Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, if left untreated can cause vision loss or blindness. It’s one of the leading causes of blindness in the world, affecting millions of people. The worst part of glaucoma is it can progress silently without any symptoms until significant vision loss has happened. So early detection and treatment are key to managing the condition and saving vision.
Glaucoma happens when the fluid pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP), becomes too high and damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain and damage to this nerve can cause irreversible vision loss.
There are several types of glaucoma but the most common ones are:
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): This is the most common type of glaucoma. It happens when the eye’s drainage canals get clogged over time and causes increased eye pressure. POAG develops slowly and painlessly with gradual loss of peripheral vision.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This type happens when the iris is very close to the drainage angle in the eye and blocks the drainage canals. Angle-closure glaucoma can develop suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention.
Other less common types are normal-tension glaucoma, where optic nerve damage happens despite normal eye pressure, and congenital glaucoma which is present at birth.
The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower intraocular pressure to stop further optic nerve damage. Treatment options are:
Medications: Eye drops are the first line of treatment for glaucoma. They lower eye pressure by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye or improving fluid drainage.
Laser: Laser trabeculoplasty is a procedure that increases fluid outflow from the eye, lowering eye pressure. This option is considered when meds aren’t enough or as an alternative to them.
Surgery: If medications and laser treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be required. Procedures like trabeculectomy or drainage device insertion can create a new drainage pathway or reduce fluid in the eye.
Early detection and treatment is key for several reasons:
Prevent Vision Loss: Glaucoma is the 2nd leading cause of blindness worldwide. But when detected early, vision loss can be prevented or minimized. Early treatment can stop or slow the disease and save vision.
Better Control: Detecting glaucoma early gives you more treatment options, including less invasive ones like eye drops or lasers. As the disease progresses, more invasive and riskier procedures may be needed.
Better Quality of Life: By preventing major vision loss, you can maintain your independence and quality of life. Vision loss can mean reduced ability to do daily activities and overall well-being.
Since glaucoma is silent, regular eye checks are key to early detection, especially for those at higher risk, like those above 40, those with a family history of glaucoma, or those with diabetes. At Vasan Healthcare, we do comprehensive eye exams including tests for intraocular pressure and optic nerve health to detect glaucoma early and treat it promptly.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—book your eye exam with Vasan Healthcare today and talk to our eye care experts.
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