Your Vision : Diseases & Conditions : Glaucoma

 

Glaucoma is a disease that stems from increased intraocular pressure, caused by either a malformation or malfunction of the eye's natural drainage. Left untreated, this pressure can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve and retinal fibers resulting in a progressive, permanent loss of vision. Early detection and treatment can slow, or even halt the progression of the disease.

 

Traditional treatments for Open Angle Glaucoma include eye drops and Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT). Surgical procedures for Glaucoma are available for those cases that cannot be controlled by eye drops or laser treatment.

 

Common types of glaucoma are:

 

 

Open Angle

 

Open Angle is the most common type of glaucoma. Even though the anterior structures of the eye may appear normal, aqueous fluid can build up, causing the pressure to become elevated. Left untreated, it can result in permanent damage of the optic nerve and retina. Eye drops are generally prescribed to lower the eye pressure. In some cases, surgery is performed if the pressure cannot be adequately controlled with medical therapy.

 

 

Acute Angle Closure

 

Of the two types of Glaucoma found, acute angle closure occurs when an abnormality becomes present in the front of the eye. In most cases, the space between the iris and cornea becomes more narrow than normal, leaving a smaller channel for the aqueous to pass through. If this flow becomes completely blocked, the pressure rises sharply, causing a sudden angle closure attack.

 

While patients with open angle glaucoma don't typically have symptoms, those with angle closure glaucoma may experience severe eye pain accompanied by nausea, blurred vision, rainbows around lights, and a red eye. If left untreated, severe and permanent loss of vision could occur within a matter of days. Treatment includes both eye drops and laser surgery.

 

 

Secondary Glaucoma

 

This type occurs when another disease or problem is present within the eye,

such as:

 

• Inflammation
• Trauma
• Previous surgery
• Diabetes
• Tumor
• The use of certain medications

 

To cure secondary Glaucoma, the underlying problem and the Glaucoma itself must both be treated.

 

Glaucoma is an insidious disease based on the fact that it rarely has obvious symptoms. Detection and prevention are possible only through routine eye examinations.