Glaucoma Causes
WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma a leading cause of blindness in the world, especially for older people. However visual loss is preventable or stabilized with early diagnosis and treatment. Glaucoma is a condition of the eye where the optic nerve is damaged. The optic nerve carries images to the brain, which are then perceived as vision. Minute nerve fibres from various parts of the retina join to form the optic nerve.
Glaucoma results when the pressure within the eye is high enough to be detrimental to the normal functioning of these nerve fibres, some of which stop functioning. Non-functional nerve fibres result in a loss of retinal function in the area from where they originate, leading to defects in the field of vision. The disease is called the 'sneak thief of sight because it is painless, without symptoms and irreversible. Therefore, the person with glaucoma is usually unaware of it until much loss of vision has occurred. In fact, half of those suffering damage from glaucoma do not know it. Currently, damage from glaucoma cannot be reversed and if the entire nerve is damaged, blindness results. Early detection and regular treatment are the keys to preventing optic nerve damage and blindness from glaucoma.
WHAT CAUSES Glaucoma?
The aqueous humour is the clear fluid circulating within and nourishing some parts of the eye which have no blood supply. 'Normal' individuals have an equal production and drainage of this fluid resulting in a constant pressure within the eye. If the drainage is compromised due to any reason, there is a pressure build-up in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLAUCOMA?
A Chronic open-angle glaucoma : Most common type of glaucoma; damages vision gradually and painlessly. The pressure is rarely high enough to be symptomatic.
Angle-closure glaucoma : An acute attack of glaucoma caused by sudden blockage of the drainage channels leading to a sharp rise in pressure within the eye.
Symptoms include:
1. Blurred vision
2. Severe eye pain, nausea and vomiting
3. Headache
4. Rainbow haloes around lights
5. Pain around your eyes after watching TV or after leaving a dark theatre
6. Red eyes
HOW IS GLAUCOMA DETECTED?
A Regular eye examinations by the ophthalmologist leads to detection.
The complete and painless examination includes among other Tests:
1. Tonometry - Measurement of the intraocular pressure [tension]
2. Gonioscopy - Inspection of the drainage angle of the eye
3. Ophthalmoscopy - Evaluation of optic nerve damage
4. Perimetry - Testing the visual field of each eye
WHO IS AT RISK FOR GLAUCOMA?
Everyone should be concerned about glaucoma and its effects. It is important for each of us, from infants to senior citizens, to have our eyes checked regularly, because early detection and treatment of glaucoma are the only ways to prevent vision impairment and blindness.
There are a few conditions related to this disease that tend to put some people at greater risk.
This may apply to you if:
1. Someone in your family has a history of glaucoma
2. Age: If you are over 45 and have not had your eyes examined regularly
3. Near-sightedness [myopia]
4. Secondary to other ocular conditions [cataract, inflammation, tumours etc.]
5. Long-term medication [cortisone]
by: Ajay j
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