Let’s learn about – Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can lead to blindness if left untreated. It is caused by an increase in pressure inside the eye, which can damage the nerve fibers that carry visual information from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, and is particularly prevalent in older adults.
There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type and occurs gradually over time, often without any symptoms. Angle-closure glaucoma, on the other hand, is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. It occurs when the angle between the iris and the cornea becomes blocked, causing a rapid increase in pressure inside the eye.

Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma include gradual vision loss, particularly in the peripheral vision, and a small blind spot in the center of vision. Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma include severe headache, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, and halos around lights.
Risk factors for glaucoma include age, family history, high intraocular pressure, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. People of African descent are also at a higher risk for glaucoma.
Glaucoma can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam, which includes measuring intraocular pressure, examining the optic nerve, and testing for visual field loss.

Treatment for glaucoma typically includes medications, such as eye drops, to lower intraocular pressure, and in some cases, laser surgery or conventional surgery may be recommended. It's important to note that once the vision is lost to glaucoma, it is irreversible. Therefore, early detection and treatment are essential to preserving vision.
In conclusion, glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can lead to blindness if left untreated. It is caused by an increase in pressure inside the eye and can occur gradually or suddenly. It is important to have regular eye exams, especially if you are at a higher risk for glaucoma. If you notice any symptoms of glaucoma, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent vision loss. Early detection and treatment can help preserve vision in patients with glaucoma.