Glaucoma: Meaning, Types, Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment
Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve of the eye, usually as a result of increased pressure within the eye. This damage can lead to loss of vision or blindness if left untreated. Glaucoma can develop slowly over time and often goes unnoticed until significant vision loss has occurred. It is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, but early detection and treatment can help prevent or slow down vision loss.
What is Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual messages from the eye to the brain. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness.
Types
Open-angle glaucoma
This is the most common type of glaucoma in which the drainage canals in the eye become partially blocked, causing the pressure inside the eye to increase.
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Angle-closure glaucoma
In this rare form of glaucoma, the angle between the iris and cornea becomes narrow, preventing the fluid from draining out of the eye properly.
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Causes
- High blood pressure
- Family history
- Pressure on the internal eye
- Diabetes
- Migraines
Symptoms
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- Blurred vision or seeing halos around lights
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness of the eye
- Nausea or vomiting
Diagnosis
A comprehensive eye exam is required to diagnose glaucoma, which includes:
- Measuring the pressure inside the eye
- Dilating the pupils to examine the optic nerve
- Performing visual field tests to assess peripheral vision
DO's
Visit an eye doctor regularlyFollow the prescribed eye drops strictlyExercise regularly, which helps in reducing the intraocular pressureDONT's
Don't ignore the symptoms of glaucoma, such as eye pain and blurred visionAvoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting that can increase the eye pressureDon't skip eye medication or mix them with other eye drops without doctors’ approvalTreatments
Non-Surgical Treaments
Treatment of glaucoma depends on the type and severity of the condition. Options include:
- Eye drops to reduce the pressure in the eye
- Oral medications to lower eye pressure
Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing vision loss and preserving eye health. It is recommended that individuals above age 40 should get their eyes checked regularly and people with high risk (family history or certain medical conditions) should get it screened earlier.
Surgical Treatments
- Laser therapy to increase the drainage of fluid from the eye
- Surgical procedures to create a new drainage channel for the fluid.
Risks and Complications
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that occurs due to increased pressure in the eye resulting in damage to the optic nerve. Some common risks and complications involved are:
- Vision loss- the most common and significant complication of glaucoma, that can lead to blindness.
- Blindness- if left untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible blindness.
- Narrowing of the visual field - A person with glaucoma slowly loses peripheral vision, which progressively becomes narrower over time.
- Eye infections - The use of eye drops and other eye medication may lead to eye infections.
If left Untreated
If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to severe vision loss or complete blindness. The damage caused to the optic nerve cannot be reversed once it occurs. Timely treatment and regular monitoring of the condition can help to prevent vision impairment and blindness caused by glaucoma. Hence, it is essential to get your eyes checked regularly to identify the early signs of glaucoma to avoid complications and promote healthy vision.
Insurance coverage
Glaucoma treatment is mainly covered under health insurance. Most of the time, the insurer will cover a particular amount for surgical Glaucoma treatment. However, the amount to be covered under insurance depends on the type of policy.
It is important to know that medical treatment for glaucoma will not be covered under the insurance policy, it will only cover the cost or expenses of the surgical treatment, but to claim this, you will have to be hospitalized for 24 hours.
KNOW MORE ABOUT GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual signals from the eye to the brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. Here's everything you need to know about this eye condition:
Types of Glaucoma: There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form, accounting for 90% of cases. Angle-closure glaucoma is less common but is considered a medical emergency because it can cause rapid vision loss.
Risk Factors: People over 60, those with a family history of glaucoma, and those with certain medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are at greater risk of developing the condition.
Prevention: While you can't prevent glaucoma, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, wearing protective eyewear, and quitting smoking.
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. Regular eye exams and early treatment are essential for managing the disease. If you are experiencing any symptoms of glaucoma or are at risk of developing the condition, it's essential to speak to your eye doctor to discuss your options for prevention and treatment.
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