treated in its early stages, it can significantly damage peripheral vision, eventually leading to a condition called tunnel vision. This condition causes the loss of side vision, restricting the visual field to only what is directly in front of you.