Glaucoma affects millions of people around the world and is a leading cause of blindness. It is caused by an increase in pressure within the eye which can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.

The pressure is caused by a buildup of fluid in the eye, and there are several different types of glaucoma, each with its own set of symptoms and management options.

Types of Glaucoma

There are two main types of glaucoma, open-angle and angle-closure, as well as several less common types:.

Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma and is caused by a gradual buildup of pressure within the eye, resulting in damage to the optic nerve. This type of glaucoma often has no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred.
Angle-closure glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is caused by a sudden increase in pressure within the eye and can result in severe eye pain, headache, and vision loss. It usually occurs in people with a narrow angle between the iris and cornea.
Pigmentary glaucoma: This type of glaucoma occurs when pigment granules from the iris clog the drainage canals of the eye, increasing pressure within the eye.
Secondary glaucoma: This type of glaucoma can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, inflammation, and medication use.
Normal-tension glaucoma: This type of glaucoma occurs when damage to the optic nerve occurs despite normal intraocular pressure.

Symptoms

In the early stages, most types of glaucoma have no symptoms. As the condition progresses, however, some symptoms may develop, including:.

Gradual loss of peripheral vision
Tunnel vision
Blurred vision
Halos around lights
Eye pain
Headaches

Diagnosis

Glaucoma is usually diagnosed during a routine eye exam, which includes several tests:.

Visual acuity test: measures how well you can see at various distances
Pupil dilation: allows the optometrist to examine the optic nerve and retina
Tonometry: measures the pressure within the eye
Perimetry: tests your peripheral vision

If glaucoma is suspected, the optometrist may also use optical coherence tomography (OCT) or gonioscopy to get a better view of the eye’s internal structures.

Treatment

The goal of treatment for glaucoma is to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment options include:.

Eye drops: These medications work by decreasing the production of fluid within the eye or by increasing the drainage of fluid.
Oral medications: In some cases, oral medications may be prescribed to help lower intraocular pressure.
Laser therapy: Laser trabeculoplasty can be used to increase drainage of fluid from the eye, while laser iridotomy can be used to increase the angle between the iris and cornea for those with angle-closure glaucoma.
Surgery: Various surgical options are available for more advanced cases of glaucoma, including trabeculectomy, tube shunts, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

Management

In addition to treatment, there are several steps you can take to manage your glaucoma, including:.

Regular eye exams: This is important to monitor any changes in your intraocular pressure or vision.
Taking medications as prescribed: This will help keep your intraocular pressure under control.
Living a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking can all help protect your vision and reduce your risk of developing other eye conditions.
Avoiding activities that increase intraocular pressure: Activities such as heavy lifting, excessive bending, and certain yoga poses can all increase intraocular pressure and should be avoided if you have glaucoma.

Conclusion

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. However, with early detection and proper treatment, most people with glaucoma can manage their condition and preserve their vision.

Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection, and following your optometrist’s treatment plan and management strategies can help keep your intraocular pressure under control and protect your vision.