Sometimes called the silent thief of sight, Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among adults.
In medical terms, it refers to a group of eye diseases that can affect a person’s eyesight.
Glaucoma generally occurs without any visible symptoms and causes vision changes.
A person with this eye condition can lose their peripheral vision, have blurred vision, or see blind spots.
With the risk of developing these vision problems, seeking treatment or early detection for this eye disease is crucial.
You may also want to know if you’re at risk or what causes Glaucoma.
This article will discuss all there is to know about this silent thief of sight to improve your understanding of the condition.
What is Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a set of eye diseases that affect a person’s vision. It damages the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting information from the eye to the brain, allowing you to see.
If the optic nerve is damaged, the communication between the eyes and the brain is affected. This results in changes or loss of vision.
Glaucoma causes tend to be hereditary and when hereditary, it appears at an earlier age than common.
Generally, Glaucoma occurs with no visible signs or symptoms. For this reason, it is crucial to get regular eye checkups for early detection and to treat or prevent long-term vision loss.
If left untreated, Glaucoma can cause permanent and complete blindness within years.
It is a leading cause of blindness, responsible for approximately 5.2 million blindness cases worldwide.
Many people who receive treatment in a timely manner are able to prevent vision loss.
- Dorsun Eye Drop (Dorzolamide)
- Bimat 0.03% w/v (Bimatoprost)
Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma can be broadly categorized into two types: primary and secondary.
Open-Angle, Closed-Angle, and Congenital Glaucoma fall under the primary category. While Secondary Glaucoma includes Neovascular, Pigmentary, Exfoliative, and Traumatic Glaucoma.
Let us discuss the various types of Glaucoma in detail.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle Glaucoma is the most common type in the United States. In this eye disease, the pressure inside the eye rises slowly, leading to vision changes.
Normal Tension Glaucoma is a type of Open-Angle Glaucoma. A person with Normal Tension Glaucoma may start to see blindspots in their vision.
Worried that you might be showing signs of Open-Angle Glaucoma? To explore all about Open-Angle Glaucoma, Read What is Open-Angle Glaucoma? Its Type, Symptoms, and Treatments.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Closed-Angle Glaucoma is known by multiple names, including Narrow-Angle Glaucoma and Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma.
In this type of Glaucoma, the pressure inside the eye rises suddenly, leading to pain and vision problems.
It is categorized as a medical emergency as it can cause sudden vision loss or permanent blindness.
To explore the types, symptoms, and treatment of Closed-Angle Glaucoma in detail, Read Everything to Know About Closed-Angle Glaucoma.
Congenital Glaucoma
Congenital Glaucoma is a genetic eye condition that occurs when a child is born. A child with this eye condition has unusually large eyes, and their eyes do not develop normally.
An infant usually develops this condition within the first month of birth.
Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary Glaucoma can be Open-Angle or Closed-Angle in nature. The various kinds of Sencodary Glaucoma include Neovascular, Pigmentary, Exfoliative, and Traumatic Glaucoma.
This eye disease can occur in one or both eyes of a person due to injury, medications, or diseases.
Want to know more about the different types of Glaucoma? Read Exploring the Types of Glaucoma: Everything You Need to Know.
Glaucoma Causes
High eye pressure can damage the optic nerve, causing vision changes or loss.
The fluid inside the eye, called aqueous humor, drains out of the eye through a mesh-like channel.
The pressure in your eye rises if there is a blockage in this channel or if the eye produces too much fluid.
The causes of this blockage leading to high eye pressure, also called Intraocular Pressure (IOP), are not fully known.
However, according to experts, the following factors may contribute to high IOP, leading to Glaucoma:
- Extreme near-sightedness (Myopia)
- Low or high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Severe eye infection
- Eye injury
- History of eye surgery to correct another condition
- Thin central cornea
To get a better understanding of eye pressure, read What is Eye Pressure? Discover Everything You Need to Know About Eye Pressure.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
While it is not possible to accurately determine the cause of Glaucoma, certain factors can enhance your risk of developing the condition.
Risk factors for Glaucoma may include:
- Being over 40 years of age
- Family history of the disease
- Have an Asian, African, or Caribbean origin
- Have poor vision
- Taking medications such as Corticosteroid
- Smoking
You should note that these factors enhance your risk of developing Glaucoma. It is not necessary that the presence of these factors means the presence of the disease.
To understand if Glaucoma is hereditary, read Is Glaucoma Hereditary? A Comprehensive Medical Analysis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Glaucoma
Source: Alliance_Images_from_Alliance_ImagesGenerally, Glaucoma occurs without any visible signs or symptoms. For this reason, it becomes increasingly difficult to detect Glaucoma in the early stages.
However, understanding the symptoms of Glaucoma can make all the difference you need to protect your vision. Possible symptoms of the condition can include:
- Blurred vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
- Eye pain
- Red eye
- Halos around lights
You should remember that it is not necessary to experience any or all of these symptoms to be diagnosed with Glaucoma.
But how does a doctor diagnose the condition if these symptoms are not necessarily visible?
