Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. This nerve is responsible for sending signals from the eye to the brain, and it forms the visual pathway. When the optic nerve is damaged, blind spots form in the vision. If you and your family member have been diagnosed with glaucoma, you may have many questions in your mind. Can glaucoma cause blindness or can glaucoma be reversed? These are some of the common questions that people ask an eye surgeon. Here we share some useful insights on glaucoma
1. Untreated glaucoma can lead to blindness
Glaucoma is a debilitating eye condition that can cause blindness if treatment is not sought. However, with modern treatment, glaucoma can be controlled and vision loss can be prevented or slowed down.
2. Glaucoma is caused due to clogged eye drainage canals
The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma which occurs when the eye’s drainage system becomes clogged, causing an increase in intraocular pressure. This pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.
3. An eye injury can also lead to glaucoma
Angle recession glaucoma is a type of glaucoma that can develop after an injury, or trauma, to the eye. Although it can’t be cured, treatments can prevent loss of vision.
4. Types of glaucoma:
The different types of glaucoma are as follows:
- Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: (POAG): POAG is the more common type of glaucoma, and it typically affects adults over the age of 40. POAG develops slowly, and it can be difficult to detect in its early stages. However, if left untreated, POAG can lead to severe vision loss or even blindness. There are several risk factors for POAG, including age, family history, and high intraocular pressure.
- Angle Closure Glaucoma (ACG): Angle Closure Glaucoma is a type of glaucoma where the angle between the iris and the cornea is too narrow. This prevents the normal flow of fluids out of the eye, which leads to an increase in intraocular pressure.
- Congenital glaucoma: Congenital glaucoma condition is present at birth and it usually affects both eyes. In most cases, congenital glaucoma is caused by a malformation of the eye, which prevents the normal drainage of fluid. This buildup of fluid puts pressure on the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss. Treatment for congenital glaucoma typically involves surgery to improve the drainage of fluid from the eye. In some cases, this surgery can prevent complete loss of vision.
5. Glaucoma is difficult to detect
There are no warning signs for many forms of glaucoma. Symptoms appear when the condition has reached an advanced stage. Symptoms of glaucoma are:
- Eye pain
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Eye redness
- Halos around lights 6. Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect glaucoma in its early stages
As glaucoma has no early warning signs, it is important to go for regular eye checkups. An eye doctor or an eye surgeon may suggest following tests:
- Visual acuity test: This eye chart test measures how well the eyes can see from a certain distance.
- Visual field test: This test measures peripheral vision.
- Tonometry: It is the measurement of the pressure inside the eye using an instrument.
- Pupil dilation: The eye doctor puts dilation drops in the eyes to widen the pupils. After dilation, the eye doctor helps to know the internal health of the eyes.
- Imaging tests: These may include photos of the inside of your eye and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Looking for an eye surgeon for glaucoma?
Disha Eye Hospitals is one of the reputed eye hospitals in Kolkata offering glaucoma treatment. We have different types of eye surgeons who have extensive clinical and surgical expertise. They are well-versed with the latest techniques of laser treatment and surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage device implantation. To see an eye surgeon, visit the nearest branch.