Glaucoma is an eye condition where there is too much fluid buildup inside the eyes. This increasing pressure, otherwise known as intraocular pressure, can lead to the damage of the optic nerve when left untreated. Ultimately, this can lead to blindness in only a matter of a few years.
Although glaucoma can be treated in its early stages, most people who develop this disease show no signs and symptoms in its early stages. This makes it all the more important to regularly schedule an eye exam at least once every two years.
Types
There are several types of glaucoma but they either fall on these two major classifications.
- Open-angle glaucoma. Otherwise known as wide-angle glaucoma, this is the more common type of this disease. Physically looking at the eye would make one think that it is relatively normal. However, upon closer inspection, it is found out that fluid does not properly drain in the eye.
- Angle-closure glaucoma. Otherwise known as narrow-angle glaucoma or acute or chronic angle-closure, this is the rarer type but will suddenly cause a buildup of pressure in the eye. Poor drainage is attributed to the iris-cornea angle or the wide opening of the pupil.
Symptoms
Glaucoma actually shows very few signs and symptoms in its early stages. But one of its most common sign particularly during its later stages is the loss of peripheral or side vision. Symptoms that will require immediate medical attention include:
- Eye redness
- Eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hazy eyes
- Seeing halos around lights
- Narrowing of vision
- Vision loss
Diagnosis
To come up with a diagnosis of glaucoma, the health practitioner will test the vision and look into the eyes via your dilated pupils. This test will focus on the optic nerve as it can have a change it its appearance with glaucoma and as the disease progresses. The doctor will also perform tonometry, a test to measure the eye pressure as well as a visual field test to check for any losses in the peripheral vision. All of these diagnostic tests are relatively painless and will require little time.
Treatments
A glaucoma treatment plan can with the specific type and severity of your condition. Some of the most common ones include prescription eye drops, laser surgery, and microsurgery.
- Eye drops. These eye drop prescriptions will either increase the outflow of fluid from the eye or reduce its formation. Some if its most common adverse effects include allergy, eye redness, blurred vision, stinging, and eye irritation. There are eye drops that may have systemic side effects so it is important that you carefully follow the instructions of your doctor. It will also be helpful if your doctor is aware of other medications that you are taking.
- Laser surgery. In open-angle glaucoma, this procedure will increase outflow while in angle-closure will eliminate fluid blockage. The most common kinds include trabeculoplasty, opening of the drainage region; iridotomy, making a hole in the iris; and cyclophotocoagulation, reducing fluid production.
- Microsurgery. A procedure called trabeculectomy creates a new channel where fluid will drain, thereby reducing the pressure buildup in the eyes caused by excess fluid. Failure in this surgery is very common so patients will have to get it redone. Its common complications include bleeding, infection, and temporary or permanent blindness.
Open-angle glaucoma is commonly treated with the use of various combinations of the above treatments. Oftentimes, the doctor will first use eye drops and then proceed to the most invasive procedures if the initial intervention does not work.
It is important that you consult your doctor to figure out the best treatment option for your specific condition.
Amy C. works as a writer for a health website, mostly focused on writing about the eyes and the difference diseases that it is prone in developing. She works closely with Lasik Houston in their administrative activities in Lasik eye surgery Houston Texas. Stay tuned for her next post to learn more about these eye conditions that you might be at risk for.
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