Understanding Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Many people do not realize they have it until significant vision loss occurs. This silent nature makes understanding glaucoma crucial for early detection and management. This post explains what glaucoma is, its symptoms, causes, and the treatment options available to help protect your vision.

Detailed close-up of an eye's optic nerve affected by glaucoma

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. This damage usually results from increased pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). The optic nerve carries visual information, so damage to it leads to vision loss.

There are several types of glaucoma, but the two most common are:

• Open-angle glaucoma: The drainage canals in the eye become less efficient over time, causing pressure to build gradually.

• Angle-closure glaucoma: The drainage canals become suddenly blocked, leading to a rapid increase in eye pressure.

  
  

Both types can cause permanent vision loss if untreated, but angle-closure glaucoma requires immediate medical attention due to its sudden onset.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Glaucoma often develops slowly, especially open-angle glaucoma, and may not show symptoms early on. This is why regular eye exams are essential. Some signs to watch for include:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision

• Tunnel vision in advanced stages

• Eye pain or discomfort (more common in angle-closure glaucoma)

• Redness in the eye

• Blurred vision or halos around lights

• Nausea or vomiting accompanying eye pain (in acute cases)

  
  

Because early glaucoma symptoms can be subtle or absent, people at higher risk should be vigilant.

Who Is at Risk?

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma:

• Age: People over 60 have a higher risk.

• Family history: Having relatives with glaucoma increases your chances.

• Ethnicity: African, Hispanic, and Asian populations have higher rates of glaucoma.

• Medical conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can contribute.

• Eye conditions: Severe nearsightedness, previous eye injuries, or prolonged use of corticosteroid medications.

  
  

Understanding your risk helps prioritize regular eye check-ups.

How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Eye care professionals use several tests to diagnose glaucoma:

• Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure.

• Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the optic nerve for damage.

• Perimetry (visual field test): Checks for vision loss in peripheral areas.

• Gonioscopy: Inspects the drainage angle of the eye.

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Provides detailed images of the optic nerve and retina.

  
  

Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment to slow or prevent vision loss.

Treatment Options to Manage Glaucoma

While glaucoma cannot be cured, treatments focus on lowering eye pressure to prevent further damage. Options include:

Eye Drops

Most patients start with prescription eye drops that reduce eye pressure by improving fluid drainage or decreasing fluid production. Common types include:

• Prostaglandin analogs

• Beta blockers

• Alpha agonists

• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

  
  

Using eye drops consistently as prescribed is critical for effectiveness.

Oral Medications

If eye drops are insufficient, oral medications may be added to further reduce eye pressure.

Laser Therapy

Laser treatments can improve fluid drainage or reduce fluid production. Examples:

• Laser trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma

• Laser iridotomy for angle-closure glaucoma

  
  

These procedures are usually outpatient and can delay or reduce the need for surgery.

Surgery

When medications and laser therapy do not control eye pressure, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include:

• Trabeculectomy: Creates a new drainage pathway.

• Drainage implants: Devices implanted to help fluid escape.

  
  

Surgery aims to lower eye pressure and preserve vision.

Living with Glaucoma

Managing glaucoma requires ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments:

• Attend regular eye exams to monitor eye pressure and optic nerve health.

• Use medications exactly as prescribed.

• Protect your eyes from injury.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with exercise and a balanced diet.

• Avoid activities that increase eye pressure, such as heavy lifting or straining.

  
  

Support from eye care professionals and family helps maintain quality of life.