Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Glaucoma is a buildup of pressure within the eye that damages the optic nerve. If the pressure inside the eye isn’t lowered and kept under control, it can affect the optic nerve and other eye parts, which may lead to vision loss. Glaucoma usually affects both eyes, but one eye is often more affected than the other.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma happens when the optic nerve, essential for vision, gets damaged. Sometimes, it shows up without a clear cause, but certain factors can increase the risk. One of the most important risk factors is high pressure inside the eye.

Aqueous humor is a clear fluid your eyes make to keep them healthy and well-nourished. This fluid flows through the pupil and reaches the front part of the eye. In a healthy eye, it drains out through small channels in the area where the iris and cornea meet, called the trabecular meshwork.

With glaucoma, these drainage channels become less effective. When the fluid can’t drain properly, it builds up inside the eye. This leads to increased pressure, which can eventually damage the optic nerve. The reason behind the fluid buildup can vary depending on the type of glaucoma a person has.

Types and Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma signs and symptoms vary based on the specific type and the stage of the disease.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

• Shows no symptoms during the early stages.
• Gradually causes patchy blind spots in peripheral (side) vision.
• In later stages, it affects central vision, making it harder to see objects directly in front.

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

• Triggers intense headaches and severe eye pain.
• It may cause nausea or vomiting.
• Leads to blurred vision and halos or colored rings around lights.
• Often results in noticeable eye redness.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

• Develops without symptoms in the beginning.
• Gradually blurs vision over time.
• Progresses to loss of peripheral vision in later stages.

Glaucoma in Children

• Infants may develop a dull or cloudy appearance in the eye.
• Increased blinking and unexplained tearing may occur.
• Older children may experience blurred vision and worsening nearsightedness.
• Headaches can also appear as a symptom.

Pigmentary Glaucoma

• Causes halos around lights.
• Leads to blurred vision, especially during or after physical activity.
• Gradually reduces peripheral vision.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Glaucoma can quietly affect your vision before you notice any signs. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the factors that can increase your risk:

• High pressure inside the eye, also called intraocular pressure
• Being over the age of 55
• Having Black, Asian, or Hispanic ancestry
• A family history of glaucoma
• Certain health conditions like diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, or sickle cell anemia
• Corneas that are thinner in the center
• Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness
• A past eye injury or some type of eye surgery
• Long-term use of corticosteroid medications, mainly eye drops
• Naturally narrow drainage angles can raise the risk of angle-closure glaucoma

Treatment for Glaucoma

Medical Management

For most people, the first step in treating glaucoma involves using prescription eye drops. These drops help reduce the pressure inside the eye and slow down the disease’s progression.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly as prescribed to get the best results and avoid unwanted side effects.

Common types of eye drops used to cure glaucoma include:

• Prostaglandin analogues
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
• Cholinergic agents
• Beta-blockers

Surgical Management

If eye drops aren’t effective or cause unwanted side effects, surgery may be the next option. The goal of surgery is to lower the pressure in the eye and prevent further defects.

Here are some common surgical treatments for glaucoma:

• Trabeculoplasty – This laser procedure helps op
• Filtering surgery (viscocanalostomy) – If laser treatment doesn’t work, a surgeon can create new drainage channels inside the eye to help fluid flow more easily.
• Drainage implant (aqueous shunt implant) – For children or people with certain types of secondary glaucoma, a small silicone tube is placed in the eye to improve fluid drainage.

How to Prevent Glaucoma

While glaucoma cannot be completely prevented, early detection and proper treatment can help control eye pressure and reduce the risk of vision loss. Here are some key ways to manage it:

• Get regular eye exams – Eye pressure often increases before any symptoms of glaucoma appear. Routine eye exams can catch these changes early. Detecting the problem early gives you and your eye doctor a better chance to slow down or prevent further damage.
• Manage ocular hypertension – If your eye pressure is higher than normal, your eye care provider can recommend treatment options. Following their advice can be essential in protecting your vision and lowering the chance of developing glaucoma.
• Understand and manage your risk factors – Managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can help lower one’s overall risk. Wearing goggles or safety glasses can also help prevent eye injuries that might contribute to glaucoma later on.

Frequently Asked Questions