Glaucoma is one of the major conditions affecting people over 40 years. It is a critical condition and can cause permanent blindness, too. The disease occurs due to nerve damage brought upon by fluid build-up in the eye. If untreated, it may affect the vision permanently, causing blindness. According to records, glaucoma is believed to be the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Some of the more effective treatments include eyedrops, laser treatments, and surgeries. These treatments can reduce the intensity of the condition and improve the remaining vision. In this blog, we go into the depths of the aspects and treatments of glaucoma.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition where our optic nerve gets damaged due to the build-up of internal pressure in the eye. The disease tends to be familial and is expressed later in life. The increased intraocular pressure can damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting images to the brain. Most people with glaucoma show no significant symptoms. Regular eye checkups and doctor visits are necessary for effective glaucoma screening.
What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
As glaucoma symptoms appear gradually, it can be very difficult to detect the disease in the early stages. As the consequences of the disease are irreversible, we advice you to regularly visit your nearest ophthalmology center for early detection and treatment.
Some of the common symptoms to look out for are:
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- Pain or pressure in the eye.
- Headaches.
- Rainbow halos around lights.
- Low/ blurred vision, tunnel vision or blind spots.
- Nausea with vomiting.
- Red eyes.
What Causes Glaucoma?
There is no specific cause of glaucoma but many factors like intraocular pressure may affect it. Our eyes produce a fluid called aqueous humour, that flows through the pupil and leaves by drainage canals located between the iris and cornea.
In cases of glaucoma, the drainage canals have higher resistance so that the fluid builds up in the eye, which eventually puts pressure on it. This can damage the optic nerve causing glaucoma. While the cause of blockage remains unknown, it is believed that glaucoma is an inherited disease and can be passed down from parent to child. So, it is recommended that you opt for regular eye checkups if there is a history of glaucoma in your family.
How to Treat it?
Different types of glaucoma have different treatment procedures. With open-angle glaucoma, the most common combination of treatments are eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty or microsurgery. While doctors start by prescribing medication, early laser treatment has been proven to be more beneficial.
As glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness among the general population, we are invested in bringing the best care for the condition within your realm. Our team of expert ophthalmologists is committed to bringing you quick and convenient checkups to help you stay ahead of your body’s conditions. As one of the best eye hospital in Nagercoil, we aim to provide you with leading technology and individual care for the best treatment.