The human eye produces a fluid called aqueous humor which provides nutrition to the inside of the eye. This fluid keeps moving out of the eye through channels in the angle of the eye. In a normal eye, the amount of fluid produced balances out the amount of fluid flowing out of the eye. That keeps the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) stable. With advancing age and various other conditions, these channels get blocked or compromised and the fluid starts collecting in the eye. This results in raised pressure within the eye. The raised pressure then starts damaging the Optic nerve. The Optic nerve is responsible for carrying the signals of light from the eye to brain thus making vision possible. The damage thus caused to the Optic nerve leading to a decrease in the field of vision and sight is called Glaucoma.
What are the types of Glaucoma?
There are three
major categories of Glaucoma. These are:
A.
Primary Open Angle or Chronic Glaucoma -
This is the most common form of glaucoma. Damage to
the vision in this type of glaucoma is gradual and generally
painless. The affected person normally remains completely
unaware of the disease, until the optic nerve is already
damaged badly. A comprehensive and detailed examination by an
eye specialist is required to diagnose and manage this
condition before it progresses to cause significant and
permanent damage.
B. Closed Angle or Acute
Glaucoma -
In this type of glaucoma, the
intraocular pressure increases very rapidly due to a sudden
and severe block of fluid drainage system within the eye.
Significant symptoms like pain, watering, red eye and reduced
vision appear immediately, indicating the presence of acute
glaucoma. This condition has to be treated quickly by an
ophthalmologist otherwise blindness may occur.
C.
Other Types of Glaucoma -
These are
Congenital Glaucoma, Pigmentary Glaucoma and Secondary
Glaucoma.
What are the usual features of
Glaucoma?
Common types of
glaucoma three common features -
(1) Increased Intraocular Pressure -
This is measured with Goldmann Applanation Tonometer.
(2) Cupping or Atrophy of the Optic Nerve - This is the drying up or damage of the optic nerve as a consequence to the damage suffered because of high pressure in the eye. This is evaluated by examination of the Fundus of the eyes.
(3) Visual Field Defects - This is basically the presence of missing or blind areas in the field of sight even though the person may be seeing well otherwise. This condition is assessed by doing the Field of Vision on an instrument called as the Perimeter.
What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma in early
stages generally does not show any noticeable symptoms. It is
possible that a person suffering from Chronic Open Angle
Glaucoma to be completely unaware of the disease. Chronic
glaucoma generally progresses too slowly to get noticed. Some
common symptoms of chronic glaucoma could be -
.
Inability to adjust the eyes to darkened rooms such as
theaters.
. Subtle problems in ability to see in
night.
. Frequent changes in eyeglass (reading)
prescription.
. Gradual loss of peripheral
vision.
In the case of Acute Glaucoma (Angle Closure)
which results from rapid increase in the intraocular pressure,
there could be severe symptoms. Common symptoms suggesting the
presence of acute glaucoma could be -
. Blurred
vision.
. Seeing rainbow colored halos around lights in the
evenings.
. Headaches.
. Severe eye pain, facial pain
accompanied by blurred vision.
. Redness in the eye with
sudden loss of vision.
. Nausea and
vomiting.
Which are the High Risk Groups to get Glaucoma?
. People belonging
to families with a history of glaucoma.
. People suffering
from diabetes.
. People having high minus or plus numbered
glasses.
. Everybody over forty years of age.
. People
suffering from hypertension.
. Anybody who has undergone
any kind of eye surgery.
. People with thyroid gland
related ailments.
. People with over mature cataracts.
.
People with any injury to the eye.
. People with a history
of prolonged use of steroid eye drops.
Is Glaucoma curable?
Glaucoma cannot be cured. But it can be controlled and further damage to the optic nerve can be slowed down or halted. This control can only be sustained through very disciplined and regular treatment as advised by the ophthalmologist. It is life long process.
What are the Treatment Options for Glaucoma?
a)
Medication
The chronic open angle
variety glaucoma which has not progressed too far can be
controlled by the use of eye drops alone. These drops may have
to be put 2-4 times a day. In case of higher intraocular
pressure, the patient may have to use more than one type or
combination of eye drops.
(b) Laser
treatment
Laser treatment is a must for acute
type and angle closure variety of glaucoma. Laser treatment is
also done to control pressure in open angle type glaucoma.
Laser treatment is also done for patients who have a high risk
of developing Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma, as a prophylactic
or preventive measure.
(c) Surgery
In those cases where eye drops and laser treatment do
not prove sufficient to control the pressure, surgery is done
to create an alternate pathway for the fluid to drain
out.