Medically reviewed by Dr. Danielle Campbell
From the FYidoctors - Comox Valley
Glaucoma: Understanding Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. It's one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, but with early detection and proper management, you can protect your sight. Our expert eye doctors are here to help you understand glaucoma and navigate your treatment options.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that gradually damage the optic nerve, which is crucial for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often caused by increased pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Over time, high eye pressure can cause irreversible harm to the optic nerve fibers, leading to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
Glaucoma can affect anyone, certain factors can heighten your risk of developing glaucoma:
- Age (60+)
- Family history
- Certain medical conditions (diabetes, sleep apnea)
- Eye injuries or surgeries
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
Early detection through regular eye exams is key to preventing glaucoma-related blindness. Our skilled optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your eye health and check for signs of glaucoma, ensuring that any issues are caught and treated as early as possible.
Why Do People Develop Glaucoma?
Glaucoma develops when the delicate balance of fluid production and drainage within the eye is disrupted. This clear fluid, called aqueous humor, normally flows through the eye to nourish the tissues and maintain a healthy eye pressure. However, if the eye produces too much fluid or the drainage channels become blocked, the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP) can rise to dangerous levels.
Over time, this increased eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending visual signals from the eye to the brain. As the nerve fibers deteriorate, blind spots may form in the visual field, leading to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
There are several types of glaucoma, each with its own specific causes and risk factors:
- Open-angle glaucoma: The most common form, caused by gradual clogging of the drainage canals
- Normal-tension glaucoma: Optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure, possibly due to reduced blood flow to the nerve
- Angle-closure glaucoma: Occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and the cornea is blocked, causing a rapid increase in eye pressure
How to Recognize Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because its symptoms can be subtle and develop gradually, making early detection challenging. In the initial stages, most people with open-angle glaucoma—the most common form—experience no noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, however, you may begin to notice changes in your vision.
What are the First Signs of Glaucoma?
- Peripheral vision loss: Gradual loss of side vision, often in both eyes
- Seeing halos around lights: Bright circles surrounding light sources
- Eye redness and pain: Particularly with angle-closure glaucoma; severe eye pain and redness
As glaucoma advances, symptoms may become more severe:
- Tunnel vision: Significant loss of peripheral vision
- Severe headaches: Often accompanied by nausea and vomiting
- Sudden vision disturbances: Especially with acute angle-closure glaucoma
How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
Early detection is key to preventing vision loss from glaucoma. That's why regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial, especially if you're over 60 or have other risk factors. During these exams, your eye doctor will perform several tests to check for signs of glaucoma:
- Tonometry: This test measures your eye's internal pressure
- Ophthalmoscopy: Your doctor will use a special magnifying lens to examine your optic nerve for signs of damage.
- Perimetry: Also called a visual field test, this assesses your peripheral (side) vision, often one of the first areas affected by glaucoma.
- Pachymetry: This measures the thickness of your cornea, which can influence eye pressure readings.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) or other imaging tests may also be used to create detailed pictures of your optic nerve and retina. By comparing these images over time, your doctor can spot early signs of glaucoma progression.
If you're diagnosed with glaucoma, your FYidoctors' optometrist can help you understand your treatment options and develop a personalized management plan to preserve your vision.
What Treatments are Available for Glaucoma?
Treatment for glaucoma focuses on lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. The most common initial treatment is prescription eye drops that reduce fluid production or improve drainage. Some examples include:
- Prostaglandin analogs: These increase fluid outflow from the eye.
- Beta-blockers: These reduce the production of fluid in the eye.
- Alpha-adrenergic agonists: These reduce fluid production and increase outflow.
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: These slow fluid production in the eye.
Surgery may be recommended as a treatment option. These procedures include:
- Laser trabeculoplasty: This procedure uses a laser to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
- Trabeculectomy: This creates a new drainage path for fluid under the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white of the eye.
- Drainage tube implants: These small tubes help drain excess fluid from the eye.
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS): These procedures often combine with cataract surgery and are less invasive than trabeculectomy, with quicker recovery times.
Your eye doctor will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan based on the type and severity of your glaucoma, as well as other factors like age and overall health.
How Can You Prevent Glaucoma from Worsening?
If you've been diagnosed with glaucoma, consistently following your treatment plan is crucial to prevent the condition from progressing. This means using prescribed medications exactly as directed by your eye doctor. Don't skip doses, even if you aren't experiencing noticeable symptoms.
In addition to adhering to your treatment regimen, making certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage glaucoma. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Exercising regularly to improve overall health and circulation
- Avoiding activities that increase eye pressure, such as inverted yoga poses
- Protecting your eyes from injury by wearing protective eyewear during sports or high-risk activities
- Managing other health conditions that can impact glaucoma, like diabetes and blood pressure
Regular comprehensive eye exams are also essential for monitoring glaucoma progression. Your optometrist may recommend more frequent exams depending on the severity of your condition. During these visits, they'll measure your eye pressure, inspect your optic nerve, and assess your peripheral vision to detect any changes that may require adjustments to your treatment plan.
FAQ
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