The term "glaucoma" refers to a set of eye disorders that harm the optic nerve and, if untreated, frequently result in vision loss and blindness. It affects more than 60 million people, making it one of the leading global causes of lifelong blindness. Increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which causes glaucoma, over time affects the optic nerve gradually. Glaucoma frequently advances silently until severe vision loss has occurred. Because of this, routine eye tests are essential for early detection and treatment.

What is Glaucoma?

The optic nerve, which carries visual data from the eye to the brain, is harmed by the degenerative eye disease glaucoma. It typically happens as a result of too high ocular pressure. Glaucoma results in dark spots and tunnel vision that eventually lead to blindness if untreated. Treatment options for lowering intraocular pressure and safeguarding eyesight include eye medicines, laser therapy, and surgery.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Since the other eye can adequately compensate for the loss of peripheral vision caused by glaucoma, people do not notice minor changes in their vision. Glaucoma is known as the "silent thief of sight" for this reason. Some symptoms include:

• Eye Pain
• Redness in the eyes
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Loss of peripheral
• Side vision leads to tunnel vision.

What Are the Types of Glaucoma?

Open-angle (Chronic) Glaucoma - It is caused due to the drainage canals in the eyes clogging up, increasing ocular pressure. 

Angle-Closure (Acute) Glaucoma - It happens when the drainage angle in the eye unexpectedly shuts, leading to a sudden increase in eye pressure.

Congenital Glaucoma - Rare disorder brought on by improper drainage canal development in the eyes, present from birth. The first signs show up in infancy or early childhood.

Secondary Glaucoma - This kind of glaucoma can be caused by blocked drainage by a wound, an infection, a tumor, or an advanced cataract.

Who is at risk for Glaucoma?

Certain factors increase the risk of developing glaucoma:

Age Factors - A major risk factor is age, with glaucoma frequency rising sharply beyond the age of 60.

Chronic Conditions - Medical problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and hypothyroidism, increase a person's risk of developing glaucoma. 

High Eye Pressure - An important risk factor is increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which measures the fluid pressure inside the eye. 

Complications of Glaucoma

• Permanent vision loss - The increased fluid pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve, initially affecting peripheral vision. As glaucoma progresses untreated, the field of vision gradually narrows until blindness results.
• Blindness - If not treated properly, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. With early diagnosis, medications and surgery can often effectively treat glaucoma and prevent severe vision loss or blindness. 

Can Glaucoma be treated?

• Medications - Medications like beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, alpha agonists, and prostaglandins work to either decrease fluid production in the eye or improve drainage. 
• Laser therapy - Laser trabeculoplasty is an outpatient procedure that helps increase drainage of the eye fluid to lower pressure, usually used when medications are insufficient.
• Surgical procedures - Traditional surgery like trabeculectomy involves creating a new drainage channel, while minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) like iStent involve tiny implants to improve fluid drainage.

Lifestyle and Prevention

• Quit smoking - Quitting smoking can help, as smoking is linked to increased glaucoma risk. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help improve ocular blood flow and protect optic nerve health. 
• Prefer a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains - Regular exercise may also play a role by lowering eye pressure. But perhaps most importantly, routine eye test are crucial, especially for those at high risk for glaucoma. 
• Family History - Particularly for high-risk groups like people over 60 or those with a family history of glaucoma, routine, thorough eye tests are crucial.

Diagnosis and Screening

Early glaucoma detection is essential to preventing vision loss. During eye exams, we look for certain signs like high IOP, visual field loss and optic nerve damage. Early treatment with drugs, laser surgery, or other techniques can considerably decrease the development of the condition and protect vision. Call today and schedule a glaucoma screening with Lynbrook Optical!

Please visit the Glaucoma Australia Website for more information visit http://www.glaucoma.org.au