Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, is damaged. If not diagnosed and treated early, it can lead to vision loss.
This condition occurs when fluid inside the eye cannot drain properly, which increases pressure inside the eye and puts pressure on the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is a common condition, but many people don't realize they have it because it doesn't have any symptoms in the early stages.
The condition can affect people of all ages, including infants and children; however, the most common age of onset for adults is between 70 and 90 years old.
This article covers:
Symptoms
When should you see a doctor?
Types of Glaucoma
Causes
Tests and Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma usually has no symptoms at first and is often detected during a routine eye exam.
Many people do not realize they have the disease because it progresses slowly over years and initially causes loss of peripheral vision (the vision out of the side of the eye).
Most often, both eyes are affected, but sometimes one eye can be more severe. If left untreated, the disease can eventually lead to blindness.
In rare cases, glaucoma can develop suddenly and cause the following symptoms:
Severe eye pain
Headache
Sensitivity around the eyes
Seeing rings around lights
Blurred vision
When should you see a doctor?
If you have problems with your vision or are concerned about vision problems, see an optometrist or doctor.
If you have glaucoma, early detection can prevent your eye condition from getting worse.
If you notice that your glaucoma symptoms are suddenly developing (the symptoms listed above), go to an eye doctor or emergency room as soon as possible.
This is a medical emergency that may require immediate treatment.
Types of Glaucoma
There are different types of glaucoma. Some of the main types are:
Primary open-angle glaucoma - the most common type of glaucoma that progresses slowly over many years.
Primary angle-closure glaucoma - an uncommon type of glaucoma that can progress slowly or quickly.
Secondary glaucoma - a type of glaucoma that is caused by an underlying eye condition, such as uveitis (inflammation of the eye).
Normal-tension glaucoma - in this type, the pressure inside the eye is normal.
Juvenile glaucoma (congenital glaucoma) – A rare type of glaucoma that occurs in children due to an eye abnormality.
Causes of glaucoma
Glaucoma often occurs when the drainage path of fluid from the eye is blocked. This can lead to increased fluid and pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve.
It is not yet known exactly what causes glaucoma, however, there are factors that increase the risk of developing glaucoma, including:
Age – The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age, with one in 10 people over the age of 75 having glaucoma.
Ethnic and racial groups – People from the Caribbean, Africa or Asia are at higher risk of developing glaucoma.
Family history – If one of your parents or siblings has glaucoma, you are more likely to develop the condition.
It is not known whether anything can be done to prevent glaucoma, but regular eye exams can help you catch the condition early if you develop it.
Screenings
Glaucoma can be detected during a routine eye exam, even before you have noticeable symptoms.
You should have a regular eye exam at least every two years.
There are quick and painless tests to diagnose glaucoma, such as measuring the pressure inside your eye and testing your peripheral vision.
If the test results show you have glaucoma, you should see an eye doctor.
Glaucoma treatments
Vision loss that occurs before glaucoma is diagnosed cannot be reversed, but treatment can help prevent the condition from getting worse.
The treatment options available depend on the type of glaucoma you have, however, the main treatments include:
Eye drops – to lower eye pressure
Laser treatment – to open blocked areas and reduce the amount of fluid in the eye
Surgery – to improve the drainage of fluid from the eye
You may need to see your eye doctor regularly to check your condition and make sure this treatment is right for you.
Glaucoma prognosis
The prognosis for glaucoma depends entirely on the type of glaucoma, but generally:
Causes permanent loss of some vision; however, in most people, a large amount of vision is preserved.
May affect your ability to do things like drive.
A very small percentage of people lose their vision completely.
The earlier glaucoma is diagnosed and treated in its early stages, the less severe the effects of the disease will be.
For this reason, it is very important to see an ophthalmologist for regular eye exams to ensure that you are following the recommended treatment regimen correctly.