Glaucoma: Who,
What, Why, Where, & When
Glaucoma is a common eye condition. Many people with
glaucoma have inherited the condition. It typically does not appear until later
in life, however it can occur at any age.
The cause of glaucoma is attributed to pressure build-up in
the eye. This is also known as interocular pressure. This pressure within the
eye can cause damage to the optic nerve, which is the part of the eye that
transmits the images you see to your brain. Therefore, glaucoma can lead to
vision loss, especially when untreated.
Signs &
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Because vision loss can occur as a complication of this
disease, it’s helpful to understand the signs and symptoms of glaucoma.
There are several types of glaucoma, the most common are:
primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and angle-closure glaucoma (ACG).
Primary open-angle glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma typically does not present symptoms
until the disease has advanced and damage has occurred. Because of this fact,
it’s highly recommended that people keep up with regular eye examinations so
glaucoma can be detected early, even before symptoms occur.
Angle-closure glaucoma
Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma (also called narrow angle
glaucoma) are noticeable and can cause damage quickly after the onset of
symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Severe pain in the eye(s)
- Appearance of rainbow-colored circles around light
sources - Nausea or vomiting due to eye pain
- Sudden loss of sight
Treatment for
Glaucoma
When detected early, your eye doctor can prescribe a
preventative care plan to help protect your vision from the effects of
intraocular pressure dur to glaucoma. Vision loss due to glaucoma is
irreversible.
Once diagnosed, it’s critical to have regular exams with
your ophthalmologist to monitor the intraocular pressure and progression of the
disease. Regular examinations as well as treatment will help protect your
vision.
The goal of glaucoma treatment is to maintain a safe level
of internal eye pressure. Your ophthalmologist will be able to diagnose
glaucoma and recommend treatment options for your specific condition. Treatment
may include oral medication, eye drops, laser procedures, or traditional
surgery.