03/12/2025
*Good morning Life+ Community today we will look at Glaucoma*
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, and can lead to vision loss and blindness. It is often caused by high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP) but can also occur with normal IOP. Damage is usually gradual and has few symptoms in its early stages, which is why it's called the "silent thief of sight".
*Causes and risk factors*
*Intraocular pressure* *(IOP)* : A major risk factor is an elevated pressure inside the eye, caused by an imbalance between the production and drainage of the fluid (aqueous humor) that fills the eye.
*Age* : Risk increases with age, especially after 50.
*Family history* : A family history of glaucoma increases the risk.
*Medical conditions* : Certain conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are linked to a higher risk.
*Eye trauma* : Previous eye injuries or conditions can also increase risk.
*Types of glaucoma*
*Open-angle glaucoma* : The most common type, where fluid drainage is gradual. It has no pain and typically involves a slow loss of peripheral vision.
*Angle-closure glaucoma* : Can be acute and is a medical emergency. Symptoms can include eye pain, nausea, blurred vision, and halos around lights.
*Congenital glaucoma* : Present in newborns and infants, with symptoms like large eyes and pupils, and cloudy corneas.
*Symptoms*
Most people have no symptoms in the early stages, making regular eye exams critical.
Vision loss typically starts with the loss of peripheral (side) vision, which is often not noticed until the damage is significant.
In advanced stages, vision loss can lead to blindness.
*Treatment and management*
Treatment aims to lower eye pressure to slow the progression of the disease.
Treatment options include:
- Prescription eye drops
- Oral medications
- Laser treatment
- Surgery