Glaucoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Glaucoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, often referred to as the "silent thief of sight" due to its slow progression and lack of early warning signs. At Clarity Eye Care, we aim to educate our patients about this eye condition, as early detection and management are key to preserving vision.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is crucial for vision. The damage is usually caused by increased pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP), but it can also occur with normal eye pressure. Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.

Causes of Glaucoma

The exact cause of glaucoma varies depending on the type, but the most common factor is elevated intraocular pressure. This pressure builds up when the fluid (aqueous humor) in the eye doesn’t drain properly. Over time, the increased pressure damages the optic nerve.

There are two main types of glaucoma:

1. Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common type, open-angle glaucoma occurs when the drainage canals in the eye gradually become less efficient over time, leading to increased pressure.

2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Less common but more severe, angle-closure glaucoma happens when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea becomes blocked. This can lead to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure and requires immediate medical attention.

Other risk factors include:

•          Age (risk increases after 60)

•          Family history of glaucoma

•          Medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure

•          Certain medications, particularly corticosteroids

Symptoms of Glaucoma

The symptoms of glaucoma can vary, depending on the type and progression of the disease:

•          Open-Angle Glaucoma: This form progresses slowly and often without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. Peripheral (side) vision is typically affected first.

•          Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Symptoms may appear suddenly and include severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, halos around lights, and redness in the eye. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

While there is no cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow or prevent further vision loss. Eye drops are the most common first-line treatment for glaucoma. They help reduce intraocular pressure either by decreasing the production of fluid or improving its drainage.

Laser trabeculoplasty is a procedure used to improve the drainage of fluid in the eye, effectively lowering eye pressure. This is often recommended for patients who don't respond well to eye drops. In more advanced cases, surgical options such as trabeculectomy or the implantation of a drainage device may be necessary to relieve intraocular pressure.

Schedule Your Eye Exam with Clarity Eye Care Today

Glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular comprehensive eye exams are vital. Early detection can help prevent significant vision loss, so make sure to schedule your regular eye exams with Clarity Eye Care.

If you have any concerns about your risk for glaucoma or are experiencing symptoms, schedule your eye exam at Clarity Eye Care for expert care and early detection. Contact our office in Ridgewood, New York, by calling (718) 456-1130 to book an appointment today.