The eyecare specialist conducts vision tests and examines your optic nerve to notice possible signs of Glaucoma.|
They can also check your eye pressure by conducting an eye pressure test called Tonometry.
A high eye pressure does not necessarily mean Glaucoma. If there is no damage to the optic nerve despite high eye pressure, you will not be diagnosed with the eye condition.
If you want to learn about the symptoms and how to detect Glaucoma early, Read Unveiling the Signs: Glaucoma Symptoms, Types, and Early Detection.
What Does Glaucoma Vision Look Like
Glaucoma can cause vision changes and potentially blindness in some cases. But you may be wondering what does a person see if they have Glaucoma.
A person with this eye condition can have tunnel vision, i.e., they may feel as if they see through a straw or tunnel.
They may see halos around lights or have blurred vision.
If you wish to explore what does a person see when they have Glaucoma, Read The Silent Thief of Sight: What Does Vision Look Like With Glaucoma.
Glaucoma Prevention
Source: AMR_Images_from_Getty_ImagesWe have all heard the phrase: Prevention is better than cure!
For Glaucoma, this statement holds even greater significance as any vision loss caused by the eye disease cannot be restored.
It is not always possible to prevent Glaucoma. Preventive steps can reduce the risk or help catch it early. These preventive steps may include:
- Regular eye checkups for early detection
- Using protective eye gear
- Taking a balanced diet and regular exercise
- Managing other health conditions like Diabetes that can cause Glaucoma
Want to know how to reduce the risk of Glaucoma or prevent it? Read How to Prevent Glaucoma? Effective Ways to Prevent Vision Loss.
Glaucoma Treatment
Treatment of Glaucoma generally depends on the type of Glaucoma you have. Lowering IOP by improving the drainage of fluid inside the eye can help.
Typically, the treatment for Glaucoma may involve
- Eyedrops such as Bimatoprost and Dorzolamide
- Oral medications like Acetazolamide
- Laser treatment, such as laser iridotomy
- Surgery such as Trabeculectomy
Glaucoma eye drops such as Bimatoprost and Dorzolamide treat this eye condition by lowering eye pressure.
Laser therapy or surgery is suggested when eye drops prove ineffective.
It is important to seek medical advice if you notice any vision changes or before using Bimatorprost eye drops or other medications.
Glaucoma and Marijuana
Source: MStudioImages_from_Getty_Images_SignatureA study suggests that marijuana or cannabis can reduce IOP for a few hours. Lower IOP may relieve Glaucoma symptomsas marijuana slows the progress of the condition.
However, high amounts of marijuana would be required to see any significant improvements.
Excessive usage of marijuana can lower blood pressure. This will reverse the benefits of marijuana by limiting the blood flow to the optic nerve.
For this reason, using marijuana as a treament for Glaucoma is not recommended.
To better understand the effects of marijuana on Glaucoma, Read Marijuana for Glaucoma: A Closer Look.
Conclusion
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that can cause vision changes or loss.
It occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve due to high eye pressure or IOP.
There is an increase in IOP when the fluid inside the eye does not drain out properly, or the eye produces too much fluid.
Several factors, such as eye injury, Diabetes, and high blood pressure, can contribute to high IOP, leading to Glaucoma.
On the other hand, the presence of certain factors can enhance your risk of developing the condition. These factors include a family history of the condition, smoking, and being over 40 years of age.
Generally, this eye disease occurs with no apparent signs or symptoms. However, having blurred vision, eye pain, or red eye may help you catch the condition early.
Regular eye checkups with an eye doctor can help get a proper diagnosis of the condition.
The doctor may recommend eye drops like Bimatoprost if you have Glaucoma. They may even suggest laser therapy or surgery if eye drops are not enough.
However, certain preventive steps, such as wearing protective eye gear, can reduce the risk of developing the condition.
It is recommended to get regular eye checkups to detect Glaucoma early and protect your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Glaucoma be cured?
No, Glaucoma cannot be cured. However, it can be managed effectively through various treatments to slow its progression and preserve vision.
Treatment options may include eye drops such as Bimatoprost, laser therapy, and surgery.
See our Recommendations
Is Glaucoma hereditary?
Yes, Glaucoma can have a genetic component, so you may be at higher risk if you have a family history of the condition.
It’s important to inform your eye doctor of any family history of Glaucoma during your exams.
See our Recommendations
How often should I have my eyes checked for Glaucoma?
It’s recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years. It becomes more important if you have risk factors like family history or certain medical conditions.
See our Recommendations
Can Glaucoma lead to blindness?
Yes, untreated or poorly managed Glaucoma can lead to blindness over time. Regular eye exams and following a treatment plan are crucial for preventing vision loss.
See our Recommendations
Are there any natural remedies for Glaucoma?
Yes, there are natural remedies for Glaucoma, but they cannot replace medical treatments for the condition.
Some lifestyle changes, like maintaining a healthy diet and managing underlying health conditions, can help.
It’s essential to consult with an eye specialist for appropriate treatment.
See our Recommendations
Cheap Medicine Shop only refers to credible, authoritative sources for our content. If you’re curious about how we ensure the integrity of our content, we encourage you to read our Content Information Policy.
