Glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease, often without symptoms, that is capable of causing early blindness. It occurs when increase intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye damages or destroys the optic nerve which carries images seen to the brain.
A constant level of liquid called the aqueous humor fills the inner chamber of the eye. Fluid flows into the eye from several structures, and fluid drains from the eye at a spongy outlet where the cornea and sclera meet. If this outlet is clogged or the drainage system is overwhelmed by too much liquid production, a build-up of fluid occurs and pressure increases inside the eyeball. The resulting pressure on the optic nerve can cause irreversible damage.
The four types of glaucoma
Chronis open-angle glaucoma
This is the most common type of glaucoma and is also referred to as chronic simple glaucoma or primary open-angle glaucoma. It is often without symptoms and can cause irreparable damage before it is diagnosed. Chronic open-angle glaucoma generally occurs in people over 40 and affects around three million people in he United States. This type of glaucoma occurs when the eye's drainage canals become clogged and the correct fluid amount is not allowed to train from the eye. The clogging causes intraocular pressure to increase which damages or destroys the optic nerve. If the disease goes undiagnosed a person will gradually and irreparably lose vision, however this type of glaucoma responds well to medication if caught early.
Congenital glaucoma
Defects in the drainage systems, present at birth or shortly after, are the cause of congenital glaucoma. Ocular tissues in the child's eye are easily stretched, if ocular pressure is present the eye can enlarge and distort or the cornea can rupture. Symptoms include increased sensitivity to light or eyes that tear easily. People displaying these symptoms should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist immediately.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
Sudden, complete blocking of drainage is the result of acute angle-closure glaucoma, also known as primary narrow-angle or acute glaucoma. In this type of glaucoma, the drainage canals are covered or blocked causing fluid to back up and eye pressure to increase rapidly. Acute angle-closure glaucoma can occur suddenly and quickly cause the loss of vision. Rainbow-like halos around lights, severe pain in the eye, forehead, nausea, and blurred vision are common symptoms.
Secondary glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma can form as a result of other health problems, such as eye injury, inflammation, or diabetes. The rate and severity varies and the method of treatment depends on whether it is open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
A complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist is the only way to diagnose glaucoma. An eye care professional can do a simple test with a tonometer to determine intraocular pressure and health of the optic nerve. Since glaucoma is often without symptoms, regular comprehensive exams are imperative.
How is glaucoma treated?
The treatment of glaucoma is designed to reduce intraocular pressure. Depending on the type and severity of the glaucoma, it may be treated with eye drops, oral medications, laser procedures, or surgery. In some cases, a combination of treatments are used.
