Glaucoma is a significant health concern and the leading cause of irreversible blindness in adults aged 40 and above. Understanding the basics of glaucoma, its early signs, and effective management strategies is crucial for maintaining your vision.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve inside the eye caused by increased internal eye pressure.
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). The optic nerve transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. When this nerve is damaged, it can result in vision loss and, if left untreated, permanent blindness.
There are several forms of glaucoma, with open-angle glaucoma being the most common. This type progresses gradually and often presents with no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Conversely, closed-angle glaucoma can present suddenly and requires immediate medical attention.
Globally, an estimated 64 million people are affected by glaucoma, making awareness and early detection critical. While anyone can develop the condition, certain populations, particularly adults over 40, are at higher risk. Regular eye exams can help catch glaucoma in its early stages, preventing severe vision loss.
Causes
Your eyes are filled with aqueous humor. This transparent, water-like substance provides nutrition to the eye and maintains the pressurized shape of the eye. It’s continuously produced and drained from the eye. Patients with glaucoma don’t drain excess fluid properly and pressure builds up inside the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve.
Usually, this is a slow, insidious process (open-angle glaucoma) but in some cases, an acute rise in eye pressure due to closure of the drainage, causes acute or closed-angle glaucoma. This is a medical emergency.
Other possible causes of glaucoma include blunt or chemical trauma, severe eye infections, blood vessel blockage inside the eye, and inflammatory conditions. Despite being unlikely, eye surgery may give rise to glaucoma.
Risk Factors
Glaucoma usually affects adults over the age of 40, but also young adults, children and even infants can have glaucoma. Risk factors include:
- Being age 40 and over
- Having family with a history of glaucoma
- Being of Hispanic, Asian, or Black descent
- Having diabetes
- Having Sickle Cell Anemia
- Having hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Having previous eye injury or surgery
- Having thinner corneas
- Taking certain corticosteroid medication
- Having very dense cataract
- Having elevated eye pressure
Early Signs & Symptoms of Glaucoma
Most people with open-angle glaucoma do not experience noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. However, some early signs can indicate the onset of the disease:
- Loss of Peripheral Vision: This is often one of the first signs; individuals may not realize their side vision is diminishing until it becomes severe.
- Difficulty Adjusting to Dark Environments: Some individuals may find it challenging to see in low-light conditions.
What are the first signs that glaucoma is developing?
Early signs may be subtle and include changes in peripheral vision or difficulty adapting to changes in lighting. In contrast, closed-angle glaucoma can present more acutely with symptoms such as:
- Severe Eye Pain or Headaches: Often sudden and intense.
- Redness in the Eye: This may be accompanied by swelling.
- Seeing Halos Around Lights: A sign of increased pressure.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Often related to the pain experienced.
- Sudden Vision Loss: This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Diagnosis & Treatment
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
It generally doesn’t take long to check for glaucoma. The examination is quick and includes a vision check, tonometry (measurement of eye pressure) and after dilation of your pupils with eyedrops, a visual check of your optic nerve. When glaucoma is suspected, special imaging to document the state of the optic nerve and a visual field test to check for peripheral vision loss will also be performed.
How is glaucoma treated?
Glaucoma (open-angle) is usually treated with medication but sometimes requires surgery. Some of the standard treatments for glaucoma include:
- Eye drops — to lower eye pressure.
- Oral medications — beta-blocker or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors slow fluid production and improve drainage.
- Surgery — trabeculectomy helps drain fluid through a newly created channel. Other procedures include iridotomy and cyclophotocoagulation.
- Cataract surgery
Acute (closed-angle) glaucoma is a medical emergency and is treated with a laser procedure. Glaucoma is a lifelong disease and requires continuous follow-up.
>> Read more: Everything you need to know about glaucoma and glaucoma treatments
Lifestyle Factors and Glaucoma
Several lifestyle factors can influence the progression of glaucoma and overall eye health:
- Diet: While there are no specific foods that trigger glaucoma, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can support eye health. Foods high in sugar and salt should be limited, as they may contribute to elevated blood pressure and potentially increased intraocular pressure.
- Is drinking a lot of water good for glaucoma? Staying hydrated is essential, but excessive water consumption may temporarily raise eye pressure in some individuals.
- Is coffee bad for glaucoma? Caffeine can cause a temporary rise in eye pressure, so moderation is advisable.
- What exercise is best for glaucoma? Regular physical activity can help lower eye pressure. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are generally safe and beneficial. Conversely, exercises that involve straining, such as heavy weightlifting, should be avoided.
- Does lack of sleep affect glaucoma? Sleep disturbances can affect overall health, including eye health. Chronic sleep deprivation may contribute to increased intraocular pressure.
- What drinks are good for eye pressure? Staying hydrated with water is crucial, and some studies suggest that green tea may provide protective benefits for eye health due to its antioxidants.
If you’re over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or experience any symptoms, it’s vital to schedule an eye exam at the European Eye Center. We prioritize delivering high-quality eye care in a welcoming environment, focusing on Western-standard services and personalized treatment plans.
Understanding glaucoma, its signs, risk factors, and management options empowers you to take control of your eye health. For any questions about the first signs of glaucoma or other vision-related conditions, please connect with us at info@europeaneyecenter.com.
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