What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an umbrella term used to denote a cluster of eye disorders that affects the optic nerve. It is one of the most common reasons for blindness in those people who are over 60. It can strike anyone at any age, although it is more frequent among the elderly. Many types of Glaucoma have no symptoms. Since it progresses at slow pace, in most of the cases the change in vision isn’t noticeable until the problem has progressed significantly. It could even lead to significant vision loss as well as complete blindness. Thus, it is critical to keep a check on vision with frequent eye tests that include measures of your eye pressure so that the problem could be caught in early stages and treatment can begin. If glaucoma is identified early, vision loss can be postponed or prevented. Here we talk about what is Glaucoma?

What is Glaucoma?

The term is used to refer the set of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve. It's the most prevalent cause of vision loss due to optic nerve injury. Fluid collects in the front of the eye in the majority of instances. This additional fluid exerts pressure on the eye, causing the optic nerve to deteriorate over time. The pressure exerted by the fluid in the eye is termed as Intraocular pressure (IOP), often known as eye pressure. If left untreated or improperly managed Glaucoma can result in permanent visual loss and blindness.

What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most prevalent kind of glaucoma. Except for progressive eyesight loss, there are no indications or symptoms. As a result, it's critical to get yearly complete eye exams so that your ophthalmologist, or eye specialist, can keep track of any changes in your eyesight. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is known as narrow-angle glaucoma, is a life-threatening condition. See your doctor straight away if you develop any of the following symptoms:

•    severe eye pain
•    nausea
•    vomiting
•    Red-eye
•    eyesight disturbances that occur suddenly
•    colorful circles appearing around lights
•    eyesight suddenly becomes blurred

Causes of Glaucoma

Aqueous humor, is the fluid inside your eye which helps to keep it moist. It drains out of your eye with the help of a drainage canal. The old fluid keeps on draining and eye use to form new fluid continuously. Thus, the continuous drainage is necessary to maintain the optimal amount of fluid in the eye.

Treatment

There is no cure for glaucoma. Some therapies can help keep eye pressure in check and avoid visual loss. Early detection of the condition can save your sight. Ask your eye doctor how often you should be screened for glaucoma if you're at high risk. It's critical to apply daily eyedrops as directed if you have glaucoma. You might also inquire about laser treatments and surgery with your provider. Glaucoma can be prevented from progressing and leading to permanent vision loss or blindness with good care.

Note: The purpose of this article is to create general awareness among the readers. The information provided is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute to medical practitioner's recommendations. In case you find above stated symptoms in you or your known, kindly consult a physician or a specialist regarding diagnosis and treatment.

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